EP0368713A1 - Stackable or nestable containers with removable closures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a stackable and nestable handling container (1). According to the invention, this container comprises support flaps (11) which can occupy either a first stable active position, in which they are brought down over the opening of the container and can then receive a super-adjacent container supported upon them, or a second stable inactive position, in which they extend outside the container. The container can be equipped with a closure (10) comprising engagement hooks (21) which are capable of coming to lodge themselves under a rim (9) which the container has on its upper part, this in both the active and inactive position of the flaps (11). The invention finds application in the production of containers intended in particular for the packaging of pharmaceutical products. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to handling bins, in particular made of plastic, which can be stacked one on top of the other or partially nested one inside the other.

There are of course very many bins of this type.

This being the case, there are certain fields, such as that of "assembly line" work, in which it appeared necessary that the users of trays could stack the latter whether or not these were fitted with lids, the lids in question before can, moreover and if necessary, be mounted on the trays to close the opening (for example at the end of the chain), that the trays are in their state ready to be stacked or nested, this in particular so as to prevent the people in charge of filling or handling operations (opening, closing, transport, storage of containers, etc.) must, before acting, check the state in which the containers are located.

However, among the existing bins, none has given complete satisfaction to users faced with this kind of requirement.

It is therefore in order to solve the problems posed that the invention proposes a handling bin open at its upper part and of generally parallelepipedal shape with substantially rectangular section comprising a bottom from which rise side walls, this bin being characterized in that it includes retractable support flaps mounted articulated in rotation along the upper end free from two opposite side walls, between a first active stable position in which the flaps are folded over the opening of the container and are capable of receiving an overlying container pressing on them, and a second non-active stable position in which the flaps extend outside of the tank, substantially parallel to the walls which carry them, then allowing the boxes to fit together.

Thus, depending on the position of the flaps, we can either stack the trays, or partially nest them into each other.

In the case where the use of a cover for closing the trays proves necessary, this cover will preferably comprise and in accordance with another characteristic of the invention, engagement means arranged along the edge of the at least one of the sides of the cover, these engagement means being in the form of hooks bent towards the cover, said hooks being capable of being received, in the non-active position of the flaps, in notches formed along the length of these latter and, in the active position of these same flaps, under a rim that the tray has at its periphery towards the free end of these side walls, flange along which the flaps are arranged locally.

Thus, the cover can be placed on the tray regardless of the position of the flaps and therefore regardless of the state in which the tray is located (stacking or nesting position).

An advantage of the container of the invention is, moreover, that its flaps and its cover can be accommodated in the overall size of the container, thus greatly facilitating storage problems.

It will also be noted that according to the invention the flaps with which the container is equipped will preferably be bent at their lateral ends by which these flaps come, in the active position, to bear towards the part upper corresponding walls of the tray, said walls having grooves adapted to receive the curved part of the flaps.

Thus, not only will the flaps be provided with stable support in the active position, but, in addition, the walls of the container which are devoid of flaps will be prevented from moving away from one another (in particular when several loaded containers are stacked ), the curved parts of the flaps playing the role of retaining elements once engaged in their receiving grooves.

• - la figure 1 est une vue générale en perspective du bac de l'invention avec ses volets en position inactive (seul l'un des volets est visible), le bac étant ici équipé de son couvercle ;
• - la figure 2 est pour moitié une vue de côté dans le sens de la flèche II de la figure 1, et pour moitié une vue en coupe dans le plan II-II de la figure 4, les volets étant en position non active ;
• - la figure 3 est une vue identique à celle de la figure 2, hormis en ce qui concerne les volets qui sont ici représentés dans leur position active ;
• - la figure 4 est une vue pour moitié de côté dans le sens de la flèche IV de la figure 1 et pour moitié en coupe dans le plan IV-IV de la figure 2. On notera que le bac a été ici représenté sans couvercle.
• - La figure 5 est une vue partielle de dessus du bac dans le sens de la flèche V de la figure 4, pour moitié avec couvercle (à gauche) pour moitié sans (à droite) ;
• - la figure 6 est une vue de l'un des volets du bac , pour moitié en vue de dessus (à gauche) et pour moitié en vue de dessous (à droite) ;
• - la figure 7 est une demi vue de côté du volet de la figure 6 dans le sens de la flèche VII ;
• - la figure 8 est une vue pour moitié en coupe médiane et pour moitié en vue extérieure du couvercle dont peut être équipé le bac de l'invention,
• - et la figure 9 est une représentation d'un ergot d'indexation, en vue de face.

