U.S. patent application number 12/296014 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-23 for stackable transport container.
Invention is credited to Willi Otting, Vedat Pehlivan, Jorg Stockmann.
Application Number | 20090184021 12/296014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38222133 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090184021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Otting; Willi ; et
al. |
July 23, 2009 |
STACKABLE TRANSPORT CONTAINER
Abstract
The invention relates to a stackable transport container which
is adapted, when in a full condition filled with products, to be
stacked with other transport containers on top of each other, or,
when in an empty condition, to be placed together with other
transport containers inside one another. In the left side wall and
in the right side wall, respectively, grooves (602 a-f) are formed
which respectively have upper openings and lower groove stops. At
the outside surface of the left side wall and at the outside
surface of the right side wall, respectively, several guide pegs
(600 a-f) are formed. In a horizontal direction, the distances
between the guide pegs are different from the distances between the
upper openings (603 a-f) of the grooves, thus preventing an upper
transport container being inadvertently placed inside a lower
transport container. Further, the distances between the guide pegs
are chosen that placement of an upper container inside a lower
container is possible in one direction only.
Inventors: |
Otting; Willi; (Warmsen,
DE) ; Pehlivan; Vedat; (Uchte, DE) ;
Stockmann; Jorg; (Tangstedt, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
38222133 |
Appl. No.: |
12/296014 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
April 5, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP07/03137 |
371 Date: |
October 3, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/511 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/048
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/511 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 5, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 016 031.2 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. Stackable transport container comprising a bottom, a front
wall, a rear wall, a left side wall and a right side wall to form a
receptacle open towards the top; characterized in that in the left
side wall and in the right side wall at least two grooves are
formed, respectively, which grooves have upper groove openings and
lower groove stops; that at the lower edge of the outside of the
left side wall and at the lower edge of the outside of the right
side wall at least two guide pegs are formed, respectively; that
the distances between the guide pegs are different from the
distances between the respective upper groove openings; that the
distances between the guide pegs are equal to the distances between
the respective lower groove stops; that the distances between the
guide pegs at each of the sides are all different; and that the
distances between the guide pegs are chosen such that a plunge
movement of an upper container into a container underneath is
possible only in one direction.
29. Stackable transport container according to claim 28,
characterized in that in the upper edges of the right side wall and
of the left side wall at least two recesses are formed,
respectively, and that the distances between the recesses are equal
to the distances between the respective guide pegs.
30. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the grooves are inclined relative to the vertical and each have a
different slope, curve and shape.
31. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the individual grooves, guide pegs and recesses of the left side
wall are each identical to the respective individual opposite
grooves, guide pegs and recesses of the right side wall.
32. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the grooves at the inner side of the side walls are formed in the
shape of channels.
33. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the grooves extend through the respective side walls, thereby
forming slits through the walls.
34. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the outermost ends of the guide pegs are provided with downwardly
extending protrusions.
35. Stackable transport container according to claim 34, wherein
the downwardly extending protrusions provided at the outermost ends
of the guide pegs comprising inwardly inclined surfaces.
36. Stackable transport container according to one claim 28,
wherein the grooves have a width that is somewhat greater than the
diameter of the guide pegs.
37. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the groove stops lie in a horizontal plane.
38. Stackable transport container according to claim 37, wherein
the horizontal plane lies close to the middle of the transport
container.
39. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the guide pegs lie in one horizontal plane.
40. Stackable transport container according to claim 39, wherein
the horizontal plane lies close to the bottom of the transport
container.
41. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the height of the side walls is equal to the height of the front
wall and the rear wall.
42. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the height of the side walls is greater than the height of the
front wall and the rear wall.
43. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the upper surface of the site walls and/or of the front wall and/or
of the rear wall being provided with upward extending ribs.
44. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the upper surface of the side walls being provided with a guide
groove.
45. Stackable transport container according to claim 44, wherein
the guide groove being provided with an inwardly inclined
surface.
46. Stackable transport container according to claim 28, wherein
the guide pegs being provided with reinforcing ribs.
47. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs being provided being provided at the outer
side of the side walls and substantially having the shape of the
grooves at the opposite inner side of the side walls.
48. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs being formed by deformation of the side walls
adjacent to the guide pegs.
49. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs being formed by increasing the thickness of
the material of the side walls adjacent to the guide pegs.
50. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs having different width and thickness.
51. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs having variable width and thickness.
52. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs being formed by protruding channels.
53. Stackable transport container according to claim 46, wherein
the reinforcing ribs being formed by impressing of material wherein
the grooves are partially formed by the opposite side.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates in general to a stackable
transport container according to the preamble to claim 1, and in
particular to a transport container which is adapted, when filled
with products in a full condition, to be stacked with other
transport containers on top of each other, or, when in an empty
condition, to be placed together with other transport containers
inside one another.
[0002] Transport containers have already been known for a long time
for the transport of bread and similar foods from a large bakery to
the individual shops, which are therefore also known as bread
baskets.
[0003] These well known transport containers have a bottom and a
front wall, a rear wall and two opposite side walls which extend
upwards from the bottom at a right angle to form a receptacle open
towards the top. The upper edges of the front wall, the rear wall
and the side walls are formed with a kind of rail that is shaped so
that it can engage with projections that are formed at the
periphery of the underside of the container bottom of a transport
container placed on top of it, if two of these transport containers
are stacked on top of one another. In this way, two transport
containers stacked on top of one another cannot be displaced
relative to one another, as the projections on the underside of the
container bottom of the upper transport container engage with the
rail on the upper edge of the side walls of the lower transport
container. These transport containers are generally used for the
delivery of products. The filled containers being stacked on top of
one another to form stacks, and then transported for example from a
large bakery to the individual shops. The empty transport
containers are then later transported back to the large bakery.
[0004] The disadvantage of these known transport containers is
that, in their empty condition they cannot be placed one inside
another to save space, which means that the transport volume of the
filled transport containers (filled volume) is the same as the
transport volume of the empty transport containers (empty
volume).
[0005] To overcome this disadvantage, transport containers have
been developed that can be both stacked on top of one another and
placed inside one another. Transport containers of this type, when
in a full condition filled with products, can be stacked on top of
one another, generally with the lower surface of the bottom of an
upper transport container resting on the upper edge of the side
walls of a lower transport container. This creates a relatively
large transport volume (filled volume) for each of the transport
containers, which approximately corresponds to the product of the
bottom surface and the height of the side walls of such a transport
container. Should these transport containers be transported in an
empty condition, it is naturally desirable that the transport
volume of the empty transport containers (empty volume) should be
kept as low as possible. For this reason the side walls of these
known transport containers are inclined slightly outwards in order
to enable the empty transport containers to be placed inside one
another to save space. In this way a filled volume:empty volume
ratio of approximately 2:1 can be achieved.
[0006] It is clear that these known transport containers must be
constructed so as to be able to be stacked on top of one another
and placed inside each other. Various suggestions for this have
already been made in the state of the art. Documents EP 0 250 674
and EP 0 553 932 are mentioned as examples.
[0007] Another transport container is disclosed in DE 100 26 149.
In a shown embodiment, this stackable transport container has a
bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall and a right
side wall to form a receptacle open towards the top. Further, in
each of the left side wall and the right side wall, four grooves
are formed which have upper openings and lower groove stops. Four
guide pegs are formed on each of the outside of the left side wall
and the outside of the right side wall, wherein in horizontal
direction the distances between the guide pegs are designed to be
in mirror symmetry to each other and are different from the
distances between the upper openings of the grooves.
[0008] As the distances between the guide pegs in horizontal
direction are designed to be in mirror symmetry to each other and
are different from the distances between the upper openings of the
grooves, it is ensured that with horizontal alignment of two
transport containers situated on top of one another, not all of the
four guide pegs of the upper transport container can simultaneously
penetrate into all of the four upper openings of the grooves of the
lower transport container, thus preventing the upper transport
container being unintentionally placed in the lower transport
container. Consequently, the upper transport container can only be
placed inside the lower transport container (condition of being one
inside the other) by a type of plunging movement. Because of the
configuration and arrangement of the four grooves and the four
guide pegs, it is further possible that the transport containers
can be stacked onto each other or inserted into each other in
opposite orientations relative to each other.
