DE20307604U1 - Detachable container and container system - Google Patents

Description

Lawyer's file: 47 990 XI

friedola Gebr. Holzapfel GmbH & Co. KG

Demountable container and container system

The invention relates to a container which can be dismantled and reassembled from the container components obtained by dismantling, and to a container system comprising container components which can be assembled into a container.

Dismountable, reusable containers have the advantage that the container components obtained by dismantling the container can be put together in a handy form and stored in a space-saving manner until they are used again or transported to a new location. However, the requirement to be able to be dismantled and in particular the further requirement to be able to be folded up means in many cases that the containers are limited in terms of their height and their stability is inferior to that of containers with fixed joints.

It is an object of the invention to create a container with improved functionality that can be dismantled and reassembled from the components obtained by dismantling. The improvement in functionality should be expressed in particular in improved mechanical stability and/or variability of the container.

The invention relates to a collapsible container which consists of at least one end part, side walls and at least one multifunctional profile. The container can be dismantled by hand without causing any damage, preferably without tools, and the individual components can thus be separated from one another without causing any damage. The multifunctional profile can be separated. The end part can also preferably be separated. The side walls can preferably be separated in groups, i.e. into side wall groups. The container can be used for transporting or just storing goods.

The end part forms a base or a lid of the container. The side walls protrude from the end part in the direction of a container axis. Directions that are parallel to the container axis or coincide with it are referred to below as axial. The fact that the side walls protrude from the end part means that they protrude from an end surface, i.e. from a base surface or lid surface, in any direction, preferably perpendicularly, in particular in the vertical direction. An intermediate base is also understood to be an end part. However, the end part preferably forms the lid or in particular the end base of the container, on which the container rests when positioned vertically.

The multi-function profile connects at least a first of the side walls to the end part or to a second of the side walls. If the multi-function profile connects side walls to one another, these are side walls that extend axially from one another. Of the container components mentioned, at least the multi-function profile can be detached from the connections mentioned without causing any damage and can therefore be separated.

By using the multifunctional profile to connect side walls that extend axially from one another, the variability in terms of height is increased if the side walls point vertically, or in terms of length if they only point horizontally. If the multifunctional profile serves to connect the side walls or part of the side walls to the end part, the end part and the side walls adjacent to it can be shaped more simply in the connection area than if these side walls are directly connected to the end part. Furthermore, by using preferably smooth side walls and a simple shape of a connection area of the end part, a more stable connection between the end part and the adjacent side walls can be obtained than by directly connecting the end part to the side walls. In a preferred embodiment, however, the multifunctional profile is shaped at most as a secondary function for connecting the end part to one of the side walls or several side walls, but for connecting two side walls that extend axially from one another. The

In this case, the multifunctional profile not only serves the function of connecting the side walls, but also acts as a stabilizer. The side wall composed of the two side walls and the multifunctional profile advantageously has greater buckling resistance than a side wall that is formed like one of the side walls that extend one another, but has the same area as the assembled side wall.

In addition to the at least two connection functions mentioned, the multifunctional profile in a preferred embodiment fulfills a third connection function, in particular a support function, for at least one functional element that is or can be arranged in the container. In such embodiments, the multifunctional profile forms a support device. The at least one functional element serves either to hold a good or to fill or empty the container or to stiffen the container. The functional element can also be designed in such a way that it fulfills a combination of several of the functions mentioned at the same time. In preferred embodiments, several functional elements, which can each be the same but do not have to be the same, can be supported on the multifunctional profile or are supported on the multifunctional profile if they are actually arranged in the container to fulfill at least one of the functions mentioned. The support device is preferably designed in such a way that it can not only take on the pure support function, but also positions the at least one functional element and possibly even fixes it. If several functional elements, identical or unidentical, are supported on the support device, this advantageously applies to all functional elements supported on the support device.

The multifunctional profile forms the support device in the form of a connecting profile, which preferably protrudes transversely to the container axis. The connecting profile preferably also protrudes transversely beyond the side wall to which the multifunctional profile is connected. However, it should not be ruled out that the connecting profile forming the support device is set back behind the relevant side wall within the container or at least does not protrude. In such cases, however, it preferably protrudes at least via a connecting profile, which connects the multifunctional profile to the

side wall. In principle, however, the support device could also be formed integrally by the connecting profile of the multifunctional profile formed for the connection to the side wall, for example in the form of an opening or several openings into which the at least one functional element or the several functional elements can be hung or inserted. If the support device is formed by a connecting profile protruding transversely to the processing axis, such a connecting profile advantageously additionally increases the stability of the multifunctional profile, and the at least one functional element can be particularly easily placed, hung, clipped or supported in another suitable manner on the relevant connecting profile in the case of multifunctional profiles formed all the way around and advantageously also positioned and, if necessary, fixed.

