STACKABLE BOX

Abstract

A stackable box includes a lower part, a first foot strip arranged on an underside of the lower part, a first projection extending from the first foot strip, a second foot strip arranged on the underside of the lower part, a second projection extending from the second foot strip, a lid, a first coupling part arranged on the lid directly above the first projection, and a second coupling part arranged on the lid directly above the second projection. The stackable box has a front and a rear, a distance from the front to the rear defining a longitudinal length of the box. The lid may include a first receiving region proximal to the first coupling part. The first receiving region has a longitudinal length which is greater than a longitudinal extension of the first foot strip. The first receiving region may be arranged in front of the first coupling part.

Claims

1. A stackable box, comprising: a lower part; a first foot strip arranged on an underside of the lower part; a first projection extending from the first foot strip; a second foot strip arranged on the underside of the lower part; a second projection extending from the second foot strip; a lid, a first coupling part arranged on the lid directly above the first projection; and a second coupling part arranged on the lid directly above the second projection.

2. The stackable box as in claim 1, wherein the stackable box has a front and a rear, a distance from the front to the rear defining a longitudinal length of the box, wherein the lid includes a first receiving region proximal to the first coupling part, the first receiving region having a longitudinal length which is greater than a longitudinal extension of the first foot strip.

3. The stackable box as in claim 2, wherein the first receiving region is arranged in front of the first coupling part.

4. The stackable box as in claim 2, wherein the first coupling part comprises a plug-in opening which is accessible from the front.

5. The stackable box as in claim 1, further comprising a hinge which pivotally connects the lower part and the lid, the hinge being arranged at a rear of the box and having a transverse pivot axis.

6. The stackable box as in claim 1, further comprising a vertically displaceable locking element arranged on a front side of the stackable box.

7. The stackable box as in claim 1, further comprising a carrying handle pivotally connected to a front side of the lower part.

8. The stackable box as in claim 7, wherein the carrying handle is arranged in a recessed portion of the front side of the lower part.

9. The stackable box as in claim 7, further comprising a further carrying handle arranged on the lid.

10. The stackable box as in claim 1, further comprising two latches which secure the lid to the lower part.

11. The stackable box as in claim 1, wherein the first coupling part and the second coupling part are engagement tabs.

12. The stackable box as in claim 11, wherein the engagement tabs are beveled.

13. The stackable box as in claim 1, wherein the lower part comprises a carrying handle and wherein the first coupling part and the second coupling part comprise openings facing a side of the box on which the carrying handle is arranged.

14. The stackable box as in claim 1, further comprising a cross-rib extending across the lid and forming a rear stop of the first coupling part and the second coupling part.

15. The stackable box as in claim 1, wherein the box is a storage box for tools.

16. A method for connecting two stackable boxes, comprising: providing a lower box as in claim 1, providing an upper box as in claim 1, setting the upper box onto the lower box at a longitudinal offset so that the first foot strip of the upper box is arranged in front of the first coupling part of the lower box; and the second foot strip of the upper box is arranged in front of the second coupling part of the lower box; and sliding the upper box backward so that the first projection of the upper box engages the first coupling part of the lower box and the second projection of the upper box engages the second coupling part of the lower box.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a stackable box in a perspective representation from above.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows the box according to FIG. 1 in a perspective representation from below.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows a modification of the box according to FIGS. 1 and 2, on which a further box is stacked, in a first assembly state with regard to stacking, shown in a sectional representation of the two boxes.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows the two boxes according to FIG. 3 in a second assembly state, in which the further box is stacked on the box.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows the two boxes according to FIG. 3 in a third assembly state, in which the further box is stacked on the box and brought into a fastening position against the box.

[0056] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a locking principle, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0057] FIG. 7 shows the locking principle according to FIG. 6 in the locked state.

[0058] FIG. 8 shows a further possible embodiment of a stackable box having a locking element configured as a pivot lever, in a schematic representation.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows a further possible embodiment of a box onto which a further box is stacked, in a first assembly state with regard to stacking, shown in a sectional representation of the two boxes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] FIGS. 1 and 2, in a schematic representation, show a possible embodiment of a stackable box 1 in a perspective view from above (FIG. 1) and in a perspective view from below (FIG. 2). The box 1 can be used for transporting and/or storing objects. For example, the box 1 is a tool case, which serves for transporting and/or storing tools and/or material and/or equipment of a craftsman or technician, for example.