[0009] This transport container known from DE 100 26 149 has
several disadvantages. Because of the configuration with four
grooves and the four guide pegs, wherein the distances of the guide
pegs are arranged in mirror symmetry to each other, insertion into
each other in opposite orientations (i.e. plunging movement from
the front and from the rear) is possible. However, in some cases,
it is not desired to allow insertion into each other from opposite
directions as the transport containers have to be taken out or
unstacked what is difficult, in particular, when a plurality of
stacks of empty transport containers, which are inserted into each
other, are located in a store house or in the storage place of a
truck. When stacks of empty transport containers are arranged close
to each other, it is an advantage when the transport containers can
be displaced from the stack only in one direction (i.e. from the
front side). However, when one of the transport containers is
inserted in the stack with a wrong orientation, this transport
container can not easily be displaced from the stack in rearward
direction as another stack behind or a wall behind makes the
displacement impossible. Therefore, the whole stack has to be
pulled forward to allow rearward displacement of a transport
container. Further, it has been found that a stacking apparatus for
automatically unstacking in different directions is much more
complicate and thus more expensive than an unstacking apparatus
that is adapted for unstacking in only one direction. Of course, it
is theoretically possible to provide colored markings at the
transport containers to give a clear indication to the packing
personnel in which orientation the known transport containers have
to be inserted into each other; however, it has been found that
these measures are prone to errors.
[0010] Another disadvantage of the transport container known from
DE 100 26 149 is that the guide pegs, because of the possibility of
insertion or disposal in opposite directions, can not be provided
with reinforcements as these reinforcements would inhibit the
insertion in at least one direction.
[0011] When, for example, a reinforcement in the form of a rip
extending from the guide peg is provided, such a reinforcement has
to be adapted for matching with the shape of the corresponding
channel-shaped groove of the transport container underneath.
However, when the upper transport container is inserted in the
opposite (wrong) direction, the reinforcement rips at the guide
pegs jam with the corresponding grooves.
[0012] Because of the missing reinforcements, the transport
container has to be made from fiber-reinforced plastic material to
ensure a sufficient strength especially of the guide pegs.
[0013] Therefore, it is the task of the present invention to
provide containers which can be stacked at several levels, or
placed inside each other, with the help of which the
above-mentioned disadvantages of the transport containers according
to the state of the art are overcome.
[0014] In particular, it is a task of the present invention, to
provide a transport container which is designed to enable and
guarantee safe stacking, so that transport containers stacked on
top of one another cannot inadvertently be placed inside one
another.
[0015] It is an additional main object to provide a transport
container which can be inserted or unstacked in only one
direction.
[0016] Further, the guide pegs can be reinforced by means of
suitable measures such that a less stable but less expensive
material can be used for the production of the transport
container.
[0017] The transport containers according to the invention should
also be compatible with the baker's trays mentioned at the
start.
[0018] Finally the transport containers according to the invention
should have no moving parts and be easy to clean.
[0019] These tasks are solved by a transport container with the
features of claim 1. In the dependent claims, advantageous and
preferred improvements of the transport container according to the
invention are given.
[0020] The above transport containers for the transport of bread
and similar foods were described to explain the state of the art.
However, it is clear that the transport container according to the
invention can also be used in other areas and is under no
restrictions with regard to its size, use and the material used.
Thus, the transport container according to the invention can be
used for the transport of bread, vegetables, meat and eggs.
Further, the transport container according to the invention can be
used for example for the transport of machine parts, or for the
transport of building rubble, in the form of a large steel
container.
[0021] The transport container according to the invention has a
bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, a left side wall and a right
side wall, which can slope slightly outwards to form a receptacle
open towards the top. The front wall and the rear wall may be of
less height compared to both side walls; however, they can also be
of the same height.
[0022] The left side wall and the right side wall (and, if desired,
also the front wall and/or the rear wall) can be formed in a
step-like configuration, wherein these walls each having a first
substantially vertically extending, lower wall portion and a second
substantially vertically extending upper wall portion, wherein the
lower and upper wall portions being connected by means of a
slightly inclined outwardly extending connecting portion. Thus, the
upper wall portions define a horizontal substantially rectangular
cross section plane which is larger than a horizontal substantially
rectangular cross section plane defined by the lower wall portions.
Further, the lower wall portions and the upper wall portions are
sized so that the lower part of the transport container defined by
the lower wall portions can be inserted in the upper part of an
underneath transport container defined by the upper wall portions,
i.e., the outer dimensions of the lower part substantially
correspond to (or being less than) the inner dimensions of the
upper part. Substantially at the level of the connecting portion, a
horizontally extending flange is formed at the outer surface of the
side walls and, if desired, at the front wall and/of the rear wall.
When two containers are placed inside one another, the downward
surface of the horizontal flange lies on the upward surface of the
upper wall portions of the side walls and, if present, of the front
wall and/of the rear wall. By means of such a construction, the
strength of the transport container is increased. Further, the
transport containers can be easier placed inside one another, and
canting in this inserted condition is minimized.
[0023] In the left side wall and in the right side wall, at least
two grooves are formed, which have upper openings at the upper edge
of the side walls, and lower closed groove stops. These grooves are
open towards the inner space of the container and, therefore, are
accessible. Consequently, the grooves extend from the upper edge of
the side walls, where the grooves are open and also accessible,
down to the groove stops, which are preferably located at half way
of the side walls and preferably in the lower half of the side
walls. These grooves can be formed as channels in the inside
surface or at the inner side of the side walls in question, or may
extend completely through the side walls in the form of slits,
making possible lower comicality of the side walls. The grooves can
also be formed by means of rib-like extensions at the inner surface
of the side walls, or by means of a laterally displaced arrangement
of different side wall sections, or by other means known by a
person skilled in the art.
[0024] In addition, at least two guide pegs are formed on the
outside of the left side wall and on the outside of the left side
wall, wherein the number of the guide pegs on the respective
outsides being equal to the number of grooves formed in the side
walls. These guide pegs are located approximately at the height of
the bottom of the transport container to ensure a rigid connection
to the bottom which is preferred for reasons of increased strength.
The guide pegs are formed in such a way that the guide pegs of an
upper transport container can be inserted through the groove
openings into the grooves of a transport container underneath. The
grooves are shaped so that the guide pegs of the upper transport
container can slide into the grooves of the lower transport
container downwards as far as the groove stops, when two transport
containers are placed inside one another. Further, the outermost
ends of the guide pegs may be provided with downwardly extending
protrusions for engaging with an upwardly extending rib or with a
channel formed at the upper surface of the side walls of a
transport container underneath when both transport containers are
stacked on top of one another. Thereby, it can be better prevented
that two transport containers can inadvertently slide inside each
other. Further, the upper surfaces (support surface) may be
provided with suitable ribs for engaging with the downwardly
extending protrusions of the guide pegs to ensure increased
strength when placed inside one another.
[0025] In a first embodiment of the transport container of the
present invention, in a horizontal direction, the distances between
the guide pegs are different from the distances between the upper
openings of the grooves. It is thus ensured that with horizontal
position and vertical alignment of two transport containers
situated on top of one another, i.e., the two transport containers
are situated on top of one another in horizontal and parallel
relationship, not all the guide pegs of the upper transport
container can simultaneously penetrate into all the upper openings
of the grooves of the lower transport container, thus preventing
the upper transport container being unintentionally placed in the
lower transport container. Instead, the groove openings and the
guide pegs are arranged relative to each other in such a way that
the upper transport container can only be placed inside the lower
transport container by a type of plunging movement (condition of
being one inside the other). To do this, the upper transport
container is inclined in relation to the lower transport container
about a horizontal axis extending transverse to both side walls,
and the front (consequently lowest) guide peg is inserted into the
front groove of the lower transport container and then being moved
downwardly into the groove. In this way, the following guide peg is
brought into alignment with the following groove opening and can be
inserted into the appropriate groove by a continued plunging
movement. If there are more than two grooves or guide pegs on each
side of the transport containers, the third guide peg can then also
be inserted into the third groove, and so on.
