EP0756561B1 - Container system for documents - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport container system suitable in particular for use in delivery services, in which there are combinable container components of various sizes, the length and width of which correspond to a uniform frame. A first part of the components is of a length corresponding to the width of the second part of the basic component, whereby the length of said other part of the basic component is a quadruple of the width of the first.

Description

The invention relates to a container system according to the preamble of claim 1.

Mail, parcel or document delivery services essentially provide logistic systems, their quality and effectiveness, that is, the ratio of costs to benefits, from smooth interlocking of the elements of logistic Chain as well as the optimal use of the available logistic means, such as transport vehicles and storage spaces. Is particularly problematic here the fact that due to the use of reusable containers a one-way street system is not used, but a circulatory system with empty transport containers for example, have to be fed into a pool system a new filling with letters or parcels can be available. Simple containers are known, which, however, does not have any special adaptation to needs offer the operation of delivery services and thus represent an obstacle in the logistic chain as well prevent efficient use of capacity.

A container system is, for example, from the prior art known for the container with different sizes can be stacked on top of and inside each other. Examples describe documents FR 2 621 297 A1 (which discloses a transport container system according to the preamble of claim 1) and US 4,105,117. However, these show in terms of manageability and manufacturability significant disadvantages.

The object of the present invention is to container for Recording and transporting consignments that provide a clear, easy handling of the containers when receiving the consignment, the dispatch and delivery within the ensure logistic chain of delivery services and the show reduced stack volume when empty. Further the containers should be easy and inexpensive to manufacture be and show a long lifespan.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of the claim 1 solved, expedient embodiments are characterized by the features of the subclaims.

According to the invention, one of preferably three different, existing container base elements that can be combined with one another Container system provided, two basic elements being the same Length and width, but have different depths and the third basic element has a width equal to the length of the has first basic elements. Preferably have the first and the second base element is 470 mm long and one Width of 260 mm, the first basic element a depth of 280 mm and the second basic element a depth of 250 mm. The third basic element according to the invention preferably has a Length of 540 mm, corresponding to twice the width of the first two basic elements, a width of 470 mm and one Depth of 280 mm. Several, here two of the first basic elements find on the base of the other, third basic element Place. Instead of the preferred three basic elements of course, a different number of basic elements is possible, it is only necessary to ensure that the multiple of Width of the narrower basic elements essentially the length of a large basic element and the length of the smaller basic elements corresponds to the width of a large basic element, with another in the depths of the basic elements than the specified staggering is possible.

The basic elements of the container system can be stacked on top of one another, with the stacked container for centering slightly immersed in the lower one, and on the other hand stackable into each other when the container on top compared to the stacking position by 180 ° by one vertical axis is rotated. The third basic element is at preferably slight immersion of the upper container in a lower container for the purpose of a certain centering and lateral support stackable containers stacked, taking two of the major basic elements after a rotation of 180 ° around a horizontal axis can be stacked deep into each other are. The smaller basic elements can finally with its long side across the width of the large one Basic element are placed so that the smaller basic elements can be placed on the third basic element and vice versa is or are.

The containers according to the invention have a lower wall area, which is about a third of the height of a container extends as well as an upper wall area that extends extends over the upper third of the height of the wall container, which is also slightly offset and with the lower one Wall area connected by a conical or sloping surface is.

The upper edges at least two opposite one another Side walls, preferably the narrow side walls of the Containers according to the invention are with a load-bearing, outwardly projecting, preferably U-profile-like bar provided, the top of which serves as a footprint. At the Bar, or inside the U-shaped bar vertical ribs may be provided which cover the bar stabilize. The ends of the strips provided on the edge are preferably rounded, so that there is a sliding Transition to the upper edges of the other side walls results. Furthermore, are on the walls provided with the strips externally projecting webs, preferably two, provided the preferably each with the same distance from the line of symmetry the side walls are arranged. These webs are in two parts built up, the lower part of a solid, thin-walled projection and the upper part as after open hollow profile formed to the inside of the container is that up to the edge arranged bar extends and breaks through upwards. The top Web parts are just as far over the side walls like the strips provided at the top of the container and are flush with them, while the thin, massive lower web parts are somewhat narrower.