[0061] The box 1 has a top 41, a bottom 42, a front side 43, and a rear side 44. Preferably, the expanse of the box 1 from the front side 43 to the rear side 44 forms a longitudinal expanse, which is also indicated as the Y direction in FIG. 1. Preferably, the expanse of the box 1 from the bottom 42 to the top 41 forms a height expanse, which is indicated as the Z direction in FIG. 1. The expanse of the box 1 transversely to the longitudinal expanse is indicated as the X direction in FIG. 1.

[0062] Preferably, the box 1 has a lid 2 and a lower part 4 that can be covered by the lid 2. Preferably, the top 41 of the box 1 is formed by the top of the lid 2, and the bottom 42 of the box 1 is formed by the bottom of the lower part 4. The lid 2 can be connected with the lower part 2 so as to pivot, for example can be mounted on the lower part 4, so as to pivot, by way of a hinge axle 3, particularly a horizontal axle, which is assigned to the rear side 44, for example. In order to secure the lid 2 to prevent unintentional opening relative to the lower part 4, closure elements 16, such as closure latches, for example, can be provided. Preferably, the closure elements 16 are assigned to the front side 43.

[0063] Preferably, the box 1 has a carrying handle 19. Preferably, the carrying handle 19 is disposed on the front side 19, so that when the box 1 is carried by the carrying handle 19, the rear side 44 faces downward. Preferably, the carrying handle 19 is mounted on the front side 43 so as to pivot. The carrying handle 19 can be assigned to the lower part 4 or to the lid 2, in particular disposed on it. The box 1 can have a contact surface on the front side 43, against which the carrying handle 19 is laid or can be laid. Preferably, the contact surface is offset toward the rear in the Y direction. At least one further carrying handle may be provided, which is assigned to the top 41, for example.

[0064] The box 1 is suitable for stacking with at least one further box. For this purpose, the box 1 has a contact surface 13 for the further box and at least one, preferably at least two coupling parts 10, 11, which can be brought together with a related counter-coupling part of the further box, in each instance, forming a plug-in connection. FIG. 3 shows a further box 1a, as an example, which can be stacked onto the box 1. The further box 1a has at least two counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, which can be brought together with the coupling part 10, 11 of the box 1, forming a plug-in connection. During the course of the further description of the box 1 with regard to the functions provided for stacking of a further box, the box 1a of FIG. 3 will already be referred to hereinafter. In the case of the box 1, it is provided that the plug-in connection with the further box 1a can only be carried out after the further box 1a has been set onto the contact surface 13. For this purpose, the coupling parts 10, 11 are oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the counter-coupling part 28a or 29a, in each instance, is formed by means of displacement of the further box 1a along and/or on the contact surface 13.

[0065] Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are oriented in the longitudinal direction or the Y direction in such a manner that the plug-in connection is formed by means of displacement of the further box 1a away from the front side 43, in the direction toward the rear side 44 of the box 1. For example, the coupling parts 10, 11 are configured as a plug-in holder, and the counter-coupling elements 28a, 29a are configured as a plug-in element, which can be inserted into the related plug-in holder through a plug-in opening 12. For example, the plug-in holder forms an engagement lug, and the plug-in element forms an engagement tab, which can be engaged against the engagement lug through the plug-in opening 12 that is configured as an engagement opening. For example, the engagement tab is formed by a lug or tab that projects outward on one side.

[0066] Preferably, the plug-in elements or engagement tabs are configured to run in wedge shape in the insertion direction, so that the plug-in elements can be inserted into the related plug-in holders without play, and therefore the plug-in connection is secured to prevent displacement in the X direction and Y direction. Preferably, the plug-in holders or engagement lugs are profiled in wedge shape, corresponding to the plug-in elements. Furthermore, the respective plug-in element and the related plug-in holders are secured, relative to one another, to prevent them from being lifted off in the Z direction.