[0026] In this way, the guide pegs of the upper transport container
can only be inserted one after the other into the appropriate
grooves of the transport container underneath by means of the
plunging movement as explained, until the guide pegs push against
the appropriate groove stops of the corresponding grooves. It is
clear that the distances between the guide pegs are equal to the
distances between the groove stops to make it possible for the
upper transport container to be placed inside the lower transport
container in a horizontal position (i.e. a horizontal and parallel
relationship of two transport containers one above the other).
[0027] In a second embodiment of the transport container of the
present invention, in a horizontal direction the distances between
the guide pegs can be equal to the distances between the upper
openings of the grooves. In this second embodiment, at least three
guide pegs are formed on the outer surface of the left side wall
and on the outer surface of the right side wall, wherein the
central guide peg (or the central guide pegs) is (are) shorter and
preferably thicker than the outermost guide pegs. The horizontal
cross sections of the grooves and the upper openings of the
grooves, the number of which is equal to the number of the guide
pegs, correspond to the shape of the respective guide pegs. This
means that the groove openings and the grooves are formed in such a
way that the outermost guide pegs can only received in the
outermost groove openings and grooves, and that the inner (central)
guide pegs can only be received in the inner (central) groove
openings and grooves. In other words, the outermost groove openings
and grooves are deeper and narrower (more slim) for being able to
receive the longer and preferably thinner outermost guide pegs, and
the central groove openings and grooves are more shallow and
preferably wider for being able to receive the shorter and
preferably thicker central guide pegs. Of course, the central guide
pegs can be longer and/or thinner than the outermost guide pegs,
wherein the respective groove openings and grooves have a
corresponding shape. It is noted that other groove shapes and guide
peg shapes are possible. However, it is important that the
different grooves and guide pegs are formed in such a way that the
outermost guide pegs can only be inserted in the outermost grooves
and, preferably, the inner guide pegs can only be inserted in the
inner grooves. Further, it is noted that the shape and arrangement
of the grooves and the guide pegs is symmetrically.
[0028] By means of the above features it is thus ensured that, when
two transport containers according to the second embodiment of the
invention are situated on top of one another, the guide pegs of the
upper transport container can only penetrate into all the upper
groove openings and grooves of the lower transport container when
the guide pegs of the upper transport container are in alignment
with the corresponding groove openings of the lower transport
container. Thus, when an upper transport container is pushed over
the lower transport container for being stacked on top of the lower
transport container, the front guide peg in pushing direction of
the upper transport container can not unintentionally penetrate,
because of its longer shape, into a central shallow groove opening.
In the same way, a central thick guide peg can not unintentionally
penetrate into one of the outermost narrow grooves. Therefore, it
is prevented that the guide pegs of the upper transport container
can penetrate into the wrong upper groove openings of the lower
transport container, thus preventing the upper transport container
unintentionally being placed in the lower transport container when
the upper transport container being pushed over the lower transport
container. Consequently, when an upper transport container
according to the second embodiment of the invention is, for the
purpose of stacking, pushed over a lower transport container, the
front (in pushing direction) longer guide pegs slide over the
central shallow groove openings of the lower transport container
without penetrating into these groove openings. When the front
(outermost) longer guide pegs of the upper transport container are
in alignment with the corresponding front (outermost) deeper groove
openings of the lower transport container, then also all other
guide pegs of the upper transport container are in alignment with
the corresponding groove openings of the lower container, and all
guide pegs simultaneously can penetrate into the corresponding
grooves such that the upper transport container can be inserted
into the lower transport container. It is obvious that the upper
transport container can be inserted into the lower transport
container without the plunging movement as described above. When
the guide pegs of the upper transport container are in alignment
with the groove openings of the lower transport container, then the
upper transport container can be inserted with a vertical or
diagonal movement in a downward direction, whereby the guide pegs
of the upper transport container simultaneously slide into the
grooves of the lower transport container, which is advantageous for
automatic stacking and unstacking. It is obvious that the described
shape and structure of the grooves and guide pegs can also be used
in the first embodiment.
[0029] In addition, in both embodiments of the transport container
of the invention, recesses are preferably made in the upper edges
(i.e. of the rail) of the right side wall and the left side wall,
so that the guide pegs of an upper transport container can engage
with the recesses of a transport container underneath (stacked
condition), so that the two transport containers thus stacked on
top of one another cannot be displaced relative to each other. To
enable the guide pegs of the upper transport container to engage
with the recesses of the lower transport container, the distances
between the recesses must be equal to the distances between the
guide pegs. As described above, when the outermost ends of the
guide pegs are provided with downwardly extending protrusions for
engaging with an upwardly extending rib or with a channel formed at
the upper surface of the side walls of a transport container
underneath when both transport containers are stacked on top of one
another, then, preferably the recesses are also provided with such
a rip or channel to prevent that the guide pegs inadvertently slide
away towards the inner space of the transport container and to
prevent the two transport containers can be inadvertently placed
inside each other.
[0030] In the second embodiment of the transport container of the
invention, the cross sections of the recesses correspond to the
cross sections of the corresponding guide pegs so that, for
example, an outermost longer guide peg of the upper transport
container can not penetrate into a central shallow recess. As
already mentioned above, also in the second embodiment the
protrusions at the guide pegs and the rip or channels can be
provided.
[0031] In the second embodiment, when an upper transport container
is pushed over the transport container underneath for being stacked
on top thereof, the front guide peg in pushing direction of the
upper transport container can not unintentionally penetrate,
because of its longer shape, into in central shallow groove opening
or into a central shallow recess. In the same way, a central thick
guide peg can not unintentionally penetrate into an outermost
narrow groove or into an outermost narrow recess. Therefore, it is
prevented that the guide pegs of the upper transport container can
penetrate into the wrong recesses of the lower transport container,
thus preventing the guide pegs of the upper transport container can
penetrate into the wrong recesses of the lower transport container,
therefore, interlocking of the guide pegs of the upper transport
container with the wrong recesses of the transport container
underneath is prevented when the upper transport container being
pushed over the lower transport container. Consequently, when an
upper transport container according to the second embodiment of the
invention is, for the purpose of stacking, pushed over a transport
container underneath, the front (in pushing direction) longer guide
pegs slide over the central shallow groove openings of the lower
transport container without penetrating into the central groove
openings. When the front (outermost) longer guide pegs of the upper
transport container are in alignment with the corresponding front
(outermost) deeper recesses of the lower transport container, then
all other guide pegs of the upper transport container are also in
alignment with the corresponding recesses of the lower transport
container, and all guide pegs can simultaneously penetrate into the
corresponding recesses such that the upper transport container can
be stacked on top of the lower transport container.
[0032] Preferably, in both embodiments the dimensions and designs
of the bottom and of the guide pegs are preferably to be selected
so that a transport container according to the invention can be
stacked on top of a known baker's tray, with the bottom and the
guide pegs of an upper transport container according to the
invention engaging properly with the rail of a lower baker's tray.
The upper edges of the side walls and the front and rear wall of
the transport container according to the invention are dimensioned
so that they engage with the peripheral edge of the bottom and with
the projections on the underside of the bottom of an upper baker's
tray. In this design the transport container according to the
invention is compatible with the known baker's tray and a
combination of these can be stacked on top of one another; however
it is not possible for the transport containers and baker's trays
to be placed inside one another. Preferably, at the outer areas of
the corners of the upper surface of the rail protrusions or upward
ribs are provided, thus preventing an upper baker's tray can slide
along the rail of a lower transport container according to the
invention. In particular, this is important for transport
containers according to the invention which have a front wall
and/or rear wall which is lower in height.
[0033] In both embodiments of the transport container according to
the invention, four grooves, four recesses and four guide pegs are
preferably formed on each side wall. According to the above
considerations, the grooves are at an angle to the vertical, are
slightly bent, and each have a different slope and configuration.
The exact configuration, slope and curve of the grooves from the
groove openings at the upper edge of the side walls down to the
groove stops depends on the desired nature of the plunge movement,
the number of and the distances between the guide pegs.
[0034] In the first embodiment of the transport container according
to the invention, the grooves in one side wall each have a
different slope, curve and configuration, with the corresponding
opposite grooves in the other side wall are identical,
respectively. In other words, the grooves in one side wall all have
a different shape, with the side walls are identical and mirror
symmetrical. The precise configuration, slope and curve of the
grooves from the groove opening in the upper edge (rail) of the
side walls to the groove stop depends on the desired nature of the
plunge movement, the number of and the distances between the guide
pegs etc.
