U.S. patent application number 11/731989 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for storage and transport container with telescopic side walls.
Invention is credited to Jan Abraham Huizingh, Richard Kellerer.
Application Number | 20070241104 11/731989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38235140 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241104 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huizingh; Jan Abraham ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
Storage and transport container with telescopic side walls
Abstract
A plastic storage and transport container (1) has a floor and,
preferably perpendicular to that, a peripheral side wall. The side
wall is formed from several side wall elements (2, 3, 4), which are
telescopical for the purpose of changing a container volume,
preferably in a direction perpendicular to this floor.
Inventors: |
Huizingh; Jan Abraham;
(Vlagtwedde (Gr.), NL) ; Kellerer; Richard;
(Feldkirchen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Edward G. Greive;Renner, Kenner, Greive, Bobak, Taylor & Weber
Fourth Floor
First National Tower
Akron
OH
44308-1456
US
|
Family ID: |
38235140 |
Appl. No.: |
11/731989 |
Filed: |
April 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/008 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 3, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 015 423.1 |
Claims
1. Storage and transport container of plastic, comprising a floor
surrounded by a side wall, characterized by the fact that the
container has telescopical side wall elements which are
telescopically in container height for changing the height of the
container.
2. Container in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact
that the telescopical side wall elements are formed so as to be
frame-like, preferably as one piece and each forming a preferably
closed, peripheral side wall section of defined height.
3. Container in accordance with claim 1 characterized by the fact
that the container has a lower, an upper and preferably at least
one central side wall element, which form the side walls.
4. Container in accordance with claim 1 characterized by the fact
that the container has a lower, and and upper side wall element,
which form the side walls.
5. Container in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact
that the side wall elements are nested inside one another in the
collapsed position.
6. Container in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the fact
that the lowermost side wall element is arranged on the inside in
the collapsed, nested position, and that the upper side wall
element is arranged on the outside.
7. Container in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the fact
that the lowermost side wall element is formed as one piece with
the container floor.
8. Container in accordance with claim 5, characterized by the fact
that at least one side wall element has, in its lower area, an
outwardly projecting peripheral edge, which serves in the collapsed
position as a stop for a central or upper side wall element.
9. Container in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact
that the side wall elements have guide surfaces, preferably in the
form of recessed or projecting wall sections, and the guided side
wall elements have appropriately corresponding wall sections.
10. Container in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact
that the side wall elements are lockable in defined telescope
positions.
11. Container in accordance with claim 10, characterized by the
fact that for the purpose of locking, at least one pre-tensioned
locking element engages with corresponding detent recesses.
12. Container in accordance with claim 11, characterized by the
fact that two locking elements are arranged at the end faces of the
upper and/or a central side wall element.
13. Container in accordance with claim 11 characterized by the fact
that the locking elements have a handle part, which is formed like
an eye for engagement of a finger and preferably with an
ergonomically enlarged force-transmission surface.
14. Container in accordance with claim 13, characterized by the
fact that the eye-like handle parts at the end walls of the side
wall elements concerned are arranged relative to each other such
that simultaneous single-handed operation of both locking elements
is facilitated.
15. Container in accordance with claim 12, characterized by the
fact that the two locking elements have a common actuating means in
the form of a release belt, a release lever and the like.
16. Container in accordance with any of claim 13 characterized by
the fact that the eye-like handle parts or the common actuating
means are arranged in a recess or in a recessed wall-section
area.
17. Container in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact
that the side wall elements are formed so as to be reinforced in
the corner areas.
18. Container in accordance with claim 4, characterized by the fact
that the upper side wall element has at least one hinged cover.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The application concerns a plastic storage and transport
container, especially for accommodating piece goods and bulk goods.
More particularly, this invention relates to such a container which
has telescoping side walls to change the height of the
container.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Storage or transport containers are preferably used for
storing or transporting all kinds of piece goods and bulk goods.
Such storage and transport containers generally consist of a
container floor and a side wall. By piece goods is understood all
kinds of goods, including packaged and unpackaged food, and by bulk
materials is understood pourable, loose goods such as screws,
shavings, sand etc. Further, such storage and transport containers
are also designed to be stackable. Of special importance in the
case of such plastic storage and transport containers is their
storage and return when empty. To save transport volume, so-called
folding containers are well-known, which are folded up for the
purpose of storage or return. However, due to the folding
mechanism, such folding containers usually have insufficient
stability or rigidity. Under high loads, for example when stacked
together, material fracture can occur, especially in the area of
the folding joints. Conventional plastic folding boxes are
therefore not normally used for storing and transporting heavy
goods.