The lower massive and thin-walled projecting areas of the vertical webs are wide relative to the top and behind inside open hollow profile-like areas of the vertical Bars arranged so that they are on one of the side walls of the Continuous with the container to the line of symmetry Sidewall facing side of the upper, wider and towards Areas of the webs open inside the container are arranged and on the opposite side wall of the container according to the invention with the outwardly facing Sides of the upper areas of the webs. The cross sections of the the inside of the profile of the upper parts of the vertical webs are arranged in the area of the edges Last narrowed. This narrowed cross section is the lower bridge part arranged opposite.

Preferred are in the case of the outward openings the inside of the profile-like upper web areas the bar arranged on the edge of one side, after projections slightly projecting above are provided. Accordingly are on the top of the bar opposite Sidewall provided on the outside next to the openings projections.

The elements of the container according to the invention described above now work together in such a way that in the rectified Stacking two containers on top of each other thin-walled and solid web parts of at least two themselves opposite side walls on the contact patches of the load-bearing strips arranged at the edges are two opposite side walls of the stacked below Container come to a standstill. The massive thin-walled lower ones Areas of the webs are in this case on the Hollow profile openings through the side facing away from the bar Projections on the bar so that the thin-walled web lower parts in the openings in the load-bearing strips is prevented.

When the stacked container is turned through 180 °, immerse the massive, thin-walled lower web areas in the Hollow profile openings through the load-bearing strips, the undersides of the profile-like web tops on the Projections on the footprint of the edge arranged strips come to rest. The immersion dimension of the stacked containers result from the ratio of Lengths of the lower solid web parts to the upper hollow profile-like web parts.

The one at the top of the at least two opposite one another Side walls arranged, preferably U-shaped Last as well as the vertical webs can be one between themselves Limit handle opening, the underside of which by a outside bent edge is limited. The edge arranged strips serve as a handle, the Dimensions of the last for improved grip have a larger cross section and be provided with fins can.

Furthermore, preferably at least one of the side walls in the area of the vertical webs, a z. B. from slide rails formed label receptacle, which are preferably arranged directly below the handle opening is. In this case, one of the vertical webs is designed that a recess is formed in a web, through which the label holder rails extend, so that through this recess a label in the label holder can be inserted. To ensure a smooth and thus time-saving insertion and removal of To ensure identification cards from this facility is it designed so that identification cards for Plugging in does not have to be applied exactly, but through corresponding guide rails or extended, slightly diverging Guide rails in the card holder be directed. In addition, between the Guide rails can be arranged at least one clamping bar, which is bevelled in the card insertion direction, so that a card when inserted over this tension bar and so that it is fixed in the card holder.

Due to the usually connected strips, bars and Handle openings results in a simple and advantageous manner and A stabilizing effect for the entire container, so that on further stiffening elements on the floor and on the Side walls of the container can be dispensed with.

In the containers according to the invention, but especially in the smaller containers are devices for holding Partition walls are provided, with which the containers in compartments have it divided. These devices are preferably for Inclusion of partitions provided so that the inserted or used partitions from the long side wall Extend the side wall. Through these plug-in partitions the containers can be simple and beneficial Way for both larger shipments or items as well for z. B. Use letters and smaller documents, whereby e.g. Letters intended for different destinations upright and therefore easily accessible between the Have partitions set.

In order to prevent the containers according to the invention from being foreign to the system, e.g. for absorbing liquids or the like are used in the lower area of the side walls, preferably on one of the narrow side walls, openings provided by the liquids poured into the container can expire.

