DE202006005651U1 - Foldable bottle case e.g. for transport and storage of beverage bottles, has base, four side parts and several partitions within box for stabilization of bottles - Google Patents

Abstract

The bottle case has a base, four side parts and several partitions within the box for the stabilization of bottles. Two parallel side parts have borders (1, 2) and are transversely folded by an articulated connection (4) to other two side parts (3, 13). A joint is provided in the center of borders (5). The set up box can be fixed by a safeguard mechanism and protected against inadvertent folding up. This safeguard mechanism is provided either by purposeful manual or machine interference.

Description

Area: Transport, storage of beverage bottles and empty bottle crates

The The invention relates to a bottle / beverage box characterized thereby is that he collapse or push or fold and to reduce (empty) in the volume. The folded (empty) box offers an additional Value, as it is greatly reduced in volume. By the more compact Mold is the storage of empty boxes at the bottler, Space saving for customers or at storage locations. Furthermore, this property especially with boxes useful for disposable PET bottles. The so-called "two-way deposit system" is just up the reflux and the reusability of the bottle crate but not on instructed the empty disposable PET bottles. The bottles can already after the return by the consumer at retail or at any later point be recycled in the material flow chain. A transport of the bottles to the bottler is not necessary. Consequently just the empty beverage box to the bottler come back, which benefits from the volume reduction of the hinged box Transport and (intermediate) storage brings.

there shows the folding bottle crate all the features of a commercially available today Bottle crate on: the individual bottles are set from above and held in place by separators. The boxes are stackable and can et al withstand high vertical pressure. Stability in the Main stresses is not restricted. Safe stacking of boxes will - exactly as with conventional Bottle crates - by permitting, that the ground has a leading edge owns, shifting to the top of another Put the box. The compatibility with other non-folding boxes ensured. The boxes own the usual carrying supports like recessed grips in the side panel or a handle in the middle of the box. The number and arrangement of bottles within of the box can be combined as well as applicable for every bottle size. The box is thus for one any number and size of bottles as well as their arrangements constructable. The bottles are going through Floor parts supported.

in the The following describes a prototype that, due to its simple nature Construction can be made at very low cost.

By other shape, choice of material, type, axis and position of the folding and Fixiermechanismus many more designs are conceivable. That's why it serves the description and attached drawing are only for a better overview, it represents only one of many possible Embodiments represent. Therefore, expressly be noted that for all conceivable combinations protection claims be registered.

The mechanism for volume reduction is based on the fact that two parallel side parts of the bottle crate only consist of an upper ( 1 ) and lower ( 2 ) horizontal bar. While the bottom bar forms the bottom of the box, the top bar is the top edge.

Both strips are at the other to these vertical side panels ( 3 and 13 ) with a joint ( 4 ) and continue in each case by a joint ( 5 ), which allows a folding movement. Thus, with the lower strips ( 2 ) connected ground ( 16 ) and the inner structure of the box "folded down." The upper bar ( 1 ) can have a handle covering the strip, which prevents the "picking" of the hand (see sketch), but this strip also has the leading edge, which is required for the stacking of several boxes.

The floor ( 16 ) this variant is divided into two parts. The individual floor parts are rigid and provide a secure footing for the bottles. The middle partition ( 6 ) between the bottles, which are longitudinal to the rigid side walls ( 3 ) is moved in the folding movement as a complete part. It can be robust and, for example, also have a handle. If the box due to the arrangement of the bottles to be stored has several partitions in this axis, they can be fixed by joints (eg notched plastic) on the floor and on the hinged strips and thereby do not hinder the movement.

• • An die Stelle der Trennwände treten Bänder, welche im ausgeklappten Zustand gestrafft sind. Diese behindern nicht die Klappbewegung. Die Bänder können z.B. auch Überkreuz gespannt werden. Hierbei ist zu beachten, dass bei der Klappbewegung eines der Bänder verkürzt (und dadurch schlaff) wird, das andere Band jedoch dehnbar sein muss, da es durch die Bewegung verlängert wird. (Dieses Prinzip ist in Skizze dargestellt: Band (17) wird gekürzt, während Band (7) gedehnt wird)
• • Die Trennwände bestehen auch wie die Stirnteile aus Leisten, die jeweils am oberen und unteren Rand der Seiten- und Mittelwände befestigt sind. Sie folgen somit der Klappbewegung.
• • Die Trennwände sind geteilt. Zwei Teile (die nicht zwangsläufig die komplette Breite abdecken jedoch einen sicheren Halt der Flasche herstellen müssen) sind sich gegenüberstehend angebracht. Durch einen leichten seitlichen Versatz können diese Wände beim Klappen aneinander gleiten und ermöglichen die Bewegung

The vertical partitions on the other hand would restrict the movement. Different principles can nevertheless fulfill the function:

• • The dividing walls are replaced by ribbons, which are tightened when unfolded. These do not hinder the folding movement. The bands can also be stretched eg crosswise. It should be noted that during the folding movement of one of the bands is shortened (and thus limp), but the other band must be stretchable, as it is extended by the movement. (This principle is sketched: Band ( 17 ) is truncated while band ( 7 ) is stretched)
• • Like the end pieces, the partitions are also made up of strips fixed to the upper and lower edges of the side and middle walls. They thus follow the folding movement.
• • The partitions are divided. Two parts (which do not necessarily cover the entire width, but have to establish a secure hold of the bottle) are mounted facing each other. By a slight lateral offset these walls can slide when folding each other and allow the movement

The box must be fixable in its erect form, so as not to suffer unwanted loss of stability. The load of the box for folding is a folding movement (double shearing movement). This burden is not provided for the normally used beverage crate. The stability of the erected bottle crate results from the connections of the supporting parts. The movement of the split strips ( 1 + 2 ) is through the middle, stable partition ( 6 ) synchronous. This makes it impossible for the top bar to buckle while the bottom stays rigid. In order nevertheless to prevent accidental folding, a locking mechanism closes. To cancel the backup, a targeted handle, or machine intervention is necessary. This can not be accidentally triggered under normal use of the box. In particular, for the security mechanism many alternatives are conceivable. Therefore, it should again be noted at this point that the utility model protection is not limited to the presented variant. The locking mechanism of the box is based on the fact that the floor panels by a sliding latch ( 8th ) stiffen in the soil. The bolt (eg made of metal) is displaceable in a bottom half in rails ( 9 ) stored. Once the floorboards are parallel, the bar can slide into the rails of the opposite floor half ( 10 ) and thus fix the ground. The two positions of the bolt are determined by an established spring in the bolt ( 11 ), which in the corresponding wells ( 12 ) of the soil engages.

The biggest burden is on the box when stacking. Because the bottom rails ( 2 ) and the ground ( 16 ) when standing on a level surface (or on another box) are evenly loaded from below, the folding movement is suppressed. Furthermore, since the bottom of the box has an elevated guide rail, which engages in the corresponding recess of the box mounted underneath (and thus prevents slipping - this principle also have all common bottle crates today), comes as a further stability aspect that the side parts ( 3 and 13 ) are kept at a distance by this frame and that the necessary for the folding movement approaching these two parts is prevented.

• 1. Führungsränder an Ober- (3) und Unterseite (13) des zusammengeklappten Kastens (dies sind die Seiteteile des aufgerichteten Kastens), die ein rutschfreies Aufeinanderlegen ermöglichen. Dabei besteht der Rand – genau wie bei Boden und oberem Rand eines üblichen Kastens – aus zwei Bereichen: Einem Außen- sowie einem erhöhten Innenrand (15). Die Gegenseite des zu stapelnden Kastens hat hingegen eine Austiefung (14) für den Innenrand, welche zu dem Gegenstück passt. Dieses Prinzip ist dasselbe wie es bei einem heute üblichen und auch diesem klappbaren Kasten für das Aufeinanderstapeln genutzt wird: ein Führungsrand am Boden des Kastens passt in die Aussparung des oberen Randes eines darunter gestapelten Kastens.
• 2. Um die asymmetrische Form für eine Platz sparende Lagerung zu nutzen, können die verschieden Kästen „verzahnt" aufeinander liegen. Diese Möglichkeit wird auch durch die Führungsränder ermöglicht und unterstützt.

The box must continue to have two features for safe stacking in the folded state:

• 1. guide edges to upper ( 3 ) and underside ( 13 ) of the folded box (these are the side parts of the erected box), which allow a non-slip stacking. The edge - just like the bottom and top edge of a conventional box - consists of two areas: an outer edge and a raised inner edge ( 15 ). The opposite side of the box to be stacked, however, has a hollow ( 14 ) for the inner edge, which matches the counterpart. This principle is the same as it is used in a today and this foldable box for stacking: a guide edge at the bottom of the box fits into the recess of the upper edge of a box stacked underneath.
• 2. In order to use the asymmetric shape for a space-saving storage, the various boxes can be "toothed" on each other.This possibility is also enabled and supported by the guide edges.

1

obere, klappbare Leiste

2

untere, klappbare Leiste

3

Seitenwand (mit nach außen stehendem Führungsrand)

4

Gelenk, Verbindung Seitenwände 3 mit Leisten 1, 2

5

Gelenk, Verbindung der klappbaren Leisten 1, 2

6

mittlere Trennwand (mit Griff)

7

zu 6 senkrechte Trennwände, in dieser Darstellung als Variante „Band"

gezeigt. Dieses Band wird bei Klappbewegung gedehnt

13

Seitenwand (mit Aussparung für Führungsrand von 3 beim Stapeln des

geklappten Kastens)

16

Boden

17

zu 6 senkrechte Trennwände, in dieser Darstellung als Variante „Band" dargestellt. Dieses Band wird bei Klappbewegung schlaft

Sheet 1: three-dimensional view of erected bottle crate

1

upper, hinged bar

2

lower, hinged bar

3

Sidewall (with outward leading edge)

4

Joint, connection sidewalls 3 with strips 1 . 2

5

Joint, connection of hinged strips 1 . 2

6

middle partition (with handle)