[0003] All these storage and transport containers have the
disadvantage, however, that the storage or transport volume
provided cannot be varied. The useful container volume is given by
the size of the container floor and the height of the side wall.
Especially when a container can only be partly filled, for example,
due to the maximum possible transport weight, this leads to
increased transport volume, which would not necessarily be caused
by the volume of the contents accommodated, but is due to the size
of the container.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The object of the invention is to make available a plastic
storage and transport container, which offers a variable container
volume, wherein this container volume is designed such that it is
readily variable. This container shall moreover possess adequate
stability.
[0005] In accordance with the invention, the side wall of the
container is provided with a telescope mechanism, which comprises
several telescopic side wall elements. Such a telescopic
arrangement of individual side wall elements facilitates
appropriate adjustment or change of container volume to the
quantity or size (more precisely, the volume) of the accommodated
goods, combined with high stability of the container. The container
volume is essentially adjusted by changing the height of the side
wall.
[0006] Such a telescope mechanism can moreover be operated easily
and simply and the function of the telescope mechanism is more or
less intuitive to the user. Thus, the inventive container can also
be transformed very easily into the collapsed position of the side
wall elements, in which its volume is minimal, for return or
storage when empty.
[0007] A description of the advantages of the dependent claims
follows from here on: In a preferred embodiment, the side wall
elements are frame-like and formed as one piece. This confers
sufficiently high strength on each side wall element, since the
enclosed frame-like structure dissipates all kinds of load forces
very well. These side wall elements are mounted inside each other
and capable of sliding toward each other and form the side wall of
the container in the manner of telescope elements. Provision is
made for each side wall element to have an enclosed peripheral side
wall of defined height. This ensures good guidance of the telescope
mechanism and concomitantly user-friendly smoothness in
operation.
[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, the container of the
invention has precisely three side wall elements: lower, central
and upper. These three side wall elements yield a relatively
compact container structure (favorable ratio of external dimensions
to internal space), whereby, at the same time, the container volume
can be flexibly adjusted over a wide range by means of the three
side wall elements. The inventive container can also be made
available with several central side wall elements such that
altogether more than three side wall elements are comprised.
[0009] In a similarly preferred embodiment, the container of the
invention has precisely two side wall elements: lower and upper.
Such a container offers an extremely compact container structure
combined with relatively low manufacturing costs.
[0010] Expediently, the side wall elements are nested inside one
another in the collapsed position. This yields a very compact
container structure in the collapsed position. In the collapsed
position, that side wall element which forms the lowermost side
wall element of the side wall in the fully extended condition is
advantageously arranged on the inside and that one which (in the
extended condition) forms the uppermost side wall element is
arranged on the outside. In the fully extended condition, as seen
from the container floor, the transport space becomes increasingly
broader and longer in the upward direction, as a result of which
the contents to be transported can be introduced and removed
particularly easily.
[0011] Advantageously, the lowermost side wall element is formed as
one piece with the container floor. This confers a particularly
stable structure.
[0012] Advantageously, the lower areas of the lowermost side wall
element and preferably also each central side wall element are
formed with an outwardly projecting peripheral edge or several
projecting edge sections, which increase(s) on one hand the
stability of the side wall element and on the other also constitute
certain impact protection for the side wall element and
concomitantly for the entire side wall. Furthermore, these edge
elements form a stop for the collapsed side wall elements in the
collapsed position. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
edge is formed such that, when the container is fully collapsed, a
flat exterior wall is formed at least on the long sides, which is
free from projections or shoulders and the like, and thus can be
used, for example, generally speaking as an advertising
surface.
[0013] The side wall elements, which can telescope into each other,
are provided with guide surfaces in order that hooking and jamming
of the telescope mechanism during collapsing and extending may be
prevented. The guide surfaces can be formed as recessed or
protruding wall sections, with the correspondingly guided side wall
element having appropriately shaped wall sections.