[0035] In the second embodiment of the transport container
according to the invention, the grooves are also at an angle to the
vertical, however, the grooves substantially have the same shape
and orientation. The precise shape, slope and curve of the grooves
from the groove opening in the upper edge (rail) of the side walls
to the groove stop depends on the number of and the distance
between the guide pegs and the groove openings. Preferably, the
lower groove stops of a groove, the above corresponding recesses
and the guide pegs are in vertical alignment to each other.
[0036] The essential advantage of the transport container according
to the invention consequently relates to the special shape and
arrangement of the grooves/slits and the guide pegs ensuring safe
stacking of the transport containers filled with product on top of
one another, and at the same time prevents the transport containers
inadvertently being placed inside one another when being stacked on
top of one another or being placed inside one another in a wrong
orientation/alignment.
[0037] A further essential advantage of the transport container
according to the invention consists in the fact that the guide pegs
are reinforced by means of ribs, wherein the guide pegs are formed
with rib-shaped extensions which extend towards the grooves. It is
also possible that the grooves are formed by channels at the inner
surface of the side walls, wherein the walls of the channels
provide reinforcement ribs at the outer surface of the side walls,
and wherein the thickness of the material of the channels at at
least some portions thereof is higher than at the remaining wall
portions. By these measures, reinforcement ribs are provided which
substantially have the shape of the grooves. The sidewalls can be
inclined to allow improved engagement of the grooves of a lower
container with the guide pegs of an upper container. Further, the
thickness of said ribs at or near the guide pegs can be higher and,
thereafter, the thickness decreases. The advantage of this
configuration is an essentially higher strength of the guide pegs
and, therefore, use of less expensive and less rigid materials or a
decreased wall thickness with the same material is possible to
reduce the weight of the container.
[0038] When a plunge movement inside one another or a take out
movement in only one direction has to realized, a symmetrical
arrangement of the guide pegs is not necessary. It is therefore
possible to provide the transport containers with only two or three
guide pegs and grooves at each side wall (the use of four or more
guide pegs is also possible, of course). This makes the transport
container less complex and easier to produce.
[0039] When using two guide pegs and two grooves at each side of
the container, the packing personnel immediately realizes the
correct direction of the plunge movement. Further, a plunge
movement in wrong direction is prevented, first, by the different
distances of the guide pegs and the grooves and, second, by the
reinforcement ribs which extend in the direction of the grooves.
When three or more guide pegs are used, the distances of the guide
pegs must not be symmetrical; for example, the distances can
increase, seen in one direction.
[0040] A further important feature is the provision of a guide
groove formed at the upper surface of the rail, with slide ribs
formed at the guide pegs of a respective upper transport container
can slide within said guide groove. This is, in the upper support
surface of the rail of each of the side walls, a groove having a
V-shaped cross-section is provided, wherein the outermost inner
surface of said groove substantially extends in vertical direction,
and the innermost inner surface is slanted. At the bottom surface
of the guide pegs, slide ribs having a corresponding cross-section
are formed. This configuration has the advantage that, when two
transport containers being stacked one above the other, the
inwardly directed and slanted surface of the guide ribs at the
guide pegs of the upper container abuts against the also slanted
and outwardly directed surface of the guide groove, whereby, in
case of loading (the upper container is filled with products), the
side walls of the lower container are pushed together. Therefore,
it is possible, without any problems, that more that 15 transport
containers filled with products being stacked one above the other,
without the side walls of the transport container underneath, which
are slightly slanted in outward direction, being push away from
each other. This is a very important feature, in particular in case
of heat influence when the products within the containers are
dried.
[0041] In case of containers being provided with three or more (for
example four) guide pegs and grooves, it is preferred that the
central guide peg(s) are arranged somewhat deeper compared to both
outer guide pegs such that only the central guide pegs slide in the
above described rail, wherein these guide pegs are formed with the
above described tapered slide ribs which slide within the
correspondingly formed guide groove to achieve the side walls to be
pushed together and to prevent the side walls to be pushed away
from each other, in case of a force applied from above.
[0042] A further advantage of the transport container according to
the invention consists in the fact that a good ratio of filled
volume:empty volume is achieved. This means that the volume of
transport containers stacked on top of one another compared with
the volume of transport containers placed inside one another is
relatively large. This good filled:empty ratio preferably amounts
to 2:1 or better and is achieved in that the side walls and the
front or rear wall of the transport container according to the
invention are only slightly inclined relative to the vertical,
which means that the transport container according to the invention
has a very large filled volume. The formation of slits/grooves in
the side walls however at the same time means that the transport
containers can be placed deep inside each other.
[0043] Yet another advantage of the transport container according
to the invention consists in the fact that there are no movable
parts which can break. In addition the transport container
according to the invention is compatible with other transport
containers.
[0044] Finally the transport container according to the invention
is easy to clean.
[0045] Preferred forms of construction of the invention are now
described with reference to the attached drawings; these show:
[0046] FIG. 1 a diagrammatic perspective view of a first form of
construction of the first embodiment of the stackable/nesting
transport container according to the invention, with the shape of
the grooves is shown in a diagrammatic way;
[0047] FIG. 2 a diagrammatic perspective view of a second form of
construction of the first embodiment of the stackable/nesting
transport container according to the invention, with the shape of
the grooves is shown in a diagrammatic way;
[0048] FIG. 3 a diagrammatic front view of two transport containers
according to the invention from FIG. 2, represented stacked one on
top of the other;
[0049] FIG. 4 a diagrammatic side view of two transport containers
according to the invention from FIG. 2, arranged one above the
other with space between;
[0050] FIG. 5 a diagrammatic side view of two transport containers
according to the invention, arranged one above the other with space
between but slightly offset against each other;
[0051] FIG. 6 a diagrammatic side view, similar to FIGS. 4 and 5,
of two transport containers according to the invention arranged one
above the other with space between and in opposite orientation
compared to FIGS. 4 and 5, with the grooves formed in the side
walls of the transport containers arranged in opposite
orientation;
[0052] FIG. 7 a diagrammatic side view of two transport containers
according to the invention in opposite orientation, arranged one
inside the other, with the grooves formed in the side walls of the
transport container arranged in opposite orientation;
[0053] FIG. 8 a view, similar to FIG. 7, but with the grooves
formed in the side walls arranged in the same orientation;
[0054] FIG. 9 a diagrammatic side view of four transport containers
according to the invention, arranged one inside the others with the
grooves formed in the side walls of the lower three transport
containers arranged in the same orientation;
[0055] FIG. 10 a diagrammatic side view of five transport
containers according to the invention, arranged one inside the
other, with the grooves formed in the side walls of the transport
containers arranged in different orientations;
[0056] FIG. 11 a diagrammatic representation showing the
progressive insertion of an upper transport container into a
transport container underneath;
[0057] FIG. 12 a diagrammatic representation of how the external
(outermost) guide pegs of an upper container are inserted step by
step into the grooves of a transport container underneath, to place
the upper transport container inside the lower transport
container;
[0058] FIG. 13 a diagrammatic representation of a third form of
construction of the first embodiment of the transport container
according to the invention, in which the front wall and the rear
wall are lower in height than the side walls;
[0059] FIG. 14 a diagrammatic representation of a form of
construction of the second embodiment of the transport container
according to the invention;
[0060] FIG. 15a a top view of the transport container from FIG.
14;
[0061] FIG. 15b a front view of the transport container from FIG.
14;
[0062] FIG. 15c a side view of the transport container from FIG.
14, with the groove having different shapes;
[0063] FIG. 15d a detailed area of the front view of FIG. 14 in
enlarged scale;
[0064] FIG. 16 a diagrammatic representation of a third embodiment
of a transport container according to the invention, in which the
side walls, the front wall and the rear wall have a step-like
configuration;
[0065] FIGS. 17a and 17b a diagrammatic top view and cross
sectional view of the central and outermost guide pegs;
[0066] FIG. 18 a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a side wall
of the transport container from FIG. 16;
[0067] FIG. 19 a diagrammatic and not in correct scale of the
transport container shown in FIG. 16 in which the shape of the
grooves and guide pegs formed at the side walls are shown, as well
as a diagrammatic cross sectional view along line A-A showing the
structure of the grooves in the side walls;
[0068] FIGS. 20a and 20b a diagrammatic view of a transport
container according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0069] FIGS. 21a and 21b a diagrammatic view of a transport
container according to a modification of the embodiment from FIGS.
