Stackable system container

Abstract

A stackable system container includes a bottom part and a lid part fastened to the bottom part. Respective coupling devices are movably fastened to two opposite side walls of the bottom part. In order to enable dimensionally stable and connected stacking of structurally identical system containers and also modular stacking of different system containers, each coupling device can be moved between an idle position, in which the coupling device is arranged below a top side of the lid part, and a coupling position, in which the coupling device projects beyond the top side of the lid part.

Claims

1. A stackable system container comprising: a bottom part; a lid fastened to the bottom part; and a first coupling device fastened movably to one side wall of the bottom part or lid, and a second coupling device fastened movably to an opposite side wall of the bottom part or lid, wherein each of the coupling devices is movable between a rest position, in which each of the coupling devices is arranged beneath the top of the lid, and a coupling position, in which each of the coupling devices protrudes beyond the top of the lid, wherein a locking element is movably fastened to at least one of the coupling devices for fixation of the at least one of the coupling devices, the locking element releasably locking the at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position so as to prevent movement into the rest position, and wherein the locking element includes a hook-like element for releasably locking the at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position.

2. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein each of the coupling devices has at least one coupling element for positioning and fixing an additional system container on the top of the lid.

3. The stackable system container according to claim 2, wherein, beneath each of the coupling devices, a counter element corresponding to the at least one coupling element is provided on the side wall for retentive cooperation with a corresponding coupling element of a coupling device of an additional system container arranged underneath.

4. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein each of the coupling devices is pivotably fastened to one of the side walls so as to be pivotable between the pivoted-in rest position and the pivoted-out coupling position.

5. The stackable system container according to claim 4, wherein each of the coupling devices can be pivoted around a pivot axis parallel to one of the side walls, and the pivot axis is arranged so that the locking element in the pivoted-in rest position is arranged beneath the pivot axis and in the pivoted-out coupling position above the pivot axis.

6. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein a spring element is arranged on each of the coupling devices that forces the locking element into a locking position that locks at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position.

7. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein a snap-in tab is provided on each of the side walls that is engaged in a locking fashion by the corresponding locking element for locking at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position.

8. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein each coupling device can be pivoted by 180 between the rest position and the coupling position.

9. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein the side walls each have a recess in which one of the coupling devices is movable into the rest position.

10. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein at least one snap-in device for locking of at least one of the coupling devices in the rest position is provided on each of the coupling devices.

11. The stackable system container according to claim 10, wherein the snap-in device can be overcome by exerting a sufficient torque on the at least one of the coupling devices.

12. The stackable system container according to claim 10, wherein the snap-in device can be overcome by activating a release lever.

13. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein the coupling devices lock the lid against opening in the coupling position.

14. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein the locking element releasably locks at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position so as to prevent movement in any direction.

15. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein in the coupling position, the hook-like element engages a snap-in tab that is provided on the side wall, so that at least one of the coupling devices is releasably locked in the coupling position.

16. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein in the coupling position, the hook-like element must be disengaged from a snap-in tab, which is provided on the side wall, in order to move at least one of the coupling devices into the rest position.

17. The stackable system container according to claim 1, wherein each of the coupling devices can be pivoted around a pivot axis parallel to one of the side walls, the locking element releasably locking at least one of the coupling devices in the coupling position such that rotation of the at least one of the coupling devices around the pivot axis is prevented.

18. The stackable system container according to claim 17, wherein in the coupling position, the locking element must be released in order to rotate at least one of the coupling devices around the pivot axis into the rest position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Additional details and preferences of the invention are apparent from the following description of preferred practical examples with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a stackable system container with laterally arranged coupling devices pivoted downward into the rest position;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the stackable system container of FIG. 1 with partially pivoted-out coupling devices;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the stackable system container of FIG. 1 with the coupling devices in the pivoted-out coupling position;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the two system containers stacked one atop the other of FIG. 1 in which the coupling devices are arranged in the pivoted-in rest position;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the two system containers of FIG. 4 stacked one atop the other, in which the coupling devices of the lower system container are arranged in the pivoted-out coupling position;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective detail view of the coupling device in the pivoted-in rest position;

(8) FIG. 7 shows another perspective detail view of a coupling device in the pivoted-out coupling position;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a sectional view through a system container in the area of a coupling device in the pivoted-out coupling position;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a perspective rear view of a released coupling device;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a perspective front view of the released coupling device of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a perspective rear view of the coupling device on a system container in the pivoted-out coupling position; and

(13) FIG. 12 shows a perspective rear view of the coupling device on a system container in the pivoted-in rest position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) A perspective view of a stackable system container 1 is shown in FIG. 1. The system container 1 includes a lower bottom part 2 and an upper lid 3 fastened to pivot on the bottom part 2. The lid 3, however, could also be designed separately from the bottom part 2. The bottom part 2 has an upward-facing storage space (not shown), which is bounded on top by the lid 3. The lid 3 is connected to pivot with the bottom part 2 via a swivel joint arranged on the rear edge of the lid 3. In order to fasten the lid 3 releasably to the bottom part 2 and thus reliably close the enclosed storage space, two closure devices 4a, 4b are provided on the front side of the system container 1 that are articulated on the lid 3 and cooperate in locking fashion with the bottom part 2 in the depicted closed position of the lid 3.