[0014] Expediently, the container is rounded, especially in the
corner areas of the side wall elements, for the purpose of
optimizing force flows as well as for lowering the risk of
injury.
[0015] Especially, it is provided that the individual side wall
elements are lockable in at least one defined telescope position.
This may be effected, for example, with locking elements, such as
detent members, snap connections or clamping connections. The
locking mechanism is advantageously formed such that locking occurs
automatically, for example through pre-tensioned locking elements,
whose locking tongues or the like engage with corresponding detent
recesses. This facilitates simple and uncomplicated handling of the
container, but is also a substantial safety aspect, since the
container volume defined by the locked telescope position of the
side wall elements cannot change unintentionally. Such detent
elements can be simply unlocked so that the container volume may be
adjusted.
[0016] A stable locking mechanism, especially in the extended
position, also advantageously makes it possible to stack the
containers, even when the contents are heavy.
[0017] For stable locking, four locking elements each are
advantageously provided for each telescopic side wall element
(these are usually the central side wall elements and the upper
side wall element), which are each arranged in pairs so as to be
readily accessible at the end walls of the container (more
precisely, at the end faces of the respective side wall element).
The locking elements have a handle part, which is advantageously
formed like an eye, as a result of which the locking element
concerned, with its associated locking tongue, can be actuated
particularly easily against a pre-tension spring force. The handle
part at an end wall is thereby advantageously arranged such that it
can be actuated comfortably simultaneously and single-handedly or
by engagement of the thumb and index finger of the same hand. An
ergonomic design of the eye area, for example through enlargement
of a force-transmission surface, enhances convenience of operation
and safety in use.
[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the pairs of locking elements
at the end faces of the side wall elements concerned are connected
to a common means of actuation, such as a release belt or a release
lever or the like or formed as one piece with this. Advantageously,
through the application of force on the means of actuation, both
locking elements can be operated at the same time against the
pre-tension spring force, for which, e.g., only one finger is
needed. Such a means of actuation can moreover be gripped very well
even under difficult conditions, a fact which increases convenience
of operation.
[0019] In order that damage to the locking elements may be avoided,
especially the handle parts or the release levers or the release
belts, these are advantageously protectively arranged in a recessed
wall area or in a recess of the side wall element. Essential parts
of the locking elements can moreover be arranged so as to be
hidden, e.g. inside a double wall, as a result of which protection
against pinching of fingers and against contamination is
provided.
[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the side wall elements are
formed in sections so as to be reinforced, e.g. by integrated
cavities or reinforcing ribs or bracing ribs, especially in the
corner areas, in order that the stability and strength, especially
the impact strength of the side wall element and thus the entire
side wall, may additionally be increased.
[0021] Furthermore, the container can be provided with a suitable
cover, which may also be formed so as to be multipart, such that
complete encasing of contents to be transported results
advantageously. The cover can be formed as a separate element or as
a hinged element.
[0022] All elements of the previously described container are
formed advantageously from a recyclable from a recyclable
plastic.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Further advantages arise from the following description of
an embodiment using the figures described below:
[0024] FIG. 1 shows in several sub-diagrams (1a to 1e), each in
perspective view, an inventive storage and transport container in
different extended positions.
[0025] FIG. 2 shows in two sub-diagrams (2a and 2b), in perspective
views, the locking mechanism in a first embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view an inventive storage and
transport container in the fully extended position with an
alternative locking mechanism.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows in several sub-diagrams (4a and 4b), in
perspective views, a concrete embodiment of the alternative locking
mechanism.
[0028] FIG. 1a shows the inventive storage and transport container
designated 1. As is especially evident from FIGS. 1b and 1d, the
container 1 comprises a lowermost side wall element 2, which here
is formed one-piece with the floor (more accurately: container
floor). The container floor can be provided as required with
bracing ribs to increase the strength, said ribs extending for
example on the lower surface of this container floor, or with a
honeycomb structure or such like. As is especially evident from
FIGS. 1c and 1d, this container 1 further comprises a central side
wall element 3, and an upper side wall element 4, i.e. has three
side wall elements. Of course, it is possible in addition, to form
a container from only two, in that case from a lower and an upper
element, or with more than three side wall elements.