The at least one functional element can in particular be a stiffening structure that serves to increase the buckling resistance of the container. The stiffening structure can, for example, be a stiffening rod that is simply placed on two multifunctional profiles that are arranged on opposite side walls. In this case, however, the container is only stabilized against compressive forces that act on the side walls from the outside. In order to increase the buckling resistance against compressive forces from the inside, the stiffening structure between the opposite side walls must be able to be subjected to tensile stress. The stiffening structure and the support device of the multifunctional profile can thus be formed in such a way that the stiffening structure is connected at its ends to the respective multifunctional profile by means of a form-fitting connection, for example in the form of a simple rear grip, through which tensile forces acting on the stiffening structure can be transferred. Other types of connection, such as a screw connection, are also suitable.

In a further preferred embodiment, a compartment for accommodating individual items is formed with several functional elements, for example a single compartment of the compartment for each of the individual items. The functional elements of the compartment supported on the support device of the multifunctional profile can be arranged in a grid-like manner. They can also be attached to one another and thus form a prefabricated grid.

Preferably, however, the functional elements are isolated and are not only supported by the support device, but also positioned at a distance from one another along the multifunctional profile and preferably also fixed. This increases the flexibility with regard to the size and shape of the individual compartments of the compartment. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the functional elements supported on the multifunctional profile are formed as support rods, which are supported at both ends on the multifunctional profiles arranged opposite one another. A sheet-like, flexible material is preferably held on the support rods, which extends sagging between two adjacent support rods. In this way, a compartment with sack-like individual compartments is obtained. The sheet-like material can in particular be a fabric, for example a cloth or fleece, but in principle also, for example, a stable, i.e. tear-resistant, film material.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container serves as a bulk material container. For this purpose, a bulk material funnel is formed in the container, through which the container can be emptied. The outlet of the funnel can be formed in one of the side walls near the container bottom or preferably in the container bottom. The funnel is supported on the multifunctional profile. For the container to be dismantled, in particular for it to be collapsible, it is advantageous if the funnel is formed from several separate shells or, preferably, plate bodies. Plate bodies are preferred over shell bodies due to their flatness. Each of the shells or plate bodies forms a functional element. These functional elements forming the funnel are preferably individually supported on the multifunctional profile. They are preferably loosely suspended and, when suspended, rest with their lower ends on the bottom of the container. By loosely suspending the functional elements, i.e. the funnel plates or shells, the functional elements can be connected to the multifunctional profile easily and quickly and can be detached from it just as easily and quickly.

In particularly preferred embodiments in which the multifunctional profile connects two axially extending side walls or a side wall and the end part and at the same time also forms the support device, the

Multifunctional profile at least three, preferably exactly three connection profiles. A first connection profile serves to connect to a side wall, a second connection profile serves to connect to another side wall or the end part, and the third connection profile forms the support device for the at least one functional element that is arranged in the container or can be arranged by means of the functional profile.

The multifunctional profile is preferably connected to the side walls in a form-fitting manner and is not movable transversely to the side walls. It can be advantageous for the connection if there is also a slight frictional connection between the multifunctional profile and the relevant side wall. In particular, a plug connection can form the primarily form-fitting and preferably additionally frictional connection between the multifunctional profile and the relevant side wall.

The first connecting profile preferably forms a receptacle, for example a groove, in which an edge strip of the first side wall is received. The first connecting profile is preferably a simple U-profile. If the side walls are each double-walled, a T-profile can also form the first connecting profile, for example, with the undivided bar of the T-profile protruding into the double-walled side wall.

The above preferably also applies to the second connecting profile of the multifunctional profile. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two connecting profiles together form an H-profile.

The multifunctional profile can basically be straight or even curved. Preferably, however, it comprises at least two profile legs that form an angle with one another and are connected to one another in a rigid manner with respect to the included angle. Particularly preferably, the multifunctional profile forms a closed ring with several straight, preferably four straight, profile legs, each of which forms a rigid angle in pairs. The container can in particular be a square or cuboid.

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In preferred embodiments, the side walls form a swivel joint in pairs around which they can be folded and thus folded together. Preferably, several side walls, in particular four side walls, form a closed side wall ring, on the edges of which two of the side walls each form the said swivel joint. A closed side wall ring with edges that each form a swivel joint of the ring preferably comprises at least two further swivel joints parallel to the edges in the surface areas of the side walls of the ring. If the side wall rings form squares, the two further swivel joints should be formed on two side walls that are opposite one another in the square, so that the side wall ring can be folded into 4 layers using an M-fold. If the axially measured length of a side wall ring exceeds the width of the container, two such swivel joints are preferably formed in two opposite side walls, so that the side wall ring can be folded into 6 layers using a Z-fold.

