One-piece stacking device for aligning containers in a stack

Abstract

The invention describes a one-piece stacking device (1) for positioning and fixing cuboidal containers (7, 7') with the bases (10) relative to one another in a vertical stack, wherein the stacking device (1) has a horizontal mirror plane (S) and a central vertical plane (Z) and is of a substantially mirror-symmetrical design in relation to the horizontal mirror plane (S) of the stacking device (1), wherein, on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane (S), there are at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') for horizontally fixing the containers (7, 7') and at least one horizontal shoulder (6, 6') for vertically fixing the height of a respective lower side edge (17) in the corner portion (18) of the container (7, 7'), wherein the at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') each have an inner side (2a, 2a'), the inner sides being directed towards one another, and an outer side (2b, 2b'), the outer sides facing away from one another, and wherein at least one horizontal connecting angle (3) is arranged between the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2').

Description

[0001] One-piece stacking device for aligning containers in a stack

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a device for aligning a vertical stack of cuboid containers, in particular plastic containers with a flat outer base and side walls perpendicular to the base. The invention also relates to a system for stacking such containers and for storing them in a space-saving manner.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Cuboid containers for storing and transporting goods made of plastic, metal, wood, or cardboard are well-known. To enable stable, vertical stacking of such containers without them shifting out of their vertical position, the outer surfaces of the bases are often fitted with a profile, typically a right-angled profile, which engages with the upper edge of another container. This prevents the containers from shifting laterally, and the side walls of stacked containers remain fixed vertically. Due to their cuboid shape and side walls running perpendicular to the base, these containers cannot be nested inside one another, as is possible with containers that have side walls that slope slightly towards the base.

[0006] EP2484599 describes a container with side walls perpendicular to the ground, at each corner of which a column-shaped element is integrated, projecting vertically beyond the side walls. The container and column-shaped elements form a single unit. Furthermore, it has elongated cavities on the inner sides of the corners into which the column-shaped elements of a second container can engage. The column-shaped elements are formed and positioned in pairs, such that two diagonally opposite elements and the diagonally opposite cavities are identically shaped, while the other two diagonally opposite elements and cavities have slightly different shapes. When the containers are stacked on top of each other, diagonally opposite elements engage in the cavities, thus fixing the containers at a distance from one another. When the containers are placed on top of each other with

[0007] P248608 facing each other, the column-shaped elements engage in cavities, creating a solid closed package.

[0008] GB2037709 discloses a container with a flat, profile-free base and a lid. At the upper four corners of the lid, a right-angled corner pillar element is fitted over the edge of the side walls and secured by ribs that press into or against the side walls of the container. The element also has a horizontal surface in the shape of a right-angled triangle onto which a lid can be placed. Side walls extending perpendicularly from the horizontal surface engage through corresponding slot-shaped openings in a container stacked on top. On the inside of the corners, the pillar element extends to the base of the container and thus acts as a support for the lid and any further container stacked on top of it.

[0009] US2001 / 0008251 discloses a reusable and collapsible container and connecting parts that can be arranged at the top edge of an open container. Such a connecting part has outer side walls that are arranged against the outer side of the container edges, a horizontal surface that extends inward from the outer side walls into the container, and inner side walls that extend downward from the horizontal surface and bear only against the inner walls of the container below.

[0010] EP2727854A1 describes a fixing element for positioning cuboid, upward-facing containers in a vertical stack. The fixing element has first, vertical side walls at right angles to each other, second vertical side walls, and a horizontal connecting element. Such fixing elements can be positively engaged with the corners of a cuboid container by placing the horizontal connecting element on the upper edge of the upward-facing container. The lower, vertical half of the first, perpendicular side walls engages with the perpendicular inner walls of the container rim. The lower, vertical half of the second side walls engages with the outer walls of the container rim.

[0011] None of the known devices are suitable for aligning containers with their bottoms relative to each other, where the containers have a recessed bottom, raised lower side edges and a reinforced corner section with a hollow column in each corner.

[0012] P248608 Object of the invention

[0013] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a stacking device that enables cuboid containers with reinforced corner sections and recessed bottoms with a flat outer surface and hollow columns in the corner sections of the side walls to be stacked vertically correctly with their bottoms facing each other, while preventing lateral displacement of the individual containers relative to one another. Furthermore, the stacking device should be easy to manufacture, require minimal material, and be stable.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] This task is solved by a one-piece stacking device for positioning and fixing cuboid containers with reinforced corners and bottoms aligned vertically in a stack. It is particularly suitable for containers with a hollow column featuring one or more cavities in each corner between the side walls in the lower section of the container. Specifically, the stacking device is suitable for containers with recessed double bottoms where the lower edge of the side walls is higher than the lower, outer bottom. The stacking device has a horizontal mirror plane and a central vertical plane and is essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal mirror plane.On both sides of the horizontal mirror plane, the stacking device has at least two vertical longitudinal columns for horizontally fixing the containers and at least one horizontal shoulder for vertically fixing one lower side edge in the corner region of the container, with at least one horizontal connecting angle arranged between the vertical longitudinal columns. The at least one horizontal shoulder is arranged parallel to the horizontal mirror plane and spaced vertically from the horizontal mirror plane.

