STACKABLE BASKET AND ASSEMBLY OF BASKET AND SUPPORT

Abstract

STACKABLE BASKET AND ASSEMBLY OF BASKET AND SUPPORT The invention relates to a basket (B) provided with two handles (A), in which a mouth (1), a bottom (2) of the basket having a smaller section than the mouth (1) are defined, wherein the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the longitudinal direction (X) is comprised in the range of [36 cm; 38 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) is comprised in the range of [33 cm; 35 cm] and the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range of [18 cm; 20 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) is comprised in the range of [15 cm; 17 cm], or the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range or in the range of [27 cm; 30 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) is comprised in the range of [22.5 cm; 25.5 cm], the height is comprised in the range of [31 cm; 33 cm], with the handles (A) being inclined with respect to the vertical direction (Z) towards the mouth (1) at an angle exceeding 3?.

Claims

1. A basket (B) provided with two handles (A), with the basket (B) having a rectangular horizontal section with rounded corners, the basket (B) being provided with tapering to allow its stacking, such that there are defined: a mouth (1) of the basket; a bottom (2) of the basket having a smaller section than the mouth (1); a longitudinal direction (X) corresponding to the largest horizontal dimension of the basket (B); a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and corresponding to the smallest horizontal dimension of the basket (B); a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) and directed from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1), characterized in that: the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the longitudinal direction (X) is comprised in the range of [36 cm; 38 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) according to the longitudinal direction (X) is comprised in the range of [33 cm; 35 cm]; and the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range of [18 cm; 20 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range of [15 cm; 17 cm]; or the dimension of the mouth (1) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range or in the range of [27 cm; 30 cm] and the dimension of the bottom (2) according to the transverse direction (Y) is comprised in the range of [22.5 cm; 25.5 cm]; the dimension according to the vertical direction (Z) from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1) is comprised in the range of [31 cm; 33 cm]; with the handles (A) being inclined with respect to the vertical direction (Z) towards the mouth (1) at an angle exceeding 3?.

2. The basket (B) according to claim 1, wherein: the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the mouth (1), are comprised in the ranges of [36.5 cm; 37.5 cm] and [18.5 cm; 19.5 cm], respectively; the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the bottom (2), are comprised in the ranges of [33.5 cm; 34.5 cm] and [15.5 cm; 16.5 cm], respectively; the dimension according to the vertical direction (Z) from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1) is comprised in the range of [31.5 cm; 32.5 cm].

3. The basket (B) according to claim 2, wherein: the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the mouth (1), are about 37 cm and 19 cm, respectively; the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the bottom (2), are about 34 cm and 16 cm, respectively; the dimension according to the vertical direction (Z) from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1) is about 32 cm.

4. The basket (B) according to claim 1, wherein: the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the mouth (1), are comprised in the ranges of [36.5 cm; 37.5 cm] and [28 cm; 29 cm], respectively; the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the bottom (2), are comprised in the ranges of [33.5 cm; 34.5 cm] and [23 cm; 24 cm], respectively; the dimension according to the vertical direction (Z) from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1) is comprised in the range of [31.5 cm; 32.5 cm].

5. The basket (B) according to claim 4, wherein: the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the mouth (1), are about 37 cm and 28.5 cm, respectively; the dimensions according to the longitudinal direction (X) and the transverse direction (Y) of the bottom (2), are about 34 cm and 23.5 cm, respectively; the dimension according to the vertical direction (Z) from the bottom (2) to the mouth (1) is about 32 cm.

6. The basket (B) according to claim 1, comprising openings (3) in the walls (WB), and ribs (N) oriented towards the inside of the basket on the inside of the walls (WB) and close to the bottom (2), such that they define a support surface (NA) for supporting an identical basket stacked with respect to the basket (B), with the support surface (NA) being arranged according to the vertical direction (Z) above the lowermost side of the lower openings (3), in order to minimize the suction effect when stacking the baskets (B).

7. The basket (B) according to claim 1, being made in one piece from a plastic with a hardness comprised between 40 and 50 Shore, and preferably 45 Shore.

8. The basket (B) according to claim 1, being made of a low-density polyethylene resin.

9. The basket (B) according to claim 1, wherein the angle of inclination of the handles is 5?.

10. The basket (B) according to claim 1, wherein the handles (A) have a substantially rectangular opening (AA) with a dimension of about 10 cm according to the longitudinal direction (X) and 6 cm according to the vertical direction (Z).

11. The basket (B) according to claim 1 or outer side and adjacent to the opening (AA) of the handle (A), such that they allow the formation of a support surface for the user's hand.

12. An assembly of a basket (B) according to claim 1 and a support (C) for stacking baskets (B), the support (C) comprising an upper part (4), a base (5), and walls (7) extending from the upper part (4) to the base (5) and having an inclination complementary to the inclination of the inner face of the walls (WB) of the basket (B) with respect to the vertical direction (Z), such that when the basket (B) is coupled to the support (C), the inner face of the walls (WB) of the basket (B) is supported on the walls (7) of the support (C).