The side walls are preferably flat and smooth.

A container system according to the invention comprises at least the at least one end part, side walls, at least one functional element, preferably one of the functional elements mentioned, and the multifunctional profile. The multifunctional profile of the container system is preferably designed as described above. It has at least two connecting profiles, one of which can be connected to a first of the side walls. The other connecting profile is designed for connection to the end part or a second of the side walls axially extending the first of the side walls or for connection to the at least one functional element. It is therefore not absolutely necessary that the at least two connecting profiles must each be connectable to one of the side walls or the end part. It is sufficient if one of the at least two connecting profiles can take on the support function for the at least one functional element in fulfilling its connecting function. If one of the at least two connecting profiles cannot be connected to one of the side walls or the end part, it is preferred if the multifunctional profile forms another connecting profile for this connection. If the multifunctional profile does not have another connecting profile for connection to the end part or

another side wall, it can at least serve as edge reinforcement for the side wall to which it is connected by means of one of its connecting profiles. With the other connecting profile, it can form the support function for at least one functional element or several functional elements. At least the connections that the connecting profiles of the multifunctional profile can form with the side walls can be released non-destructively by hand, preferably without tools.

The container system, like the container, can comprise, in addition to the minimum configuration, several of the multifunctional profiles, several end parts, in particular a base and a lid, side walls in a number required for the height variability, in particular several side wall rings. Furthermore, the container system preferably comprises several functional elements not only of one type, but also of several types, for example the support rods and the flat, flexible material for forming a compartment for piece goods and/or the funnel plates or bowls for forming the bulk goods container and/or the stiffening structure or several stiffening structures for stiffening at different heights of the container. The functional elements mentioned and the functional structures that can be formed from them are to be understood only as examples and can be used flexibly using the multifunctional profile.

The end part or the several end parts of the container and the container system are preferably each made of plastic, particularly preferably in one piece. The multifunctional profile or the several multifunctional profiles are also plastic profiles in a preferred embodiment. The end part and the multifunctional profile or the several of these parts can in particular be plastic injection molded parts. The side walls are also preferably plastic parts. They are particularly preferably extruded multi-layered web panels, in particular two-layered web panels with cover panels and webs connecting the cover panels, which advantageously form a framework with the cover panels in cross section. Particularly suitable web panels are described in German patent application No. 102 12 401, which is referred to in this regard. Another particularly suitable plastic material for forming the side walls are the Con Pearl® panels of the applicant. The functional elements are also plastic parts in preferred embodiments. Although all

Although components of the container according to the invention and of the container system according to the invention are preferably plastic parts, the use of other materials should not be excluded. The side walls can certainly be corrugated cardboard walls. The multifunctional profile can also certainly be a metal profile.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are also described in the subclaims and by their combinations.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to figures. Features revealed in the embodiments, individually and in each combination of features, advantageously develop the subject matter of the claims and also the embodiments described above. They show:

Figure 12

a container according to the invention in a first embodiment,

the separated container components of the container of Figure 1,

the container of Figure 1 in a folded state,

a multifunctional profile of a first design in cross section,

a container according to the invention in a second embodiment,

a multifunctional profile of a second version in a perspective partial view,

a multifunctional profile of a third design, which supports functional elements to form a compartment,

the multifunctional profile of the third version in a perspective partial view,

the multifunctional profile of the third version with a modified

subject,

a container according to the invention in a third embodiment,

a multifunctional profile of a fourth embodiment for the container of Figure 10 in a cross section and

the multifunctional profile of the fourth version in a perspective partial view with a suspended functional element.

Figure 1 shows a container that is made up of several container components. The container components can be separated from one another by hand without any tools and without causing any damage, so that the container can be stored in a space-saving manner after it has been disassembled into its container components and/or transported to a place of use. The container components that can be separated from one another are held together by means of a clamping device.

Figure 2 shows the separated container components in an exploded view, in which they each assume a position relative to one another from which they can be placed one on top of the other in the direction of a vertical container axis V to form the container of Figure 1. The only thing missing in Figure 2 is the clamping device that holds the container components sitting on top of one another in the assembled container together. Starting from the assembled container of Figure 1, the container components can also be separated from one another in the manner shown in Figure 2 and put together to save space.