[0029] The opening of the container 1 for introducing and removing
the contents to be transported is covered with a cover, which is
formed here by way of example from two cover flaps 5a and 5b. As
particularly readily identifiable in FIG. 1e, the cover flaps 5a
and 5b are hinged at a long edge of the uppermost side wall element
4. Both the lowermost side wall element 2 and the central side wall
element 3 have in the lower area an outwardly projecting peripheral
edge 6 or 7, which may also be formed alternatively in sections,
i.e. with interruptions.
[0030] Each of these three side wall elements 2, 3 and 4 has a
peripheral frame-like side wall section (with two long sides and
two end faces) of a defined height that is rounded off in the
corner areas for the purpose of optimizing any force flows and for
reducing the danger of injury. As evident from FIG. 1d especially,
the corner areas of the side wall elements 2, 3 and 4 are formed
with reinforcing ribs. The external surface of each side wall
element 2, 3 and 4 of the long sides is additionally provided with
bracing ribs.
[0031] The central side wall element 3 is telescopically mounted to
the lower side wall element 2, more precisely such that the
interior surfaces of the central side wall element 3 face the
corresponding exterior surfaces of the lowermost side wall element
2, or in other words, that the central side wall element 3
comprises or encloses or embraces the lowermost side wall element
2, with, however, translational movement being possible in
accordance with the arrow T1 in FIG. 1d. In the same way, the upper
side wall element 4 is movably arranged relative to the central
side wall element 3, in accordance with the arrow T2. The telescope
mechanism of the upper side wall element 4 relative to the central
side wall element 3 is thereby independent of the telescope
mechanism of the central side wall element 3 relative to the
lowermost side wall element 2. For better guidance and also for the
purpose of increasing the stability of the container, the side wall
elements additionally have guide sections, which by way of example
here are formed on the ends of the long sides.
[0032] The illustration of FIG. 1a shows the container 1 with the
side wall elements 2, 3 and 4 fully collapsed. The upper side wall
element 4 rests thereby upon the peripheral edge 7 of the central
side wall element 3, which rests upon the peripheral edge 6 of the
lowermost side wall element 2. The peripheral edges 6 and 7 of the
side wall elements 2 and 3 thus form a stop for the wall element 3
or 4, each of which is telescopic and guided. In this condition,
the container 1 has the smallest possible container volume.
[0033] In the illustration of FIG. 1b, the central side wall
element 3 is in an extended position relative to the lower side
wall element 2, whereas the upper side wall element 4 is in a
collapsed position. The container volume of the container 1 is
enlarged in this condition relative to the fully collapsed position
in accordance with FIG. 1a.
[0034] In the condition of FIG. 1c, the upper side wall element 4
is in an extended position, whereas the central side wall element 3
is in a collapsed position. The container volume in this case is
smaller than in that telescope condition which is shown in FIG. 1b,
as a result of which, in this container embodiment, the height of
the central side wall element 3 is for example greater (higher)
than that of the upper side wall element 4.
[0035] In the illustration of FIG. 1d, the central side wall
element 3 is in the fully extended position relative to the
lowermost side wall element 2 and the upper side wall element 4 is
in the fully extended position relative to the central side wall
element 3. The container 1 has in this case the maximum possible
container volume, which is available to the goods to be
transported. FIG. 1e also shows these fully extended positions of
the side wall elements 3 and 4, in this case with opened covers 5a
and 5b.
[0036] From FIGS. 1a to 1d, it is evident that the container 1
described previously in accordance with these illustrations can
make least four different transport volumes (container volumes)
available through simple telescoping of the side wall elements 3
and 4.
[0037] The arrangement of the side wall elements 2, 3 and 4 in
accordance with the illustrations in FIGS. 1d and 1e gives rise to
an upwardly broadening and elongating transport space in the fully
extended position through which the goods to be transported can be
particularly comfortably inserted and removed, without tilting
occurring.
