EP3381825A1 - Crate with foldable side walls and locking mechanism in the edge - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable box comprises a bottom, two each with respect to the bottom hinged, each pairwise opposite longitudinal and transverse outer walls and two locking elements with integrated edge area. The longitudinal outer walls each have an edge region at their free end. The locking elements are arranged at a free end of the transverse outer walls so that the integrated edge regions of the two locking elements of the transverse outer walls and the two edge regions of the longitudinal outer walls in the unfolded state of the foldable box together form the edge of the foldable box. The two locking elements of the transverse-side outer walls are movably supported relative to the transverse-side outer walls to form a locking mechanism, the two locking elements being transferable from a respective locking state to a released condition by movement in a direction away from the ground.

Description

The present invention is concerned with easily transportable boxes whose side walls can be folded down for transport and for this purpose have a locking mechanism integrated in an edge. Preferred embodiments relate to a box e.g. with a Verlattungsdesign, wherein the locking mechanism is designed as a separate locking element, which also forms the edge of the corresponding side wall.

There are a variety of foldable crates available on the market, consisting of a floor and side walls foldable with respect to the floor, so that the crate can be collapsed after use by folding down its side walls to save space and cost to the place of their reuse to be transported.

Since such foldable boxes are used industrially on a large scale and for many different purposes, eg. For example, to transport fruit or vegetables from the harvest fields to the customers, such a foldable box needs to meet many different requirements, which partially influence each other. Some requirements arise from the aspect of transportability. Thus, it is particularly desirable if the box in the folded state has only a small stack height, so that as large a number of folded boxes can be transported on a pallet during transport. Furthermore, the box should be as light as possible, that is, as little material as possible should be used in order to minimize the ratio of the payload to the weight of the box during transport. In addition, since such boxes are often used to transport food, it is necessary that the insides of the box are as smooth as possible, so that no food residue can get caught inside the box. At the same time, however, the box should be stable, which makes the use of large, smooth levels difficult.

A further requirement, in particular with regard to the handling during the loading of the goods, during the cleaning of the box and, above all, during the presentation of the goods, when the box is placed directly in the supermarket, it is that the hinged outer walls remain safe and reliable in a locked state (locking state). For this purpose, so-called locking mechanisms are used in the prior art. These locking mechanisms are provided, for example, on the short outer wall (lateral outer wall). For example, a prior art locking mechanism has three discrete elements disposed on the outside of the outer wall. Of these three outer elements, two outer elements are substantially the same and allow engagement in snap hooks or detents from the elongated side walls (longitudinal outer walls). These two same elements may be mounted, for example, rotor and are locked and unlocked with the third element of the locking mechanism, a so-called operating lever. In particular, if the box is to serve the presentation of goods in retail, such mechanisms disturb the design.

As another state of the art examples of a locking mechanism is on WO 2009/050689 , the US 6,293,418 the DE 20 2011 102591 , as well as the EP 2,112,080 pointed.

The WO 2009/050689 shows a foldable box with two pairs of flip sides. As a locking mechanism, a pair of displaceable locking elements is provided on two sides of the flap, which engage in the other flap sides. The displaceable locking elements are located on the outer side or outer surface of the hinged sides. The US 6,293,418 also discloses a folding crate with a comparable locking mechanism. The DE 20 2011 102591 shows a folding container with a bottom and four hingedly hinged side walls. For locking purposes, a locking device is provided in the region of the handle on the surface of two opposite side walls.

Another locking mechanism is in the EP 2,112,080 disclosed. Here is the bolt described as a U-profile, which goes beyond the walls. However, due to its shape and trajectory, the latch described here restricts the design freedom of the box or the side walls.

In the presentation boxes frequently encountered in the prior art, the locking mechanism is at least partially displaced to the inside of the outer wall - in the sense of the inner surface - but this has the disadvantage that, if necessary a wrong operation of the locking mechanism is possible by the goods. Therefore, there is a need for an improved approach.

The object of the present invention is to provide a foldable box which offers an improved compromise of design freedom, functionality and mechanical complexity.