20a and 20b of the present invention;
[0070] FIGS. 22a and 22b a diagrammatic view of a transport
container according to a modification of the embodiment from FIGS.
20a, 20b, 21a and 21b of the present invention; and
[0071] FIG. 23 a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the
guide peg and the guide groove.
[0072] FIG. 1 shows a perspective representation of a first form of
construction of the first embodiment of the stackable/nesting
transport container 1 according to the invention. The transport
container 1 has a bottom 2 that may be a continuous surface which
may as an option have crosspieces underneath to increase the
stability of the bottom. Alternatively, however the bottom 2 can
also be perforated or have a cellular structure. The bottom 2 is
preferably rectangular, but may also have rounded or differently
shaped corners. From the bottom 2 of the transport container 1 a
front wall 3, a rear wall 4, a left side wall 5 and a right side
wall 6 extend to form a receptacle open towards the top. The bottom
2, the front wall 3, the rear wall 4, the left side wall 5 and the
right side wall 6 are preferably made from plastic, although other
materials can be used. The front wall 3, the rear wall 4, the left
side wall 5 and the right side wall 6 are preferably inclined
slightly outwards, to enable individual transport containers 1 to
be placed one inside the other.
[0073] In the inner surface of the left side wall 5 four grooves
7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are formed, which are inclined relative to the
vertical. In the inner surface of the right side wall 6
corresponding grooves 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are formed, that are
inclined to the vertical in the same arrangement as the grooves 7a,
7b, 7c and 7d in the inner surface of the left side wall 5. The
grooves 7a-7d and 8a-8d are shown in a diagrammatic representation;
the special way in which these individual grooves are inclined will
be described in detail below.
[0074] On the upper edge of the front wall 3, the rear wall 4, the
left side wall 5 and the right side wall 6 there is a broad
circumferential edge/rail 9, which preferably has a rectangular
cross-section. Alternatively it is possible that only the upper
edges of the left side wall 5 and the right side wall 6 are formed
with such a rail 9 or such a broad edge. The rail 9 on the upper
edge of front wall 3 and rear wall 4 serves preferably to increase
the stability of the transport container 1.
[0075] As can be clearly seen in FIG. 1, the grooves 7a-7d of the
left side wall 5 and the grooves 8a-8d of the right side wall 6
extend upwards to the upper surface of the rail 9 and are closed at
bottom, forming groove stops 10a-10d at the lower end of grooves
7a-7d and groove stops 11a-11d (not shown) at the lower end of
grooves 8a-8d. The groove stops 10a-10d and 11a-11d all lay in one
horizontal plane.
[0076] On the outer surface of the left side wall 5 there are four
guide pegs 12a-12d (not shown), and on the outer surface of the
right side wall 6 there are four guide pegs 13a-13d. These guide
pegs are preferably formed in the lower area of the outer surface
of the side walls at the level of the bottom or just above it, and
also all lie in one horizontal plane. The guide pegs preferably
have a round cross-section but can also have a polygonal
cross-section, extend in a horizontal direction and are preferably
rounded off at their outer ends. In addition, on the outer surface
of the left side wall 5, at its ends near to the front wall 3 and
rear wall 4 respectively, at the level of the bottom 2 there are
retaining pegs 14a, 14b (not shown), and on the outer surface of
the right side wall 6, at its ends near to the front wall 3 and
rear wall 4 respectively, at the level of the bottom 2 there are
also retaining pegs 15a, 15b.
[0077] In the upper surface of the rail 9 of the left side wall S
and the right side wall 6 there are also four recesses 16a-16d and
17a-17d respectively. The recesses preferably have a semi-circular
cross-section or a cross-section that matches the cross-section of
the guide pegs.. The function of the grooves, guide pegs and
recesses is described in detail below.
[0078] FIG. 2 shows a second form of the first embodiment of the
stackable/nesting transport container 20, with the same reference
numbers being used to designate the same elements in both
figures.
[0079] The essential difference between the stackable transport
container 1 of the first form of construction from FIG. 1 and the
stackable transport container 20 of the second form of construction
from FIG. 2 consists in the fact that the grooves 7a-7d in the left
side wall 5 and the grooves 8a-8d in the right side wall 6 extend
completely through the side walls, thus forming slits or cuts. In
the description of the following FIGS. 3 to 13, reference will
still be made to grooves, both with respect to the grooves in these
figures that do not go through the wall, as in FIG. 1, and also
grooves that do go through the wall, as in FIG. 2. The advantage of
the grooves going through the wall (slits) is that the material of
the side walls can be thinner and the side walls do not need to be
so sharply inclined. If for example it is necessary for the
transport container to form a watertight trough, then it is
necessary to use grooves that do not go through the walls.
[0080] FIG. 13 shows a third form of construction of the transport
container 30 according to the invention. The only difference
between this container and the transport containers from FIGS. 1
and 2 is that the front wall 3 and the rear wall 4 are smaller in
height than the side walls 5 and 6. The advantage of this shortened
side or rear wall 3, 4 consists in the fact that the transport
containers can nest deeper inside one another. The grooves can have
a form as in FIG. 1 or in FIG. 2.
[0081] As is further to be seen in FIG. 2, the grooves 7a-7d and
8a-8d do not go through at the level of the rail 9, so that an
outer section of the rail 9 remains in the area of the grooves, to
increase the stability of the transport container 20. Otherwise,
the construction of the transport container 20 is similar to that
of the transport container 1. In the front wall 3 and the rear wall
4, there may preferably be openings 18, 19 which are designed to
make it easier to grasp and carry the container 20 with the hands.
Further, there may be additional openings in the side wall below
the groove or between the grooves. The openings in the front wall,
the rear wall and/or both side walls can however also be provided
in the transport containers of FIGS. 1 and 13.
[0082] FIG. 3 shows a front view of two transport containers 20',
20'' that are stacked one on top of the other. This stacking
arrangement, with one container on top of the other, is preferred
when the transport containers are filled with product. As FIG. 3
clearly shows, the guide pegs 12a-d on the left side wall 5 of the
upper transport container 20' rest in the recesses 16a-d, which are
formed in the rail 9 of the lower transport container 20''.
Similarly, the guide pegs 13a-d formed on the right side wall 6 of
the upper transport container 20' rest in the recesses 17a-d, which
are formed in the rail 9 of the lower transport container 20''.
This ensures that the transport container 20' will not slip out of
place relative to the lower transport container 20''. In the same
way further transport containers 20 can be stacked on top of the
upper transport container 20'.
[0083] It is clear that the distances between the individual guide
pegs 12a-d and 13a-d respectively are in each case equal to the
distances between the corresponding recesses 16a-d and 17a-d
respectively. It is further clear that because of the method of
representation in FIG. 3 only the front guide pegs 12a and 13a, and
the front recesses 16a and 17a can be seen.
[0084] FIG. 4 shows a side view of two transport containers 20' and
20'', positioned one above the other, in order to be stacked one on
top of the other. However for clarity of representation, the rail 9
on both the transport containers 20', 20'' has been omitted. FIG. 4
clearly shows that the guide pegs 13a-d on the visible right side
wall 6 of the upper transport container 20' in each case have the
same distance between them as the associated recesses 17a-d of the
transport container 20'' underneath. The same of course also
applies to the distances between the guide pegs 12a-d on the left
side wall 5 (not shown) of the upper container 20' and the
distances between the corresponding recesses 16a-d in the upper
edge of the left side wall 5 of the transport container 20''
underneath. In this way it can be ensured that in the stacked
position all the guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d of the upper transport
container 20' can engage directly with the corresponding 16a-d and
17a-d respectively, of the transport container 20'' underneath,
when the upper transport container 20' and the lower transport
container 20'' are situated in precise vertical alignment relative
to one another.