[0016] Preferably, the central vertical plane is a vertical mirror plane, and the stacking device is designed to be essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the vertical mirror plane. Essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal mirror plane or the vertical mirror plane means that small deviations in the design, such as an arrangement offset by a few millimeters, are possible, but the function remains the same. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two

[0017] P248608 Pages above and below the horizontal mirror plane and on both sides of the vertical mirror plane are exactly mirror-symmetrical and identical.

[0018] The vertical longitudinal columns each have an inner side facing towards each other and an outer side facing away from each other, and extend vertically perpendicularly from the horizontal connecting angle, perpendicularly upwards and downwards on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane. At least one vertical longitudinal column is arranged above and below the horizontal mirror plane on both sides of the central vertical plane, with the vertical longitudinal column on each side of the central vertical plane preferably being mirror-symmetrical and identical.The horizontal connecting angle extends horizontally between the vertical inner sides of the longitudinal columns, stands perpendicularly from the inner sides, connects the longitudinal columns to each other, and is arranged in the horizontal mirror plane or spaced vertically from the horizontal mirror plane between the vertical longitudinal columns.

[0019] In a first embodiment, the stacking device has two horizontal shoulders on each side of the horizontal mirror plane, formed by two vertical wings projecting from the outer sides of the longitudinal columns. Each vertical wing has a horizontal shoulder at each of its horizontal ends, arranged parallel to the horizontal mirror plane. The vertical wings are arranged perpendicular to the outer sides of the longitudinal columns and project from the outer sides along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal columns.

[0020] In a second embodiment, the stacking device has a horizontal shoulder on each side of the horizontal mirror plane between the longitudinal columns, one of which is formed by a vertical connecting wall or a horizontal connecting angle. The vertical connecting wall or horizontal connecting angle is arranged perpendicularly in the horizontal direction between the inner sides of the two vertical longitudinal columns, and the horizontal shoulder of the vertical connecting wall or horizontal connecting angle is parallel to the horizontal mirror plane and vertically spaced from it.

[0021] The stacking device according to the invention can have at least one horizontal shoulder in a first or second embodiment, or can also be a combination of both.

[0022] P248608 of the first and second embodiments have horizontal shoulders and thus three horizontal shoulders on each side of the horizontal mirror plane, one horizontal shoulder between the longitudinal columns and one on each of the outer sides of the longitudinal columns at the horizontal ends of the projecting vertical wings. The first embodiment is particularly preferred.

[0023] In this context, "shoulder" refers to a horizontal relief or step used to precisely position, hold, support, and absorb forces in the stacking device. The horizontal shoulder is also called a horizontal stacking surface or horizontal stacking edge and can be, for example, a horizontal end edge of the wing or the bearing surface of the notch.

[0024] In a preferred first embodiment, the stacking device has two shoulders formed by two vertical wings on the outer sides of the longitudinal columns, preferably on the outer surfaces of longitudinal webs. The wings preferably have a vertical, planar shape, preferably a rectangular shape with a horizontal end edge forming a horizontal shoulder. Preferably, the horizontal shoulders have a projection that forms a notch on the outside of the longitudinal column into which the side edge, in particular a rib on the side edge, of the hollow column of a container can be inserted. Preferably, the vertical wings extend perpendicularly, and preferably centrally, from the outer sides of the longitudinal columns, preferably along the central longitudinal axis in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal webs from the outer surfaces of the longitudinal webs, and are arranged along the vertical longitudinal axis of the longitudinal columns.The vertical wings are shorter than the longitudinal columns, so that the shoulder is positioned between the horizontal mirror plane and the narrow end edge of the longitudinal column.

[0025] The at least one horizontal shoulder is preferably arranged in the middle third between the horizontal mirror plane and the narrow end edge of the longitudinal column. The distance between the at least one shoulder and the horizontal mirror plane, or the horizontal connecting angle, preferably corresponds to the distance between the underside of the side edge of the hollow column and the underside of the bottom of the container, such that when positioning the stacking device in the hollow columns of the corner sections at the bottom of two containers, when stacking the two containers with

[0026] P248608 the bottoms of the containers are aligned so that the undersides of the bottoms of the first and second containers rest against each other. The horizontal shoulder serves to support the lower edge of the container's side walls, in particular the side edge of the hollow column in the corner of the container. The side edge of the hollow column can be shaped like a rib or as a flat surface.

[0027] "Vertical" refers to the vertical direction when the stacking device is used in a vertical stack between two containers with their bottoms facing each other, and the longitudinal columns below the horizontal plane are inserted into the corner of the lower container, and the longitudinal columns above the horizontal plane are inserted into the corner of the upper container. In this case, "vertical" means upwards and downwards, also called the Z-direction, while "horizontal" refers to the lateral direction, also called the X / Y direction.