(15) The system container 1 can be used, for example, for transport and storage of tools and working materials for craftsmen. For this purpose, the bottom part 2 preferably has a bottom section and four side walls that delimit a storage space open only on top. However, it is also possible to design the bottom part like the container disclosed in EP 2 703 310. In this respect, reference is made to EP 2 703 310, whose contents are hereby included in this application.

(16) For simple transport of the system container 1, a handle 5 is arranged on the front side of the system container 1 that is formed both by the bottom part 2 and by the lid 3. In a further embodiment (not shown), an additional retaining bracket can also be fastened on the top 6 of the lid 3 to pivot between an upward protruding position and a pivoted-in position. This additional retaining bracket in the pivoted-in position can be countersunk in a handle recess of the lid 3 so that the additional retaining bracket forms a stepless flat top 6 of the system container 1 with the lid 3. In the depicted embodiment, the top 6 of the lid 3 has a flat groove extending between opposite side walls 7a, 7b that increases the stability of the lid and also produces an attractive visual appearance.

(17) A coupling device 8a, 8b is also fashioned to pivot on the two opposite side walls 7a, 7b of the bottom part 2, only the coupling device 8a of which is shown in FIG. 1. The coupling devices 8a and 8b are arranged in FIG. 1 in a pivoted-in rest position, in which the coupling devices 8a, 8b are fully beneath the top 6 of the lid 3. As an alternative, however, it is also possible to fasten the coupling devices 8a, 8b to pivot on two opposite side walls of the lid 3, in which case the features described below are otherwise designed identically.

(18) Another perspective view of the stackable system container of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2, in which, in contrast to FIG. 1, the coupling devices 8a, 8b are pivoted out from the rest position in the direction of a coupling position. The depicted pivot position then represents merely an intermediate step. However, as can be clearly seen, the coupling device 8a can be pivoted around a horizontal pivot axis 9 parallel to the side wall 7a. Likewise, the other coupling device 8b (not shown) can also be pivoted around another parallel, horizontal pivot axis corresponding to the opposite side wall 7b.

(19) Finally, a perspective view of the stackable system container 1 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 3 with the coupling devices 8a, 8b in the pivoted-out coupling position, in which the coupling devices 8a, 8b protrude beyond the top 6 of the lid 3. The relevant top 6 of the lid 3 is then formed by the essentially upper horizontal section of the lid 3. Through the described overhang of coupling devices 8a, 8b beyond the top 6 of the lid 3 an additional system container 1 arranged on the top 6 can be held stably and fixed relative to the lower system container 1, as is explained with reference to the following figures.

(20) A perspective view of two system containers 1, 1 stacked one atop the other is shown in FIG. 4, the system containers being designed essentially identical. Identical or equivalent system containers 1 are understood to mean system containers that are designed to cooperate retentively with the two coupling devices 8a, 8b of the system container 1, different embodiments also being included with reference to dimensions or the presence of additional elements. In this sense the depicted additional system container 1 does have an enlarged bottom part 2 and therefore a larger storage space, but the other elements are designed identically to the lower system container 1 and are therefore marked using the same reference number, with the simple addition of an apostrophe.

(21) The coupling devices 8a, 8b of the lower system container 1 in the depicted arrangement are arranged in the pivoted-in rest so that the stacked system containers 1, 1 are not connected to each other in shape-mated fashion and can be simply separated. This is advantageous, for example, in logistics during transport of the system containers 1, 1, in which the system containers 1, 1 can be quickly and simply separated. In addition, a differently configured system container could be provided instead of an identical system container 1, because the top 6 forms an essentially flat storage space through the pivoted-in coupling devices 8a, 8b of the lower system container 1.

(22) A perspective view of the two system containers 1, 1 stacked one atop the other from FIG. 4 is shown in FIG. 5, in which the coupling devices 8a, 8b of the lower system container 1 are arranged in the pivoted-out coupling position. The upper system container 1 is connected on this account in shape-mated fashion to the lower system container 1 using the coupling device 8a, 8b, which permits stable stacking, specifically of system containers that are heavy. The structure and function of the coupling 8a, 8b are described in detail by means of the following figures.