13. The assembly of basket (B) and support (C) according to claim 12, wherein the walls (7) of the support (C) have an opening.

14. The assembly of basket (B) and support (C) according to claim 13, wherein the basket (B) is a basket according to claim 6, and wherein the opening of the walls (7) of the support (C) is arranged such that when the basket (B) is coupled to the support (C), the opening is located at a depth of the basket at which the openings (3) of the walls (WB) of the basket (B) are located.

15. The assembly of basket (B) and support (C) according to claim 12, wherein the base (5) of the support (C) comprises protrusions (61, 62) for coupling to another support for stacking the baskets (B) according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] As a complement to the description, and for the purpose of helping to make the features of the invention more readily understandable, in accordance with practical exemplary embodiments of the invention, said description is accompanied by a set of figures which, by way of illustration and not limitation, represent the following:

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a basket according to the invention.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a front view of a basket according to the invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a side view of a basket according to the invention.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a basket according to the invention.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a front view of a cross-section of two baskets according to the invention stacked.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a portion of the inside of the bottom of a basket according to the invention.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a portion of the inside of the bottom of two baskets according to the invention stacked.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support for the stacking of baskets according to the invention.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a side view of a cross-section of two baskets stacked on a support according to the invention.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a plan view of several supports according to the invention.

[0054] FIG. 11 shows an enlarged section of FIG. 10.

[0055] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a support for the stacking of baskets according to the invention.

[0056] FIG. 13 shows a box of standardized dimensions, in which three baskets according to the invention fit perfectly.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0057] In the description of the possible preferred embodiments of the invention, it is necessary to give numerous details to enable a better understanding of the invention. Even so, it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, the well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a basket B defining a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a vertical direction Z. The basket B comprises a mouth 1 through which there can be introduced in the basket B take-away products or other baskets B for stacking baskets B. The basket comprises a bottom 2 and walls WB extending from the mouth 1 to the bottom 2.

[0059] The mouth 1 and the bottom 2 of the basket B have a rectangle shape with rounded corners. The dimension of the mouth 1 of the basket B according to the longitudinal direction X is 37 cm. The dimension of the mouth 1 according to the transverse direction Y is 19 cm. The dimension of the bottom 2 of the basket B according to the longitudinal direction X is 34 cm. The dimension of the bottom 2 of the basket B according to the transverse direction Y is 16 cm. Therefore, the cross-section of the mouth 1 according to a plane containing the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y defined by the basket B is larger than the cross-section of the bottom 2 according to a plane containing the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y defined by the basket B.

[0060] Continuing with FIG. 1, the walls WB are inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z such that they define a tapering of the basket B.

[0061] The dimension of the basket B from the bottom 2 to the mouth 1 according to the vertical direction Z is about 32 cm.

[0062] With these dimensions, it is possible to fit three baskets in a standardized box, as shown in FIG. 13. It is also conceivable that the dimensions of the basket in the transverse direction are 50% larger, such that two baskets can be fitted together.

[0063] As explained above, the picking process is greatly simplified because the baskets according to the invention are gradually filled and arranged in the standardized box BX. This furthermore ensures correct placement of the products in the shipping box. During the picking process, the operator places the products correctly in the basket. Once placed, there is no further handling of the products, so they are well arranged until delivery. In contrast, at present, when products are taken out of the picking baskets to be put in the carton, the process is not done correctly (particularly taking into account that the products may not be seen because they are in bags and/or stacked) and some of them, the less protected ones, may be damaged.

[0064] As derived from FIGS. 1 and 4, the cross-sections of the basket B resulting from sectioning the basket B along its walls WB with planes containing the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y defined by the basket B are rectangular sections with rounded corners.

[0065] The walls WB of the basket B comprise openings 3 connecting the inside of the basket B to the outside. In particular, the openings are arranged in the central part of the walls WB, with the periphery of the walls WB being devoid of openings, such that greater resistance to deformation is conferred to the basket B as compared to a basket having openings in the vertical located at the corners of the basket.

[0066] The walls WB comprise solid regions R for marking the basket B, for example, with an identifier of the basket B. These solid regions R are laser engravable or labels can be adhered thereon. In some embodiments, the mark is a one-dimensional code, such as a bar code, for example, or a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code, for example. The presence of the solid regions R enables the marking of the basket B during the manufacture of the basket B.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the basket B is provided with two handles A arranged above the walls WB of the basket B and attached to the walls WB of the basket B defining the largest horizontal dimension of the basket B. Each handle A has a substantially rectangular opening AA with dimensions that allow fingers to be introduced through the opening AA to grab the corresponding handle A.

[0068] Continuing with FIGS. 2 and 3, the handles A comprise an over-thickness AS arranged on the outer side and adjacent to the opening AA. This over-thickness is located on the upper side of the opening AA of the handle A, i.e., on the side of the opening AA farthest from the bottom 2 of the basket B towards the vertical direction Z defined by the basket B.