[0028] The stacking devices according to the invention can be positively inserted into the hollow columns in the corners of a cuboid container by inserting the respective ends of the vertical longitudinal columns into the hollow columns of a corner section at the bottom of the container. The stacking device according to the invention is applicable to cuboid containers with edges of various shapes, but each with a reinforced corner section containing a hollow column. The container has reinforced corner sections on the outside in the lower region of its corners, where the side walls meet, by virtue of the corner sections being double-walled.The corner sections are double-walled over a portion of the container's height, with an outer wall extending from the level of the inner base or the lower edge of the side walls along part or all of the side walls' height on the outside, such that the corner sections form a hollow column with one or more cavities. The at least two longitudinal columns are positioned with their width against the two side walls of the double-walled hollow column of the container's corner section, on either side of the corner where the container's side walls meet. Thus, one longitudinal column is in contact with the first outer side wall of the container, and the second longitudinal column is in contact with the second outer side wall of the container, which is perpendicular to the first side wall.The at least two longitudinal columns are arranged at the corner and are each in contact with the two side walls of the double-walled hollow column with some play, such that they fix the containers in a horizontal direction and prevent horizontal displacement. The stacking device has at least one horizontal shoulder.

[0029] The P248608 rests on the lower side edge in the corner of the container, which laterally defines the hollow column, or which is arranged as a transverse rib in the corner of the container. The shoulder secures the containers in a stack vertically, both upwards and downwards. At least two stacking devices inserted into diagonally opposite corners prevent two stacked containers from shifting laterally relative to each other, thus forming a correctly vertically aligned stack. The stacking devices remain in place due to their positive locking mechanism and are also held in position by the weight of the stacked containers. Because of this positive locking mechanism, the stacking device can be easily removed and reused without tools.

[0030] Preferably, the stacking device has two vertical longitudinal columns on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane for horizontally fixing the containers. On both sides of the central vertical plane, at least one, preferably exactly one, of the at least two vertical longitudinal sides is arranged above and below the horizontal mirror plane. The two vertical longitudinal columns are essentially mirror-symmetrical, preferably exactly mirror-symmetrical, on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane. In a further embodiment, the stacking device has more than two vertical longitudinal columns on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane, for example, four vertical longitudinal columns, to reinforce the horizontal fixing of the containers. Preferably, the multiple vertical longitudinal columns on each side of the central vertical plane are identical and arranged horizontally spaced apart from one another.

[0031] The two vertical longitudinal columns are preferably designed as longitudinal struts, each with an inner surface facing towards the other and an outer surface facing away from the other, two narrow longitudinal sides, and a narrow end edge, which is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane of reflection and vertically spaced from it. Preferably, the two inner surfaces are at a substantially right angle to each other. "Substantially" means that the angle may deviate from 90° by a few degrees. Preferably, the inner surfaces are at exactly a right angle to each other. The longitudinal struts preferably have a rectangular shape with an inner surface and an outer surface, two narrow longitudinal sides, and a narrow end edge.Preferably, the width of the rectangle between the two narrow longitudinal sides corresponds almost exactly to the width of the hollow column of the corner section, such that the longitudinal web can be inserted and plugged into the hollow column of a container without too much play between them.

[0032] P248608 consists of the longitudinal web and the inner walls of the hollow column, and that the longitudinal web is fixed horizontally within the hollow column. The two narrow longitudinal sides serve as a contact surface to the parallel inner surfaces of the hollow column in the lower corner of the container.

[0033] In another embodiment, the vertical longitudinal column can also have a shape other than a longitudinal web or a rectangle, for example, a round column. The essential point is that the diameter of the round column corresponds almost exactly to the width of the hollow column of a container, so that the round column can be inserted into the hollow column of the container without excessive play. Preferably, the width of the longitudinal web or the longitudinal column is selected such that it can be inserted into the hollow column of a corner section at the bottom of a container, in such a way that a positive-locking connection with minimal play is achieved, and the horizontal displacement of two stacked containers by the stacking device according to the invention is prevented. The invention thus also includes various embodiments of the shape of the vertical longitudinal columns that ensure a positive-locking attachment in the hollow column of a container.

[0034] The horizontal connecting angle is preferably a horizontally curved connecting angle, and is preferably bent at 90° such that it follows the inner contour of the hollow column in the corner of the side walls of the container. Preferably, the horizontal connecting angle extends between the inner surfaces of the two longitudinal ribs and preferably projects perpendicularly from the inner surfaces of the longitudinal ribs. Preferably, the horizontal connecting angle is formed as a flat surface, preferably with a horizontally oriented surface that is arranged perpendicular to the vertical inner surfaces of the longitudinal ribs. The horizontal width of the horizontal connecting angle serves to reinforce the horizontal connection between the at least two longitudinal ribs and is preferably designed to correspond approximately to the width of the hollow column, but can also be narrower.Preferably, the width of the horizontal connecting angle is the same as the width of the longitudinal columns.

[0035] In another embodiment, the horizontal connecting angle is formed as a flat surface and has a vertical surface which is horizontally angled, preferably horizontally curved, and arranged perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal column.