The invention will appear more clearly from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings given solely by way of example and in which:

• - Figure 1 is a general perspective view of the container of the invention with its flaps in the inactive position (only one of the flaps is visible), the container being here equipped with its cover;
• - Figure 2 is half a side view in the direction of arrow II in Figure 1, and half a sectional view in the plane II-II of Figure 4, the flaps being in the inactive position;
• - Figure 3 is a view identical to that of Figure 2, except as regards the flaps which are shown here in their active position;
• - Figure 4 is a half side view in the direction of arrow IV in Figure 1 and half in section in the plane IV-IV of Figure 2. It will be noted that the tray has been shown here without cover.
• - Figure 5 is a partial top view of the tray in the direction of arrow V in Figure 4, half with cover (left) for half without (right);
• - Figure 6 is a view of one of the pan flaps, half in top view (left) and half in bottom view (right);
• - Figure 7 is a half side view of the shutter of Figure 6 in the direction of arrow VII;
• - Figure 8 is a view in half in section middle and half in external view of the cover with which the container of the invention can be fitted,
• - And Figure 9 is a representation of an indexing lug, in front view.

If we refer to the figures and in particular to Figure 1, we therefore see illustrated a handling tank 1 of substantially parallelepiped shape with rectangular section made of plastic. The tank 1 which is open at its upper part comprises a bottom 2 assumed to be horizontal from which rise four side walls (of which only two marked 3, 4 are visible in the figure), which walls are slightly inclined relative to the vertical so to go by getting closer to each other towards the bottom 2.

Towards the free upper part of its side walls, the container is reinforced on its outer face by a projecting peripheral belt 7 which is limited by a lower horizontal rib 8 and an upper horizontal rib 9, the latter forming the upper rim of the container on which can come to rest a removable cover 10 suitable for completely closing the opening of the tank, without however exceeding the overall size of the latter.

Before considering the method of engagement of the cover on the container, it should first of all be noted that, according to an important characteristic of the invention, the container is here equipped with retractable flaps 11 mounted articulated in rotation along the free upper end of two opposite side walls (in this case the two shorter walls 4 and 6).

As clearly illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the flaps 11 can occupy two extreme positions of stable equilibrium: a first position (Figure 3) called active, in which the flaps are folded over the opening of the tray and are then suitable for receive on them an overlying tray, and a second position (Figure 2) called non-active, in which these same flaps extend to the outside of the tank, substantially parallel to the walls 4 and 6 which carry them, then authorizing the nesting of the tanks one inside the other.

In practice, the flaps 11 will preferably be shaped to come, in their inactive position in FIG. 2, to be housed along the corresponding walls of the tank, inside its belt 7, between the upper rim 9 and the lower rib. 8. Thus, they will in no way extend beyond the overall dimensions of the tank, thus avoiding any risk of damage.

Now refer to Figures 6 and 7 to see illustrate an embodiment of a flap 11 according to the invention.

The shutter shown comprises pins 12 which extend parallel to the axis 20 of articulation of the shutter and protrude on either side of a series of branches 13, except as regards the two innermost branches where only one nipple has been provided, directed towards the outside of the flap. Between the branches 13 are provided notches 15 whose role will appear below.

To allow the articulation in rotation of the flaps on the tank, there have been provided, as can be seen in FIG. 4, passages 14 in the upper edge 9 of the corresponding walls of the tank. In these passages are introduced the pins 12, which then play, as we have understood, the role of articulation shaft.

To promote the engagement of the nipples, the passages 14 could be opened downwards at 16 (FIG. 3), a flat 12a (FIG. 6) being able to be formed along the length of the nipples so that the latter do not unexpectedly disengage from their receiving passages after being introduced there.

Now refer to Figure 7 to see illustrated half of the shutter shown in Figure 6 (the other half being identical to that which has been shown). By this figure 7 we wanted to clearly highlight the shape of the lateral ends 11a of the flaps which are bent into hooks 17, which are, in the active position of the flaps, received in grooves 18 arranged facing towards the upper part of the walls 3 and 5 of the tank which are adjacent to those 4 and 6 along which the flaps are arranged.

Thus, these flaps may come into their active position to bear on the edge of the grooves, the hooks 17 preventing the walls from excessive deformation which may come from an additional load when several trays are stacked.

Let us now focus more specifically on the cover 10 with which the container of the invention can be fitted.

Figure 8, it will first be noted that this cover comprises along one of its shorter side edges, sections 21 of wall shaped clean hook to engage under the rim 9 of a corresponding side wall (4 or 6) of the container, it being possible for this engagement to be achieved with the flaps 11 in the active position (FIG. 3, position in which the flaps are still housed in the overall dimensions of the container, therefore in no way harming fitting the cover) or in the inactive position (Figure 2). In the latter case, it will be noted that the sections 21 of the cover then engage through the notches 15 of the flaps.

With regard to the cover, it will also be noted that on its edge opposite to that where its engagement means are shaped, it may have only a single fallen edge 22, while projecting ribs 23 may be shaped near the longer edges of the cover, on the side of its face to be directed towards the container, so that these ribs 23 extend towards the interior of the container once the cover is in position, thus limiting its lateral displacement and stiffening it .