Figure 3 shows the container components in the folded state. In this state, the container components take up a significantly smaller space than the assembled container. In the exemplary embodiment, the base area in the folded state is the same as that of the assembled container, but the height measured in the direction of the container axis V is significantly reduced.

The container in Figure 1 is made up of two end parts, namely a base 1 and a lid 2, three side wall rings 3, 4 and 5, two multifunctional profiles 15 and several lashing straps 7. The lashing straps 7 are attached to the base 1 and the lid 2, spanning the side wall rings 3, 4 and 5 and the multifunctional profiles 15 and tension the base 1 and the lid 2 against each other in the direction of the container axis V over the side wall rings 3, 4 and 5 and the multifunctional profiles 15. The container encloses a cuboid-shaped space, which in the embodiment is approximately cube-shaped.

The base 1 is made of plastic in one piece. It forms a flat base surface 11 of the container and is provided with foot elements 12, between which free spaces remain in order to improve stability. The base surface 11 is rectangular and is

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strip-shaped support walls 13 which protrude from the base surface 11 in the direction of the container axis V in order to tightly enclose the lowermost side wall ring 3 when the side wall ring 3 is placed on the base surface 11. The support walls 13 are provided with openings 14 into which one of the lashing straps 7 is hooked, as can be seen from Figure 1, in order to tension the container components against one another and thus fasten them to one another. The lid 2 forms a parallel base surface facing the base surface 11 at the other end of the container. The base surface formed by the lid 2 is also provided with openings 2a approximately axially opposite the openings 14 into which one of the lashing straps 7 can be hooked with its other end in order to form the tensioning device.

The two multifunctional profiles 15 serve to connect the three side wall rings 3, 4 and 5. The side wall rings 3, 4 and 5 each consist of four straight, smooth-walled side walls, which are designated 3a to 5d according to the numbering of the side wall rings. The side wall rings 3, 4 and 5 are formed identically, so that the side wall ring 3 will only be described below as a representative of the others. The individual side walls 3a to 3d of the side wall ring 3 are each elongated rectangular and have the height h. The side walls 3a to 3d each face in pairs at a right angle to each other. The side walls 3a to 3d each form a swivel joint 6 in the edges of the side wall ring 3 with a swivel axis parallel to the container axis V, around which the side walls 3a to 3d meeting at the relevant edge can each be folded and thus folded together. The two side walls 3a and 3c that are opposite one another in the side wall ring 3 are each divided in the middle, with the two halves of the side walls 3a and 3c each forming a further swivel joint with a swivel axis parallel to the container axis V. The side wall ring 3, and due to the identical design also the two side wall rings 4 and 5, can be folded flat for four days using an M-fold, in which the two halves of the side walls 3a and 3c form the middle legs of the M. In the folded state, the side wall ring 3 has the length and height h of the undivided side walls 3b and 3d and a thickness that corresponds to the sum of the thicknesses of the four side walls 3a to 3d. In the exemplary embodiment, the side walls 3a to

3d are of equal thickness, so that the side wall ring 3 in the folded state has four times the thickness of its individual walls 3a to 3d.

The multifunctional profiles 15 are identical to one another, so that only one is described here as a representative of the others. The multifunctional profile 15 is formed as a rectangular profile ring, in the example made of plastic. The four straight profile legs form right angles in pairs. The multifunctional profile 15 is angularly rigid with respect to these angles. Furthermore, the profile legs of the multifunctional profile 15 are rigid, not least due to the shape of the profile seen in the cross-section of the respective profile leg. The profile shape of the multifunctional profile 15 is the same everywhere except for its corner areas.

Figure 4 shows the multifunctional profile 15 in a cross-section outside the corner areas. The multifunctional profile 15 forms a first connection profile for the connection to a first of the side wall rings 3, 4 and 5, for example to the side wall ring 3, and a second connection profile for the connection to a second of the side wall rings 3 to 5, for example to the side wall ring 4. The two connection profiles each form a receptacle 16 and 20 for one of the side wall rings 3 to 5. The two receptacles 16 and 20 are identical. In the exemplary embodiment, they are formed as simple rectangular grooves. The width b of the receptacles 16 and 20 measured transversely to the container axis V corresponds to the width of the thickness of the side wall rings 3 to 5, if necessary with a slight under- or over-dimension. The width b is dimensioned such that the side wall rings 3 to 5 are positively received in the respective holder 16 or 20 and, in addition, there is a slight frictional connection between the multifunctional profile 15 and the respective side wall ring 3, 4 or 5.