[0036] P248608 Preferably, the vertically planar horizontal connecting angle forms a vertical connecting wall.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, in addition to the horizontal connecting angle between the inner sides of the two longitudinal columns, a vertically curved connecting wall is arranged on both sides of the horizontal plane of reflection. This wall is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle and preferably connected to it, and connects the two longitudinal columns to each other. Preferably, the vertically curved connecting wall projects perpendicularly from the inner sides, preferably the inner surfaces, of the longitudinal columns or longitudinal webs. The curved connecting wall preferably has a curved corner bent at 90°. In a preferred embodiment, the curved corner has a recess for receiving a rib in the hollow column in the corner region of the container. The curved corner is preferably recessed over the entire height of the curved connecting wall.Preferably, the vertical connecting wall extends from the longitudinal column centrally along its longitudinal axis.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the stacking device has a vertical rib on the outside of the longitudinal column, which projects centrally and perpendicularly to the outside surface and extends from the narrow end edge of the longitudinal column to the horizontal shoulder or the notch of the shoulder, or along the entire length of the longitudinal column, to reinforce the stacking device. Preferably, the vertical rib projects centrally and perpendicularly to the outer surface of the longitudinal web and extends from the narrow end edge of the longitudinal web to the horizontal shoulder or the notch of the shoulder, or along the entire length of the longitudinal web.

[0039] The stacking device is preferably made of plastic and is preferably manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded part using the injection molding process. The plastic is preferably polypropylene. The stacking device can also be manufactured using other methods, such as 3D printing, thermoforming, or as a die-cut part. In the aforementioned embodiments, the horizontal connecting angle, the vertical longitudinal ribs, and any protruding wings are preferably designed with a minimum thickness and strength corresponding to the material thickness, thus saving material. If increased strength is desired, the thickness can be increased.

[0040] P248608 The invention further relates to the use of a one-piece stacking device for positioning and fixing cuboid containers with reinforced corner sections and with their bottoms facing each other in a vertical stack, wherein the lower corners of the side walls of the containers have a hollow column with one or more cavities in each corner section of the container, wherein the stacking device is designed to be mirror-symmetrical to the horizontal mirror plane of the stacking device, and wherein on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane two vertical longitudinal columns for horizontal fixing of the containers and at least one horizontal shoulder for vertical height fixing of each lower side edge in the corner section of the container are arranged, such that the side edge in the corner section of the container rests on the shoulder.At least one horizontal connecting angle is arranged between the vertical longitudinal columns, extending horizontally between the longitudinal columns and connecting them to one another. According to the invention, a stacking device with vertical longitudinal columns can be inserted into the hollow column of at least two diagonally opposite corner sections at the bottom of the container, such that the width of the longitudinal columns forms the contact surface with the parallel inner surfaces of the hollow column. Preferably, a stacking device according to the invention is used for positioning and fixing cuboid containers with reinforced corner sections and their bottoms facing each other in a vertical stack.

[0041] The invention also relates to a system of stacked, cuboid containers, wherein two containers are stacked with their bottoms facing each other and are fixed in their horizontal position and vertically aligned by at least two stacking devices arranged in diagonally opposite corners of the container according to the present invention. Such systems of stacked, cuboid containers serve to optimize transport because two or more containers are fixed in the horizontal position and vertically aligned.

[0042] The stacking device allows for the fixed positioning of multiple stacked containers relative to each other, preventing lateral movement and ensuring vertical stacking alignment. The device allows containers to be stacked by placing their bottoms on top of each other, meaning the bottom of the upper container rests on the bottom of the container below, with open sides against open sides. This stacking method creates larger storage spaces because another container can be placed in the open space between two containers stacked with their open sides facing each other.

[0043] P248608 can be stored. This allows a third container to be stored inside the two stacked containers when transporting empty containers. The empty container volume can thus be reduced by one third.

[0044] The invention comprises the aforementioned embodiments as well as any combinations thereof.

[0045] Further advantages of the invention will follow from the description below, in which the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings.

[0046] Brief description of the characters

[0047] They show:

[0048] Fig. 1a shows a top view of a stacking device of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0049] Figs. 1b and 1c show two perspectives of the stacking device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0050] Fig. 1d shows a side view of a first embodiment of the invention,

[0051] Fig. 2a shows a top view of a stacking device of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0052] Figs. 2b and 2c show two perspectives of the stacking device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0053] Fig. 2d shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention,

[0054] Fig. 3a shows a top view of a stacking device of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0055] Figs. 3b and 3c show two perspectives of the stacking device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0056] Fig. 3d shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention,

[0057] Fig. 4a shows a top view of a stacking device of a further embodiment of the invention,

[0058] Figs. 4b and 4c show two perspectives of the stacking device according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0059] Fig. 4d shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention,

[0060] P248608 Fig. 5a a top view of a stacking device of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0061] Figs. 5b and 5c show two perspectives of the stacking device according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] Fig. 5d shows a side view of the second embodiment of the invention,

[0063] Fig. 6 shows a section of a perspective view of a stacking device applied at a corner between two bottoms of a cuboid container with hollow columns in the corner sections.

[0064] Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the bottom of a container with four stacking devices inserted into the hollow columns in the corner sections.

[0065] Figure 8 shows a system of two stacked, cuboid containers with their bottoms facing each other and aligned vertically by means of the stacking devices.