The object is solved by the independent claim.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a foldable box having a bottom and two respective foldable with respect to the bottom, in pairs opposite longitudinal and transverse outer walls. The four longitudinal and transverse outer walls may be connected to the floor by means of hinges, for example. The hinges each extend along a longitudinal edge of the longitudinal and transverse outer walls, which is referred to below as the hinge side. The second side / end of the longitudinal and transverse outer walls is free and is therefore referred to as the free end. Along the respective free end of the two longitudinal outer walls, an edge region is formed. In the case of the transverse-side outer walls, the edge region is not formed by the outer walls themselves, but instead two so-called "locking elements with integrated edge region" are provided on the transverse outer walls, namely at the free ends thereof. These edge regions of the two locking elements form together with the two edge regions of the longitudinal outer walls in the unfolded state of the foldable box the edge of the foldable box. It should also be noted that these locking elements are therefore separated from the transverse outer walls because they serve as a locking mechanism. For this purpose, the two locking elements are movably mounted relative to the transverse outer walls, to be engaged with the adjacent side walls. According to preferred embodiments, the movable mounting is designed such that the two locking elements in the unfolded state can be moved away from the ground (eg upwards) in a vertical direction with respect to the surface of the floor, in order thus (for example in the case of Above movement) to transfer the locking elements from a locking state to a release state. This embodiment with the up-movement has two advantages, namely that - in the case of stacking a plurality of boxes - the box below is held in the locked state and that the side wall can be produced with a closed optics, as there are no spaces for the Entriegelungsbewegungen needed.

Embodiments of the present invention are based on the finding that the provision of the parts of the transverse-side outer walls designated above as integrated-edge locking elements makes it possible to integrate the locking mechanism directly into a region of the outer wall which joins the design thereof. The provision of the mechanism of the locking mechanism at the top further offers the advantage that the mechanics are not affected by the goods transported in the box and can also be implemented much easier, which reduces the product complexity and the associated manufacturing costs. According to a preferred embodiment of this locking element (also referred to as edge element) is made in one piece and extends for example over the entire width of the transverse outer wall.

Viewed from another side, this means that the locking element, which preferably has a profile shape, such as a (partially extending over the side) L-profile or U-profile, not on the surface of the side wall (as in the prior art ) is arranged, but is integrated into the edge or edge region of the box.

According to further embodiments, the two locking elements by means of respective spring mechanisms, which may be preferably or integrated, for example, in the corresponding side walls, resiliently mounted relative to the transverse outer wall, so that the spring mechanism moves the locking element by means of its spring force in the locked state or holds this. In this case, according to further embodiments, the locking element against the spring force can be opened (release state), so that the locking element snaps back into the locking state as soon as no force from the outside acts on the same, and this engages. According to one embodiment, this locking mechanism may comprise detents provided on the longitudinal outer walls and extending (in the unfolded state) in the direction of the transverse outer walls. These detents are provided at the lateral ends of the longitudinal outer walls and adapted to be engaged with detent members associated with the latch members so as to lock the side wall. The latching elements extend (in the unfolded state) in the direction of the longitudinal outer walls and are provided at the ends of the locking elements. Due to the hook shape of the latching hook, the locking element and consequently also the latching elements belonging to the locking element can be lifted by means of the release state via the hook, to fold the outer wall. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the latching hooks have an inwardly directed contact surface which is bent in such a way that the latching elements of the latching elements are moved from a locking state of the latching element into a release state when the transverse outer wall moves outwards (ie against the contact surface) engage in the latch hooks. In this case, this applied by the tapered contact surface force against the spring force of the spring mechanism act. Such a realization offers the advantage that a simple engagement of the outer walls in the locking position is possible, while the spring mechanism resiliently supports or biases the locking element, so that the same is held in the locked state.

With regard to the mounting of the locking elements, it should be noted that this can be realized, for example, by grooves which extend transversely to the transverse outer walls (that is to say vertically in the unfolded state along the transverse outer wall). These grooves guide the locking element in the movement from the locking state to the release state and vice versa. According to further embodiments, the grooves or at least one of the grooves may have so-called "end stops" in the direction of the bottom as well as in the opposite direction, so that the vertical movement of the locking element is limited.

According to further embodiments, the transverse outer walls and / or the longitudinal outer walls form a Verlattung with one or more slats, such. B. after a wood smoke. Such embodiments are particularly suitable for so-called "presentation boxes", by means of which the goods can be presented directly in retail. In this case, for example, the battens of the battens may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal and transverse outer walls. One of the slats is modeled according to a further embodiment by the locking element, so that integrates this locking element completely in the exterior design. It is advantageous if this bar of the locking element has a substantially same height as the bar of the edge region to the transverse outer wall, so that the design also continues at the edges (/ along the edge) of the foldable box. In this case, "essentially" means, for example, with a tolerance of ± 1 mm or ± 5 mm or generally in a range of 0 mm to ± 5 mm.