7

to 6 vertical partitions, in this representation as variant "band"

shown. This tape is stretched during folding movement

13

Sidewall (with leading edge cutout of 3 while stacking the

folded box)

16

ground

17

to 6 vertical partition walls, in this representation shown as a variant "band." This band is sleeping in a folding movement

1

obere, klappbare Leiste

2

untere, klappbare Leiste

3

Seitenwand (mit nach außen stehendem Führungsrand)

4

Gelenk, Verbindung Seitenwände 3 mit Leisten 1, 2

5

Gelenk, Verbindung der klappbaren Leisten 1, 2

6

mittlere Trennwand (mit Griff)

13

Seitenwand (mit Aussparung für Führungsrand von 3 beim Stapeln des geklappten Kastens)

16

Boden

Auf die Darstellung der schlaffen Bänder (7) und des gedehnten Bandes (17) als

Trennwände wurde aufgrund der Übersichtlichkeit verzichtet

Sheet 2: three-dimensional view folded bottle crate

1

upper, hinged bar

2

lower, hinged bar

3

Sidewall (with outward leading edge)

4

Joint, connection sidewalls 3 with strips 1 . 2

5

Joint, connection of hinged strips 1 . 2

6

middle partition (with handle)

13

Sidewall (with leading edge cutout of 3 when stacking the folded box)

16

ground

On the representation of flabby ligaments ( 7 ) and the stretched band ( 17 ) when

Partitions was omitted for the sake of clarity

4

Gelenk, Verbindung Seitenwände 3 mit Leisten 1, 2

5

Gelenk, Verbindung der klappbaren Leisten 1, 2

Sheet 3: Handle bar (Part 1)

4

Joint, connection sidewalls 3 with strips 1 . 2

5

Joint, connection of hinged strips 1 . 2

8

Sicherheitsriegel

9

Führungsrahmen Bodenhälfte

10

Führungsschienen andere Bodenhälfte 11 ausgestellte Feder

12

Vertiefungen im Boden zur Fixierung der beiden Riegelpositionen durch Einschnappen der Feder 11

16

Boden

Sheet 4: Safety mechanism (part 8th Cross section as well as view of ground 16 from underneath)

8th

safety bolt

9

Guide frame bottom half

10

Guide rails other bottom half 11 flared spring

12

Recesses in the bottom for fixing the two locking positions by snapping the spring 11

16

ground

3

Seitenwand (mit nach außen stehendem Führungsrand)

13

Seitenwand (mit Aussparung für Führungsrand von 3 beim Stapeln des geklappten Kastens)

14

nach außen stehender Führungsrand

15

Aussparung für Aufnahme Führungsrand beim Stapeln

Sheet 5: Side parts with guide edges (view of the parts)

3

Sidewall (with outward leading edge)

13

Sidewall (with leading edge cutout of 3 when stacking the folded box)

14

outward leading edge

15

Recess for receiving leading edge when stacking

3

Seitenwand (mit nach außen stehendem Führungsrand)

13

Seitenwand (mit Aussparung für Führungsrand von 3 beim Stapeln des geklappten Kastens)

14

nach außen stehender Führungsrand

15

Aussparung für Aufnahme Führungsrand beim Stapeln

Sheet 6: Side parts with guide edges (view of the sides of the parts)

3

Sidewall (with outward leading edge)

13

Sidewall (with leading edge cutout of 3 when stacking the folded box)

14

outward leading edge

15

Recess for receiving leading edge when stacking

Claims (12)

Bottle crate, in particular for transporting and storing beverage bottles, comprising a base, four side parts and a plurality of partitions inside the bottle-stabilizing box, characterized in that two parallel side parts are made of strips ( 1 . 2 ) and by an articulated connection ( 4 ) to the other two transverse to this side parts ( 3 . 13 ) and a joint in the middle of the strips ( 5 ) and thus the entire (empty) box can fold and thereby reduce in volume. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the erected box by a locking mechanism in fix this shape and thus protected against accidental folding. This safety mechanism must be either through targeted manual or mechanical intervention solved become. Box according to claim 1 and / or 2, characterized in that the middle partition wall ( 6 ) follows the folding movement and the movements of both bars ( 1 and 2 ) synchronized. Box according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that further to the middle partition ( 6 ) parallel partitions can vary the structure of the box. Box according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the to the middle partition ( 6 ) transverse partitions do not hinder the folding movement. Box according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the rigid side parts ( 3 . 13 ) Have guide edges, which allow the stacking of the folded boxes. Box according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized that the unfolded boxes by guide edges on The bottom and the top edge can be stacked so that they can not be displaced - just like today's boxes and also compatible with these. Box according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that it for all Combinations of bottle arrangement, sizes and number can be used. Box according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized that the box can have carrying aids (handles, hollows, ...). Box according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized that despite the mobility no loss to the usual Types of loading on the box arise. Box according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized that all parts contributing to the function do not perform the volume reduction movement hamper, or accompany them. Box according to one of claims 1-11, characterized that the box has all the usual features more common today bottle crates exhibit.