In the embodiment, the multifunctional profile 15 is a simple H-profile in cross section with a crossbar 18 and lateral axial webs that are perpendicular to the crossbar 18 and parallel to each other and that point in the direction of the container axis V when the container is assembled and are therefore referred to as axial webs. The first connecting profile with the receptacle 16 is formed by the crossbar 18 with the two partial webs 17 of the axial webs. Likewise, the crossbar 18 with the two

other partial webs 19 of the axial webs, the second connecting profile with the holder 20. The two holders 16 and 20 open in opposite axial directions. In this sense, the two connecting profiles 16-18 and 18-20 point in opposite axial directions. In the assembled container, the side wall rings 3 to 5 lie abutting over the cross webs 18 of the multifunctional profiles 15 and extend exactly in the axial direction V. As the side wall rings 3 to 5 are tightly enclosed in the holders 16 and 20 of the multifunctional profiles 15 in the area of narrow edge strips, the side wall rings 3 to 5 are connected to one another via the multifunctional profiles 15 in pairs transverse to the axial direction V in a way that prevents them from shifting.

In order to assemble the container from the container components, the base 1 is first placed on a base. The lowest side wall ring 3 is then unfolded into a rectangular shape and placed on the base surface 11 of the base 1 within the border created by the support walls 13. The support walls 13 tightly enclose the side wall ring 3 on all four side walls 3a to 3d. The lower multifunctional ring 15 is then placed axially on the side wall ring 3 from above so that the holder 20 of the multifunctional ring 15 encloses an upper edge strip of the side wall ring 3 all the way around. In the next step, the middle side wall ring 4 is inserted into the holder 16 of the multifunctional ring 15 and is tightly enclosed therein. The upper side wall ring 5 is then connected to the side wall ring 4 in the same way using the upper multifunctional profile 15. Finally, the lid 2 is placed flush on the upper side wall ring 5. The cover 2 has a total of four centering elements 2b for centering on the side wall ring 5, which protrude axially at the corners of the cover 2 over its underside facing the base 1. The centering elements 2b each form a right interior angle with which they lie closely against the side wall ring 5 in the area of its edges and thus center the cover 2 on the side wall ring 5. In the last step of assembly, the lashing straps 7 are hooked to both the cover 2 and the base 1 and tensioned in the axial direction V. The axial tension can be achieved, for example, by forming the lashing straps from an elastic material which, in the

The lashing straps can also be made of a non-elastic material and have suitable additional tensioners.

In order to be able to store and/or transport the container after use in a space-saving manner, the container is dismantled by hand in the reverse order to assembly without causing any damage. Tools or other aids are advantageously not required for assembly or dismantling. The container can advantageously be folded into a handy package and lashed down again using the lashing straps 7, so that all the container components form a unit even when the unused container is stored and/or transported and nothing can get lost.

Figure 3 shows the container in the folded state. After the container components have been separated in accordance with a reverse assembly, the side wall rings 3 to 5 are each folded into four layers and placed next to one another on the base surface 11 of the base 1. In this arrangement, they are in turn tightly enclosed and held in position by the lateral support walls 13 of the base 1. One of the multifunctional profiles 15 is then placed on the base 1. The other multifunctional profile 15 is in turn placed on the multifunctional profile 15 that sits on the base 1. The lid 2 is then placed on the upper multifunctional profile 15. The base 1, the lid 2 and the multifunctional profiles 15 form a new container in which the side wall rings 3 to 5 are accommodated. The lid 2, the multifunctional profiles 15 and the base 1 lie butt-to-butt in the folded state. The outer axial webs 17/19 of the multifunctional profiles 15 are located axially exactly in the extension of the respective support wall 13 and the respective edge of the lid 2. Overall, when folded, a smooth outer wall is obtained on all four sides of the package formed from the container components. The lashing straps 7 also hold the folded, new container together.

In order to center the container components 1, 2, 3 to 5 and 15 in the folded state, the support walls 13 of the base 1 are interrupted at its corners. Each of the four interruptions la thus obtained forms a centering element la of the base 1. Furthermore, at each corner of the multifunctional profile 15,