It should be noted at this point that according to embodiments, the transverse-side outer walls are made lower in comparison with the longitudinal-side outer walls (reduced height), since the overall height of the transverse-side outer walls is defined by the combination of locking element and lateral outer wall. The locking element sits according to a preferred embodiment, namely encompassing on the free end (on the side edge) of the transverse outer wall. In other words, that means that the locking elements in cross-section form an angled profile (L or U), so that the locking elements with integrated edge region can rest on the free end of the transverse outer walls, then in effect just with the edge regions of the longitudinal outer walls complete. Here, the locking elements with integrated edge region according to a preferred variant is within the wall thickness, i. it does not overhang and thus forms part of the sidewall element.

According to a further embodiment, the ends of the longitudinal outer walls may have a projection which limits the foldability of the transverse outer walls to the outside.

According to a further embodiment, each of the locking elements may comprise a manually operable gripping portion which is preferably disposed inboard so as not to interfere with the exterior design over which the locking mechanism is operable. This grip area can be, for example, a recess or a projection, by means of which the locking element can be pulled upwards in order to transfer it to the release state. The "upwards" direction of movement offers the advantage that a further box, which is stacked on the actual box, keeps the locking mechanism in the locked state.

According to a further embodiment, the outer wall, z. B. below the locking element, a handle, such. B. a recess through which the foldable box can be worn in the unfolded state. In order to prevent incorrect operation of the locking mechanism or the locking element, the handle is provided with a projection which extends along the associated locking element and shields it as it were.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer faltbaren Kiste gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische Darstellung einer querseitigen Außenwand mit Riegelelement und in selbiges integrierten Randbereich der Kiste aus Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von außen;

Fig. 2b

eine Expositionsdarstellung der Außenwand aus Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c

eine schematische Darstellung der Außenwand aus Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2d

eine schematische Darstellung der Außenwand in Kombination mit dem Riegelelement von der Innenseite; und

Fig. 3a-3d

schematische Detailansichten zur Illustration von Variationsmerkmalen gemäß zusätzlichen Ausführungsbeispielen der klappbaren Kiste.

Further developments are defined in the subclaims. Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a foldable box according to an embodiment;

Fig. 2a

a schematic representation of a transverse outer wall with locking element and in the same integrated edge region of the box Fig. 1 in a view from the outside;

Fig. 2b

an exposure representation of the outer wall Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 2c

a schematic representation of the outer wall Fig. 2a ;

Fig. 2d

a schematic representation of the outer wall in combination with the locking element from the inside; and

Fig. 3a-3d

schematic detail views for illustrating variation features according to additional embodiments of the folding box.

Before embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the figures, it should be noted that like-acting elements and structures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of which is mutually applicable or interchangeable.

Fig. 1 shows a foldable box 10 with a bottom 12, two longitudinal outer walls 14a and 14b and two transverse outer walls 16a and 16b. The longitudinal outer walls 14a and 14b and the transverse outer walls 16a and 16b are hinged to the floor 12, here denoted by the reference 15a / 15b for the hinges of the longitudinal outer walls 14a / 14b and 17a / 17b for the transverse side Outside walls 16a / 16b are identified.

In the following discussion of the hinged box 10, it is assumed that these paired transverse outer walls (see reference numerals 16a and 16b) and the paired longitudinal outer walls (see reference numerals 14a and 14b). Pairwise occurrence of the reference numbers is indicated by the addition "a" or "b". This addition in the reference numeral is also used in the other reference numerals for the further elements that can be assigned to the respective outer walls 14a, 14b, 16a and 16b.