[0066] The same reference symbols are used for the same elements in the figures, and explanations for a particular reference symbol apply to all figures unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of the invention

[0068] Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d show a first simplified version of the first embodiment of the stacking device 1 according to the invention for the vertical alignment of cuboid containers. Figure 1a shows a top view of the horizontal plane of the stacking device 1 with two vertical longitudinal webs 2, 2', a horizontal connecting angle 3 which connects the two vertical longitudinal webs, and two vertical wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2'. Also shown is the central vertical plane Z, here the mirror plane Z, with which both vertical sides of the stacking device 1 are mirror-symmetrical.

[0069] Figure 1b shows a perspective view of the one-piece stacking device 1 from the outside, looking at the corner as it is inserted into a hollow column around the corner. The stacking device 1 comprises a horizontal mirror plane S (shown in Figure 1d) at its horizontal center and a central vertical plane Z, here mirror plane Z, (shown in Figure 1a), wherein the stacking device 1 is mirror-symmetrical on both sides with respect to the horizontal mirror plane S and the vertical mirror plane Z. The stacking device 1 has

[0070] P248608 provides two vertical longitudinal ribs 2, 2' on each side of the horizontal mirror plane S for the horizontal fixation of the containers 7, 7', with one of the two longitudinal ribs 2, 2' being arranged on each side of the central mirror plane Z. The stacking device 1 thus has a total of four vertical longitudinal ribs 2, 2', two on each side of the horizontal mirror plane S and two on each side of the vertical mirror plane Z. The two vertical longitudinal ribs 2, 2' on each side of the horizontal mirror plane S each have an inner surface 2a, 2a' facing each other and an outer surface 2b, 2b' facing away from each other (shown in Figure 1c), with the two inner surfaces 2a, 2a' being at a right angle to each other. The longitudinal webs 2, 2' are designed as planar rectangles and, in addition to the inner surface 2a, 2a' and the outer surface 2b, 2b', have a narrow end edge 11 and two narrow longitudinal sides 23.

[0071] A horizontal connecting angle 3 is arranged between the two vertical longitudinal webs 2, 2' and along the horizontal mirror plane S. This angle extends horizontally between the inner surfaces 2a, 2a' of the vertical longitudinal columns 2, 2', projects perpendicularly from the inner surfaces of the longitudinal webs, and connects the longitudinal columns 2, 2' in the mirror plane S. The vertical longitudinal columns 2, 2' project vertically from the horizontal connecting angle 3. The horizontal connecting angle 3 is curved horizontally, preferably by 90°, which corresponds approximately to the inner contour of the hollow column 9 in the corner of the side walls 22 of the container 7, 7' (shown in Figure 6). The horizontal connecting angle 3 is planar, with a horizontally oriented surface in the horizontal mirror plane S.The horizontal width of the horizontal connecting angle 3 serves to reinforce the horizontal connection between the at least two longitudinal columns 2, 2' and is designed such that it preferably corresponds approximately to the width of the hollow column 9 (not shown). The width of the horizontal connecting angle 3 is approximately the same as the width of the longitudinal columns 2, 2'.

[0072] The stacking device 1 has two vertical wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal columns 2, 2' on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane S, forming two horizontal shoulders 6. Each vertical wing 4, 4' has a horizontal shoulder 6 at its horizontal end edge, which is spaced away from the mirror plane S and is arranged parallel to the horizontal mirror plane S. The horizontal shoulder 6, or the horizontal end edge of the wings 4, 4', is located in the middle third between the horizontal mirror plane S and the narrow end edge 11 of the longitudinal column 2, 2'. The vertical wings 4, 4' are connected to the outer surfaces 2b,

[0073] The longitudinal columns 2, 2' are arranged perpendicular to the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' and extend along the longitudinal axis of the columns 2, 2' from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b'. The horizontal shoulder 6 serves to vertically fix each lower side edge 17 in the corner region 18 of the container 7, 7' (shown in Figure 6). That is, the lower side edge 17 of the container rests on the shoulder 6 (shown in Figure 6).

[0074] Figure 1c shows a perspective view of the one-piece stacking device 1 as described in Figure 1b, but in an inside view of the corner of the stacking device 1 as it is inserted into the corner of the container.

[0075] Figure 1d shows a side view of the one-piece stacking device 1 as described in Figure 1b. In the side view, the horizontal mirror plane S is shown as a dashed line. The horizontal mirror plane S divides the stacking device 1 into two identical horizontal sides, which are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal mirror plane S.

[0076] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d show a further variant of the first embodiment of the stacking device 1 according to the invention for the vertical alignment of cuboid containers. Figure 2a shows a top view of the horizontal plane of the stacking device 1 with two vertical longitudinal ribs 2, 2', a horizontal connecting angle 3 which connects the two vertical longitudinal ribs, and two vertical wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal ribs 2, 2'. Also shown is the central vertical plane Z, here the mirror plane Z, with which both vertical sides of the stacking device 1 are mirror-symmetrical. The horizontal connecting angle 3 extends from the vertical longitudinal ribs 2, 2' further to the vertical end of the wings 4, 4' and slightly beyond. The width of the horizontal connecting angle 3 is slightly wider than the width of the longitudinal ribs 2, 2'.Additionally, the stacking device 1 has a vertical curved connecting wall 13 with a curved corner 15 between the longitudinal struts 2, 2', which is aligned perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle 3 and connects the two longitudinal columns 2, 2' together.