On its face to be directed towards the outside of the tank, the cover 10 may also have, near its periphery, a rib 24 in the form of a frame, intended to limit the movement of the trays when these fitted with their cover must be stacked on top of each other (see also Figure 5).

To allow the passage of a closure strip such as a plastic strip, cutouts 25 may be provided locally in the rib 24.

If we are again interested in the container of the invention as such, it will be noted that along at least one of its walls of greater length) such as wall 3 of FIG. 1) it comprises on the outer face of this wall and in the lower part, a recess or a notch 26 suitable for receiving a label (not shown).

As illustrated, the opening to the outside is partially closed by a plate 27 intended to maintain the label in position, once it has been slid between the bottom of the notch and the retaining plate .

Under its belt 7 and for example on the outer face of at least one of its walls of greater length (such as the wall 5 of FIG. 2), the tank 1 may also include zones 28 formed slightly recessed in the thickness of its wall. In practice, these zones will be intended to receive retroreflective marking strips, useful in particular for ensuring automatic routing of the trays in the event that they are installed on conveyor belts, for example in the context of line work. It is moreover to ensure that the rollers have good attack from the rollers that short walls 29 slightly inclined with respect to the bottom have been provided at the connection between this same bottom and each of the side walls of the tank.

In its upper edge 9, for example along one of its longer walls 5, the last container may also have holes 30 (Figure 5) in which can be received short signaling or indexing lugs marked 31 in Figure 9. To engage in the holes 30, the pins 31 will provided with a foot 31a of lesser thickness.

On conveyor belts, it has become apparent that in some cases the tanks may have a tendency to overlap.

It is in order to avoid these overlapping problems, that provision has been made to extend locally and downward the rib 8 which limits the belt 7 of the tank in the lower part.

Figures 1 and 2, there is shown the tray with twice two tabs 32 formed on the two sides 4, 6 of the tray of shorter length and which in this case extend substantially perpendicular to the rib 8 which carry them, in direction of the bottom 2. Laterally, these tabs 32 will preferably extend until their ends 32a closest to the external angles of the container come into alignment with the side walls of the container adjacent to those where the tabs are formed ( Figures 1 and 4). This will in particular allow the tray to rest by its ribs 8 without tabs on supports such as rollers, angles, etc.

Claims (10)

1. - Handling container comprising a bottom (2) from which side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) rise, the free end of which defines an opening for the container, the latter being characterized:
- in that it includes flaps (11) retractable support mounted articulated in rotation along the free end of two opposite side walls (4, 6), between a first active stable position in which the flaps are folded down over the opening of the tray and are adapted to receive pressing on them an overlying tray, and a second non-active position, in which these same flaps extend outside the tray, then authorizing the nesting of the trays into each other,
- And in that it is equipped with a cover (10) suitable for closing the opening of the tank, this cover comprising along the edge of one of its sides, and for its connection to the tank, means engagement (21) in the form of hooks capable of being received under a flange (9) that the container has at its periphery, towards the free end of its side walls, and this both in the active position and in the non-position activates shutters. 2. - Tray according to claim 1 characterized in that in the non-active position of the flaps, the hooks (21) engage under the rim (9) of the tray, through notches (15) that have said flaps on their length. 3. - Tray according to claim 1 or claim 2 of the type in which the side walls are inclined so as to move closer to each other in the direction of the bottom, characterized in that the cover (10) has a rib ( 24) in the form of a frame projecting from its upper face directed towards the outside of the container once the cover (10) disposed on the latter, the opening of which it covers without exceeding its overall dimensions. 4. - Tray according to claim 2 or claim 3 characterized in that in the non-active position, the flaps (11) extend substantially parallel to the walls of the tank which carry them, and are housed in the overall size of said tank, between the upper flange (9) of the latter and a lower rib (8) which projection from the outer face of the corresponding side wall of the tank. 5. - Tray according to claim 4 characterized in that the lower rib (8) is extended locally and substantially perpendicularly by tongues (32) adapted to avoid overlapping of two successive trays circulating one after the other on a conveyor belt. 6. - Tray according to claim 5 characterized in that towards the angles of the tray the tongues extend until one of their ends (32a) comes in alignment with the side walls of the tray adjacent to that (s) where said tabs are formed. 7. - Tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between its side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) and its bottom (2) is effected by short walls (29) slightly inclined by report to said background. 8. - Tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, formed through its upper edge (9), orifices (30) suitable for receiving indexing elements, such as lugs (31 ). 9. - Tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flaps (11) are curved at their lateral ends by which they come into active position resting on the upper part of the walls of the tray which are adjacent to those which carry said flaps, these same walls comprising grooves (18) suitable for receiving the curved part (17) of the flaps. 10. - Tray according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flaps (11) are mounted on the tray by means of pins (12) engaging in cooperating passages (14) formed in the rim upper (9) of the tank.

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