Finally, the transport container system according to the invention comprises attachable lids, whereby for Closure of containers of the same length and width uniform cover is provided, this is designed so that it is only in one position relative to the container to be closed placed on the same can be. For this purpose, one is preferred on the inner edge projections are provided on the sides of the lid, which correspond in corresponding Recesses in one of the edges arranged, load-bearing strips on one side of the container or under the Intervene. On the opposite side of the lid a locking element is provided which when closing of the container resiliently in a correspondingly shaped recess in the preferably U-shaped bar of the sealing container engages. This resilient locking element is designed so that the down over the lid protruding, engaging part with an opening in the Cover extending upward beyond the cover Extension is provided, which at the end is a finger pressure surface wearing. In this way, a closed container can be release by pressing the print surface with a finger. On the outer lid surface, preferably in the middle of the lid, a label slot is provided, which is on the visible side is transparent, the transparent top being flush with the rest of the lid surface. The label holder is open on one of its sides, so that Labels or identification cards in the opening provided let it slide in, then through the transparent Top side visible to the user.

Due to the fact that part of the container uniform lid with the label holder only to attach in one direction and position on the containers is the label on the lid as well Identification cards in the one described above Card holder on the container always in the same position arranged relative to each other so that the localization of the Labels on all containers is always unique. Hereby results in a simple and advantageous manner Information function with which the containers in the individual stages the logistic chain easily by the respective users can be brought into the correct position so that for example, the identification cards by appropriate Scanner can be read. In addition, it follows due to the only one possible fastening position of the cover uniformity of the closing process on the containers, which also become a smooth and thus contributing to time-saving handling.

The cover is preferably on its visible side with a circumferential upwardly projecting edge, wherein the area surrounded by the edge of the floor area of the corresponds to the container to be closed, so that the Stacking closed containers gives a centering effect.

The lid according to the invention is advantageously without Undercuts formed what is preferred in the Manufacture of plastic containers a simple and enables cost-effective production by injection molding, because the injection molds can be kept simple.

Fig. 1

eine Seitenansicht eines kleinen Grundelements von der Längsseite her, wobei in der linken Hälfte ein Schnitt nach Fig. 3 dargestellt ist,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den in Fig. 1 dargestellten Behälter,

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Behälters von der schmalen Seite her und zwar in Fig. 1 von links her gesehen,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht des Kastens in Fig. 1 von unten her gesehen, wobei nur eine Kastenhälfte dargestellt ist,

Fig. 5

einen Längsschnitt nach Fig. 1

Fig. 6

eine Längsschnittansicht nach Fig. 3 (Teilschnitt),

Fig. 7

einen Längsteilschnitt nach Fig. 3,

Fig. 8

einen anderen Längsteilschnitt nach Fig. 3,

Fig. 9

eine teilweise Darstellung der schmalen Stirnseite der linken Hälfte von Fig. 1 in Seitenansicht gegenüber der Schnittansicht von Fig. 1,

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht der Längsseite des zweiten Behältergrundelements, wobei die linke Hälfte längs nach Fig. 12 geschnitten ist,

Fig. 11

eine Draufsicht auf den Behälter nach Fig. 11, wobei die obere Hälfte eine Draufsicht von oben und die untere Hälfte eine Draufsicht auf den Boden, also von unten her, zeigt,

Fig. 12

eine Seitenansicht der Schmalseite des Behälters nach Fig. 10,

Fig. 13

eine Längsschnittdarstellung nach Fig. 10,

Fig. 14

einen Längsteilschnitt nach Fig. 12,

Fig. 15

einen Längsteilschnitt nach Fig. 12,

Fig. 16

die linke schmale Seitenwand von Fig. 10, jedoch nicht in geschnittener Darstellung, als Teildarstellung,

Fig. 17

eine Seitenansicht des dritten Behältergrundelements von der schmalen Seite her, wobei in der linken Hälfte eine Längsschnittansicht nach Fig. 18 dargestellt ist,

Fig. 18

eine Draufsicht auf das in der Fig. 17 dargestellte dritte Behältergrundelement, wobei rechts eine Draufsicht von unten, also vom Boden her, und links eine Draufsicht von oben her dargestellt ist,

