EP2727854B1 - Device for aligning a stack of containers - Google Patents

Device for aligning a stack of containers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2727854B1
EP2727854B1 EP13188546.9A EP13188546A EP2727854B1 EP 2727854 B1 EP2727854 B1 EP 2727854B1 EP 13188546 A EP13188546 A EP 13188546A EP 2727854 B1 EP2727854 B1 EP 2727854B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sidewalls
fixing element
container
containers
fixing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13188546.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2727854A1 (en
Inventor
Boris Schwab
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Georg Utz Holding AG
Original Assignee
Georg Utz Holding AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Georg Utz Holding AG filed Critical Georg Utz Holding AG
Publication of EP2727854A1 publication Critical patent/EP2727854A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2727854B1 publication Critical patent/EP2727854B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0224—Auxiliary removable stacking elements other than covers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/005—Separate or attached stacking elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/005—Separate or attached stacking elements
    • B65D5/0055—Separate or attached stacking elements saddling the side walls of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/005—Separate or attached stacking elements
    • B65D5/006—Separate corner posts and like elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/001—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper stackable
    • B65D5/005—Separate or attached stacking elements
    • B65D5/0065—Separate elements inserted in or attached to integral corner posts or ledges
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
    • A47B47/0016—Node corner connectors, e.g. cubic
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
    • A47B47/02—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements made of metal only