[0038] In accordance with the illustrations in FIGS. 1a to 1e, two
locking elements or detent bolts 10 in recessed wall areas or
between projecting ribs are arranged on each of the end faces or
walls of the central 3 and upper 4 side wall element. Such an
arrangement preferably in recessed wall areas protects these
locking elements 10 against impact. Each telescopic side wall
element is therefore held in position by altogether four locking
elements, whereby particularly stable locking results. Of course it
is also possible to provide a greater or lesser number of such
locking elements, advantageously, however, under the condition of
easy operability.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, a locking element 10 is formed
in the shape of a rod and has at one end of a shaft a handle part
or a handle area, which is designed as a drawbar eye 11. At the
opposite end of the shaft, the locking element has a pronounced
detent tongue or a locking element 12, which is formed in
combination with a stop shoulder. Additionally, the locking element
10 has two projecting spring tongues 13 roughly in the center of
the shaft, which push against a correspondingly formed contact area
on the respective side wall element and which pre-tension the
locking element up 10 in a locking position. As a result of this
spring pre-tensioning, such a locking element 10 automatically
moves backward into a locking position if it is brought by means of
the drawbar eye 11 into an unlocking position. The locking element
10 braces itself against a correspondingly formed wall area of the
side wall element and is guided and secured in a manner known to a
person skilled in the art in order that tilting, rotating or
falling out may be prevented. Thus, the locking element 10 can,
e.g., have a rear mandrel, which is guided in a longitudinal
groove.
[0040] As illustrated, the handle part, that is, the drawbar eye
11, is ergonomically formed such that the drawbar eye's inner
surface provided for applying an actuating force is formed such
that it is enlarged in order that this area may, for example, be
optimally gripped with a finger and high forces may be applied, and
in order that the danger of slipping due to larger contact friction
may be reduced.
[0041] Of the locking elements 10, essentially only the handle
parts, i.e., the drawbar eyes 11, are accessible. The shaft, the
detent tongue 12 and the spring elements 13 are essentially
arranged and protected against damage and contamination in the
inside side wall elements 3 and 4, which are double-walled in this
area. Through an appropriately formed opening, the detent tongue 12
of the locking element 10 can engage with a corresponding detent
recess 16 in each of the lower side wall elements. Corresponding
considerations apply to the remaining locking elements of the
container.
[0042] As shown in the illustration of FIG. 2b, the detent tongue
12 of the locking element 10 of the central side wall element 3
engages with a detent recess 16 on the lower side wall element 2
and is held in this engaged position by the spring flaps 13 due to
the pre-tensioning force. The spring flaps 13 brace themselves
against the rib extensions. The same applies to the detent tongue
12 of the locking element 10 belonging to the upper side wall
element 4, which engages with a corresponding detent recess 16 on
the central side wall element 3. In this way, a specific telescope
position of the central side wall element 3 relative to the lower
side wall element 2 and of the upper side wall element 4 relative
to the central side wall element 3 is firmly locked. The lower side
wall element 2 and the central side wall element 3 each have two
detent recesses 16, an upper one for the extended position and a
lower one for the collapsed position of the guided side wall
element 3 or 4. Of course, it is also possible for just one detent
recess, in this case the upper one, to be provided. Also, more than
two detent recesses are possible, such that corresponding
intermediate telescope positions can be locked. The detent recesses
16 are arranged along a sliding surface 17, along which the detent
tongue 12 of the pre-tensioned locking element 10 slides when
telescoping and engages into a corresponding recess 16
automatically due to the pre-tensioning. It is also possible ex
works to provide a plurality of detent recesses or engaging holes
16 and only to open those which are needed for the specific
application, while the others (unneeded) remain locked by means of
a suitable mechanism, such that the locking elements 10 slide over
the locked engaging recesses 16 during extending or collapsing. It
is equally possible to equip a locking element 10 with a double
tongue 16, which then engages with two detent recesses 16, a fact
which markedly increases the strength of locking. Likewise, it is
also possible to implement the locking mechanism as a clamping
mechanism, which leads, for example, according to one principle of
self-locking, to locking of the telescoped state, with the
advantage that each intermediate telescope position can be locked,
independently of an arrangement of detent recesses 16.
[0043] The arrangement of the locking elements 10 described above
is only one example, albeit an advantageous one, but can be
effected in another way, for example by arranging the locking
elements 10 on the lowermost side wall element 2 and on the
uppermost side wall element 4 while the central side wall element 3
remains free of locking elements. The described arrangement in the
cavity of a double wall area is also only one example.