Fig. 19

eine Seitenansicht des in Fig. 17 dargestellten Behälters, und zwar in der rechten Hälfte als Seitenansicht von außen und in der linken Hälfte als Längsschnittdarstellung nach Fig. 18,

Fig. 20

eine Seitenansicht des in Fig. 17 dargestellten Behälters in anderem Maßstab und von der Außenseite her (Längsseite),

Fig. 21

eine Teilansicht des Bodens (unteres rechtes Viertel von Fig. 18 in teilweise geschnittener Darstellung),

Fig. 22

eine Seitenansicht einer Einzelheit von Fig. 20 (Etiketteneinschub) in ungeschnittener Darstellung von der Seite her gesehen;

Fig. 23

eine Explosionsansicht des Behälters mit einem entsprechenden Deckel;

Fig. 24

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Deckelrastelementes von unten.

A preferred embodiment and further details, advantages and effects of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. Show in it

Fig. 1

3 shows a side view of a small basic element from the long side, a section according to FIG. 3 being shown in the left half,

Fig. 2

2 shows a plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1 from the narrow side, seen from the left in FIG. 1,

Fig. 4

2 is a view of the box in FIG. 1 from below, only one half of the box being shown,

Fig. 5

2 shows a longitudinal section according to FIG. 1

Fig. 6

3 (partial section),

Fig. 7

4 shows a partial longitudinal section according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 8

another longitudinal section according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 9

2 shows a partial illustration of the narrow end face of the left half of FIG. 1 in a side view compared to the sectional view of FIG. 1,

Fig. 10

3 shows a side view of the long side of the second basic container element, the left half being cut longitudinally according to FIG. 12,

Fig. 11

11, a top view of the container according to FIG. 11, the upper half showing a top view from above and the lower half showing a top view of the bottom, ie from below,

Fig. 12

10 shows a side view of the narrow side of the container according to FIG. 10,

Fig. 13

10 shows a longitudinal sectional illustration according to FIG. 10,

Fig. 14

12 shows a partial longitudinal section according to FIG. 12,

Fig. 15

12 shows a partial longitudinal section according to FIG. 12,

Fig. 16

10 the left narrow side wall of FIG. 10, but not in a sectional representation, as a partial representation,

Fig. 17

18 shows a side view of the third basic container element from the narrow side, a longitudinal sectional view according to FIG. 18 being shown in the left half,

Fig. 18

17 shows a plan view of the third basic container element shown in FIG. 17, a plan view from below on the right, ie from the bottom, and a plan view from above on the left,

Fig. 19

17 shows a side view of the container shown in FIG. 17, namely in the right half as a side view from the outside and in the left half as a longitudinal sectional view according to FIG. 18,

Fig. 20

17 shows a side view of the container shown in FIG. 17 on a different scale and from the outside (long side),

Fig. 21

a partial view of the floor (lower right quarter of Fig. 18 in a partially sectioned view),

Fig. 22

a side view of a detail of Figure 20 (label insert) seen in uncut from the side.

Fig. 23

an exploded view of the container with a corresponding lid;

Fig. 24

a perspective view of the cover latching element from below.

1 to 9, the embodiment is a Container base element with two longitudinal side walls and two opposite narrow side walls 1 to 4 and a bottom 5 shown, which has a depth of 150 mm here. On at least two opposite, preferably the The container has vertical side walls 3 and 4 directed, preferably two parallel, strip-like webs 7 and 8 on that with respect to the side walls 3 and 4 protrude from the outside and at the top into a marginal one protruding bar 9 expire in the example shown U-shaped design with internal vertical ribs is and by rounding at their ends in the Longitudinal side walls leak. The longitudinal extent of the bar 9 with a rounding 25 on both sides results particularly clearly from Fig. 2, wherein the bar 9 is also a Footprint for the stacked container forms. On the opposite narrow sides are in Example shown two webs 7 and 8 with respect to each Axis of symmetry 10 arranged symmetrically, the two Bars 8 on one side with respect to bars 7 of the opposite side a little to the inside can be set, as shown in Fig.4.