[0067] Preferably, the contact surface 13 is assigned to the top 41, in particular configured on the top 41. Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are assigned to the top 41, in particular configured on the top 41. Preferably, the box 1 has at least one, preferably two cross-ribs 6, 7 on the top 41, which ribs run transversely to the longitudinal expanse of the box 1, in each instance, in particular in the X direction, and each have a side surface 45 that projects outward and faces the front side 43.

[0068] Preferably, the cross-ribs 6, 7 delimit a cross-groove 5 that runs between them. For example, the lid 2 has an essentially flat part on its top, which part has the cross-groove 5 in its center region and is delimited laterally by the cross-ribs 6, 7, which are configured to be elevated. By means of the cross-groove 5, a further box, which is configured to be shorter in the longitudinal direction as compared with the box 1a, can be stacked on, wherein then, the further box can engage into or support itself in the cross-groove 5 and/or against the side surface 45 of the cross-rib 7 with its rear end, which faces the rear side 44 of the box 1.

[0069] Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction or X direction. Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are each connected with the cross-rib 6 or formed onto the cross-rib 6. Preferably, two further coupling parts 10, 11 are provided, which can each be brought together with a related further counter-coupling part 24a or 25a of the further box 1a, forming a plug-in connection, and are oriented in such a manner that the plug-in connection with the related counter-coupling part 24a or 25a is formed by means of displacement of the further box 1a along and/or on the contact surface 13. Preferably, the further coupling parts 10, 11 and the coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to lie one behind the other with reference to the insertion direction for production of the plug-in connection, in other words in the Y direction.

[0070] Preferably, the coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to border on a receiving region 8 for the further box 1a, in particularly to border on the receiving region 8 in the Y direction. Preferably, the further coupling parts 10, 11 are disposed to border on the further receiving region 9 for the further box 1a, in particular to border on the further receiving region 9 in the Y direction. Preferably, the receiving region 8 is disposed on the top 41 in the front region, which is situated in the edge region toward the front side 43, for example. Preferably, the further receiving region 9 is disposed on the top 41 in the rear region, which is situated in the edge region toward the rear side 44, for example.

[0071] Preferably, the further box 1a has a corresponding foot strip 22a, in each instance, which extends in the transverse direction or X direction, for example, and projects downward, in order to be held in the receiving region 8 and the further receiving region 9. The foot strip 22a can project so far downward, in each instance, that the further box 1a is set down onto the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9 by way of the foot strips 22a. The bottom surface 14 then forms the contact surface 13. Alternatively, the foot strip 22a can project so far downward, in each instance, that the further box 1a is set down onto the cross-ribs 6, 7, and the foot strips 22a lie at a distance from the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9 or also are set down on the bottom surface 14 of the receiving regions 8 and 9. In this case, the top of the cross-ribs 6, 7 forms a contact surface for the further box 1a, at least in part.

[0072] Preferably, the foot strips 22a run transversely relative to the longitudinal expanse of the further box 1a, and delimit a setback 21a that lies between them and is configured as a groove that runs transversely, for example. The setback 21a is provided for holding the cross-ribs 6, 7 of the box 1, for example. Preferably, the foot strips 22a end approximately with the rear wall 23a and the front side 43a of the further box 1a. Preferably, the foot strips 22a are configured to be continuous. Fundamentally, the foot strips 22a can also be present only in pieces, or can be eliminated entirely.

[0073] Preferably, the bottom 42 of the box 1 is configured in accordance with the bottom of the box 1a, so that the box 1 itself can be used for being stacked on top of a box. Preferably, for this purpose the bottom 42 of the box 1 is structured to correspond to its top 41. Preferably, for this purpose at least individual components described with reference to the further box 1a, namely the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, the further counter-coupling parts 24a, 25a, the setback 21a, and the rear wall 23a are provided on the box 1 as counter-coupling parts 28, 29, further counter-coupling parts 24, 25, setback 21, and rear wall 23.

[0074] Furthermore, the box 1 has at least one locking element 18 for securing the plug-in connection that can be formed by the coupling parts 10, 11 and the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, to prevent it from coming loose. The locking element 18 can be moved from an initial position A or rest position, which is shown in FIG. 1, into an intermediate or end position, and is situated in the initial position A in the receiving region 8 for the further box 1a. As a result, it is possible that the locking element 18 is activated by the further box 1a when the further box 1a is set onto the contact surface 13. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the locking element 18 projects beyond the bottom surface 14 of the receiving region 8 in the initial position A, with an end 15. Preferably, in the intermediate or end position, the end 15 is lowered related to the initial position A.