[0069] The handles A have a flexible mechanical attachment with the walls WB of the basket B. The flexible mechanical attachment is such that it tilts the handles A an angle ? of repose of 5? with respect to the vertical direction Z defined by basket B.

[0070] The flexible mechanical attachment of the handles A with the walls WB of the basket B allows folding the handles A above 5? and, as shown in FIG. 9, allows unfolding the handles A. This unfolding facilitates the stacking of the baskets B.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the basket B comprises ribs N on the bottom 2 of the basket B. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a stack of two identical baskets B, B1.

[0072] The ribs N of the basket B define a support surface NA for supporting another basket B1 stacked together with the basket B. The support surface NA of the ribs N of the basket B has a shape complementary to the outer shape of the corners of the bottom 2 of the other basket B1, such that the contact surface between the support surface NA of the basket B and the outer part of the corners of the bottom 2 of the basket B1 is maximized.

[0073] As derived from FIG. 5, the ribs N of the basket B allow ensuring that, during stacking, the greater part of the portion of the walls WB of the basket B1 below the openings 3 of the basket B1 is at the depth of openings 3 of the basket B, such that the suction effect between said portion of the basket B1 and the basket B is minimized.

[0074] The ribs N mechanically connect a wall WB of the basket B with the bottom 2 of the basket B. This allows, when stacking the baskets B, the load derived from the stacking and transmitted to the ribs N to be distributed between the wall WB and the bottom 2 of the basket B.

[0075] FIG. 8 shows a support C for the stacking of baskets B comprising an upper part 4, a base 5, and walls 7 attaching the upper part 4 with the base 5.

[0076] Support C defines: [0077] a longitudinal direction XC corresponding to the largest horizontal dimension of the support C; [0078] a transverse direction YC perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XC and corresponding to the smallest horizontal dimension of the support C; [0079] a vertical direction ZC perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XC and the transverse direction YC defined by the support C and directed from the base 5 to the upper part 4 of the support C.

[0080] Therefore, in the position in which the support C supports the basket B1 in a stack, a position illustrated in FIG. 9, the following is complied with: [0081] the longitudinal direction XC defined by the support C is parallel to the longitudinal direction X defined by the basket B; [0082] the transverse direction YC defined by the support C is parallel to the transverse direction Y defined by the basket B; [0083] the vertical direction ZC defined by the support C is parallel to the vertical direction Z defined by the basket B.

[0084] The dimensions of the support C illustrated in FIG. 8 according to the longitudinal direction XC, the transverse direction YC of the base 5, are comprised in the ranges of [38 cm; 40 cm] and [19 cm; 21 cm], respectively.

[0085] The dimensions of the support C illustrated in FIG. 8 according to the longitudinal direction XC, the transverse direction YC of the base 4, are comprised in the ranges of [35 cm; 37 cm] and [17 cm; 19 cm], respectively.

[0086] The dimensions of the support C illustrated in FIG. 8 according to the vertical direction ZC from the bottom 2 to the mouth 1 is comprised in the range of [17.5 cm; 19.5 cm].

[0087] In some embodiments, the walls of the base 5 of the support C are parallel to the vertical direction ZC defined by the support C.

[0088] Continuing with FIG. 8, the support C comprises an opening in each wall 7.

[0089] The support C comprises an opening in the lower part of the base 5.

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 10, two supports C can be attached by means of a mechanical connection 6. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a mechanical connection 6 of FIG. 10. FIGS. 8 and 11 illustrate examples of these mechanical connections 6. In particular, one of the supports C comprises protrusions 61 defining a receptacle the shape of which is complementary to the shape of a protrusion 62 of another support, such that the supports are mechanically connected by inserting the protrusion 62 into the receptacle. The direction of insertion of the protrusion 62 into the receptacle defined by the protrusion 61 is the vertical direction ZC defined by the support C, and the shapes of the protrusion 62 and of the receptacle are such that upon insertion of the protrusion 62 into the receptacle, the protrusion 62 does not come out of the receptacle by applying forces contained in a plane containing the longitudinal direction XC and the transverse direction YC defined by the support C, but requires application of a force in the vertical direction ZC defined by the support C.

[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates two baskets B, B1 stacked such that the basket B1 is arranged inside the basket B. The support surfaces NA of the ribs N of the basket B are supported on the outer part of the bottom 2 of the basket B1. The inner surface of the walls WB of the basket B is in contact with the outer surface of the walls WB of the basket B1.

[0092] As can be deduced from FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower surface of the base 5 of the support C is a support surface defining a plane containing the longitudinal direction XC and the transverse direction YC defined by the support C. Therefore, the geometry of the lower surface of the base 5 is suitable to allow a stable support on another parallel surface such as the surface of a pallet P or a floor.

[0093] In light of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art may understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations may be introduced in said preferred embodiments without departing from the object of the invention as claimed.

[0094] In this text, the term comprises and its derivations (such as comprising, etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense. That is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include more elements, steps, etc.