(23) A perspective detail view of a coupling device 8a is shown in FIG. 6 in a pivoted-in rest position. For improved illustration, the lid 3 is not depicted. As is apparent, the coupling device 8a is fastened to pivot around the schematically depicted pivot axis 9 on the side wall 7a of the bottom part 2 and is arranged in the depicted rest position in a recess 10 in the side wall 7a. The coupling device 8a has two coupling elements 11a, 11b that serve to position and fix an additional system container, for example, the system container 1 of FIGS. 4 and 5, in the pivoted-out coupling position of the coupling device 8a.

(24) The coupling elements 11a, 11b are designed here as pockets or recesses, but they can also be designed as protrusions. Two counter-elements 12a, 12b are arranged fixed beneath the coupling device 8a and specifically beneath the coupling elements 11a, 11b, on the side wall 7a of the bottom part 2, which are designed for retentive cooperation with corresponding coupling elements of an additional system container arranged underneath. The counter-elements 12a, 12b, designed here corresponding to the coupling elements 11a, 11b as protrusions, are dimensioned so that they can be accommodated in shape-mated fashion in the coupling elements 11a, 11b, which are designed as pockets or recesses. In the event the coupling elements 11a, 11b are instead designed as protrusions, the counter-elements 12a, 12b are designed accordingly as pockets or recesses.

(25) The counter-element 12a is also arranged in the plane of rotation of the coupling element 11a or on the pivot axis 9 and the counter-element 12b in the plane of rotation of the coupling element 11b around the pivot axis 9. This guarantees that, when two identical system containers 1, 1 are positioned exactly one atop the other, the coupling elements 11a, 11b of the lower system container 1 can engage retentively in shape-mated fashion in the coupling position of the coupling device 8a relative to the counter-elements 12a, 12b of the upper system container P.

(26) So that the coupling device 8a can be locked in the pivoted-out coupling position, it includes a locking element 13 fastened movably to the coupling device 8a. A snap-in tab 14 is provided in the side wall 7a, specifically in the recess 10, which is designed to be undercut by the locking element 13, thus locking it in a locking position when the coupling device 8a is arranged in the coupling position.

(27) Another perspective detail view of the coupling device 8a is shown in FIG. 7 in the pivoted-out coupling position. As described, the locking element 13 here is arranged in the locking position and engages behind the snap-in tab 14 (not shown) in the recess 10 of the side wall 7a so that the coupling device 8a is held releasably in the pivoted-out coupling position. The locking element 13 in the depicted coupling position of the coupling device 8a can be manually grasped from the outside through a recess 15 in the coupling device 8a so that displacement of the locking element 13 from the locking position and therefore release of the coupling device 8a from the coupling position is made possible.

(28) A sectional view through the system container 1 is depicted in FIG. 8 in the area of the coupling device 8a and the pivoted-out coupling position. As can be seen, the snap-in tab 14 is retentively engaged in the recess 10 of the side wall 7a by the locking element 13, specifically by a hook-like element 16 arranged on the locking element 13, so that rotation of the coupling device 8a around the schematically indicated pivot axis 9 is prevented and the coupling device 8a is therefore locked in the depicted coupling position.

(29) In order to hold the locking element 13 in the depicted locking position, a spring element 17 is provided that is supported on a contact surface of the coupling device 8a and forces the locking element 13 into the depicted locking position. Through the recess 15 in the coupling device 8a, the locking element 13 can be activated from the outside 18 of the coupling device 8a and moved against the action of the spring element 17 downward into a released position. The hook-like element 16 in this released position of the locking element 13 (not shown) is disengaged from the snap-in tab 14 so that the coupling device 8a can be rotated around the pivot axis 9 into the pivoted-in rest position.

(30) As follows from the figures, the coupling device 8a can be pivoted between the pivoted-out coupling position and the pivoted-in rest position by essentially 180, specifically by 160-200. The pivot axis 9 is then made parallel to the side wall 7a and arranged on the coupling device 8a and the side wall 7a so that the locking element 13 in the pivoted-in rest position of the coupling device 8a is arranged beneath the pivot axis 9 and above the pivot axis 9 in the pivoted-out coupling position.

(31) In the depicted embodiment, the coupling device 8a in the coupling position also not only protrudes above the top 6 of the lid 3, but also protrudes in the direction of the lid 3 so that the lid 3 is partially engaged by the coupling device 8a. The lid 3 is held on this account by the coupling device 8a and also the opposite additional coupling device 8b in the closed position. The coupling device 8b (not shown) on the opposite side wall 7b of the bottom part 2 is designed as a mirror image of the bottom part 2 so that in this respect the description concerning the coupling device 8a and the side wall 7a is referred to.