[0077] Figure 2b shows a further variant of a stacking device 1 as described in Figure 1b, wherein the stacking device 1 shown here has an additional vertical curved section on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane Z between the longitudinal webs 2, 2'.

[0078] P248608 The connecting wall 13 has a curved corner 15, which is oriented perpendicular to and centered on the horizontal connecting angle 3 and connects the two longitudinal columns 2, 2'. The vertical connecting wall 13 has the same height as the vertical longitudinal webs 2, 2' and serves to reinforce the stacking device 1. In addition, the horizontal shoulders 6 of the vertical wings 4, 4' have a projection 8 which forms a notch 20 on the outer surface 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2', into which an edge 17 of the hollow column 9 on the base 10 of the container 7, 7' (shown in Figure 6) can be inserted. In this variant, the bearing surface of the notch 20 serves as a horizontal shoulder 6, or as a stacking surface. The wings 4, 4' extend vertically to the side from the central longitudinal axis of the longitudinal webs 2, 2' and preferably also vertically from the vertical connecting angle 3 in the height / depth.The wings 4, 4' are preferably an extension of the central vertical connecting wall 13, but are shorter than the connecting wall 13.

[0079] In addition, the stacking device 1 in this variant has a vertical rib 19 on the outer surface 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2', which projects perpendicularly to the outer surface 2b, 2b' and extends from the narrow end edge 11 of the longitudinal web 2, 2' to the horizontal shoulder 6 or the notch 20 of the shoulder 6 or along the entire length of the longitudinal column, to reinforce the stacking device.

[0080] Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the one-piece stacking device 1 as described in Figure 2b, but from the inside, looking at the corner of the stacking device 1 as it is inserted into the corner of the container. In this view, the two outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2', which point away from each other, are visible.

[0081] Figure 2d shows a side view of the one-piece stacking device 1 as described in Figure 2b. In the side view, the horizontal mirror plane S is shown as a dashed line. The horizontal mirror plane S divides the stacking device 1 into two identical horizontal sides, which are mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal mirror plane S. The horizontal connecting angle 3 is arranged in and along the horizontal mirror plane S, as shown in Figures 1d, 3d, and 4d.

[0082] Figures 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d show a further variant of the first embodiment of the stacking device 1 according to the invention for the vertical alignment of cuboid-shaped

[0083] P248608 Containers as described in Figure 2b, with two vertical longitudinal struts 2, 2', a horizontal connecting angle 3 which connects the two vertical longitudinal struts to each other, and two vertical wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal struts 2, 2'. In addition, the stacking device 1 as described in Figure 2b has between the longitudinal struts 2, 2' a vertical curved connecting wall 13 with a curved corner 15, which is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle 3 and connects the two longitudinal struts 2, 2' to each other. In contrast to the variant in Figure 2b, the vertical curved connecting wall 13 arranged on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane Z between the longitudinal webs 2, 2' is not centered, but is aligned perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle 3 and to the outer edge of the horizontal connecting angle 3 on the outer longitudinal side of the longitudinal web.Also in contrast to the variant in Figure 2b, the wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surface 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2' have, as described in Figure 1b, a flat, horizontal shoulder 6 without a notch as a stacking surface for the lower side edge of the containers.

[0084] Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d show a further variant of the first embodiment of the stacking device 1 according to the invention for the vertical alignment of cuboid containers as described in Figure 2b, with two vertical longitudinal struts 2, 2', a horizontal connecting angle 3 which connects the two vertical longitudinal struts to each other, and two vertical wings 4, 4' projecting from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal struts 2, 2', and a curved connecting wall 13 between the longitudinal struts 2, 2'. In contrast to the variant in Figure 2b, the curved corner 15 of the connecting wall 13 has a recess 16 which serves to accommodate a possible rib in the corner of the hollow column of a container (shown in Figure 6). The recess 16 can, for example, have a V-shaped or U-shaped form.Depending on the height of the rib in the corner of the container and the height of the tip of the V-shape or the base of the U-shape in the recess 16, the tip of the V-shape or the base of the U-shape can additionally serve as a shoulder 6 and as a stacking surface for the lower side edge of a container.