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for aligning a vertical stack of cuboid containers, according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular Bereheatftem with the body surface perpendicular side walls.
  • the invention also relates to a system for stacking such containers and for their space-saving storage.
  • Cuboid containers for storing and transporting goods are known in plastic, metal, wood or cardboard.
  • containers are often provided with a profile on the outer surfaces of the trays, a typically rectangular profile which can engage in the upper edge of another container.
  • the containers can not move laterally, and the side walls of standing containers remain fixed in the vertical.
  • cuboid containers with a flat, outer bottom surface without profile and with only a Gltterteil Stacking is more difficult because the stacked containers can move horizontally and are not fixed in position relative to each other. Due to their cuboid shape and running perpendicular to the bottom side walls, the containers can not be placed inside each other, as is possible for example with containers with slightly sloping to the bottom side walls.
  • EP2484599 is presented a container with the floor perpendicular to the side walls, at the corners of each vertically above the Side walls protruding, columnar element is integrated container and columnar elements form a single part. In addition, it has on the insides of the corners elongated cavities into which the columnar elements of a second container can engage.
  • the columnar elements are formed in pairs and positioned by having two diagonally opposite elements and the diagonally opposite cavities equally shaped, while the other two diagonally opposite elements and cavities have a slightly different shape. If the containers are stacked on each other, diagonally opposite elements engage in the cavities, so that the containers are fixed at a distance from each other. If the containers are placed on top of each other with mutually directed internal spaces, the columnar elements engage in cavities, so that a solid closed package is formed.
  • GB2037709 discloses a container with a flat, profile-free bottom and a lid, at the upper four corners of which a rectangular corner pillar element is slipped over the edge of the side walls and secured by ribs which press into or against the side walls of the container.
  • the element also has a horizontal surface in the shape of a right triangle on which a lid can be placed. Sidewalls extending vertically from the horizontal surface engage through corresponding slot-shaped openings in a container stacked thereon.
  • the pillar element extends to the bottom of the container and acts as such as a carrier of the lid and a further container stacked thereon.
  • US2001 / 0008251 discloses a reusable and unfoldable container, as well as connectors that can be placed on an upper edge of an open container.
  • a connecting part has outer side walls which are arranged adjacent to the outer side of the container edges, a horizontal surface extending from the outer side walls inwardly of the container and inner side walls extending from the horizontal surface down and rest only on the inner walls of the container below.
  • a fixing element according to the invention for positioning cuboid, upwardly open container in a vertical stack has the features of claim 1, in particular first, vertical, standing at right angles to each other rare walls, second vertical side walls and a horizontal connecting element.
  • the first, each standing at a right angle sidewalls each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surfaces surround the right angle and the outer surfaces form the brieflywlnkel the right angle.
  • the second, vertical side walls are facing the outer sides of the first side walls or the outer angle tip of the right angle.
  • the planar fade member extends horizontally from the center of the outer surfaces of the first side walls to the vertical center of the second side walls and includes the entire outer angle of the first side walls.
  • the connecting member each extends horizontally from the center of the vertical first side walls to the vertical center of the second side walls. Both the first and the second side walls of the fixing element are perpendicular to the connecting element and extend from the horizontal connecting element vertically upwards and vertically downwards.
  • Fixing elements according to the invention can be positively placed at the corners of a cuboid container by the horizontal connecting element is placed on the upper edge of the upwardly open container.
  • the lower, vertical half of the first, perpendicular to each other side walls fits to the right-angled inner walls of the container edge.
  • the lower, vertical half of the second side walls adapts to the outer walls of the container edge.
  • a second cuboid container with a flat, outer bottom surface which is provided with openings at least in the region of the corners can be placed on the first container with the four fixing elements and fixed in position relative to the first container on which it stands.
  • the first and second rare walls of the fixing cause that two successive containers can not move laterally to each other, thus forming a correctly vertically aligned stack.
  • the fixing elements remain attached on the one hand due to the positive connection, on the other hand, they are also held by the weight of the stacked container in position.
  • the fixing element enables the vertical alignment of stacks of open-bottomed containers at least in the region of the corners, without an integrated fixing device as disclosed in the prior art.
  • the fixing can be due to the attachment by means of positive locking also easily, without tools, remove and reuse.
  • the fixing element according to the invention is applicable to cuboidal containers with edges of different shape, provided that the first side walls are at right angles to each other and the second side walls facing the outer sides of the first side walls or the appearance angle facing tip or both.
  • the first side walls are shaped according to the inner contour of a certain container edge and the second side walls according to the outer contour of the edge of the same container.
  • the first side walls which are at right angles to one another, are separated from each other, with the apex of the angle being open and free space being provided between the side walls.
  • the fixing element can be used for different containers with different pointed or rounded, inner corners of the container edge.
  • the two first side walls are interconnected in the apex of the right angle.
  • the second side walls are shaped according to the outer contour of a particular container edge.
  • the invention thus also includes various embodiments of the shaping of the second side walls, which ensure a positive attachment to the outer edge of a container.
  • the second side walls of the fixing element form a curved surface, the convex side facing the right angle tip formed by the first side walls.
  • This shape is suitable for use in containers with correspondingly shaped container rim with a recess at the corner of the edge.
  • the second side walls of the fixing element are in the form of a curved surface, with the concave side of the top of the jutting section being the second side walls of the fixing element, similar to the first side walls, formed by one or more planar walls.
  • This fixing element can also be placed on the corners of a container edge, the second side walls joining along the outer sides of the container.
  • the connecting element is flat and formed with a minimum thickness according to the material thickness.
  • the fixing element enables the position of a plurality of stacked containers to be fixed relative to one another, so that lateral displacement is prevented and vertical stack alignment is guaranteed.
  • the fixing allows a stacking of containers by their bottoms are always placed on an open end of an underlying container. On the other hand, it allows a stacking of containers by open sides are placed on open sides and floors on floors, with the latter stacking twice as large storage spaces arise.
  • the connecting element between the first and second side walls is formed as a spacer and for this purpose has a predetermined thickness, wherein the first and second side walls protrude in their vertical extent on both sides of the horizontal surface of the connecting element and spacer in each case to the same extent , While in the first-mentioned embodiments of the fixing element, the connecting element only has a thickness in order to ensure the manufacturability and the element, due to the selected material, a minimum strength. In this further embodiment, the thickness is greater to a predetermined spacing between two containers to reach. Such spacing allows stacking of two containers with their open sides facing each other, creating a space between the containers which is increased by the size of the spacer.
  • the connector not only has a predetermined thickness for spacing to achieve spacing of the stacked containers, but also two or more projections on the second side walls, the projections extending horizontally toward the first rare walls extend.
  • the projections are each spaced from the surface of the connecting element, wherein the distance between the connecting element and a projection corresponds to the vertical thickness of a container edge Projections of this type allow an additional attachment of the fixing element to the edge of a container beyond the positive-lock fastening, by means of the projections a snap-fastening at the edge of the container is made possible.
  • the snap fastening is also easily detachable by the projections are sized larger or smaller depending on the material, thickness and the shape of the container edge.
  • the at least two projections are each arranged diagonally offset by a first projection is disposed on a second side wall above the horizontally extending surface of the connecting element, and a second projection on a second side wall on the one hand under the horizontally extending surface of the connecting element is arranged and on the other hand offset is disposed on a side wall which extends at right angles to the side wall on which the first projection is arranged
  • the fixing element is fastened by at least one snap fastening on the edge of a first container and fastened by at least one snap-fastening on the edge of a second container, wherein the two fasteners are arranged on different sides of the container. This allows a sufficient fixation of a stack of containers.
  • the invention includes the mentioned embodiments as well as any combinations of the mentioned embodiments.
  • rectangular containers are fixed in the position by means of fixing elements of the type described above and aligned vertically.
  • the fixing elements allow various combinations of stacked containers. For example, each two containers can be stacked with their open ends to each other, with their relative position is fixed by means of a fixing element with a connecting element as a spacer.
  • a third container may be disposed in the interior space formed by the two stacked containers.
  • FIGS. 1a and 1b an example of the inventive fixing element 1 of a first embodiment for vertical alignment of cuboid containers is shown.
  • the first side walls 2 and the second side walls 3 are shown, which are all aligned vertically and are connected to one another via a flat connecting element 4. This extends horizontally from the center of the vertical first side walls 2 to the vertical center of the second side walls 3 as in the side view also in FIG. 2 shown
  • the first side walls 2 are formed flat and perpendicular to each other, according to the shape of the inside of a container edge.
  • the connecting element 4 extends over the outer angle of 270 ° of the right angle formed by the first side walls 2.
  • the first side wall are arranged separately from each other, so that at the top of the right angle formed by them is a free space.
  • the second side walls 3 face the apex of the right angle of the first side walls and also face the outer sides 2a of the first side walls 2, that is to say the outer sides of the walls 2, which form the outer angle. In the example shown they are rounded and shaped according to a recess on the outside of the edge of a container.
  • the second side walls 3 may also be curved outwards corresponding to an outwardly curved edge.
  • they may be formed as two planar and mutually perpendicular walls facing the outer sides of the first side walls.
  • they may also form a single planar surface facing the outer apex of the right angle of the first sidewalls if a container has an edge with a corner portion running obliquely to the sidewalls.
  • the one or more second vertical sidewalls face the outsides 2a of the first sidewalls 2 or the apex of the right angle, or both.
  • the connecting element 4 can be joined to a corner portion of the edge 5a of a container 6, as in Figure 4a-d shown, wherein the first side walls 2 of the fixing element 1 of the inner side of the edge 5a and the second side walls 3 of the fixing element 1 abut the outer side of the edge 5a.
  • the first and second side walls 2 and 3 according to the shape of the edge 5a of the container. 5 shaped.
  • FIG. 4a-d show a fixing element 1 according to the invention at one of the corners at the lower edge 5a of a container 5 arranged by the flat connecting element 4 rests on the edge 5a and the first side walls 3 and the second side walls 3 positively abut the outer and inner side of the edge 5a ,
  • the edge at the upper and open end and the lower edge along the bottom 6 of the container 5 have on their outer sides an indentation 5b.
  • the curved side wall 3 of the fixing element 1 abuts against this indentation 5b.
  • the first, straight and right-angled side walls 2 abut against the inner side of the edge 5a and engage positively in the edge of the grid-shaped or ribbed bottom 6, as in FIG Figure 4c shown.
  • FIG. 4d shows in enlargement the form-fitting arrangement of the first side walls 2 on the inner walls of the container rim 5a of the container bottom 6.
  • An embodiment of the inventive fixing element 11 according to FIG. 5a again has first, inner and mutually perpendicular side walls 12 and second, outer second side walls 13, wherein the second side walls 13 facing the outer sides of the first side walls 12.
  • the first and second side walls 12 and 13 are connected to each other by a connecting element 14a, b, wherein the connecting element 14a, b is formed as a spacer.
  • the connecting element 14a, b is formed as a spacer.
  • it has, on the one hand, a horizontal, planar part 14 a, which extends from the center of the vertical extent of the first side walls 12 to the center of the vertical extent of the second side walls 13.
  • the connecting element has ribs 14b for reinforcing the fixing element 11 and for forming the spacer, in that the ribs have a height equal to a desired spacing.
  • the connecting element 14 has a vertical thickness equal to the height of the ribs.
  • a horizontal projection 16 extends beyond the vertical extent of the ribs 14b of the connecting element and towards the first side wall 12. In this case, between the projection 16 and the ribs 14b of the connecting element, a distance corresponding to the thickness of an edge of a container to which the fixing element may be applied.
  • a second projection 15 extends from another part of the second side wall 13 towards the first side walls 12, again with a distance between the projection 16 and the vertical extent of the ribs 14b of the connecting element corresponding to the thickness of the edge of a container.
  • the two projections 15 and 16 are mutually offset diagonally by being arranged on the one hand at right angles to each other side walls and on the other hand on different sides, that is, on the upper and lower sides of the connecting element 14.
  • the connecting element 11 has no ribs.
  • horizontal surfaces 14c and 14d at least partially extend from the second sidewalls 13 toward the first sidewalls 12, each at a height, which is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper and lower edges of the vertical side walls 12, 13.
  • Flat 14c extends a distance below the upper edge of sidewalls 12 and 13, and face 14d extends a distance above the lower edge of sidewalls 12 and 13.
  • Tabs 15 and 16 are similar to the embodiment FIG. 5a and b again at the edges of the second side wall 13, with protrusion 16 located above the surface 14c and below the horizontal surface 14d, respectively, and extending toward the first sidewalls.
  • the distance between the horizontal surface 14c and the protrusion 16 and that between the horizontal surface 14d and the protrusion 15 are respectively the thickness of a container rim to which the fixing member can be applied.
  • a fixing member 11 is placed on each corner of a container rim 5a with the ribs 14b of the connecting member coming to rest on the edge 5a, the first side walls 12 abutting the inside of the rim and the second side walls 13 abutting the outer sides of the rim.
  • the projections 15 and 16 serve a snap fastening on the edge 5a, by the edge 5a between the connecting element 14a. b and the projection 15 is clamped.
  • a second container 7 is placed on the container 5, this is fixed by clamping its edge 7a between the projection 16 and the connecting element 14a, b.
  • the clamping action is sufficient, so that a relative fixation of the container 5 and 7 is achieved to each other.
  • the strength of the material of the fixing and the container edge of the projection can be made larger or smaller, so on the one hand, a sufficient clamping effect is achieved and on the other hand, the fixing 11 can be solved again by hand without tools from the edge again.
  • the fixing element 11 allows the stacking of two containers 5 and 7, as in FIG. 5e shown by the two containers are stacked, each with the open sides to each other. Due to the vertical height of the connecting element 11, a spacing of the two containers 5 and 7 is achieved, so that a further third container 8 in the formed by the two containers 5 and 7 Interior can be stored as in FIG. 5d shown. This allows empty containers to be transported in a reduced volume during empties transport. On the other side, with the open side down container 7, a further container 9 can be set, which can be fixed in relation to the container 7 by means of a fixing element 1 of the first embodiment of the invention.
  • any number of parallelepiped containers with flat bottoms can be stacked by means of fixing elements 1 without spacing and / or by means of fixing elements 11 with spacing and with or without stowed container 8.
  • FIG. 6 shows an example of such a combined system according to the invention.
  • On the upwardly directed bottom of the container 7 is by means of fixing elements 1 after Figures 1-4 a container 9 stacked.
  • On this upwardly open container 9 is then another container 10 by means of the fixing element 1 after Figures 1-4 positioned.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Ausrichtung eines vertikalen Stapels von quaderförmigen Behältern, gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1, insbesondere Behäftem mit zur Boderrfläche senkrecht verlaufenden Seitenwänden. Die Erfindung betrifft zudem ein System zum Stapeln solcher Behälter und zu ihrer platzsparenden Lagerung.The invention relates to a device for aligning a vertical stack of cuboid containers, according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular Behäftem with the body surface perpendicular side walls. The invention also relates to a system for stacking such containers and for their space-saving storage.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Quaderförmig Behälter zur Lagerung und zum Transport von Waren sind aus Kunststoff, Metall, Holz oder Karton bekannt. Um ein stabiles, vertikales Stapeln solcher Behälter zu ermöglichen ohne sie sich aus der Vertikalen verschieben, sind Behälter an die Aussenflächen der Böden häufig mit einem Profil versehen, einem typischerweise rechtwinkligen Profil, das in den oberen Rand eines weiteren Behälters eingreifen kann. Dadurch können sich die Behälter seitlich nicht verschieben, und die Seitenwände aufeinander stehender Behälter bleiben in der Vertikalen fixiert.
Bei quaderförmigen Behältern mit einer ebenen, äusseren Bodenfläche ohne Profil und mit lediglich einem Gltterboden Ist die Stapelung dagegen schwieriger, da die aufeinander liegenden Behälter sich horizontal verschieben können und in ihrer Position relativ zueinander nicht fixiert sind. Aufgrund ihrer Quaderform und senkrecht zum Boden verlaufenden Seitenwänden lassen sich die Behälter auch nicht ineinander stellen, wie es etwa bei Behältern mit leicht schräg zum Boden verlaufenden Seitenwänden möglich ist.Cuboid containers for storing and transporting goods are known in plastic, metal, wood or cardboard. In order to allow stable, vertical stacking of such containers without displacing them from the vertical, containers are often provided with a profile on the outer surfaces of the trays, a typically rectangular profile which can engage in the upper edge of another container. As a result, the containers can not move laterally, and the side walls of standing containers remain fixed in the vertical.
In cuboid containers with a flat, outer bottom surface without profile and with only a Gltterboden Stacking, however, is more difficult because the stacked containers can move horizontally and are not fixed in position relative to each other. Due to their cuboid shape and running perpendicular to the bottom side walls, the containers can not be placed inside each other, as is possible for example with containers with slightly sloping to the bottom side walls.