As shown in Fig. 4, the webs 7 and 8 are in two parts built up, with an upper wider hollow profile and to the inside of the container open section 8a or 7a, which in the bar 9 runs out and this up to the footprint the bar 9 breaks, and one arranged below massive, thin-walled section 8b or 7b. Corresponding Fig. 4 are the lower web parts 7b of one side of the container with respect to the axis of symmetry 10 and with respect to the upper Web parts 7a set outwards, whereas the lower ones Web sections 8b of the opposite side with respect to the Axis of symmetry 10 and with respect to the upper web parts 8a are set inside. The inside cross section of the hollow profile-like upper web parts 7a and 8a is in the area the breakthrough through the bar 9 is reduced, the reduced breakthroughs in the inner cross-sections of the upper Web parts 7a, the lower web parts 7b with respect to the outside the axis of symmetry 10 are offset inwards with respect to the Axis of symmetry 10 are arranged offset. Are accordingly the reduced ones on the opposite side Inner cross sections of the upper web parts 8a, the lower Web parts 8b inwards with respect to the axis of symmetry 10 are offset to the outside with respect to the axis of symmetry 10 staggered. The arrangement of the reduced Internal cross sections as openings of the upper web parts 7a and 8a by the strips 9 arranged on the edge hence that of the lower thin-walled web parts 7b and 8b of the opposite side of the container.

The described design of the container causes that in In the case of the parallel stacking of two containers according to 1, 2 and 4, the lower web parts 7b and 8b on the Footprints of the load-bearing strips 9 to stand come as shown in Fig. 2. The upper tank dips slightly preferred due to the confiscation at 6 into the lower container with the immersion depth the lower shoulder 15 of the lower web parts 8b and 7b is limited. This slight immersion enables one Stabilization of the stacked containers in her recording position, in which she z. B. with letters are filled so that the stacked containers are convenient and safe because appropriately centered and can be stabilized, transported and handled.

Is an upper container opposite the position in Fig. 4 however, rotated 180 ° around a vertical axis on one lower container in the orientation shown in FIG. 2, so plunge the web-like sections 7b and 8b into the Breakthroughs 11 and 12 of the upper web parts 7a and 8a the load-bearing strips 9, since the openings 11 and 12 of the upper web sections 8a and 7a as described so offset with respect to the line of symmetry 10 are arranged to each other that they are with the lower Web parts 7b and 8b of the opposite Side wall correspond so that this at 180 ° rotated alignment of the upper container in the openings Immerse 11 and 12. The immersion depth of the upper tank only goes so far until the lower shoulder 13 of the wide hollow profile-like web sections 8a and 7a on the Footprint 14 of the load-bearing, preferably U-shaped trained bar 9 or on the inside or outside with respect to the openings 11 and 12 arranged projections sits on the contact surface of the bar 9. The Breakthroughs 11 and 12 are slightly wider than that lower web sections 7b and 8b, but in any case narrower than the width of the upper web sections 8a or die Containers can be empty and stacked together therefore back to a location or to a space-saving Pool collection site to be transported, handling both when stacked and when stacked in in any case is simple and clear, so that a smooth functioning of the logistics chain is guaranteed.

3 are arranged in the lower region of the side wall Drain openings 16 can be seen. These can also be sent to the other side walls preferably offset in groups be provided.