The longitudinal outer walls 14a / 14b have a so-called edge region 14ar or 14br. The edge region 14ar or 14br extends along the longitudinal edge of the longitudinal outer walls 14a / 14b, d. H. along the free end on the opposite side to the hinges 15ab. In the case of the transverse-side outer walls 16a / 16b, the edge is formed by so-called "locking elements" 18ab, which have an integrated edge region. The latch members 18a and 18b extend along the free end of the transverse outer walls 16a and 16b (opposite to the hinges 17a and 17b). The locking elements 18a and 18b are placed on the outer wall 16a and 16b such that the edge regions of the locking elements 18a and 18b together with the edge regions 14ar and 14br form the edge of the box 10. For this purpose, the respective locking element 18a and 18b have a profile shape (L or U-profile), so that it engages around the free end of the corresponding transverse outer wall 16a / 16b. Here, it is preferred, but not mandatory, the longer leg of the profile along the outside.

The latch member 18a and 18b of the respective lateral side outer 16a and 16b is separated from the outside and slidably supported upwardly (i.e., away from the bottom 12). Preferably, the displacement of the locking elements 18a and 18b as illustrated by the arrows F. Here, the displacement direction F, for example, selected so that the locking elements 18a and 18b is directed in relation to the unfolded state of the box 10, starting from the bottom 12 vertically upwards. This relative displacement of the locking elements 18a and 18b in the direction F makes it possible to realize a locking mechanism which can essentially form two states, namely a locking state (shown here) and a release state (when moving in direction F). The locking mechanism serves to lock the side walls 16a and 16b to the side walls 14a and 14b.

In this embodiment, this locking mechanism is realized in that the locking element 18a and 18b with respective locking elements, which are designated here by the reference numerals 19a and 19b, in so-called "detents" 14n and 14bn, which belong to the longitudinal outer walls 14a and 14b, intervention.

Thus, when the latch members 18a and 18b are moved upward along the direction F, they are brought out of engagement with the detents 14a and 14bn (release state) so that the side walls 16a and 16b (with the aid of the hinges 17a and 17b) move in the direction the arrows K can be folded on the floor 12. It should also be noted that the folding of the transverse outer walls 16a and 16b, the longitudinal outer walls 14a and 14b are no longer locked, so that they are then still folded (with the aid of hinges 15a and 15b) on the floor 12 can. By this mechanism, the foldability of the box is realized. According to one embodiment, the box 10, as shown here, emulate a kind of Verlattung having each outer side 14 a, 14 b, 16 a and 16 b each have three longitudinally extending, superimposed slats. These slats can, even if they are made of plastic, for example, simulate a wood structure, so that with the box 10 shown here, a wood design box is feasible. In the transverse outer walls 16a and 16b, the uppermost batten, i. H. the batten is formed at the free end of the transverse-side outer wall 16a and 16b by the respective locking element 18a and 18b. This means that the locking element 18a and 18b extends over the entire width of the transverse-side outer wall 16a and 16b and in this case joins the Verlattungsdesign. According to one embodiment, the heights of the slats on both the lateral and the longitudinal outer walls are essentially the same, "substantially" meaning a certain tolerance range of up to 3 mm, 5 mm or 8 mm. It is not mandatory that all the slats have the same height, but that at least the slats at the edge or in the middle or bottom (hinge side) have the same height, so that the Verlattungsdesign continues accordingly.

Now referring to Fig. 1 The basic concept of the foldable box 10 with mandatory and optional features has been explained below with reference to FIGS Fig. 2a to 2d and 3a to 3d Details and optional features discussed.

Fig. 2a shows the transverse outer wall 16b in combination with the associated Rie gel element 18b in an assembled view, while Fig. 2b represents the same outer wall in an exposure representation. Fig. 2c represents the outer wall 16b alone. In Fig. 2a For example, the outer wall 16b and the latch member 18b are shown from the outside while the Fig. 2b and 2c to illustrate a view from inside. In Fig. 2d is also an interior view of the complete outer wall 16b shown together with a locking element 18b.

As based on Fig. 2b and 2c it can be seen, the locking element 18a and 18b, which forms the essential part of the locking mechanism, extends over the entire width of the transverse outer wall 16b. At the ends, the locking element 18b engagement areas or locking elements 19b. These may be formed, for example, by a projection or an extension of the locking element 18b. In this embodiment, the two locking elements 19b have a recess so that they can engage via this recess in the associated latching hooks (not shown) of the longitudinal outer wall. At this point it should also be noted that it is assumed here or in all subsequent explanations that two locking elements and consequently two locking lugs per outer wall are provided, although this is not mandatory, since the functionality "securing the unfolded state" alone can be realized by the latching elements in combination with the corresponding locking lug per outer wall.