In EP2484599 ist ein Behälter mit zum Boden senkrecht verlaufenden Seitenwänden vorgestellt, an dessen Ecken jeweils ein vertikal Ober die Seitenwände hinausragendes, säulenförmiges Element integriert ist Behälter und säulenförmige Elemente bilden ein einziges Teil. Zudem weist er an den Innenseiten der Ecken längliche Hohlräume auf, in die die säulenförmigen Elemente eines zweiten Behälters eingreifen können. Die säulenförmigen Elemente sind paarweise geformt und positioniert, indem jeweils zwei diagonal gegenüberliegende Elemente sowie die diagonal gegenüberliegenden Hohlräume gleich geformt sind, während die zwei anderen diagonal gegenüberliegenden Elemente und Hohlräume eine leicht andere Form haben. Werden die Behälter aufeinander gestapelt so greifen diagonal gegenüberliegende Elemente in die Hohlräume ein, sodass die Behälter mit einem Abstand voneinander fixiert sind. Werden die Behälter aufeinander gelegt mit zueinander gerichteten Innenräumen, so greifen die säulenförmigen Elemente in Hohlräume ein, sodass ein festes geschlossenes Paket entsteht.In EP2484599 is presented a container with the floor perpendicular to the side walls, at the corners of each vertically above the Side walls protruding, columnar element is integrated container and columnar elements form a single part. In addition, it has on the insides of the corners elongated cavities into which the columnar elements of a second container can engage. The columnar elements are formed in pairs and positioned by having two diagonally opposite elements and the diagonally opposite cavities equally shaped, while the other two diagonally opposite elements and cavities have a slightly different shape. If the containers are stacked on each other, diagonally opposite elements engage in the cavities, so that the containers are fixed at a distance from each other. If the containers are placed on top of each other with mutually directed internal spaces, the columnar elements engage in cavities, so that a solid closed package is formed.

GB2037709 offenbart einen Behälter mit ebenem, profilfreiem Boden und einem Deckel, an dessen oberen vier Ecken ein rechtwinkliges Eck-Pfeiler-Element jeweils über den Rand der Seitenwände gestülpt wird und mittels Rippen befestigt ist, die in oder an die Seitenwänden des Behälters pressen. Das Element weist zudem eine horizontale Fläche in der Form eines rechtwinkligen Dreiecks auf, auf die ein Deckel gelegt werden kann. Seitenwände, die sich von der horizontalen Fläche senkrecht erstrecken, greifen durch entsprechende schlitzförmige Öffnungen in einem darauf gestapelten Behälter. An der Innenseite der Ecken erstreckt sich das Pfeiler-Element bis zum Boden des Behälters und wirkt als solches als Träger des Deckels sowie eines darauf gestapelten weiteren Behälters. GB2037709 discloses a container with a flat, profile-free bottom and a lid, at the upper four corners of which a rectangular corner pillar element is slipped over the edge of the side walls and secured by ribs which press into or against the side walls of the container. The element also has a horizontal surface in the shape of a right triangle on which a lid can be placed. Sidewalls extending vertically from the horizontal surface engage through corresponding slot-shaped openings in a container stacked thereon. On the inside of the corners, the pillar element extends to the bottom of the container and acts as such as a carrier of the lid and a further container stacked thereon.

US2001/0008251 offenbart einen wieder verwendbaren und auseinander klappbaren Behälter sowie Verbindungsteile, die sich an einem oberen Rand eines offenen Behälters anordnen lassen. Ein solches Verbindungsteil weist äussere Seitenwände auf, die an der äusseren Seite der Behälterränder anliegend angeordnet werden, eine horizontale Fläche, die von den äusseren Seitenwänden nach innen des Behälters sich erstrecken und innere Seitenwände, die von der horizontalen Fläche nach unten verlaufen und nur an den Innenwänden des unten stehenden Behälters anliegen. US2001 / 0008251 discloses a reusable and unfoldable container, as well as connectors that can be placed on an upper edge of an open container. Such a connecting part has outer side walls which are arranged adjacent to the outer side of the container edges, a horizontal surface extending from the outer side walls inwardly of the container and inner side walls extending from the horizontal surface down and rest only on the inner walls of the container below.

Beschreibung der ErfindungDescription of the invention

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zu schaffen, die es ermöglicht, quaderförmige nach oben offene Behälter und mit einem mindestens partiell durchbrochen, zum Beispiel gitterförmig oder verrippt ausgebildeten Boden mit ebener, äusserer Fläche vertikal korrekt stapeln zu können und eine seitliche Verschiebung der einzelnen Behatter relativ zueinander zu vermeiden.It is an object of the present invention to provide a device which makes it possible to stack cuboid upwardly open containers and with a perforated at least partially open, for example, grid-shaped or ribbed bottom with a flat, outer surface vertically correct and a lateral displacement of the individual Behatter relative to each other to avoid.

Ein Fixierelement gemäss der Erfindung zur Positionierung quaderförmiger, nach oben offener Behälter in einem vertikalen Stapel weist die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 auf, insbesondere erste, vertikale, rechtwinklig zueinander stehende Seltenwände, zweite vertikale Seitenwände sowie ein horizontales Verbindungselement auf. Die ersten, in einem rechten Winkel zueinander stehenden Seitenwände weisen jeweils Innenflächen und Aussenflächen auf, wobei die Innenflächen den rechten Winkel umschliessen und die Aussenflächen den Aussenwlnkel des rechten Winkels bilden. Die zweiten, vertikalen Seitenwände sind dabei den Aussenseiten der ersten Seitenwände oder der äusseren Winkelspitze des rechten Winkels zugewandt. Das ebene Verblndungselement erstreckt sich horizontal von der Mitte der Aussenflächen der ersten Seitenwände zur vertikalen Mitte der zweiten Seitenwände und schliesst den gesamten Aussenwinkel der ersten Seitenwände mit ein. Das Verbindungselement erstreckt sich jeweils horizontal von der Mitte der vertikal gestellten ersten Seitenwände zur vertikalen Mitte der zweiten Seitenwände.
Sowohl die ersten als auch die zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements stehen senkrecht zum Verbindungselement und erstrecken sich vom horizontalen Verbindungselement senkrecht nach oben und senkrecht nach unten.A fixing element according to the invention for positioning cuboid, upwardly open container in a vertical stack has the features of claim 1, in particular first, vertical, standing at right angles to each other rare walls, second vertical side walls and a horizontal connecting element. The first, each standing at a right angle sidewalls each have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surfaces surround the right angle and the outer surfaces form the Außenwlnkel the right angle. The second, vertical side walls are facing the outer sides of the first side walls or the outer angle tip of the right angle. The planar fade member extends horizontally from the center of the outer surfaces of the first side walls to the vertical center of the second side walls and includes the entire outer angle of the first side walls. The connecting member each extends horizontally from the center of the vertical first side walls to the vertical center of the second side walls.
Both the first and the second side walls of the fixing element are perpendicular to the connecting element and extend from the horizontal connecting element vertically upwards and vertically downwards.