On at least one side wall, preferably on that according to FIG. 1 left side wall is a label or other card holder to record a distinctive card intended. The label holder 17, which is also in the rest 3 shows, has an upper margin 18, a lower margin 19 and a rear margin 20 on and is open at 21 at the other end, so that a characteristic card can be inserted from here. At least the upper bar 18 expediently has one inclined insertion edge or a beveled section 22 so that the label or card quickly and securely can be introduced. For this reason, the lower one Edge 19 extended beyond this slope 22 so that the card only against the lower border 19 to the stop brought and inserted. This is a fast insertion of the labels ensures what again the smooth process within the logistics chain benefits. To the label inside the holder 17 too fix, there is at least one between the strips 18 and 19 protruding upwards and in the direction of the card slot bevelled protective strip 23 is provided (see also FIG. 1) which braces the label against the edge strips 18 and 19 is, which are L-shaped according to FIG. 1 and thus delimit an insertion channel for the label. How the label holder is preferably shown below an opening formed by a corresponding recess 24 provided by the top on the corresponding side arranged load-bearing strip 9 and on the sides the web areas 8a and 7a is limited, the bar 9 here also acts as a handle bar. It is in one of the webs 7 and 8 a recess 43 is provided through which the Edge strips of the card holder 17 extend and through the a card is inserted. There is a card in the card holder thereby in a simple but effective way before Damage protected during use of the container, since the card holder is set back behind bars 7 and 8 lies.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 5, the inner area of the bottom at the bottom pulled in slightly, about 3 to 4 mm, the remaining floor area 26 4 is provided with depressions 27 and the recesses 27 in the illustrated embodiment are square and about 0.5 mm deep. From Fig. 5 it can also be seen that the side wall surface 28 slightly in relation to the upper outer edge 29, namely by about 0.5 mm in the preferred embodiment is drawn in and over a conical region 28a in a lower side wall surface 28b runs out.

10 to 16 show an embodiment of the first Container basic element, which is shown in the Embodiment has a greater depth of 280 mm. For this reason, the same components are the same Provide reference numerals. In particular the label holder 17 results clearly from FIG. 12, FIG. 16 showing like the lower web section 8b with the label holder 17 Bridged with the help of the recess 43.

The container interior of all containers can finally through partition elements that can be inserted vertically or at an angle into individual ones Compartments can be divided, this can be more appropriate corresponding slide channels or ribs on the inner side wall surfaces may be provided. These are graphic however not shown.

17 and the following finally show a third Basic container element, which is designed as a large container is. This container has both long sides with each other connecting a bead-like recess 30 in the middle, so that an offset stacking of these basic container elements is possible is. If such a third container element is moved to another third container base element or the others If the basic elements are attached, the upper container will overlap with the recess 30 the upper peripheral edge of the lower Container element with slight immersion. Obviously are the webs 7 and 8 in the third container base element the long sides. Otherwise corresponds to structure and Function largely the training of the above Walkways. As can be seen in particular from the top right of FIG. 17, is the handle formation above the handle opening Recess 24 with closely spaced plate-shaped lamellae provided, which extends from the upper edge of the recess 24 to Extend the U-profile of the upper edge. These slats work are favorable for comfort and form an im essentially closed grip surface. Furthermore, here reached a stiffening of the handle bar.

The open containers can be closed by a lid become. Figure 23 shows an explosive View of an embodiment of the container with a corresponding cover 31. is in the middle of its visible area the lid 31 is provided with a recess 32 through a transparent cover (not shown), towards the top is flush with the lid surface. This However, the plastic layer covers the recessed area 32 not completely, but preferably one Opening extending over the entire width of the recess 32 free, through which an identification card or label can be inserted. On the inside edge of the lid 31 are protrusions projecting inwards on one narrow side 33 (not shown) shown in recesses 35 engage at the top of one narrow side of a container. On the side opposite the projections 33 of the cover 31 is a resilient locking element 34 in the middle provided that in a corresponding recess 36 in the Bar 9 on the corresponding side of a container intervenes. The lid has only one for clear handling precisely defined locking position.

The visible side of the cover 31 is in the example shown surrounded by an edge 37, which a stack of containers sealed with lids allowed without a Slipping of the stacked container from the one below Container is to be feared. The edge 37 defined area corresponds to the floor area of a appropriate container, so that when stacking closed container gives a centering effect. The edge 37 is also in the illustrated embodiment interrupted in some places 38, which is advantageous Effect is when the container is closed with a lid 31 e.g. have to stand in the rain. The interruptions 38 of the Edge 37 then allow standing up to run off Liquids from the visible side of the cover 31.