[0085] The distance between the guide pegs 13a and 13b is
preferably equal to the distance between the guide pegs 13c and
13d; this distance is preferably not the same as the distance
between the guide pegs 13b and 13c. The same applies to the guide
pegs 12a-12d on the left side wall of the transport container. The
distances between the recesses 16a-d and 17a-d respectively are
corresponding. Consequently the distances between the guide pegs
and the recesses are designed to be in mirror symmetry to each
other. In this way two or more guide pegs can only engage with the
associated recesses if the upper transport container is placed in
precise vertical alignment to the lower transport container. This
means that the upper transport container can be pushed more easily
onto the lower transport container, without the guide pegs being
able to engage with the wrong recesses during the pushing movement.
If, when being pushed on, a guide peg is in alignment with the
wrong recess, it cannot however engage with this recess, as the
upper transport container will be held on the upper edge of the
rail by the other guide pegs that because of the different
distances explained above cannot be in alignment with the recesses
underneath. Only when all the guide pegs of the upper transport
container are in alignment with all the corresponding recesses of
the lower transport container can the upper transport container be
lowered, which means that all the guide pegs of the upper transport
container engage simultaneously with the appropriate recesses of
the lower transport container.
[0086] FIGS. 1-13 show the transport containers each with four
guide pegs, four recesses and four grooves on each side of the
transport container. The distance between the guide pegs 12a and
12b (and 13a and 13b) is equal to the distance between the guide
pegs 12c and 12d (and 13c and 13d), for example 15 cm. The distance
between the guide pegs 12b and 12c (and 13b and 13c) is different
and amounts, for example, to 20 cm. The distances between the
associated recesses are corresponding. Consequently the distances
between the guide pegs and the recesses are in mirror symmetry to
each other. It is clear that it is also possible to have a
different number of guide pegs, recesses and grooves. Thus for
example it is possible to have two, three or more than four guide
pegs, recesses and grooves respectively on each side of the
transport container according to the invention. With regard to the
distance between the guide pegs and the recesses it is only
important that the guide pegs of the upper transport container
engage with the recesses in the lower transport container, when the
two transport containers are in the stacking position relative to
one another. It is moreover important that the distances between
the guide pegs and the recesses respectively are in each case
selected so that the guide pegs of the upper transport container
engage with the recesses of the lower transport container in both
alignments of the transport container to each other, i.e. in the
alignment shown in FIG. 4 and in the alignment turned round
180.degree. (see FIG. 6), if both transport containers are stacked
on top of one another in the correct position relative to each
other.
[0087] As is also shown clearly by FIG. 4, the distances between
the lower groove stops 11a-d are equal to the distances between the
associated guide pegs 13a-d. Preferably, the groove stops 11a-d are
in vertical alignment with the associated guide pegs 13a-d. The
same also of course applies to the groove stops 10a-d and the guide
pegs 12a-d on the left side wall 5 (not shown) of the transport
container. It is clear that these conditions also apply to a
transport container that has a different number of guide pegs and
grooves, as explained above.
[0088] FIG. 4 also shows that the distances between the upper
openings of the grooves 7a-d and 8a-d differ from the distances
between the associated guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d respectively.
This prevents the guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d respectively, when the
lower transport container 20'' and the upper transport container
20' are each placed in a horizontal position, from all becoming
vertically aligned with one another. If the upper transport
container 20' in FIG. 4 is pushed from left to right in a
horizontal position onto the transport container 20'' underneath,
in each case only one or two of the guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d on
the left side wall 5 and on the right side wall 6 respectively, of
the upper transport container 20' can come into alignment with an
upper opening of the grooves 7a-d and 8a-d of the left side wall 5
and the right side wall 6 respectively, of the lower transport
containers 20''; the other guide pegs slide on the upper edge of
the rail. This ensures that the upper transport container 20', when
pushed from left to right on the transport container 20''
underneath, so that the guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d slide along the
upper edge of the rail 9, cannot inadvertently get into the nesting
position in relation to the lower transport container 20'', as the
guide pegs 12a-d and 13a-d cannot all simultaneously come into
alignment with the upper openings of the grooves 7a-d and 8a-d
respectively, and thus cannot all simultaneously slip into the
grooves 7a-d and 8a-d respectively. The way in which the upper
transport container 20' can be brought to nest inside the lower
transport container 20'' is described in detail below.
[0089] FIG. 5 shows in detail how the upper transport container 20'
is pushed onto the lower transport container 20'' with reference to
FIG. 4. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the right guide peg 13d on the
right side wall 6 of the upper transport container 20' is located
in alignment with the upper opening of the groove 8d in the right
side wall 6 of the lower transport container 20'' and could easily
slide into the groove 8d by virtue of its own weight. However this
is prevented by the fact that the other three guide pegs 13a, b and
c on the right side wall 6 of the upper transport container 20' are
not in alignment with the upper openings of their associated
grooves 8a, 8b and 8c in the right side wall 6 of the lower
transport container 20'', but instead are held and supported on the
upper edge/rail 9 or the right side wall 6 of the lower transport
container 20''. If the upper transport container 20' is pushed
still further to the right, the guide peg 13d of the upper
transport container 20' comes to rest on the upper edge of the rail
9 of the right side wall 6 of the lower transport container 20'',
the guide peg 13c of the upper transport container 20' comes into
alignment with the upper opening of the groove 8c of the lower
transport container 20'', whilst the guide pegs 13a and 13b of the
upper transport container 20' come to rest on the upper edge of the
rail 9 of the right side wall 6 of the lower transport container
20''. As already explained above, the distances between the guide
pegs of the upper transport containers and the distances between
the recesses in the lower transport container 20'' are preferably
selected so that the guide pegs of the upper transport container
20' only engage with the recesses of the lower transport container
20'', when all four guide pegs of the upper transport container 20'
are in vertical alignment with the associated four recesses of the
lower transport container 20''. In this case it cannot happen that
during the pushing of the upper transport container 20' onto the
lower transport container 20'', for example three guide pegs 13b, c
and d of the upper transport container engage with the recesses
17a, b and c of the lower transport container. This considerably
simplifies the pushing of the upper transport container 20' onto
the lower transport container 20''.
[0090] It is clear that the above considerations, which because of
the representation in FIGS. 5 and 6 relate in each case to the
right side walls 5 of the upper transport container 20', and the
lower transport container 20'', also apply in each case to the left
side walls 6 of the upper transport container 20' and the lower
transport container 20'', as the transport containers have a
symmetrical construction in each case.
[0091] FIG. 6 is a representation, similar to that in FIGS. 4 and
5, in which the alignment of the grooves of the upper transport
container 20' (which are directed from the right at the bottom to
the left at the top) differs from the alignment of the grooves of
the lower transport container 20'' (which are directed from the
left at the bottom to the right at the top). It can also be seen
here that the guide pegs of the upper transport container are in
alignment with the associated recesses of the lower transport
container. The considerations relating to FIG. 5 on the pushing of
the upper transport container 20' onto the lower transport
container 20'' also of course apply to the orientation of the two
transport containers 20', 20'' shown in FIG. 6.
[0092] FIG. 7 shows the case in which the upper transport container
20' is nesting inside the lower transport container 20''. Here it
can be seen that the distances between the guide pegs 13a-d of the
upper transport container are equal to the distances between the
groove stops 11a-d of the lower transport container 20'', so that
the guide pegs of the upper transport container 20', sit precisely
in the lower closed end of the grooves 8a-d of the lower transport
container 20'', and fit precisely against the groove stops 11a-d of
the lower transport container 20''. FIG. 7 shows the case in which
the alignment of the grooves of the upper transport container 20'
is different from the alignment of the grooves of the lower
transport container 20''.
[0093] FIG. 8 shows the case in which the upper transport container
20' is nesting inside the lower transport container 20''. Here the
grooves of the upper transport container are in the same alignment
as the grooves of the lower transport container, as this is also
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this case also, the guide pegs of the
upper transport container 20' engage precisely with the groove
stops of the lower transport container 20''.