Fixierelemente gemäss der Erfindung lassen sich formschlüssig an die Ecken eines quaderförmigen Behälters legen, indem das horizontale Verbindungselement auf den oberen Rand des nach oben offenen Behälters gelegt wird. Dabei fügt sich die untere, senkrechte Hälfte der ersten, rechtwinklig zueinander stehenden Seitenwände an die rechtwinkligen Innenwände des Behälterrandes. Die untere, senkrechte Hälfte der zweiten Seitenwände fügt sich an die Aussenwande des Behälterrandes. Indem die zweiten Seitenwände den Aussenflächen der ersten Seitenwände zugewandt sind oder zur äusseren Winkelspitze des von Ihnen gebildeten rechten Winkels gerichtet sind, oder beides, wird der Rand eines Behälters in einer seiner Ecken durch das Fixierelement umschlossen. Die oberen, senkrechten Hälften der ersten und zweiten Seitenwände ragen über den Behälterrand hinaus. Ein zweiter quaderförmiger Behälter mit ebener, äusserer Bodenfläche der mindestens im Bereich der Ecken mit Durchbrachen versehen ist, lässt sich auf den ersten Behälter mit den vier Fixierelementen stellen und in seiner Position relativ zum ersten Behälter, auf dem er steht, fixieren. Dabei greift der Rand des Behälterbodens zwischen die ersten und zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements formschlüssig ein, Indem die zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements sich den äusseren Seiten des Behälterrands an den Ecken des Behälters anfügen und die ersten Seitenwände des Fixierelements sich an innere Seiten des Bodenrands fügen oder in Aussparungen im Boden, zum Beispiel entlang dem Rand einer verstärkenden Gitterstruktur des Bodens eingreifen.
Die ersten und zweiten Seltenwande des Fixierelements bewirken, dass zwei aufeinander gestellte Behälter sich seitlich zueinander nicht verschieben können und so einen korrekt vertikal ausgerichteten Stapel bilden. Die Fixierelemente bleiben einerseits aufgrund des Formschlusses befestigt, anderseits werden sie auch durch das Eigengewicht des aufgestapelten Behälters in Position gehalten.Fixing elements according to the invention can be positively placed at the corners of a cuboid container by the horizontal connecting element is placed on the upper edge of the upwardly open container. In this case, the lower, vertical half of the first, perpendicular to each other side walls fits to the right-angled inner walls of the container edge. The lower, vertical half of the second side walls adapts to the outer walls of the container edge. By the second side walls facing the outer surfaces of the first side walls or are directed to the outer angle top of the right angle formed by you, or both, the edge of a container is enclosed in one of its corners by the fixing element. The upper, vertical halves of the first and second side walls protrude beyond the container rim. A second cuboid container with a flat, outer bottom surface which is provided with openings at least in the region of the corners can be placed on the first container with the four fixing elements and fixed in position relative to the first container on which it stands. In this case, engages the edge of the container bottom between the first and second side walls of the fixing form-fitting, by attaching the second side walls of the fixing to the outer sides of the container edge at the corners of the container and the first side walls of the fixing to be added to inner sides of the bottom edge or in Recesses in the ground, for example, along the edge of a reinforcing grid structure of the soil intervene.
The first and second rare walls of the fixing cause that two successive containers can not move laterally to each other, thus forming a correctly vertically aligned stack. The fixing elements remain attached on the one hand due to the positive connection, on the other hand, they are also held by the weight of the stacked container in position.

Das Fixierelement ermöglicht die vertikale Ausrichtung von Stapeln von Behältern mit durchbrochenem Boden mindestens Im Bereich der Ecken, dies ohne integrierte Fixiervorrichtung wie im Stand der Technik offenbart.The fixing element enables the vertical alignment of stacks of open-bottomed containers at least in the region of the corners, without an integrated fixing device as disclosed in the prior art.

Das Fixierelement lässt sich aufgrund der Befestigung mittels Formschluss auch leicht, ohne Werkzeuge, entfernen und wieder verwenden.The fixing can be due to the attachment by means of positive locking also easily, without tools, remove and reuse.

Das Fixierelement gemäss der Erfindung ist auf quaderförmige Behälter mit Rändern verschiedener Form anwendbar, vorausgesetzt die ersten Seitenwände stehen Im rechten Winkel zueinander und die zweiten Seitenwände sind den Aussenseiten der ersten Seitenwände zugewandt oder der aussehen Winkelspitze zugewandt oder beides. Dabei sind die ersten Seitenwände gemäss der Innenkontur eines bestimmten Behälterrands und die zweiten Seitenwände gemäss der Aussenkontur des Randes desselben Behälters geformt.The fixing element according to the invention is applicable to cuboidal containers with edges of different shape, provided that the first side walls are at right angles to each other and the second side walls facing the outer sides of the first side walls or the appearance angle facing tip or both. In this case, the first side walls are shaped according to the inner contour of a certain container edge and the second side walls according to the outer contour of the edge of the same container.

In einer ersten Ausführung der Erfindung sind die ersten, rechtwinklig zueinander stehenden Seitenwände voneinander getrennt, wobei die Spitze des Winkels offen Ist und zwischen den Seitenwänden ein Freiraum besteht Dies ermöglicht Freiraum in der Herstellungsgenauigkeit in der Spitze des Winkels. Zudem kann das Fixierelement für verschiedene Behälter mit verschieden spitzen oder gerundeten, inneren Ecken des Behälterrandes verwendet werden.In a first embodiment of the invention, the first side walls, which are at right angles to one another, are separated from each other, with the apex of the angle being open and free space being provided between the side walls. This allows freedom in the manufacturing accuracy in the apex of the angle. In addition, the fixing element can be used for different containers with different pointed or rounded, inner corners of the container edge.

In einer weiteren Ausführung sind die beiden ersten Seitenwände in der Spitze des rechten Winkels miteinander verbunden.In a further embodiment, the two first side walls are interconnected in the apex of the right angle.

Die zweiten Seitenwände sind gemäss der Aussenkontur eines bestimmten Behälterrandes geformt. Die Erfindung umfasst somit auch verschiedene Ausführungen der Formgebung der zweiten Seitenwände, die eine formschlüssige Befestigung am äusseren Rand eines Behälters gewährleisten.The second side walls are shaped according to the outer contour of a particular container edge. The invention thus also includes various embodiments of the shaping of the second side walls, which ensure a positive attachment to the outer edge of a container.

In einer Ausführung der Erfindung bilden die zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements eine gekrümmte Fläche, wobei die konvexe Seite der Spitze des rechten Winkels zugewandt Ist, der von den ersten Seitenwänden gebildet wird. Diese Form eignet sich für die Anwendung bei Behältern mit entsprechend geformtem Behälterrand mit einer Einbuchtung an der Ecke des Randes.In one embodiment of the invention, the second side walls of the fixing element form a curved surface, the convex side facing the right angle tip formed by the first side walls. This shape is suitable for use in containers with correspondingly shaped container rim with a recess at the corner of the edge.

In einer weiteren Ausführung sind die zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements in der Form einer gekrümmten Fläche, wobei die konkave Seite der Spitze der m einer werferen Ausfunrung sind die zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements, ähnlich den ersten Seitenwänden, durch eine oder mehrere ebene Wände ausgebildet. Dieses Fixierelement lässt sich ebenfalls auf die Ecken eines Behälterrandes setzen, wobei die zweiten Seitenwände sich entlang den äusseren Seiten des Behälters fügen.In a further embodiment, the second side walls of the fixing element are in the form of a curved surface, with the concave side of the top of the jutting section being the second side walls of the fixing element, similar to the first side walls, formed by one or more planar walls. This fixing element can also be placed on the corners of a container edge, the second side walls joining along the outer sides of the container.

In den genannten Ausführungen ist das Verbindungselement flächig und mit einer gemäss der Materialstärke minimalen Dicke ausgebildet.In the aforementioned embodiments, the connecting element is flat and formed with a minimum thickness according to the material thickness.

Das Fixierelement ermöglicht die Fixierung der Position von mehreren gestapelten Behältern relativ zueinander, sodass ein seitliches Verschieben verhindert wird und eine vertikale Stapelausrichtung garantiert ist. Das Fixierelement erlaubt eine Stapelung von Behältern, indem ihre Böden stets auf ein offenes Ende eines darunter stehenden Behälters gestellt werden. Anderseits erlaubt es eine Stapelung von Behältern, indem offene Seiten auf offene Seiten und Böden auf Böden gestellt werden, wobei bei letzterer Stapelung doppelt so grosse Stauräume entstehen.The fixing element enables the position of a plurality of stacked containers to be fixed relative to one another, so that lateral displacement is prevented and vertical stack alignment is guaranteed. The fixing allows a stacking of containers by their bottoms are always placed on an open end of an underlying container. On the other hand, it allows a stacking of containers by open sides are placed on open sides and floors on floors, with the latter stacking twice as large storage spaces arise.