In Figure 24 is a bottom perspective view of that Narrow side of a lid 31 shown on the Raster element 34 for locking the lid with the one to be closed Container is arranged. As shown, it is Raster element 34 formed spring-like, the locking edges 39 resiliently pushed backwards by an area 41 can be. Around this rearward movement of the locking edge 39 To enable an extension 40 of the resilient Detent element provided, which extends through an opening 42 extends above the lid. On top protruding end of this extension 40 is a pressure surface (not shown) provided through which the elongated Area 40 including the locking edge 39 around Can pivot spring portion 41 to the locking edge 39 their locking with the corresponding locking surfaces on the Loosen opening 36 of bar 9 on the container.

Those described in detail and separately Features can be in different combinations and Embodiments are executed.

Claims (9)

1. Transport container system including box-like containers with a base (5) and four side walls (1-4), in particular suitable for use in delivery services, wherein combinable container elements of different size are provided, the length and breadth of which correspond to a coordinated frame such that containers may be placed on one another, stacked and/or stacked within one another, preferably fittingly, and in which a portion of the preferably three containers have the same breadth and length whilst the breadth of another portion of the containers corresponds to the length of the first portion and the length corresponds to a multiple of the breadth of the first portion of the containers and wherein mutually compatible guide elements are provided on at least two opposing outer sides of the containers which rest on one another, when similarly aligned containers are stacked and engage in one another in a centering manner when containers are stacked rotationally offset about a vertical axis and which comprise a load bearing support bar (9) on the upper edge of the respective side and at least one vertical web (7, 8), characterised in that the transport container system further includes lids which may be placed in position, a unitary lid (31) being provided for closing the containers of the same length and breadth which has an exclusive closure position with respect to the container; a proportion of the preferably three containers have the same breadth and length but different depths; that the side walls of the containers extend inclined obliquely inwardly to improve the centering effect, at least in regions; and that the vertical webs (7, 8), acting as the guide elements are constructed in two parts with an upper, hollow profile-like portion (7a, 8a), which is open to the inner surface of the container and passes through the support bar (9), and with a thin, massive lower portion (7b, 8b), whereby the hollow profile cross-section (11, 12) of the upper web portions (7a, 8a) is reduced in the region of the support bar (9) on one side of the container with respect to the line of symmetry (10) of the container side and on the opposite container side away from the line of symmetry and whereby the thin, massive lower web portions (7b, 8b) are arranged on the side opposite to the cross-sectional reduction of the upper web portions (8a, 8a).
2. Transport container system as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the thin, massive lower web portions (7b, 8b) rest on the support bar (9), when similarly aligned containers are stacked, and extend into the cross-sectional area-reducing openings (11) in the upper web portions (7a, 7b) through the support bar (9), when containers are stacked rotationally offset about a vertical axis.
3. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that provided on at least one of the container sides there is a cardholder (17), which comprises guide tracks (18, 19), which diverge towards the insertion side, and at least one tension bar (23) chamfered towards the insertion side.
4. Transport container system as claimed in Claim 3, characterised in that the cardholder is disposed below a handle opening (24) and extends through an opening (43) in one of the webs (7, 8) laterally adjoining the handle opening.
5. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container walls without guide elements are free of container-stiffening elements.
6. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid (31) is provided with a rim (37) surrounding its visible side, the area enclosed by the rim (37) corresponding to the base area of the container elements to be closed.
7. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lid (31) is provided on one side with devices (33) for engaging in or beneath a load-bearing bar (9) on the container edge, a resilient locking element (34) being provided on the opposite side of the lid (31) which engages in a recess (36) in the bar (9) on the corresponding other container side.
8. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an extension of the resilient locking element (340 extends upwardly through an opening (42) in the lid (31) beyond the latter and is provided with a finger pressure surface.
9. Transport container system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the basic elements and the lid (31) with their respective fittings comprise plastic material and are of one-piece construction.

Images