Centering elements 15b are provided which, like the centering elements 2b of the cover 2, form right-angled interior angles which fit exactly into the interruptions la of the support surfaces 13. The outer axial leg 17/19 of the multifunctional profile 15 is interrupted axially opposite each of these centering elements 15b, with the respective interruption 15a having the same shape as the interruption la of the base. Each of the interruptions 15a forms a centering element 15a of the multifunctional profile 15. One of the centering elements 15a of one multifunctional profile 15 interacts with one of the centering elements 15b of the other multifunctional profile 15 for the purpose of centering two multifunctional profiles 15 against one another, in that one of the centering elements 15b fits into one of the centering elements 15a. The centering elements 2a of the cover 2 in turn correspond to the centering elements 15b. Overall, two types of centering elements are thus formed on the base 1, the cover 2 and the multifunctional profiles 15, namely a first type of centering elements 1a and 15a and a second type of centering elements 2b and 15b. The centering elements of the first type are identical, and the centering elements of the second type are identical. Furthermore, the centering elements 1a and 15a of the first type each form the negative form of the centering elements 2b and 15b of the second type.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a container with only two side wall rings 3 and 4. With regard to the container components, namely the base 1, the lid 2, the side wall rings 3 and 4 and the two multifunctional profiles 15, what was said about the container in Figure 1 applies. Only the differences and additions are explained.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of part of the multifunctional profile 15 of the container of Figure 5. The multifunctional profile 15 is modified from the basic form of the first exemplary embodiment in that it additionally forms a third connecting profile in the form of a simple transverse web 21 which protrudes from the inner axial web 17/19 transversely to the axial direction V. The transverse web 21 is formed circumferentially on all profile legs of the multifunctional profile 15.

The third connecting profile formed as a crossbar 21 serves as a support device for, for example, a cover plate, which is loosely placed on the crossbar 21 or

can be attached in order to divide the container horizontally at the height of the lower multifunctional profile 15. A stiffening structure 22, which is arranged in the container of the second embodiment in order to increase the buckling resistance of the side walls formed from the side wall rings 3 and 4 and the two multifunctional profiles 15, is preferably firmly connected to the multifunctional profile 15. The stiffening structure 22 can be materially or otherwise connected to the multifunctional profile 15 or formed in one piece, or can also just rest loosely on the crosspiece 21. The stiffening structure 22 and the crosspiece 21 do not have to be provided at the same time. The stiffening structure 22 has the shape of a cross and increases the buckling resistance against compressive forces acting on the container from the outside and also against internal compressive forces emanating from the goods. Each of the multifunctional profiles 15 has such a stiffening structure 22, so that stiffening is achieved at different heights of the container. The stiffening of the open container at its upper edge is particularly advantageous.

Another special feature of the container of the second embodiment is that one of the multifunctional profiles 15 forms an upper end profile for the side walls formed by the side wall rings 3 and 4. As a side wall end profile, it ensures in particular that the side walls 4a to 4d have exactly the rectangular shape of the multifunctional profile 15 at their upper end, so that the lid 2 with its centering elements 2a closes the container centered by the centering elements 15a of the multifunctional profile 15, as in the folded state of the container (Figure 3). The upper multifunctional profile 15 serving as the end profile forces the side walls 4a to 4d along their upper free edge into the shape predetermined by the multifunctional profile 15. As a result of this and in particular in conjunction with the stiffening by means of the stiffening structures 22, the payload of, for example, bulk goods, but also of individual goods, can be increased again if the container is square.

Figures 7 and 8 show a multifunctional profile 15 in a third embodiment in an individual representation, which is also derived from the multifunctional profile 15 of the first embodiment. The multifunctional profile 15 of the third embodiment also has the first

Connecting profile 16-18 and the second connecting profile 18-20 for the connection to the side wall rings. In addition, two transverse webs 23 and 24 protrude from the inner axial web 17/19, parallel to one another and spaced apart transversely to the axial direction V. The lower transverse web 23 runs around or has two first web sections formed at the same height on opposite sides and two further, second web sections on the two sides of the multifunctional profile 15 pointing at an angle thereto, which are offset slightly from the first web sections in the axial direction V. The crossbar 23 or its multiple web sections serve as a support for a plurality of functional elements 25. The crossbar 23 or each of its sections can be formed as a simple, smooth web or with openings or other shaped elements in order to support the functional elements 25 or the stiffening structure 22 and at the same time position and possibly even fix them. The upper crossbar 24 is formed by regularly spaced web pieces which are spaced apart from one another along the respective profile leg of the multifunctional profile 15 such that one of the functional elements 25 can be guided from above between each two adjacent web pieces of the crossbar 24 and placed on the lower crossbar 23. Furthermore, each of the web pieces of the upper cross web 24 in combination with the lower cross web 23 forms a locking element for forming a locking and/or clamping connection with one of the functional elements 25. In the locking and/or clamping connection, the functional elements 25 are each held between the cross web 23 and one of the web pieces of the cross web 24.