In einer weiteren Ausführung des Fixierelements ist das Verbindungselement zwischen den ersten und zweiten Seitenwänden als Abstandhalter ausgebildet und weist hierzu eine vorbestimmte Dicke auf, wobei die ersten und zweiten Seitenwände in ihrer vertikalen Ausdehnung beidseits der horizontalen Fläche des Verbindungselements und Abstandhalters in jeweils gleich grossem Ausmass herausragen. Während bei den ersten genannten Ausführungen des Fixierelements das Verbindungselement lediglich eine Dicke aufweist, um die Herstellbarkeit und dem Element, aufgrund des gewählten Materials, eine minimale Festigkeit zu gewährleisten. Bei dieser weiteren Ausführung ist die Dicke grösser, um eine vorbestimmte Beabstandung zwischen zwei Behältern zu erreichen. Eine solche Beabstandung ermöglicht das Stapeln von zwei Behältern mit ihren offenen Seiten zueinander gerichtet, wobei ein Raum zwischen den Behältern entsteht, der um die Grösse des Abstandhalters vergrössert ist. Dies ermöglicht das Verstauen eines weiteren Behälters zwischen den beiden gestapelten Behältern. Dadurch kann beim Transport von Leergut jeweils ein dritter Behälter im Innenraum der zwei so gestapelten Behälter verstaut werden. Das Leergutvolumen kann damit um einen Drittel reduziert werden.In a further embodiment of the fixing element, the connecting element between the first and second side walls is formed as a spacer and for this purpose has a predetermined thickness, wherein the first and second side walls protrude in their vertical extent on both sides of the horizontal surface of the connecting element and spacer in each case to the same extent , While in the first-mentioned embodiments of the fixing element, the connecting element only has a thickness in order to ensure the manufacturability and the element, due to the selected material, a minimum strength. In this further embodiment, the thickness is greater to a predetermined spacing between two containers to reach. Such spacing allows stacking of two containers with their open sides facing each other, creating a space between the containers which is increased by the size of the spacer. This allows stowage of another container between the two stacked containers. As a result, when transporting empties, in each case a third container can be stowed in the interior of the two containers stacked in this way. The empties volume can thus be reduced by one third.

In einer Ausführung des Fixierelements mit Abstandhalter weist das Verbindungselement nicht nur eine vorbestimmte Dicke zur Abstandhaltung auf, um eine Beabstandung der gestapelten Behälter zu erreichen, sondern auch zwei oder mehr Vorsprünge an den zweiten Seitenwänden auf, wobei die Vorsprünge sich horizontal in Richtung der ersten Seltenwände erstrecken. Die Vorsprünge sind jeweils von der Fläche des Verbindungselements beabstandet, wobei der Abstand zwischen Verbindungselement und einem Vorsprung der vertikalen Dicke eines Behälterrandes entspricht
Vorsprünge dieser Art ermöglichen eine zusätzliche Befestigung des Fixierelements am Rand eines Behälters Ober die formschlossige Befestigung hinaus, Indem mittels der Vorsprünge eine Schnappbefestigung am Rand des Behälters ermöglicht wird. Die Schnappbefestigung ist auch leicht wieder lösbar, indem die Vorsprünge je nach Material, Dicke und der Form des Behälterrandes grösser oder kleiner dimensioniert sind.
Die mindestens zwei Vorsprünge sind jeweils diagonal versetzt angeordnet, indem ein erster Vorsprung sich an einer zweiten Seitenwand Ober der horizontal verlaufenden Fläche des Verbindungselements angeordnet ist, und ein zweiter Vomprung an einer zweiten Seitenwand einerseits unter der horizontal verlaufenden Fläche des Verbindungselements angeordnet ist und anderseits versetzt an einer Seitenwand angeordnet ist, die im rechten Winkel zu der Seitenwand verläuft, an dem der erste Vorsprung angeordnet ist
Durch zwei so angeordnete Vorsprünge ist das Fixierelement durch mindestens eine Schnappbefestigung am Rand eines ersten Behälters befestigt und durch mindestens eine Schnappbefestigung am Rand eines zweiten Behälters befestigt, wobei die beiden Befestigungen an unterschiedlichen Seiten der Behälter angeordnet sind. Dies ermöglicht eine ausreichende Fixierung eines Stapels von Behältern.In one embodiment of the spacer fixing member, the connector not only has a predetermined thickness for spacing to achieve spacing of the stacked containers, but also two or more projections on the second side walls, the projections extending horizontally toward the first rare walls extend. The projections are each spaced from the surface of the connecting element, wherein the distance between the connecting element and a projection corresponds to the vertical thickness of a container edge
Projections of this type allow an additional attachment of the fixing element to the edge of a container beyond the positive-lock fastening, by means of the projections a snap-fastening at the edge of the container is made possible. The snap fastening is also easily detachable by the projections are sized larger or smaller depending on the material, thickness and the shape of the container edge.
The at least two projections are each arranged diagonally offset by a first projection is disposed on a second side wall above the horizontally extending surface of the connecting element, and a second projection on a second side wall on the one hand under the horizontally extending surface of the connecting element is arranged and on the other hand offset is disposed on a side wall which extends at right angles to the side wall on which the first projection is arranged
By two projections thus arranged, the fixing element is fastened by at least one snap fastening on the edge of a first container and fastened by at least one snap-fastening on the edge of a second container, wherein the two fasteners are arranged on different sides of the container. This allows a sufficient fixation of a stack of containers.

Die Erfindung umfasst die genannten Ausführungen sowie auch beliebige Kombinationen der genannten Ausführungen.The invention includes the mentioned embodiments as well as any combinations of the mentioned embodiments.

In einem System zur Stapelung von quaderförmigen Behältern mit ebenen, äusseren Bodenflächen sind quaderförmige Behälter mittels Fixierelementen der vorangehend beschriebenen Art in der Position fixiert und vertikal ausgerichtet Die Fixierelemente ermöglichen verschiedene Kombinationen gestapelter Behälter. Zum Beispiel können jeweils zwei Behälter mit ihren offenen Enden zueinander gestapelt werden, wobei ihre relative Position mittels eines Fixierelements mit einem Verbindungselement als Abstandhalter fixiert ist. Ein dritter Behälter kann im Innenraum, der von den zwei gestapelten Behältern gebildet ist, angeordnet werden.
Mehrere solcher Stapel von jeweils zwei Behältern mit jeweils einem dritten Behälter in deren Innenraum können wiederum aufeinander gestapelt werden, Indem auf die vier Ecken des oberen der zwei gestapelten Behälter jeweils ein Fixterelement mit flächigern Verbindungselement kleiner Dicke gemäss der ersten Ausführung angeordnet ist Der Boden eines weiteren Stapels von zwei Behältern mit drittem Behälter im Innenraum kann auf diese Fixierelemente gestellt und fixiert werden.In a system for stacking parallelepipedic containers with flat, outer bottom surfaces, rectangular containers are fixed in the position by means of fixing elements of the type described above and aligned vertically. The fixing elements allow various combinations of stacked containers. For example, each two containers can be stacked with their open ends to each other, with their relative position is fixed by means of a fixing element with a connecting element as a spacer. A third container may be disposed in the interior space formed by the two stacked containers.
Several such stacks of two containers, each with a third container in the interior thereof, can be stacked again by arranging on each of the four corners of the top of the two stacked containers a fixed element having a flat-type connecting element of small thickness according to the first embodiment Stack of two containers with third container in the interior can be placed and fixed on these fixing elements.

Weitere Vorteile der Erfindung folgen aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung, in der die Erfindung anhand der in den schematischen Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert wird.Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which the invention with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the schematic drawings is explained in more detail.

Kurze Beschreibung der FigurenBrief description of the figures

  • Fig. 1a und 1b zeigen zwei Perspektiven des Fixierelements gemäss der ersten Ausführung der Erfindung. Fig. 1a and 1b show two perspectives of the fixing element according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Fixierelements aus Figur 1a und 1b gemäss II in Figur 1b. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the fixing from FIGS. 1a and 1b according to II in FIG. 1b ,
  • Fig. 3 zeigt das Fixierelement von Figur 1 in einer Sicht von oben. Fig. 3 shows the fixing of FIG. 1 in a view from above.
  • Fig.4a-d zeigen Perspektiven eines erfindungsgemässen Fixierelements angewendet an einer Ecke am gitterförmigen Boden eines quaderförmigen Behälters mit einem Rand mit einer nach innen gerichteten Einbuchtung, wovon insbesondere 4a-d show perspectives of a novel fixing element applied to a corner on the grid-shaped bottom of a cuboid container with an edge with an inwardly directed indentation, of which in particular
  • Fig. 4b eine Ansicht des Fixierelements an einem Behälter von unten und insbesondere das Eingreifen der Seitenwände mit dem Rand am gitterförmigen Boden des Behälters zeigt. Fig. 4b a view of the fixing element on a container from below and in particular the engagement of the side walls with the edge at the grid-shaped bottom of the container shows.
  • Figuren 4c und d zeigen vergrösserte Ansichten des Fixierelements von Figur 1 am Boden des Behälters. FIGS. 4c and d show enlarged views of the fixing of FIG. 1 at the bottom of the container.
  • Fig. 5a und b zeigen Perspektiven des erfindungsgemässen Fixierelements gemäss der zweiten Ausführung der Erfindung mit einem Verbindungelement als Abstandhalter. Fig. 5a and b show perspectives of the inventive fixing element according to the second embodiment of the invention with a connecting element as a spacer.
  • Fig. 5c zeigt zwei Ansichten einer weiteren Ausführung des erfindungsgemässen Fixierelements mit einem Verbindungelement als Abstandhalter. Fig. 5c shows two views of a further embodiment of the inventive fixing element with a connecting element as a spacer.
  • Fig.5d-g zeigen die Anwendung des Fixierelements aus Figur 5a und b an einem quaderförmigen Behälter zur Fixierung seiner Position relativ zu einem weiteren Behälter und zur Beabstandung von zwei aufeinander liegenden Behältern zwecks Aufbewahrung eines dritten Behälters. 5d-g show the application of the fixing element FIG. 5a and b on a parallelepipedic container for fixing its position relative to another container and for spacing two superimposed containers for the purpose of storing a third container.
  • Figur 6 zeigt ein System von gestapelten, quaderförmigen Behältern und mittels der erfindungsgemässen Fixierelemente vertikal ausgerichtet. FIG. 6 shows a system of stacked, cuboid containers and vertically aligned by means of the inventive fixing elements.