In order to release the locking state (the state in which the elements 19b are in engagement with the latching hooks / locking lugs of the longitudinal outer walls) and to form the release state, as already explained, the locking element 18b is made displaceable. This displaceability is determined by the grooves 16bn (see. Fig. 2b . 2c and 2d ) guided. These grooves extend along the direction F, that is, when starting from an unfolded box, in the vertical direction away from the ground. As a result, the relative movement between the element 18b and the element 16b is then performed.

As particularly referring to Fig. 2d can be seen, the locking element 18b has an engagement portion 18be on the inside, over which the locking element is actuated. This engaging portion 18be is designed, for example, as a recess, so that one can engage with fingers in it to pull the Rie-gelelement 18b in the direction F and so to move the same from the locking state in the release state.

According to a further embodiment, the outer wall 16b on a handle 16bg, which makes it possible to grip the box 10 in the unfolded state. This handle 16ge is how out Fig. 2c emerges formed directly in the element 16b and means of a projection 16bv, so that this projection 16bv (see FIG. Fig. 2a ) extends along the locking element 18b and this projects beyond or at least the same thickness, so that when gripping is not an accidental displacement of the locking element 18b (for example in the direction F) and thus an accidental operation of the locking mechanism. For this purpose, for example, the locking element 18b have a recess 18ba for the handle 16bg.

For the sake of completeness, it should also be pointed out that the transverse outer wall 16b on the hinge side (see reference numeral 17b) comprises hinge pins 16bb which, in combination with grooves (not shown) of the bottom plate (not shown) form the hinge 17b. At this point it should also be pointed out that it can also be realized differently. According to another embodiment, the transverse-side outer wall has a so-called "overlap area" 16bu, in which the transverse-side outer wall 16b abuts against the respective longitudinal-side outer wall 14b in the unfolded state so that the transverse-side outer wall 16b is prevented from moving further outward (counter to the direction K) fold out. For this purpose, as in Fig. 1 2, the longitudinal-side outer walls 14a and 14b have a projection 14b and 14av, respectively, which extends at the end of the longitudinal-side outer wall 14a and 14b, respectively, in the direction of the transverse-side outer wall. In order to further improve the stability of the edge of the box 10 here, additionally a tapping (see 16bv) may be provided on the transverse outer wall 16b with associated grooves in the projection 16bv or 14bv. The projection 16bv or 14bv in combination with the overlapping area makes it possible to limit the movement of the side wall 16b in the direction of the hinge, while the tap 16bv, together with the grooves, restricts the movement of the longitudinal outer walls 14a, 14b.

According to one embodiment, such a tap element may also be integrated into the latch element 18b. This interlocking element is identified by reference numeral 18bv and primarily fulfills a function comparable to that of the interlocking element 16bv. Optionally, the hook element 18bv, as shown here, also have a hook shape, so that this next to the latching portion 19b in the longitudinal side wall 14a and 14b, or to be precise, in the projections thereof 14av and 14bv engages. Here, the hook is shaped so that it allows engagement in the locked state and in the release state allows at least the movement of the side wall 16b in the direction K.

Even if the additional embodiments, which are based on the Fig. 2a to 2d are all illustrated only in combination with the transverse outer wall 16b in combination with the locking element 18b, it goes without saying that these optional features can also be implemented in the further transverse outer wall 16a and the further locking element 18b ,

Although in the above embodiment always the locking state and release state is mentioned, it should be noted at this point that the locking state can be both the state of the locking element 18a / 18b relative to the transverse outer wall 16a and 16b, the latched state of the four outer walls 14a , 14b, 16a and 16b in the unfolded state of the box 10 represents as well as is usually formed when the folding box 10 is folded. In contrast, the release state is actually always the state that the locking element 18a or 18b occupies with respect to the transverse-side outer wall 16a and 16b during latching and when releasing or releasing. In this release state, the latching elements 19a and 19b are not engaged with the associated latching lugs 14an and 14bn.

Referring to Fig. 3a to 3b will be discussed again in detail on additional variants to improve the latching or loosening, while referring to Fig. 3c the profile of the locking element 18a and 18b will be explained. Fig. 3d shows a longitudinal outer wall together with a transverse outer wall, which are not engaged.