Each of the functional elements 25 is a straight rod or a straight tube, with first functional elements 25 extending across the width of the container and second functional elements 25 extending across the length of the container. The first functional elements 25 are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another in a first plane, and the second functional elements 25 are arranged parallel to one another in a second plane. Furthermore, the first functional elements 25 point at right angles to the second functional elements 25, so that overall a grid of individual functional elements 25 is obtained in which the functional elements 25 are arranged crosswise.

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The functional elements 25 arranged in the grid can serve as support elements of a compartment that is formed with these support elements 25 and a flexible but load-bearing fabric held by the support elements 25. The fabric forms a sack-like receptacle for a piece of goods in each compartment. The fabric can wrap around the support or functional elements 25 on four fabric sides and simply hang from the wrapping area to form the receiving compartment.

Figure 9 shows a modified embodiment of a compartment of the type mentioned above. However, pieces of fabric 26 are each attached to the functional elements 25 in a hanging manner only on their long sides.

Figure 10 shows a view into a lower part of a container according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the container is further developed into a bulk material container for the storage and/or transport of bulk material, for example screws or nuts. In the lower part of the container shown in Figure 10, a bulk material funnel is formed from a total of four funnel plates 30. The funnel plates 30 are each shaped in such a way that they form a rectangular funnel that tapers to a funnel outlet 32 at its lower end. The funnel plates 30 each have a short outlet end side facing the funnel outlet 32 and a long connecting side facing away from the outlet end side, as well as two long sides each, at which they meet in pairs loosely and at an angle to form the funnel. The short end side and the two long sides each form simple, straight plate edges. However, on its connecting side, each of the funnel plates 30 forms a connecting hook 31, namely by means of a connecting web 31 which forms an acute angle with the funnel plate 30 at the edge of the connecting side. The connecting hook 31 interacts with a correspondingly formed support device of the multifunctional profile 15.

The multifunctional profile 15 corresponds to a fourth embodiment. It is shown in cross section in Figure 11 and in Figure 12 in a perspective partial representation in interaction with the connecting hook 31 of one of the funnel plates 30. The support device of the multifunctional profile 15 in turn also forms a connecting hook, which opens in the opposite direction to the connecting hook 31. In the embodiment, a

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Crossbar 27 and an axial web 28 form a third connecting profile that forms the support device. The crossbar 27 projects from the inner axial web 17/19 transversely to the axial direction V and merges into the axial web 28 to form a hook. The crossbar 27, the axial web 28 and the inner axial web 17/19 together form a third receptacle 29 that opens upwards when assembled so that the funnel plate 30 with its connecting hook 31 can be easily hooked into the receptacle 29 from above. When hooked in, the funnel plate 30 can be freely folded around the upper edge of the axial web 28 by a limited angle of rotation so that when hooked in, it can perform a short folding movement toward the base surface 11 of the base 1. The funnel plates 30 are thus only supported on the multifunctional profile 15 and loosely resting on the base surface 11 to form the bulk material funnel. The bulk material funnel can therefore be formed and dismantled quickly and easily. In the exemplary embodiment, the funnel outlet 32 is arranged centrally in the base surface 11, but with a correspondingly adapted shape of the funnel plates 30 it could also be provided in a corner in the base surface 11 or in one of the side walls of the side wall ring 3. The funnel outlet 32 is operable, i.e. it can be closed or opened as required in order to fill the container with the bulk material or to empty it. The function as a bulk material container in particular benefits from the increase in buckling resistance provided by the multifunctional profile 15 or the multiple multifunctional profiles 15. If necessary, a stiffening structure, for example in the form of the stiffening structure 22, can also be arranged in the container in order to further increase the buckling resistance.

The exemplary embodiments show how a height-variable container with improved mechanical stability, in particular buckling resistance, can be obtained by means of the multifunctional profile 15 and how the functionality can be further increased by installing corresponding functional elements, for example a bulk material hopper or a compartment for accommodating piece goods, in order to optimally configure the container for a specific task, for example the storage and/or transport of bulk goods or piece goods.

Claims (26)