In den Figuren sind für dieselben Elemente jeweils dieselben Bezugszeichen verwendet worden und erstmalige Erklärungen betreffen alle Figuren, wenn nicht ausdrücklich anders erwähnt.In the figures, the same reference numerals have been used for the same elements and first explanations apply to all figures, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Ausführungsbeispiele der ErfindungEmbodiments of the invention

In den Figuren 1a und 1b ist ein Beispiel des erfindungsgemässen Fixierelements 1 einer ersten Ausführung zur vertikalen Ausrichtung von quaderförmigen Behältern dargestellt. Es sind die ersten Seitenwände 2 und die zweiten Seitenwände 3 gezeigt, die alle vertikal ausgerichtet sind und über ein flächiges Verbindungselement 4 miteinander verbunden sind. Dieses erstreckt sich jeweils horizontal von der Mitte der vertikal gestellten ersten Seitenwände 2 zur vertikalen Mitte der zweiten Seitenwände 3 wie in der Seitenansicht auch in Figur 2 gezeigtIn the FIGS. 1a and 1b an example of the inventive fixing element 1 of a first embodiment for vertical alignment of cuboid containers is shown. The first side walls 2 and the second side walls 3 are shown, which are all aligned vertically and are connected to one another via a flat connecting element 4. This extends horizontally from the center of the vertical first side walls 2 to the vertical center of the second side walls 3 as in the side view also in FIG. 2 shown

In dem gezeigten Beispiel des Fixierelements, wie insbesondere in der Draufsicht in Figur 3 ersichtlich, sind die ersten Seitenwände 2 eben und rechtwinklig zueinander stehend ausgebildet, entsprechend der Form der Innenseite eines Behälterrands. Das Verbindungselement 4 erstreckt sich über den Aussenwinkel von 270° des von den ersten Seitenwänden 2 gebildeten rechten Winkels. Die ersten Seitenwand sind voneinander getrennt angeordnet, sodass an der Spitze des von ihnen gebildeten rechten Winkels ein Freiraum ist. Die zweiten Seitenwände 3 sind der Spitze des rechten Winkel der ersten Seitenwände zugewandt sowie auch den Aussenseiten 2a der ersten Seitenwände 2 zugewandt, das heisst den Aussenseiten der Wände 2, die den Aussenwinkel bilden. In dem gezeigten Beispiel sind sie gerundet ausgebildet und entsprechend einer Einbuchtung an der Aussenseite des Randes eines Behälters geformt. Die zweiten Seitenwände 3 können auch nach aussen gekrümmt sein entsprechend einem nach aussen gekrümmten Rand. Zudem können sie, ähnlich den ersten Seitenwänden, als zwei ebene und rechtwinklig zueinander stehende Wände ausgebildet sein, die den Aussenseiten der ersten Seitenwänden zugewandt. Alternativ können sie auch eine einzige ebene Fläche bilden, die der äusseren Spitze des rechten Winkels der ersten Seitenwände zugewandt ist, falls ein Behälter einen Rand aufweist mit einer schräg zu den Seitenwänden verlaufenden Eckpartie. In jedem Fall sind die eine oder mehreren zweiten, vertikalen Seitenwände den Aussenseiten 2a der ersten Seitenwände 2 oder der Spitze des rechten Winkels zugewandt oder beides.In the example of the fixing element shown, in particular in the plan view in FIG FIG. 3 can be seen, the first side walls 2 are formed flat and perpendicular to each other, according to the shape of the inside of a container edge. The connecting element 4 extends over the outer angle of 270 ° of the right angle formed by the first side walls 2. The first side wall are arranged separately from each other, so that at the top of the right angle formed by them is a free space. The second side walls 3 face the apex of the right angle of the first side walls and also face the outer sides 2a of the first side walls 2, that is to say the outer sides of the walls 2, which form the outer angle. In the example shown they are rounded and shaped according to a recess on the outside of the edge of a container. The second side walls 3 may also be curved outwards corresponding to an outwardly curved edge. In addition, similar to the first side walls, they may be formed as two planar and mutually perpendicular walls facing the outer sides of the first side walls. Alternatively, they may also form a single planar surface facing the outer apex of the right angle of the first sidewalls if a container has an edge with a corner portion running obliquely to the sidewalls. In either case, the one or more second vertical sidewalls face the outsides 2a of the first sidewalls 2 or the apex of the right angle, or both.

Bel der Anwendung als Fixierelement bei quaderförmigen Behältern, also Behältern mit senkrecht zum Boden verlaufenden Seitenwänden, kann das Verbindungselement 4 an ein Eckteil des Rands 5a eines Behälters 6 gefügt werden, wie in Figur 4a-d aufgezeigt, wobei die ersten Seitenwände 2 des Fixierelements 1 der inneren Seite des Randes 5a und die zweiten Seitenwände 3 des Fixierelements 1 der äusseren Seite des Randes 5a anliegen. Hierzu sind die ersten und zweiten Seitenwände 2 und 3 gemäss der Form das Randes 5a des Behälters. 5 geformt.
Figuren 4a-d zeigen ein erfindungsgemässes Fixierelement 1 an einer der Ecken am unteren Rand 5a eines Behälters 5 angeordnet, indem das flächige Verbindungselement 4 auf dem Rand 5a anliegt und die ersten Seitenwände 3 und die zweiten Seitenwände 3 formschlüssig an der äusseren bzw. inneren Seite des Randes 5a anliegen. Der Rand am oberen und offenen Ende sowie der untere Rand entlang des Bodens 6 des Behälters 5 weisen an ihren äusseren Seiten eine Einbuchtung 5b auf. Die gekrümmte Seitenwand 3 des Fixierelements 1 liegt an dieser Einbuchtung 5b an. Die ersten, geraden und rechtwinkligen Seitenwände 2 liegen an der inneren Seite des Rands 5a an und greifen formschlüssig in den Rand des gitterförmig oder verrippt ausgebildeten Bodens 6 wie in Figur 4c gezeigt. Die gerundeten Flächen der zweiten Seitenwände 3 liegen formschlüssig einer Einbuchtung am unteren Rand entlang dem Boden 6 an, wobei die Einbuchtung gleich ausgestaltet ist wie die Einbuchtung 5b am oberen Rand am offenen Ende des Behälters. Ein Fixierelement 1 kann sowohl an den Ecken am unteren Rand als auch an den Ecken am oberen Rand befestigt werden. Figur 4d zeigt in Vergrösserung die formschlüssige Anordnung der ersten Seitenwände 2 an den inneren Wänden des Behälterrands 5a des Behälterbodens 6.
Um eine Mehrzahl von Behältern 5 in ihrer relativen horizontalen Position zu fixieren und vertikal ausgerichtet zu stapeln, werden Fixierelemente 1 an allen vier Ecken des oberen Rands eines jeden Behälters befestigt. Die Ecken am unteren Rand eines jeden Behälters werden darauf auf die Fixierelemente 1 eines unten stehenden Behälters gesetzt und damit in ihrer Position fixiert. Dadurch können beliebig viele Behälter 5 vertikal aufeinander gestapelt werden.Bel the application as a fixing in parallelepipedic containers, ie containers with running perpendicular to the bottom side walls, the connecting element 4 can be joined to a corner portion of the edge 5a of a container 6, as in Figure 4a-d shown, wherein the first side walls 2 of the fixing element 1 of the inner side of the edge 5a and the second side walls 3 of the fixing element 1 abut the outer side of the edge 5a. For this purpose, the first and second side walls 2 and 3 according to the shape of the edge 5a of the container. 5 shaped.
FIGS. 4a-d show a fixing element 1 according to the invention at one of the corners at the lower edge 5a of a container 5 arranged by the flat connecting element 4 rests on the edge 5a and the first side walls 3 and the second side walls 3 positively abut the outer and inner side of the edge 5a , The edge at the upper and open end and the lower edge along the bottom 6 of the container 5 have on their outer sides an indentation 5b. The curved side wall 3 of the fixing element 1 abuts against this indentation 5b. The first, straight and right-angled side walls 2 abut against the inner side of the edge 5a and engage positively in the edge of the grid-shaped or ribbed bottom 6, as in FIG Figure 4c shown. The rounded surfaces of the second side walls 3 are positively against a recess at the bottom along the bottom 6, wherein the indentation is designed the same as the indentation 5b at the upper edge at the open end of the container. A fixing element 1 can be fastened both at the corners at the lower edge and at the corners at the upper edge. FIG. 4d shows in enlargement the form-fitting arrangement of the first side walls 2 on the inner walls of the container rim 5a of the container bottom 6.
In order to fix a plurality of containers 5 in their relative horizontal position and to stack them vertically aligned, fixing elements 1 are fixed to all four corners of the upper edge of each container. The corners at the bottom of each container are placed on the fixing elements 1 of a container below and thus fixed in position. As a result, any number of containers 5 can be stacked vertically.