Fig. 3a shows the latching hook or the latching lug 14bn, which with the latching element 19b (behind the locking lug or see Fig. 2a and 2d or 3b ) is engaged. The locking lug 14bn is arranged in this embodiment on the inside of the projection 14bv of the longitudinal outer wall 14b and thus extends at the end of the side wall 14b in the direction of the transverse outer wall 16b. This will also be with regard to Fig. 3d clearly showing the latch 14a of the projection 14av associated with the longitudinal side wall 14a. As can be seen here, the locking lug 14an (also the locking lug 14bn) is formed so that it has an undercut 14anh, in which the locking element 19b can engage in the locked state. The locking element 19b belongs to the locking element 18b, as well as from Fig. 3b evident.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the latching lug 14a and the latching lug 14bn are provided with a bevelled surface 14anf or 14bnf, respectively, so that by means of the latching element 19b the latching element 18b moves outward (see arrow -K) in FIG Fig. 3b ) is moved from the lock state to the release state to then lock into the undercut 14. According to one embodiment, this locking is supported by a spring mechanism 16bf, which may for example be part of the side wall 16b. In this context, be on the Fig. 3b and Fig. 2c, which illustrates this spring mechanism 16bf. The spring mechanism is implemented here as an elastically deforming bending beam. Preferably, the spring element is integrated into the side wall, which offers advantages in terms of production and assembly. Alternatively, however, the spring element can also be formed by a separate spring or also as part of the locking element 18b. Regardless of the precise implementation, the spring mechanism 16bf is configured to move the latch member to the latch position, or to hold it in the latch position. In this respect, optionally, the spring mechanism can be designed such that a constant bias prevails both in the release position and in the locking position.

In order to limit the movement of the locking element 16b along the direction F, the groove 16bn may have one or more stops 16bna which prevent further movement in the direction F when the end element 18b is reached against the transverse outer wall 16b. Similarly, an end position can be formed in the opposite direction within these grooves 16bn. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the locking element 18b rests on the free end 16be of the outer wall 16b. This version is in Fig. 3c shown.

Fig. 3c shows the locking element 18b in a sectional view, which can be seen from the profile of the locking element 18b that the profile is executed just angled, so that the locking element 18b on the one hand parallel to the transverse outer wall 16b, namely on the outside and also extends a projection which extends beyond the free end 16b. This projection is identified by the reference numeral 18bp1, while the region extending on the outside of the outer wall 16b is designated by the reference numeral 18bp2. Due to the projection 18bp1, in the locking state, the locking element 18b can rest on the outer wall 16b and in particular on the free end of the outer wall 16be. For this purpose, according to a preferred variant, the outer wall 16b is made shorter, if selbige is compared with the outer wall 14a or 14b, so that the locking element 18b and in particular the region 18bp1 terminates together with the edge 14ar or 14br.

It should be pointed out once again that the features which have been explained here in connection with the elements 16b and 18b can of course also be applied to the elements 16a and 18a.

Referring to Fig. 1 It should be noted that the free spaces between the individual slats can also be approximately the same width, so as to reproduce a uniform picture of a loss. In the free space between the locking element 18a or 18b and the associated side wall 16a and 16b, this statement relates primarily to the locking state.

Although in the above embodiments the improved design freedom has been explained only with reference to a box simulating wood-burning, it should be understood that other designs, e.g. a completely closed design is feasible.

Referring to Fig. 1 It should further be noted that the box 10 may not only have the handles 16bg and 16ag on the lateral outer walls 16b and 16a, but also handles on the longitudinal outer walls.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the box 10, z. B. by an elevated hinge portion 15a and 15b in the bottom 12 may be designed so that the longitudinal outer walls 14a and 14b on the transverse outer walls 16a and 16b are hinged. This affects the height of the individual parts.

As explained above, it is a preferred variant that the locking element 18a / 18b is made in one piece, i. a cross strut with integrated locking elements 19a / 19b. Alternatively, the locking element 18a / 18b may also be made in several parts, e.g. as a profile produced by sandwich construction (L or U shape).

It should be noted at this point that the above exemplary embodiments serve only to illustrate the technical teaching and do not restrict the scope of protection. This is defined by the claims inserted below.