1. Demountable container comprising: a) a closure part ( 1 , 2 ) forming a bottom ( 1 ) or a lid ( 2 ) of the container, b) side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) which project axially from the end part ( 1 , 2 ) in the direction of a container axis (V), c) and a multifunctional profile ( 15 ) which connects at least a first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) to the end part ( 1 , 2 ) or to a second of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) axially extending the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d), d) wherein the connections of the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) are detachable and the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) can thereby be separated. 2. Demountable container, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a support device ( 21 ; 23 , 24 ; 27-29 ) for supporting at least one functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ) which is or can be arranged in the container and which serves to receive a good or to fill or empty the container or to stiffen the container. 3. Demountable container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms the support device ( 21 ; 23 , 24 ; 27-29 ) by a connecting profile projecting transversely to the container axis (V). 4. Dismountable container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ) can be placed on the connecting profile ( 21 ). 5. Container according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 23 , 24 ) forms at least one plug-in or locking element for a plug-in or locking connection with the at least one functional element ( 25 ). 6. Demountable container according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the support device ( 27-29 ) in the cross section of the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) has the shape of a hook ( 27 , 28 ) into which the at least one functional element ( 30 ) is or can be hooked. 7. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one functional element ( 22 ) is a stiffening structure which serves to increase the buckling resistance of the container. 8. Demountable container according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that a plurality of functional elements ( 25 ) which are supported or can be supported on the support device ( 23 , 24 ) form a compartment with receptacles for piece goods or carrier elements for such a compartment. 9. Demountable container according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the at least one functional element ( 30 ) is a shell or plate body of a funnel for bulk material formed by means of several of the functional elements ( 30 ). 10. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a first connecting profile (16-18) for the connection to the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) and a second connecting profile ( 18-20 ) for the connection to the second of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) or the end part ( 1 , 2 ). 11. Demountable container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first connecting profile ( 16-18 ) forms a groove ( 18 ) in which an edge strip of the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) is received. 12. Demountable container according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting profile ( 16 , 18-20 ) forms a groove ( 20 ) in which an edge strip of the second of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) is received. 13. Demountable container according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a third connecting profile ( 21 ; 23 , 24 ; 27-29 ) for the connection to at least one functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ), wherein the functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ) is arranged or can be arranged in the container and serves to receive a product or to fill or empty the container or to stiffen the container. 14. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) is connected to the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) in a form-fitting manner and transversely to the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) in a displacement-proof manner. 15. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) is connected to the second of the side walls ( 3a -d, 4a -d, 5a -d) in a form-fitting manner and transversely to the second of the side walls (3a-d, 4ad, 5a-d) in a displacement-proof manner. 16. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) enclose an angle with one another and the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) has at least two profile legs which are rigidly connected to one another with respect to the angle, and that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) is detachably connected to the at least two side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) which point at an angle to one another. 17. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) form at least one side wall ring ( 3 , 4 , 5 ) made up of side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) pointing at an angle to one another in pairs. 18. Demountable container according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the side walls each form a swivel joint ( 6 ) in pairs with an axial axis of rotation about which they are foldable or collapsible. 19. Demountable according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a profile ring. 20. Demountable container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a profile ring made up of pairs of profile legs pointing at an angle to one another. 21. Container system for forming a container, preferably a container according to one of the preceding claims, the container system at least comprising: a) a closure part ( 1 , 2 ) for forming a bottom ( 1 ) or lid ( 2 ) of a container, b) side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) which can be connected to the end part ( 1 , 2 ) in such a way that they protrude from the end part ( 1 , 2 ) in the direction of a container axis (V), c) a functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ) which can be arranged in the assembled container and serves to receive a good or to fill or empty the container or to stiffen the container, d) and a multifunctional profile ( 15 ) which forms at least two connecting profiles, one of which ( 16-18 , 18-20 ) can be connected to a first of the side walls (3a-d, 4a-d, 5a-d) and the other of which ( 16-18 , 18-20 )) can be connected to the closing part ( 1 , 2 ) or the functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ) or to a second of the side walls ( 3a -d, 4a -d, 5a -d) axially extending the first of the side walls ( 3a -d, 4a -d, 5a -d), e) wherein at least the connections which the connecting profiles ( 16-18 , 18-20 ) can form with the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) are detachable. 22. Container system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one centering element ( 1 a, 2 a) is formed on the end part ( 1 , 2 ) and also at least one centering element ( 15 a, 15 b) is formed on the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) in order to be able to stack the end part ( 1 , 2 ) and the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) centered on one another. 23. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two multifunctional profiles ( 15 ), each forming a profile ring. 24. Container system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one centering element ( 15 a, 15 b) is formed on each of the multifunctional profiles ( 15 ) in order to be able to stack the multifunctional profiles ( 15 ) centered on one another. 25. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile forms a connecting profile ( 16-18 ) for the connection to the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) and a further connecting profile (18-20) for the connection to the second of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) or the end part ( 1 , 2 ). 26. Container system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multifunctional profile ( 15 ) forms a first connecting profile ( 16-18 ) for the connection to the first of the side walls ( 3 a-d, 4 a-d, 5 a-d) and a further connecting profile ( 21 ; 23 , 24 ; 27-29 ) for the connection to the functional element ( 22 ; 25 ; 30 ).