Eine Ausführung des erfindungsgemässen Fixierelements 11 gemäss Figur 5a weist wiederum erste, innere und rechtwinklig zueinander stehende Seitenwände 12 und zweite, äussere zweite Seitenwände 13 auf, wobei die zweiten Seitenwände 13 den Aussenseiten der ersten Seitenwänden 12 zugewandt sind. Die ersten und zweiten Seitenwände 12 und 13 sind durch ein Verbindungselement 14a, b miteinander verbunden, wobei das Verbindungselement 14a, b als Abstandhalter ausgebildet ist. Als solches weist es in dieser Ausführung einerseits ein horizontales, flächiges Teil 14a auf, das sich von der Mitte der vertikalen Ausdehnung der ersten Seitenwände 12 zur Mitte der vertikalen Ausdehnung der zweiten Seitenwände 13 erstreckt. Zudem weist das Verbindungselement Rippen 14b zur Verstärkung des Fixierelements 11 sowie Ausbildung des Abstandhalters auf, Indem die Rippen eine Höhe gleich einer gewünschten Abstandhaltung aufweisen. Hierdurch besitzt das Verbindungselement 14 eine vertikale Dicke gleich der Höhe der Rippen. Von der zweiten Seitenwand 13 erstreckt sich ein horizontaler Vorsprung 16 über der vertikalen Ausdehnung der Rippen 14b des Verbindungselements hinweg und zur ersten Seitenwand 12 hin. Dabei ist zwischen dem Vorsprung 16 und den Rippen 14b des Verbindungselements eine Distanz, die der Dicke eines Randes eines Behälters entspricht, an den das Fixierelement angewendet werden darf.
Ein zweiter Vorsprung 15 erstreckt sich von einem weiteren Teil der zweiten Seitenwand 13 zu den ersten Seitenwänden 12 hin, wobei wiederum eine Distanz zwischen dem Vorsprung 16 und der vertikalen Ausdehnung der Rippen 14b des Verbindungselements besteht, die der Dicke des Rands eines Behälters entspricht. Die beiden Vorsprünge 15 und 16 sind zueinander diagonal versetzt, indem sie einerseits an rechtwinklig zueinander stehenden Seitenwänden und anderseits an unterschiedlichen Seiten, das heisst an der oberen und unteren Seite des Verbindungselements 14 angeordnet sind.
In einer weiteren Ausführung des Fixierelements 11 gemäss zwei Ansichten in Figur 5c weist das Verbindungselement keine Rippen auf. Stattdessen erstrecken sich horizontale Flächen 14c und 14d mindestens teilweise von den zweiten Seitenwänden 13 zu den ersten Seitenwänden 12 hin, dies jeweils auf einer Höhe, die um eine vorbestimmte Distanz vom oberen und unteren Rand der vertikalen Seitenwände 12, 13 beabstandet ist. Flache 14c verläuft eine Distanz unter dem oberen Rand der Seitenwände 12 und 13, und Fläche 14d verläuft eine Distanz über dem unteren Rand der Seitenwände 12 und 13. Vorsprünge 15 und 16 sind, ähnlich wie in der Ausführung aus Figur 5a und b wiederum an den Rändern der zweiten Seitenwand 13, wobei Vorsprung 16 über der Fläche 14c bzw. unter der horizontalen Fläche 14d angeordnet und erstrecken sich zu den ersten Seitenwänden hin. Die Distanz zwischen der horizontalen Fläche 14c und Vorsprung 16 sowie jene zwischen der horizontalen Fläche 14d und Vorsprung 15 entspricht jeweils der Dicke eines Behälterrandes, an den das Fixierelement angewendet werden kann.
Bei einer Anwendung an einen quaderförmigen Behälter 5, wie In Figur 5d-g gezeigt, wird ein Fixierelement 11 auf jede Ecke eines Behälterrandes 5a gelegt, wobei die Rippen 14b des Verbindungselements auf dem Rand 5a zu Ilegen kommen, die ersten Seitenwände 12 an der Innenseite des Randes und die zweiten Seitenwände 13 an den äusseren Seiten des Randes anliegen. Die Vorsprünge 15 und 16 dienen einer Schnappbefestigung am Rand 5a, indem der Rand 5a zwischen Verbindungselement 14a. b und dem Vorsprung 15 geklemmt wird. Wird ein zweiter Behälter 7 auf den Behälter 5 gesetzt, so wird dieser durch Einklemmen dessen Rands 7a zwischen Vorsprung 16 und dem Verbindungselement 14a, b fixiert. Die Klemmwirkung ist dabei ausreichend, sodass eine relative Fixierung der Behälter 5 und 7 zueinander erreicht wird. Je nach Festigkeit des Materials des Fixierelements und des Behälterrands kann der Vorsprung grösser oder kleiner ausgebildet werden, sodass einerseits eine ausreichende Klemmwirkung erreicht wird und anderseits das Fixierelement 11 auch wieder von Hand ohne Werkzeuge vom Rand wieder gelöst werden kann.An embodiment of the inventive fixing element 11 according to FIG. 5a again has first, inner and mutually perpendicular side walls 12 and second, outer second side walls 13, wherein the second side walls 13 facing the outer sides of the first side walls 12. The first and second side walls 12 and 13 are connected to each other by a connecting element 14a, b, wherein the connecting element 14a, b is formed as a spacer. As such, in this embodiment, it has, on the one hand, a horizontal, planar part 14 a, which extends from the center of the vertical extent of the first side walls 12 to the center of the vertical extent of the second side walls 13. In addition, the connecting element has ribs 14b for reinforcing the fixing element 11 and for forming the spacer, in that the ribs have a height equal to a desired spacing. As a result, the connecting element 14 has a vertical thickness equal to the height of the ribs. From the second side wall 13, a horizontal projection 16 extends beyond the vertical extent of the ribs 14b of the connecting element and towards the first side wall 12. In this case, between the projection 16 and the ribs 14b of the connecting element, a distance corresponding to the thickness of an edge of a container to which the fixing element may be applied.
A second projection 15 extends from another part of the second side wall 13 towards the first side walls 12, again with a distance between the projection 16 and the vertical extent of the ribs 14b of the connecting element corresponding to the thickness of the edge of a container. The two projections 15 and 16 are mutually offset diagonally by being arranged on the one hand at right angles to each other side walls and on the other hand on different sides, that is, on the upper and lower sides of the connecting element 14.
In a further embodiment of the fixing element 11 according to two views in FIG. 5c the connecting element has no ribs. Instead, horizontal surfaces 14c and 14d at least partially extend from the second sidewalls 13 toward the first sidewalls 12, each at a height, which is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper and lower edges of the vertical side walls 12, 13. Flat 14c extends a distance below the upper edge of sidewalls 12 and 13, and face 14d extends a distance above the lower edge of sidewalls 12 and 13. Tabs 15 and 16 are similar to the embodiment FIG. 5a and b again at the edges of the second side wall 13, with protrusion 16 located above the surface 14c and below the horizontal surface 14d, respectively, and extending toward the first sidewalls. The distance between the horizontal surface 14c and the protrusion 16 and that between the horizontal surface 14d and the protrusion 15 are respectively the thickness of a container rim to which the fixing member can be applied.
In an application to a cuboid container 5, such as in Figure 5d-g 5, a fixing member 11 is placed on each corner of a container rim 5a with the ribs 14b of the connecting member coming to rest on the edge 5a, the first side walls 12 abutting the inside of the rim and the second side walls 13 abutting the outer sides of the rim. The projections 15 and 16 serve a snap fastening on the edge 5a, by the edge 5a between the connecting element 14a. b and the projection 15 is clamped. If a second container 7 is placed on the container 5, this is fixed by clamping its edge 7a between the projection 16 and the connecting element 14a, b. The clamping action is sufficient, so that a relative fixation of the container 5 and 7 is achieved to each other. Depending on the strength of the material of the fixing and the container edge of the projection can be made larger or smaller, so on the one hand, a sufficient clamping effect is achieved and on the other hand, the fixing 11 can be solved again by hand without tools from the edge again.