Claims (19)

Foldable box (10) with an edge with the following features: a floor (12); and two each with respect to the bottom (12) hinged, in pairs opposite longitudinal and transverse outer walls (14a, 14b, 16a, 16b), and two locking elements (18a, 18b) with integrated edge region; the longitudinal and transverse outer walls (14a, 14b; 16a, 16b) each having a hinge (15a, 15b; 17a, 17b) and a free end opposite the hinge (15a, 15b; 17a, 17b), the two longitudinal ones Outer walls (14a, 14bb) along the free end each form an edge region (14ar, 14br); wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) are arranged at the free ends of the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b) such that the integrated edge portions of the two locking elements (18a, 18b) and the two edge portions (14ar, 14br) of the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) form the edge in the unfolded state of the foldable box; wherein the two latch members (18a, 18b) are movably supported relative to the lateral outer walls (16a, 16b) to form a latch mechanism, the two latch members (18a, 18b) being moved away from the floor by movement in a direction (F) respective lock state in a release state can be transferred. Foldable box (10) according to claim 1, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) engage over the respective free ends of the transverse outer wall (16a, 16b). Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) at least partially executed in cross-section angled are and on the respective free end of the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b) rest. Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) at least partially have an L-profile. Foldable box (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) at least partially have a U-profile. Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the two locking elements (18a, 18b) during the transition from the respective locking state in the release state in the unfolded state in a respect to the surface of the bottom (12) vertical direction (F) extends. The foldable box (10) according to claim 6, wherein the two latch members (18a, 18b) are supported by a respective spring mechanism (16bf) opposite the lateral outer walls (16a, 16b), wherein the spring mechanism (16bf) is configured to lock the latch member by means of Move spring force of the spring mechanism (16bf) in the locked state and / or hold. Foldable box (10) according to claim 7, wherein the respective spring mechanism (16bf) is designed as a spring integrated in the transverse outer wall (16a, 16b). Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) are integrally formed and extend over the entire width of the transverse-side outer wall. A foldable box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposed longitudinal and lateral outer walls (16a, 16b) replicate a baffle and / or a wood baffle extending along the free end; and or
wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) of the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b) each emulate a lath of the Verlattung or Holzattung; and or wherein the two edge regions (14ar, 14br) of the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) each emulate a lath of the Verlattung or Holzverlattung; and or
wherein the slats formed by the two locking elements (18a, 18b) and the two slats formed by the two edge regions (14ar, 14br) have a substantially equal height. Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) has at least one transverse end extending in the unfolded state in the direction of the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b) projection (14av, 14bv), which limits the foldability of the transverse outer walls to the outside. A foldable box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) has at least one transverse end an extending latching hook (14bn, 14an) extending in the direction of the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b); and or
wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) each have at least one in the unfolded state in the direction of the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) extending latching element (19a, 19b); and or
wherein the at least one latching element (19a, 19b) is adapted to be engaged with the at least one latching hook (14bn, 14an) to form the latching state. The foldable box (10) according to claim 12, wherein the latch hook (14bn, 14an) has an inwardly directed first contact surface (14bnf) that is angled such that the latch member (19a, 19b) moves the latch member outwardly as the transverse outer wall moves transferred from a lock state to a release state to lock in the latch hooks (14bn, 14an). Foldable box (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the two locking elements (18a, 18b) are resiliently mounted and / or prestressed relative to the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b) by means of a respective spring mechanism (16bf), so that the movement from the locking state to the release state takes place against the spring force. Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each transverse outer wall has one or more in the unfolded state vertically along the transverse outer wall extending guide grooves (16bn), in which the respective locking element is guided in its movement relative to the transverse outer wall; and or
wherein at least one of the guide grooves (16bn) one or more end stops (16bna) are provided, which limits the movement of the locking elements (18a, 18b) along the vertical direction at one or more end positions. A foldable box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal outer walls (14a, 14b) extend higher in a vertical direction (F) with respect to the surface of the floor (12) than the transverse outer walls (16a, 16b). A foldable box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said latch members (18a, 18b) comprises a manually operable gripping area (18be) over which said latching mechanism is operable, said manually operable gripping area (18be) being an inboard recess or inboard projection (14av, 14bv) is formed. Foldable box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the jewilige locking element (18a, 18b) is made in one piece. A foldable box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the lateral outer walls (16a, 16b) comprises a handle (16bg, 16ag) comprising a projection (14av, 14bv) extending along the associated latch member (18a, 18b ).

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