[0075] Preferably, the locking element 18 is assigned to the top 41 and disposed in the region of the front side 43 of the box 1, for example of the lid 2. For example, the locking element 18 is disposed in a recess 17 on the front side 43.

[0076] Preferably, the locking element 18 can be moved in spring-loaded manner. For example, the locking element 18 can be moved from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position counter to a spring force, so that the locking element 18 automatically moves back from the intermediate or end position into the initial position A by means of spring force.

[0077] FIG. 3 shows a modification of the box 1 in a sectional representation. As is evident from this, the locking element 18 can be configured as a locking slider, which can be displaced from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position. For this purpose, a holding part 32 or bottom part can be provided, which is assigned to the lid 2, in particular connected with it or formed from it. The holding part 32 can be profiled in U shape or configured in cup shape, and a pressure spring 31 can be disposed in its recess that opens upward. The pressure spring 31 can support itself on the inside of a sliding part 30, in particular a sliding latch, which is guided on the holding part 32 so as to be displaceable.

[0078] Preferably, stops are present, in order to prevent the sliding part 30 from being pushed out of the U-shaped profiled holding part 32 completely by the force of the pressure spring 31. Preferably, the sliding part 30 is configured in U shape or cup shape, and nested into the holding part 32 with its opening coming first, wherein the pressure spring 31 supports itself against the bottom surface of the sliding part 30.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a possible first assembly state with regard to stacking of the further box 1a on the box 1. FIG. 4 shows a possible second assembly state, and FIG. 5 shows a possible third assembly state. Components of the further box 1a that are identical with or have the same function as components of the box 1 are provided with the same reference symbols and the addition a. The further box 1a can be a box that has the same construction as the box 1.

[0080] In the first assembly state according to FIG. 3, the further box 1a has been brought into a position, relative to the box 1, so that the further box 1a can be set onto the contact surface 13 of the box 1 and the further box 1a is held in the receiving regions 8, 9. In order to allow the further box 1a to be set onto the box 1, the further box 1a is positioned, relative to the box 1, offset in the direction of the Y axis to such an extent that during a set-down movement in the direction of the arrow 33, a collision of the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, 24a, 25a of the further box 1 a with the coupling parts 10, 11, 10, 11 of the box 1 is prevented.

[0081] The locking element 18 still lies in its initial position A, in which it is situated in the receiving region 8 for the further box 1a. In the initial position A, the locking element 18 engages into a displacement path or a displacement segment W, over which the further box 1a must be displaced relative to the box 1, in order to arrive at formation of the plug-in connectionin the set-on state. In this regard, the locking element 18 assumes a blocking position S with regard to the displacement path W in the initial position A.

[0082] During the course of a set-down movement of the further box 1a in the direction of the arrow 33, activation of the locking element 18 by the further box 1a takes place, in that the further box 1a, for example with the one foot strip 22a, presses down on the locking element 18 and is moved out of the initial position A into the intermediate or end position, counter to the force of the pressure spring 31. In the intermediate or end position, the locking element 18 is situated in a release position F, in which the locking element 18 opens up the displacement path W, so that displacement of the further box 1a relative to the box 1, to form the plug-in connection, is permitted. In the second assembly state according to FIG. 4, the locking element 18 has been brought into the release position F by the further box 1a. Subsequently, the further box 1a is displaced, relative to the box 1, in the direction of the arrow 34, in other words in the Y direction, and the coupling parts 10, 11, 10, 11 of the box 1 are brought together or plugged into the counter-coupling parts 28a, 29a, 24a, 25a, forming the plug-in connection, in each instance. During the course of this displacement movement, the locking element 18 is released by the further box 1a, and automatically moves back due to the reset force of the pressure spring 31, preferably into the initial position A. In the reset position, in particular the initial position A, the locking element 18 assumes a locking position V in which the locking element 18 secures the plug-in connection to prevent it from moving apart or disengaging counter to the joining direction, in other words counter to the direction of the arrow 34. In the third assembly state according to FIG. 5, the boxes 1, 1a lie one on top of the other in the stacked state and with the plug-in connection having formed, wherein the locking element 18 has assumed the securing locking position V.