[0085] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d show a second embodiment of the stacking device 1 according to the invention for the vertical alignment of cuboid containers, with two vertical longitudinal struts 2, 2' on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane S and a horizontal connecting angle 3, which is vertical to the horizontal mirror plane S

[0086] P248608 The horizontal connecting angle 3 is arranged in a spaced direction between the vertical longitudinal columns 2, 2' and connects the two vertical longitudinal webs. The horizontal connecting angle 3 extends horizontally between the inner surfaces 2a, 2a' of the vertical longitudinal columns 2, 2', projects perpendicularly from the inner surfaces of the longitudinal webs, and connects the longitudinal columns 2, 2' at a distance perpendicular to the horizontal mirror plane S. The vertical longitudinal columns 2, 2' project vertically from the horizontal connecting angle 3 perpendicular to it. The horizontal connecting angle 3 is horizontally curved, preferably by 90°, which approximately corresponds to the inner contour of the hollow column 9 in the corner of the side walls 22 of the container 7, 7' (shown in Figure 6). The horizontal connecting angle 3 is planar, with a horizontally oriented surface parallel to the horizontal mirror plane S.The horizontal connecting angle 3 extends from the two vertical longitudinal webs 2, 2' further perpendicularly away from the two outer surfaces 2b, 2b' of the longitudinal webs 2, 2' and projects horizontally from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b'. In this embodiment, no horizontal connecting angle 3 is arranged in the horizontal mirror plane S.

[0087] In this second embodiment, the horizontal shoulder 6, 6' is formed by the horizontal connecting angle 3, which is spaced apart from the horizontal mirror plane S. In one variant, the horizontal shoulder 6' is formed by the connecting angle 3 between the longitudinal ribs 2, 2' and serves as a stacking surface if the hollow column of a container has a rib in the corner. Additionally, the connecting angle 3, which extends from the outer surfaces 2b, 2b' and projects laterally, serves as an additional horizontal shoulder 6, providing a stacking surface for the lower side edge of the containers to the side of the hollow column, as described for the wings in the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 4. The two horizontal connecting angles 3, each arranged on either side of the horizontal mirror plane S, can be reinforced by vertical transverse ribs or by a vertical connecting wall, for example, on the inside between the two connecting angles 3.

[0088] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a stacking device 1 as described in Figure 4, inserted into the hollow columns 9 of the reinforced corner sections 18 between the side walls 22 of two containers 7, 7' stacked with their bottoms 10 facing each other. The longitudinal columns 2, 2' (shown and described in Figure 4) are inserted into the hollow columns 9 of the lower container 7' and the upper container 7, thus preventing horizontal displacement. The lower side edge 17 of the containers 7, 7' at the edge of the hollow column 9, here

[0089] P248608, designed as a rib, rests on the shoulder 6 or the notch, and prevents the vertical displacement of the containers 7, 7'.

[0090] The stacking device 1 allows two containers 7, 7' to be stacked by stacking the two containers with their bottoms facing each other. The vertical height of the shoulders 6 ensures a distance between the side walls 17 of the two containers 7, 7', so that the bottoms 10 of the containers 7, 7' lie on top of each other.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a container 7' with the bottom 10 facing upwards and with four stacking devices 1 inserted into the hollow columns 9 of each corner section 18. For horizontal fixation, at least two stacking devices 1 are required, which are inserted into two diagonally opposite corner sections 18.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a system of stacked, cuboid containers 7, 7', wherein two containers 7, 7' are stacked with their bottoms 10 facing each other and fixed in their horizontal position and vertically aligned by at least two diagonally arranged stacking devices 1. Another container, open side down, can be stacked on top of the upward-facing container 7, and a third stack can be stored in the space between the two containers, open side down. This allows empty containers to be transported in a reduced volume. Another container 7 can be placed on top of the inverted container 7', open side down, and fixed relative to the container 7' by other stacking devices. Thus, any number of cuboid containers can be stacked.