[0044] For changing the telescope position of the side wall
elements 3 or 4, i.e. for adjusting or adapting the container
volume, the container 1 is placed, for example, with its container
floor on a solid surface. Thereafter, the current locking state
must be released, which is usually done by simultaneous actuation
of the locking elements 10 arranged on the end walls by engaging
thumb and index finger of each hand into the drawbar eyes 11.
Afterwards, the telescope segment or side wall element concerned
can be raised or lowered. The container volume is thus changed in
steps, i.e. only one telescope segment or a side wall element is
raised or lowered at a time.
[0045] To rapidly enlarge the container capacity, it is also
possible to hold the container 1 with both hands and, as just
described, to briefly bring the locking elements 10 into an
unlocking position, whereupon each side wall element arranged below
lowers itself downward due to the force of gravity. The possibility
of such rapid and easy enlargement of the container volume can
especially be of great advantage in everyday use. For easier
actuation of the telescope mechanism, the side wall elements 3 and
4 can be pre-tensioned with springs as well, such that, after
locking has been released, these proceed automatically (in the
sense of by themselves) into an extended position or conversely
into a collapsed position.
[0046] FIG. 3 shows an inventive container in a fully extended
condition. This container has an alternative mechanism for
releasing the locking elements 10, however. Instead of the drawbar
eyes 11 described above, a release belt or a release lever 18 is
provided here which is connected to two detent locks 10 arranged at
one end face of the side wall element 3 or 4 concerned. FIG. 4a
shows this alternative locking mechanism, wherein the cavities in
which the locking elements 10 are essentially arranged, are shown
broken open for better illustration. As already described above in
connection with the embodiment with the drawbar eyes 11, in each
case two detent members at each end face engage by means of their
detent tongues 12 with corresponding detent recesses 16 and thereby
lock each telescopically guided side wall element to the guiding,
i.e. lower side wall element.
[0047] FIG. 4b likewise shows in a perspective view a detailed view
of this locking mechanism. At the opposite end of the shaft of a
locking element 10, approximately in the region of the arrangement
of the spring elements 13, the shaft is connected to a belt-like
extension designed as release belt that is V-shaped and in turn is
connected to a release lever or handle part 18. The second detent
lock, also, has one such belt-like extension at the end opposite
tongue 12, said extension being likewise V-shaped and also
connected to the same release lever 18. The release lever 18, like
the drawbar eyes 11, is also arranged in a recessed wall section
for the purpose of protection. For the purpose of guidance, for
example, the release lever 11 can have a rear mandrel, which is
guided in a corresponding groove of the side wall element. In a
preferred embodiment, the release lever 18 with the V-shaped
connecting or release belts and the locking elements 10 arranged on
it is designed as one piece, for example as an injection molded
part. The transitions from the locking elements 10 to the release
belts and from these release belts to the release lever 18 are then
designed, for example, as film hinges.
[0048] As is also evident from FIG. 4b, the V-shaped release belts
are guided around bolt-like guides 19, with these guides
advantageously formed in one piece with the side wall element
concerned. Releasing of the locking elements 10 pre-tensioned by
the spring elements 13 in locking position occurs via actuation of
the release lever 18, by release it upward (relative to the
container). This tensile movement is transmitted in equal parts to
the V-shaped release belts, which are guided around the guides 19
and pulls, as it were, the locking elements 10 out of their locking
position. After discharge of the release lever, the spring elements
13 effect a resetting force for the locking elements 10, and also
for the release lever 18. The result therefore is that force
transmission from the release lever 18 to the detent locks 10 can
also take place in another way, for example as a result of wires or
bendable cords or such like. Naturally, such a locking mechanism
can also be structured in such a manner that the release lever 18
must be pressed not upward, but downward, in order that the locking
tongues 12 may be released. The release lever 18, too, can be
designed in all kinds of ways, for example with finger gripping
hollows. The release lever 18 can also be formed as a release belt,
for example as a one-piece continuation of the V-shaped release
belts. Likewise, it is possible to connect such a release lever 18
to more than two locking elements or also to just one locking
element if the design of the container provides for this.
[0049] In relation to the solution with drawbar eyes 11, such a
release lever 18 has the advantage that it can be actuated with
only one finger, which makes handling of such a telescopic storage
and transport container 1 even easier and more comfortable for
daily, especially industrial use.
* * * * *