[0094] FIGS. 9 and 10 show several transport containers nesting one
inside the other, with the orientation of these transport
containers differing from one another. It is clearly shown that it
is completely immaterial, in which orientation the transport
containers are placed one inside the other. Unlike some transport
containers according to the state of the art, with the transport
container according to the invention, no rotation around
180.degree. is necessary; in addition no movable parts are
necessary.
[0095] FIG. 11 shows schematically how the upper transport
container 20' can be placed inside the lower transport container
20''. The following description again relates only to the right
side wall 6 of the upper transport container 20' or the lower
transport container 20'' respectively, but it is of course clear
that these considerations also apply in each case to the left side
walls 5 of the upper transport container 20' and the lower
transport container 20'', or the associated grooves, groove stops
and guide pegs, which are arranged on the left side wall 5 of the
upper/lower transport container 20', 20''.
[0096] It can be seen that the upper transport container 20' is
placed inside the lower transport container 20'' in a position
sloping downwards. First of all the front guide pegs (FIG. 11 shows
only the right guide peg 13d of the upper transport container) are
inserted into the upper openings of the front groove 8d into the
groove 8d of the lower transport container. Because of the sloping
position of the upper transport container 20' relative to the lower
transport container 20'', if the front guide peg 13a of the upper
container 20' is pushed deeply enough into the front groove 8a of
the lower transport container, the guide peg 13c can also be
inserted through the upper opening of the second groove 8c into
this groove 8c of the lower transport container. If the guide pegs
13d and 13c of the upper transport container 20' are pushed further
into their associated grooves 8d and 8c, then the guide peg 13b of
the upper transport container 20' comes into alignment with the
groove 8b of the lower transport container 20'' and can be pushed
into it. If the upper transport container 20' is inserted further,
at some point the guide peg 13a of the upper transport container
20' engages with the groove 8a of the lower transport container
20'' and can be pushed into it.
[0097] It is clear that the upper transport container 20' can only
be placed inside the lower transport container 20'' by means of a
kind of plunging movement. As explained above, the upper transport
container cannot thus be inadvertently pushed into the lower
transport container, preventing the produce inside the lower
transport container from being inadvertently damaged.
[0098] FIG. 12 once again shows the plunging movement of the upper
transport container into the lower transport container, but with
the outline of the upper transport container omitted, to enable the
progressive movement of the guide pegs of the upper transport
container into the grooves of the lower transport container to be
represented better.
[0099] This way of plunging the upper transport container 20' into
the lower transport container 20'' also results in increased
stability. It also guarantees that transport containers placed one
inside the other can be unstacked without difficulty. As already
mentioned, the guide pegs are slightly beveled, which makes it
easier to push the guide pegs into the grooves and also facilitates
unstacking (manually or automatically).
[0100] FIG. 14 shows a form of construction of the
stackable/nesting transport container 40 according to the second
embodiment of the invention. The difference relative to the
transport containers according to the first embodiment from FIGS.
1, 2 and 13 consists in the fact that the grooves 7a-7d in the left
side wall 5 and the grooves 8a-8d in the right side wall 6 extend
at an angle to the vertical and have in general all the same
shape.
[0101] On the upper edge of the front wall 3, the rear wall 4, the
left side wall 5 and the right side wall 6 there is a edge/rail 9.
The front wall 3 is lower in height than the other three walls. The
rail 9 on the upper edge of front wall 3 and rear wall 4 serves
preferably to increase the stability of the transport container
40.
[0102] As can be clearly seen in FIG. 14, the grooves 7a-7d of the
left side wall 5 and the grooves 8a-8d of the right side wall 6
extend upwards to the upper surface of the rail 9 and are closed at
bottom, forming groove stops at the lower end of grooves.
[0103] On the outer surface of the left side wall 5 there are four
guide pegs 12a-12d (not shown), and on the outer surface of the
right side wall 6 there are four guide pegs 13a-13d. The guide pegs
preferably have a round cross-section but can also have a polygonal
cross-section, extend in a horizontal direction and are preferably
rounded off at their outer ends. The two outermost guide pegs 12a,
12d and 13a, 13b respectively at the left side wall and at the
right side wall are longer and thinner than the central guide pegs
12b, 12c and 13b, 13c respectively at the left side wall and the
right side wall 5, 6.
[0104] In the upper surface of the rail 9 of the left side wall 5
and the right side wall 6 there are also four recesses 16a-16d and
17a-17d respectively. The recesses preferably have a semi-circular
cross-section or a cross-section that matches the cross-section of
the guide pegs. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 14, the outermost
recesses 16a, 16d and 17a, 17d respectively are deeper and have a
smaller diameter for being able to receive the corresponding
outermost guide pegs 12a, 12d and 13a, 13d respectively.
Accordingly, the central recesses 16b, 16c and 17b, 17c
respectively are shallower and have a larger diameter for being
able to receive the corresponding central guide pegs 12b, 12c and
13b, 13c respectively.
[0105] In a similar way, the openings of the grooves are shaped to
correspond to the shape and dimensions of the respective guide pegs
12a-d and 13a-13d. As can be clearly seen in FIG. 14, the openings
of the outermost grooves 7a, 7d and 8a, 8d respectively are deeper
and narrower for being able to receive the respective longer and
thinner outermost guide pegs 12a, 12d and 13a, 13d respectively.
Further, the openings of the central grooves 7b, 7c and 8b, 8c
respectively are more shallow and wide for being able to receive
the shorter and thicker central guide pegs 12b, 12c and 13b, 13c
respectively.
[0106] It is obvious that, when an upper transport container 40 is
pushed over a lower transport container 40 in pushing direction,
the front outermost longer guide pegs 12d and 13d slide over the
central more shallow groove openings 16b, 16c and 17b, 17c
respectively and over the openings of the central grooves 7b, 7c
and 8b, 8c respectively and can only penetrate into the outermost
deeper and more shallow recesses 16d and 17d respectively or into
the outermost deeper and more shallow grooves 7d and 8d
respectively.
[0107] In FIG. 14, it can also be seen that at the upper surface of
the rail 9 (preferably at the outer corners thereof) upward ribs
50a, 50c and 50d are provided. These ribs are arranged to engage
with the outer edge of the bottom of a known baker's tray stacked
on top of the transport container 40 according to the invention. In
particular, these ribs 50a, 50c and 50d are important for the
transport container 40 which has a front wall 3 and/or rear wall 4
which is lower in height than the side walls 5, 6 and when the
projections on the underside of the bottom of the known upper
baker's tray do not engage with the rail of the front wall and/or
rear wall of the transport container underneath of the invention.
In this case, the ribs 50a, 50c and 50d engage with the outer edge
of the bottom of the baker's tray thus preventing that the baker's
tray can slide off the rail 9 of the transport container 40
underneath in forward or rearward direction. It is obvious that the
ribs 50a, 50c and 50d can also be provided at the respective forms
of construction of the transport containers 1, 20 and 40 of first
embodiment of the invention.
[0108] FIG. 15a shows a top view of the transport container 40 of
the second form of construction according to the invention. FIGS.
15b and 15c show a front view and a side view, respectively, of the
transport container 40 from FIG. 15a, which is provided with
grooves as used in the first form of construction, however. FIG.
15d shows a detail of the front view from FIG. 15b in enlarged
scale, to better represent the dimensions of the guide pegs.