[0093] P248608 Reference numeral list

[0094] I Stacking device

[0095] 2.2' Longitudinal column / longitudinal web

[0096] 2a, 2a' Inside / Inner surface Longitudinal column

[0097] 2b, 2b' Outer side / outer surface of longitudinal column

[0098] 3 horizontal connecting angles

[0099] 4.4' vertical wing

[0100] 6 Shoulder / Stacking area

[0101] 7.7' plastic container

[0102] 8 lead

[0103] 9 Hollow column

[0104] 10 Floor

[0105] II narrow end edge of the longitudinal column

[0106] 13 Connecting wall

[0107] 15 curved corner

[0108] 16 recess

[0109] 17 bottom of page

[0110] 18 Corner of the container

[0111] 19 vertical ribs

[0112] 20 notch

[0113] 21 cavity

[0114] 22 Side wall container

[0115] 23 narrow longitudinal side of the longitudinal web

[0116] A distance between the horizontal mirror plane and the shoulder

[0117] S horizontal mirror plane

[0118] Z central vertical plane / mirror plane

[0119] P248608

Claims

Patent claims 1. One-piece stacking device (1) for positioning and fixing cuboid containers (7, 7') with reinforced corner sections (18) between the side walls (22) in the lower region of the containers (7, 7') and with the bottoms (10) facing each other in a vertical stack, wherein the stacking device (1) has a horizontal mirror plane (S) and a central vertical plane (Z) and is essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the horizontal mirror plane (S) of the stacking device (1), wherein on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane (S) there are at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') for horizontally fixing the containers (7, 7') and at least one horizontal shoulder (6, 6') for vertically fixing one lower side edge (17) in the corner section (18) of the container (7, 7'), wherein the at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') each have an inner surface (2a, 2a') facing each other and have an outward-pointing outer surface (2b, 2b'),and wherein at least one horizontal connecting angle (3) is arranged between the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2'), characterized in that the at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') extend vertically from the horizontal connecting angle (3) perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle (3), and that one of the at least two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') is arranged on each side of the central vertical plane (Z), wherein the horizontal connecting angle (3) extends horizontally between the inner sides (2a, 2a') of the longitudinal columns (2, 2'), connecting the longitudinal columns (2, 2') to each other, and is arranged in the horizontal mirror plane (S) or spaced vertically from the horizontal mirror plane (S) between the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2'), wherein the at least one horizontal shoulder (6, 6') is arranged parallel to the horizontal mirror plane (S) and spaced vertically from the horizontal mirror plane (S),wherein the at least one horizontal shoulder (6) is formed by two horizontal shoulders (6) which are formed by two vertical wings (4, 4') projecting from the outer sides (2b, 2b') of the longitudinal columns (2, 2'), wherein the vertical wings (4, 4') are arranged perpendicular to the outer sides (2b, 2b') of the longitudinal columns (2, 2') and project along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal columns (2, 2') from the outer sides (2b, 2b'), and / or wherein the at least one horizontal shoulder (6') is arranged between the longitudinal columns (2, 2') and is connected by a vertical connecting wall (13) or the horizontal, P248608 a connecting angle (3) is formed, wherein the vertical connecting wall (13) or the horizontal connecting angle (3) is arranged perpendicularly between the inner sides (2a, 2a') of the two longitudinal columns (2, 2').

2. Stacking device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') are designed as longitudinal webs and each form an inner surface (2a, 2a') facing each other and an outer surface (2b, 2b') facing away from each other, wherein the inner surfaces (2a, 2a') are at a substantially right angle to each other, and wherein the horizontal connecting angle (3) extends horizontally between the inner surfaces (2a, 2a') of the two longitudinal webs (2, 2').

3. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one shoulder (6) is formed by two vertical wings (4, 4') and the at least one shoulder (6) has a projection (8) which forms a notch (20) on the outside (2b, 2b') of the longitudinal column (2, 2') into which the edge (17) of the hollow column (9) can be inserted at the bottom (10) of the container (7, 7').

4. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one horizontal shoulder (6, 6') is arranged in the middle third between the horizontal mirror plane (S) and a narrow end edge (11) of the longitudinal column (2, 2').

5. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the horizontal connecting angle (3) is formed as a planar surface, wherein the surface is horizontally oriented.

6. Stacking device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the horizontal connecting angle (3) is formed as a plane, wherein the surface is vertically oriented.

7. Stacking device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the horizontal connecting angle (3), which has a vertical surface, forms a vertical connecting wall (13). P248608 8. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vertical curved connecting wall (13) is arranged between the inner sides (2a, 2a') of the two longitudinal columns (2, 2'), which is aligned perpendicular to the horizontal connecting angle (3) and connects the two longitudinal columns (2, 2') to each other.

9. Stacking device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the curved connecting wall (13) has a curved corner (15) which is bent by 90 degrees, and wherein the curved corner (15) has a recess (16).

10. Stacking device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that a vertical rib (19) projects centrally from the outer surface (2b, 2b') of the longitudinal web (2, 2') perpendicular to the outer surface (2b, 2b') and extends from the narrow end edge (11) of the longitudinal web (2, 2') to the horizontal shoulder (6) or the notch (20) of the shoulder (6) or along the entire length of the longitudinal web (2, 2').

11. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central vertical plane (Z) is a vertical mirror plane (Z), and the stacking device (1) is essentially mirror-symmetrical with respect to the vertical mirror plane (Z).

12. Stacking device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stacking device (1) is a one-piece injection-molded part made of plastic.

13. Use of a one-piece stacking device (1) for positioning and fixing cuboid containers (7, 7') with reinforced corner sections (18) and with their bottoms (10) facing each other in a vertical stack, wherein the lower corners of the side walls (22) of the containers (7, 7') have a hollow column (9) with one or more cavities (21) in each corner section (18), wherein the stacking device (1) is mirror-symmetrical to the horizontal mirror plane (S) of the stacking device (1), wherein on both sides of the horizontal mirror plane (S) two vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') for horizontally fixing the containers (7, 7') and at least one horizontal shoulder (6, 6') for vertically fixing one lower side edge (17) in the corner section (18) of the container (7, 7') are arranged, such that the lower side edge (17) in the corner section (18) of the P248608 container (7, 7') rests on the shoulder (6, 6'), wherein at least one horizontal connecting angle (3) is arranged between the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2'), which extends horizontally between the longitudinal columns (2, 2') and connects the longitudinal columns (2, 2') to each other, and wherein a stacking device (1) with the vertical longitudinal columns (2, 2') is inserted into the hollow column (9) of at least two diagonally opposite corner sections (18) on the bottom (10) of the container (7, 7').

14. Use according to claim 13, characterized in that the stacking device (1) is a stacking device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. System of stacked, cuboid containers (7, 7'), wherein two containers (7, 7') are stacked with their bottoms (10) facing each other and are fixed in their horizontal position and vertically aligned by at least two diagonally arranged stacking devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12. P248608

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