[0083] In the locking position V, the locking element 18 therefore serves as a stop for the further box 1a. On the further box 1a, the region of the front side 43a, for example, which can be offset toward the rear in the Y direction, for example, serves as a corresponding stop surface 20a. The carrying handle 19, as described in FIG. 1, can lie against this stop surface 20a or be guided on it.

[0084] During the course of the displacement movement of the further box 1a relative to the box 1 for forming the plug-in connection, the locking element 18 comes to lie against the stop surface 20a, for example. In the locking position V according to FIG. 5, the sliding part 30 therefore comes to lie against the front side 43a of the box 1a and secures the coupling connection between the boxes 1 and 1a to prevent unintentional disengagement.

[0085] In order to bring this coupling connection or plug-in connection out of engagement again, it is necessary, for example, to manually press the sliding part 30 downward, in order to bring the locking element 18 into the release position F according to FIG. 4. Then, the further box 1a can be displaced relative to the box 1, counter to the direction of the arrow 34, and thereby the existing engagement connection or plug-in connection can be opened.

[0086] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an enlarged representation of the locking slider 18 of the box 1 together with a detail of the further box 1a. As is evident from FIG. 7, pre-tension of the plug-in connection or engagement connection can take place in that either the sliding part 30 and/or the front side 43a has/have related wedge surfaces 36 in the region where the sliding part 30 makes contact, in order to thereby additionally pre-tense the engagement connection or plug-in connection in the direction of the arrow 34. Pre-tension takes place with a spring load by means of the pressure spring 31. A bottom-side stop surface or activation surface 35 of the further box 1a can always be used as an activation surface for the locking element 18. However, the activation surface 35 is not necessarily a bottom surface. The activation surface 35 can be configured as an offset stop surface or the like, or as a foot strip or the like.

[0087] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the box 1 and of a locking element 38 in an enlarged representation. The locking element 38 is configured as a pivot lever there, which can be pivoted from the initial position A into the intermediate or end position about a pivot axle 39. The locking element 38 can be pivoted in the directions of the arrow 40 by means of the pivot axle 39. The pressure spring that is required for a spring pre-load is not shown.

[0088] FIG. 9 shows yet another embodiment of a box 1 with a further embodiment of a further box 1 a. FIG. 9 is based on the representation in FIG. 2. The boxes 1 and 1 a differ from the boxes 1 and 1a in that a projection 46 is provided on the bottom 42, which engages into the cross-groove 5 or is provided for engagement.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0089] 1, 1a box [0090] 1 box [0091] 1, 1a box [0092] 2, 2a lid [0093] 3, 3a hinge axle [0094] 4, 4a lower part [0095] 5, 5a cross-groove [0096] 6, 6a cross-rib [0097] 7, 7a cross-rib [0098] 8, 8a receiving region [0099] 9, 9a receiving region [0100] 10, 10a coupling part [0101] 11, 11a coupling part [0102] 10, 10a further coupling part [0103] 11, 11a further coupling part [0104] 12, 12a plug-in opening [0105] 13, 13a contact surface [0106] 14, 14a bottom surface [0107] 15, 15a end [0108] 16 closure element [0109] 17 recess [0110] 18, 18a locking element [0111] 19 carrying handle [0112] 20, 20a stop surface [0113] 21, 21a setback [0114] 22, 22a foot strip [0115] 23, 23a rear wall [0116] 24, 24a counter-coupling part [0117] 25, 25a counter-coupling part [0118] 28, 28a counter-coupling part [0119] 29, 29a counter-coupling part [0120] 30, 30a sliding part [0121] 31, 31a pressure spring [0122] 32, 32a holding part [0123] 33 arrow direction [0124] 34 arrow direction [0125] 35 activation surface [0126] 36 wedge surface [0127] 38 locking element [0128] 39 pivot axle [0129] 40 arrow direction [0130] 41 top [0131] 42 bottom [0132] 43, 43a front side [0133] 44 rear side [0134] 45 side surface [0135] 46, 46a projection [0136] A initial position [0137] S blocking position [0138] F release position [0139] V locking position [0140] W displacement path