[0109] FIG. 16 shows a perspective representation of a third and
most preferred form of construction of the first embodiment of the
stackable/nesting transport container 50 according to the
invention. This transport container 50 has a bottom 2 that may be a
continuous surface that may as an option have crosspieces
underneath to increase the stability of the bottom. Alternatively,
however the bottom 2 can also be perforated or have a cellular
structure. The bottom 2 is preferably rectangular, but may also
have rounded or differently shaped corners. From the bottom 2 of
the transport container 50 a front wall 3, a rear wall 4, a left
side wall 5 and a right side wall 6 extend to form a receptacle
open towards the top. The bottom 2, the front wall 3, the rear wall
4, the left side wall 5 and the right side wall 6 are preferably
made from plastic, although other materials can be used. The front
wall 3, the rear wall 4, the left side wall 5 and the right side
wall 6 each have a substantially vertically extending lower wall
portion 103, 104, 105 and 106, and a substantially vertically
extending upper wall portion 203, 204, 205 and 206. As can be seen
in FIG. 16, the lower wall portions 103 -106 extend more inwardly,
and the upper wall portions 203-206 extend more outwardly, so that
the horizontal cross section plane extending between the lower wall
portions is smaller than the horizontal cross section plane
extending between the upper wall portions. The lower and upper wall
portions are connected by means of a slightly inclined outwardly
extending connecting portion 207 which extends inclined outwardly
and upwardly from the upper edge of the lower wall portions to the
lower edge of the upper wall portions. Substantially at the level
of the connecting portion 207, an outwardly extending horizontal
flange (303 and 306 in FIGS. 18 and 19) is formed at the outer
surface of the side walls and, if desired, at the front wall and/of
the rear wall. When two transport containers are placed inside one
another, the downward surface of the flange 303, 306 of the upper
transport container lies on the upward surface of the upper wall
portions of the side walls and, if present, of the front wall
and/of the rear wall of the transport container underneath. By
means of such a construction, the stability of the stack is
increased and the load of the guide pegs of the upper transport
container supported on the groove stops of the transport container
underneath is reduced.
[0110] The transport container 50 shown in FIG. 16 preferably has a
total length of about 60 cm and a total width of about 40 cm,
wherein the lower wall portions 103-106 preferably have a height of
about 8 cm, and the upper wall portions 203-206 preferably have a
height of about 7 cm so that the total height of the transport
container is about 15 cm. The grooves 7a-7d and 8a-8d are formed
through the upper wall portions 203-206 and between outwardly
protruding wall sections 207a-207d as shown in the cross sectional
view of FIG. 19. A possible design of the grooves 7a-7d is shown in
FIG. 19, for example, with the grooves 8a-8d in the opposed side
wall are identical. In this way, by means of such a construction of
the grooves 7a-7d and 8a-8d a plurality of strengthening ribs are
formed on the outside of the upper wall portions 205 and 206 for
increasing the stability of the transport container 50.
[0111] As shown in FIGS. 17a, 17b and 19, the guide pegs 12a-12d
and 13a-13d have different shapes. The two outer guide pegs 12a,
12d, 13a and 13d have a drop shape, and the inner guide pegs 12b,
12c, 13b and 13c have a substantially semi-circular shape. The
outermost ends of all guide pegs are provided with downwardly
extending protrusions (213a and 213b in FIGS. 17a and 17b, for
example) adapted for engaging with an rib or edge (406 in FIG. 18)
formed at the upper surface of the upper wall portions of the side
walls. These protrusions can also engage with the support surface
of the groove stops (10a-10d in FIG. 19) when both transport
containers are placed inside one another. By means of the drop
shape (see guide peg 13a in FIG. 17b) or by means of the
semi-circular shape (see guide peg 13b in FIG. 17a) of the guide
pegs insertion of the guide pegs into the grooves is
facilitated.
[0112] Preferably, the guide pegs 13a and 13b have a distance of
about 13 cm. Preferably, the guide pegs 13b and 13c have a distance
of about 16 cm. Preferably, the guide pegs 13c and 13d have a
distance of about 13 cm. The guide pegs 12a-12d on the opposite
side wall have the same distances. Preferably, the recesses 16a and
16b have a distance of about 13 cm. Preferably, the recesses 16b
and 16c have a distance of about 16 cm. Preferably, the recesses
16c and 16d have a distance of about 13 cm. The recesses 17a-17d on
the opposite side wall have the same distances. Preferably, the
groove openings 21a and 21b have a distance of about 13 cm.
Preferably, the groove openings 21b and 21c have a distance of
about 15 cm. Preferably, the groove openings 21c and 21d have a
distance of about 10.5 cm. The groove openings 22a-22d on the
opposite side wall have the same distances.
[0113] FIGS. 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b and 22a, 22b show particularly
preferred configurations of the transport container of the present
invention. In these configurations, a plunge movement of the upper
container into the container underneath is possible in one
direction only. Thereby, "mixed" insertion inside one another of a
plurality of transport containers stacked one above the other is
prevented. Therefore, also unstacking is conducted in only one
direction, with the advantage that the packing personnel or the
packing apparatus must work in one direction only. The advantage
thereof consists in the fact that a stack of transport containers,
positioned directly in front of a wall or in front of another stack
of containers, must not be pulled forward when a incorrectly
stacked container has to be removed from the stack in rearward
direction (instead in forward direction). It is obvious that this
feature is very important with respect to empty containers inserted
one into another.
[0114] As can be seen in FIGS. 20a and 20b, the transport container
comprises two guide pegs 500 a-d and two grooves 502 a-d at each
side thereof. The distances between the groove openings 503 a-d at
each side are different from the distances between the
corresponding guide pegs. It is obvious that the above described
plunge movement is also necessary in this case to insert an upper
container into the container underneath. It is also obvious that
said plunge movement is possible in one direction only such that an
incorrect plunge movement (i.e. from the opposite direction) is not
possible.
[0115] In FIGS. 21a and 21b, a modification of the container of
FIGS. 20a and 20b is shown. At this container, three guide pegs 600
a-f and three grooves 602a-f are provided at each side. The
distances between the groove openings 603 a-f at each side are
different from the distances between the corresponding guide pegs.
Further, the distances between the guide pegs 600 a-f are different
at each side of the container. Thus, it is obvious that the above
described plunge movement is also necessary in this case to insert
an upper container into the container underneath, and that said
plunge movement is possible in one direction only such that an
incorrect plunge movement (i.e. from the opposite direction) is not
possible. In FIGS. 21a and 21b, it can also be seen that the
central guide pegs 600 b, e are positioned slightly deeper than the
two outermost guide pegs 600 a, c, d, f.
[0116] In FIGS. 22a and 22b, a further modification of the
container of FIGS. 20a,b and 21a,b is shown. At this container,
four guide pegs 700 a-f and four grooves 702 a-f are provided at
each side. The distances between the groove openings 703 a-h at
each side are different from the distances between the guide pegs.
Further, the distances between the guide pegs 700 a-h are all
different at each side of the container. Thus, it is obvious that
the described plunge movement is necessary to insert an upper
container into the container underneath, and that said plunge
movement is possible in one direction only such that an incorrect
plunge movement (i.e. from the opposite direction) is not possible.
A plunge movement from opposite directions is not possible as the
distances of the guide pegs are not symmetrically distributed (i.e.
the distances between the two outer guide pegs are the same, but
are different from the distances between the two central guide
pegs), instead, all three distances at each side are different from
each other. In FIGS. 22a, 22b, it can also be seen that the central
guide pegs 700 b, c, f, g are positioned slightly deeper than the
two outermost guide pegs 700 a, d, e, h.
[0117] A further important aspect of the invention, shown in FIGS.
20a, 20b to 22a, 22b, consists in the fact that a reinforcement rib
VR is formed at each of the guide pegs. The reinforcement rib VR
may either be formed by a suitable reinforcement of the material
(i.e. the material is thicker at the rib) or by a suitable shaping
of the material at the sidewalls at the reinforcement ribs. In each
case, the strength of the guide pegs is substantially improved such
that breaking of the guide pegs is effectively prevented. In this
way, it is possible to avoid the use of expensive plastic material
which is reinforced with glass fibers, for example. Instead, a
conventional plastic material may be used. As the technically
complex mixing of glass fiber particles into the plastic material
may be avoided, material costs and production costs can be
substantially reduced.
[0118] Another important feature is the configuration of the guide
pegs G itself and the configuration of the guide groove FN. As
diagrammatically shown in FIG. 23, the guide groove FN of a
container B according to the invention comprises a sloped side
surface 800 which is adapted to engage with a correspondingly
sloped surface 801 of a slide rib 803 formed at a bottom side of
the guide peg 802 of an upper container B. It is obvious that the
sidewall of the lower container B even in case of applying high
forces by the upper container, i.e. via the respective guide peg
802, not being pushed in outward direction, which would result in
that the guide pegs disengage from the upper edge of the side wall
of the lower container. Instead, the side wall is pushed in inward
direction by means of the engagement of the correspondingly sloped
surfaces 800 and 801 of the guide groove FN and the slide ribs 803,
thereby preventing disengagement even in case of applying high
forces by the upper container.
* * * * *