Das Fixierelement 11 erlaubt die Stapelung von zwei Behältern 5 und 7, wie in Figur 5e gezeigt, indem die beiden Behälter mit jeweils den offenen Seiten zueinander gestapelt werden. Durch die vertikale Höhe des Verbindungselements 11 wird eine Beabstandung der beiden Behälter 5 und 7 erreicht, sodass ein weiterer dritter Behälter 8 im von den beiden Behältern 5 und 7 gebildeten Innenraum aufbewahrt werden kann, wie in Figur 5d gezeigt. Dadurch können bei einem Leergut-Transport leere Behälter in reduziertem Volumen transportiert werden. Auf den umgekehrt, mit der offenen Seite nach unten stehenden Behälter 7 kann ein weiterer Behälter 9 gesetzt werden, wobei dieser im Verhältnis zum Behälter 7 mittels einem Fixierelement 1 der ersten Ausführung der Erfindung fixiert werden kann.
Somit können beliebig viele quaderförmige Behälter mit flachen Böden mittels Fixierelementen 1 ohne Beabstandung und/oder mittels Fixierelementen 11 mit Beabstandung und mit oder ohne verstautem Behälter 8 gestapelt werden. Figur 6 zeigt ein Beispiel eines solchen kombinierten Systems im Sinne der Erfindung. Hier sind unten zwei Behälter 5 und 7 mit Fixierelementen 11 nach Figur 5a-g zueinander fixiert, wobei dank der Beabstandung zwischen den Rändern der beiden Behälter 5 und 7 ein weiterer Behälter 8 zwischen den beiden verstaut sein kann. Auf dem nach oben gerichteten Boden des Behälters 7 ist mittels Fixierelementen 1 nach Figuren 1-4 ein Behälter 9 gestapett. Auf diesem nach oben offenen Behälter 9 ist sodann ein weiterer Behälter 10 mittels des Fixierelements 1 nach Figuren 1-4 positioniert.The fixing element 11 allows the stacking of two containers 5 and 7, as in FIG. 5e shown by the two containers are stacked, each with the open sides to each other. Due to the vertical height of the connecting element 11, a spacing of the two containers 5 and 7 is achieved, so that a further third container 8 in the formed by the two containers 5 and 7 Interior can be stored as in FIG. 5d shown. This allows empty containers to be transported in a reduced volume during empties transport. On the other side, with the open side down container 7, a further container 9 can be set, which can be fixed in relation to the container 7 by means of a fixing element 1 of the first embodiment of the invention.
Thus, any number of parallelepiped containers with flat bottoms can be stacked by means of fixing elements 1 without spacing and / or by means of fixing elements 11 with spacing and with or without stowed container 8. FIG. 6 shows an example of such a combined system according to the invention. Below are two containers 5 and 7 with fixing elements 11 after Figure 5a-g fixed to each other, thanks to the spacing between the edges of the two containers 5 and 7, a further container 8 can be stowed between the two. On the upwardly directed bottom of the container 7 is by means of fixing elements 1 after Figures 1-4 a container 9 stacked. On this upwardly open container 9 is then another container 10 by means of the fixing element 1 after Figures 1-4 positioned.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Fixierelementsfixing
22
erste Seitenwände,first side walls,
2a2a
äussere Seiten der ersten Seitenwändeouter sides of the first side walls
33
zweite Seitenwändesecond side walls
44
horizontales Verbindungselementhorizontal connecting element
55
quaderförmiger, nach oben offener Behältercuboid, upwardly open container
5a5a
unterer Rand des Behälters 5lower edge of the container 5
5b5b
oberer Rand des Behälters 5upper edge of the container 5
66
Boden des BehältersBottom of the container
77
Behältercontainer
7a7a
Rand des BehältersEdge of the container
66
Behältercontainer
99
Behältercontainer
1010
Behältercontainer
1111
Fixierelements, zweite AusführungFixing element, second version
1212
erste Seitenwände des Fixierelements 11first side walls of the fixing element 11
1313
zweiten Seitenwände des Fixierelements 11second side walls of the fixing element 11
14a14a
Verbindungselement des Fixierelements 11, horizontale FlächeConnecting element of the fixing element 11, horizontal surface
14b14b
Verbindungselement des Fixierelements 11, RippenConnecting element of the fixing element 11, ribs
14c14c
horizontale Fläche eines Verbindungselementshorizontal surface of a fastener
14d14d
horizontale Fläche eines Verbindungselementshorizontal surface of a fastener
1515
Vorsprunghead Start
1616
Vorsprunghead Start

Claims (14)

  1. A fixing element (1, 11) for positioning cuboid, upwardly open containers (7) in a vertical stack comprising first vertical sidewalls (2, 12) which are disposed at a right angle with respect to each other, second vertical sidewalls (3, 13), and a horizontal connecting element (4, 14a, b, c, d), which extends from the first sidewall (1, 12) to the second sidewalls (3, 13), wherein the first sidewalls (2, 12) comprise inner surfaces and outer surfaces (2a, 12a), and the inner surfaces form the right angle and the outer surfaces (2a, 12a) form the exterior angle of the right angle, and wherein the second vertical sidewalls (3, 13) face the outer sides (2a, 12a) of the first sidewalls (2, 12) or the outer tip of the right angle formed by the first sidewalls (2, 12), or both, and the connecting element (4, 14a, b, c, d) extends at least partly horizontally from the outer surfaces (2a, 12a) of the first sidewalls (2, 12) to the second sidewalls (3, 13), characterized in that the connecting element (4) extends horizontally from the vertical centre of the outer surfaces (2a) of the first sidewalls (2) to the vertical centre of the second sidewalls (3).
  2. A fixing element (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a clearance is provided in the tip of the right angle between the first sidewalls (2) of the fixing element (1), which sidewalls are disposed at a right angle with respect to each other.
  3. A fixing element (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sidewalls (12) of the fixing element (11) are connected to each other in the tip of the right angle.
  4. A fixing element (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second sidewalls (3) of the fixing element (1) form a curved surface, wherein the convex side of the curved surface of the second sidewalls (3) face the tip of the right angle which is formed by the first sidewalls (2).
  5. A fixing element (11) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second sidewalls (12) of the fixing element (11) form a curved surface, wherein the concave side of the curved surface of the second sidewalls (13) face the tip of the right angle of the first sidewalls (12).
  6. A fixing element (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second sidewalls (2, 12) of the fixing element (1, 11) are formed by one or several flat walls.
  7. A fixing element (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (14a, b, c, d) has a predetermined thickness between its upper and lower horizontal surface, which produces a spacing of the thickness of the connecting element in a positioning of the fixing element (11) between the upper edge of a first container (7) and the bottom edge of a second container (7).
  8. A fixing element (11) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting element (14a, b) comprises ribs (14b) as spacers.
  9. A fixing element (11) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting element (14a, b) comprises at least two projections (15, 16) on the second sidewalls (13), which projections are spaced from the ribs (14b) in the vertical direction and extend towards the first sidewalls (12).
  10. A fixing element (11) according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting element (14c, d) comprises horizontal surfaces (14c, 14d) as spacers, which are respectively arranged at a predetermined distance from the upper and bottom edge of the first and second sidewalls (12, 13):
  11. A fixing element (11) according to claim 10, characterized in that the connecting element (14c, d) comprises at least two projections (15, 16) on the second sidewalls (13), said projections being spaced from the horizontal surfaces (14c, d) in the vertical direction and extending towards the first sidewalls (12).
  12. A fixing element (11) according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that two projections (15, 16) are present which are respectively arranged on the bottom and upper edge of the second sidewall (13) and diagonally offset with respect each other.
  13. A system of stacked, cuboid containers (5 to 9) which are fixed in the horizontal position and vertically aligned by fixing elements (1, 11) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8.
  14. A system of stacked, cuboid containers (5 to 9) by fixing elements (11) according to one of the claims 6 to 12, characterized in that two containers (5, 7) are stacked with their open ends towards each other and form a closed interior space, wherein their relative horizontal position is fixed by means of a fixing element (11) with a connecting element as a spacer (14a, b), and a third container (8) is arranged in the interior space which is formed by the two stacked containers (5, 7).
EP13188546.9A 2012-11-01 2013-10-14 Device for aligning a stack of containers Active EP2727854B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH02193/12A CH707201A2 (en) 2012-11-01 2012-11-01 Fixing element for positioning cuboid container in a vertical stack.

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EP2727854B1 true EP2727854B1 (en) 2016-04-20

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EP (1) EP2727854B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103803156B (en)
CH (1) CH707201A2 (en)
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140117014A1 (en) 2014-05-01
PL2727854T3 (en) 2016-10-31
CH707201A2 (en) 2014-05-15
CN103803156A (en) 2014-05-21
DK2727854T3 (en) 2016-08-01
CN103803156B (en) 2017-04-12
EP2727854A1 (en) 2014-05-07
ES2579128T3 (en) 2016-08-05
US10518932B2 (en) 2019-12-31

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