(32) A perspective rear view of a released coupling device 8a is shown in FIG. 9. As is apparent, the spring element 17 is shown as annular and fastened to the locking element 13. Opposite the locking element 13, the spring element 17 is supported on a contact surface of the coupling device 8a and biased so that the locking element 13 is forced into the depicted upper locking position. The locking element 13 is arranged movable longitudinally in the guide groove 19 of the coupling device 8a, in which case the guide groove 19 extends in the radial direction from the pivot axis 9. The upper open end of the guide groove 19 is arranged between the coupling elements 11a, 11b and also forms in the extended coupling position a receptacle and centering for an additional system container 1 arranged atop it.

(33) As can be further seen from FIG. 9, the hook-like element 16 on the side facing the bottom part 2 in the pivoted-out coupling position has a bevel or rounding in order to achieve automatic locking of the locking element 13 when the coupling device 8a is forced against the bottom part 2 in the pivoted-out coupling position. The locking element 13 is pushed by the bevel or rounding briefly from the locking position by the oblique support between the snap-in tab 14 and the hook-like element 16, whereupon the spring element 17 forces the hook-like element 16 back into the locking position in which the snap-in tab 14 is engaged by the hook-like element 16.

(34) The pivot axis 9 also has a locking protrusion 20 on at least one end that protrudes in the radial direction from the pivot axis 9. A snap-in device for the coupling device 8a in the pivoted-in rest position can be formed by means of this locking protrusion 20, as shown by means of the following figures.

(35) A perspective front view of the released coupling device 8a of FIG. 9 is shown in FIG. 10. As can be seen, the locking element 13 protrudes with a handle 21, which is formed by a peripheral closed space, into the recess 15 in the coupling device 8a in the direction of the outside 18 so that the locking element 13 is simply engaged by the handle 21 and can be moved in the depicted representation downward from the locking position into the released position. The spring element 17 depicted in FIG. 9 is biased on this account, which then forces the locking element 13 back into the locking position.

(36) A perspective rear view of the coupling device 8a on the system container 1 is shown in FIG. 11 in the pivoted-out coupling position. For simple depiction, the lid 3, however, is not shown here. As can be seen, the bottom part 2 has a locking ridge 22 on a support site for the pivot axis 9, which is arranged fixed on the side wall 7a slightly spaced radially from the pivot axis and overlaps at least partially with the locking protrusion 20 in the peripheral direction of the pivot axis 9. This guarantees that, during rotation of the coupling device 8a, the locking protrusion 20 comes in contact with the locking ridge 22, and a defined force is necessary in order to move the locking protrusion 20 past the locking ridge 22. The locking protrusion 20 and the locking ridge 22 are then arranged relative to each other so that the coupling device 8a is in the rest position when the locking protrusion 20 has been moved beyond the locking ridge. The coupling device is locked releasably and in the correct position by the support on the recess 10, on one side, and the support on the locking ridge 22 via the locking protrusion 20, on the other side, in the rest position. In the depicted pivoted-out coupling position, the locking protrusion 20 lies against the pivot axis 9 and the locking ridge 22 against the bottom part 2 so that no mutual contact or locking effect occurs.

(37) A perspective rear view of the coupling device 8a on the system container 1 is shown in FIG. 12 in the pivoted-in rest position. The coupling device 8a is rotated here relative to the coupling position of FIG. 11 clockwise around the pivot axis 9, in which case the locking ridge 22 is arranged so that the locking protrusion 20 on the pivot axis 9 comes in contact with the locking ridge 22 just in front of the pivoted-in rest position of the coupling device 8a. With limited force expenditure the locking ridge 22 can then be overcome with the locking protrusion 20 so that the locking protrusion 20 locks the pivot axis 9 and therefore the coupling device 8a in the pivoted-in rest position releasably, as described. Using the locking protrusion 20 and the locking ridge 22, a simple snap-in device for locking of the coupling device 8a in the rest position is thereby formed. By exerting a sufficient torque on the coupling device 8a, this snap-in device can also be simply overcome during locking and also release.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(38) 1, 1 Stackable system containers 2, 2 Bottom part 3, 3 Lid 4a, 4b, 4a, 4b Closure device 5, 5 Handle 6, 6 Top of lid 7a, 7b, 7a, 7b Side wall 8a, 8b, 8a Coupling device 9 Pivot axis 10 Recess 11a, 11b Coupling element 12a, 12b Counter-element 13 Locking element 14 Snap-in tab 15 Recess 16 Hook-like element 17 Spring element 18 Outside of coupling device 19 Guide groove 20 Locking protrusion 21 Handle 22 Locking ridge