A dispensing bin for small items in bulk

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing bin in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, for small items handled in bulk, and in particular to a container capable of holding large quantities of small objects en masse, for example screw caps, and of distributing such objects in a simple and functional manner to a user machine.

[0002] Whilst reference is made at various points in the specification, strictly by way of example, to the items typically carried by a bin according to the invention, which are described as "screw caps" or "caps", such definitions imply no limitation on the general scope of the invention.

[0003] Conventionally, screw caps are supplied in large quantities by manufacturers to users, packaged and transported generally in large cardboard boxes of which the dimensions may differ significantly from one supplier to another. Utilizing a first type of box with relatively limited dimensions, capable of being handled manually, the contents are supplied to a user machine by emptying the boxes into metal bins of larger capacity associated directly with the production line. In the case of a second type of cardboard box frequently utilized by suppliers, which is of considerably larger dimensions, the contents are supplied from the box itself, either taken up from the open top or extracted from an opening made in the lower part of the box.

[0004] In addition to the inconvenience of the cardboard box, and the laborious nature of the methods by which the contents are removed from its interior, one has the further significant drawback that such containers cannot be recovered economically after use and are almost invariably destroyed, the cost of which is by no means negligible.

[0005] It is also the practice to pack small items of the type in question in metal, wooden or plastic bins, effectively of palletizing format, which again can be emptied either by taking up the contents from above or by extraction from an opening provided in the lower part of the structure.

[0006] One notable drawback betrayed by this type of bin, stemming from its dimensions, is that of the high transport costs incurred in returning empty bins to suppliers for refilling, disposal obviously being out of the question in this instance.

[0007] The preamble of claim 1 reflects the teaching of CH-A-513 749, which in order to partially solve this problem of the transport of this type of bin, when it is empty, caused by the large dimensions thereof, discloses a reusable transport bin for pulverized, crystallized or grainshape products, which volume can be reduced.

[0008] During the empty transport, the volume of the bin can be reduced up to 1/3 of the original volume, when the bin is filled of products. The object is realized by the use of folding faces that are linked by means of hinges. However, the bin is still relatively high because the faces in the folded position remain vertical. Besides, is provided only an outlet for the products which is located in the bottom of the bin.

[0009] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, through the provision of a dispensing bin for small loose items which not only can be reused indefinitely but is extremely compact when empty, so reducing the cost to return to suppliers and/or to store, and which further presents a second side outlet for the products.

[0010] The stated object is realized in a dispensing bin for small items in bulk, as characterized by the appended claims.

[0011] The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

• fig 1 is a schematic illustration showing the dispensing bin according to the present invention, in perspective, with certain parts cut away better to reveal others;
• figs 2 and 3 show the two possible dispensing configurations of a bin as in fig 1, which is seen in a side elevation with certain parts cut away better to reveal others;
• fig 4 shows the detail 'A' of fig 1, enlarged and in perspective;
• figs 5 and 6 are enlargements, respectively in elevation and in perspective, showing alternative embodiments of first and second locking means which form a part of the bin of fig 1,
• figs 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 are schematic illustrations, all in perspective, of the steps by which the bin according to the invention is collapsed.

[0012] Referring to the accompanying drawings, 1 denotes a dispensing bin, in its entirety, inside of which to place small loose items (not illustrated); in the interests of convenience, the single term "bin" is adopted throughout the specification. Such a bin 1 is preferably all-metal in construction, comprising a base 2 composed of four vertical side panels 3 associated one with another in like manner to the four lateral faces of a rectangular parallelepiped; the bottom horizontal edges of the four panels are joined to the corresponding edges of a rectangular horizontal bottom panel 4, which might be of solid embodiment, consisting in sheet metal, or virtual as in the example illustrated, and formed of metal section members connected to create a rectangular lattice. Two mutually opposed panels 3 of the base consist in corresponding rectangular cuts of sheet metal strengthened by stiffening ribs (one only of which is illustrated), whereas the remaining two panels 3 (one only of which is discernible) consist in a framework of metal section members appearing rectangular in overall shape. The base 2 rests on two supporting structures 5 associated with two opposite sides, in such a way that a bin 1 set down on the floor will stand with the base 2 raised by a distance sufficient to allow insertion of the forks of a lift truck (not illustrated).

[0013] The top horizontal edges of the four side panels 3 afford hinge means, denoted 6, by way of which the respective bottom edges of four further rectangular panels 7 are associated pivotably with the base 2; each such panel 7 exhibits a horizontal dimension substantially identical to that of the base panel 3 below, and consists preferably in a cut of metallic mesh carried in a rectangular frame fashioned from metal section members. The side edges of the hinged panels 7 can be secured rigidly to and separated from one another by way of locking means consisting for example in bolts 8.

[0014] The top horizontal edges of the hinged panels 7 in their turn afford hinge means 9 by way of which to connect the bottom horizontal edges of four further pivotable rectangular panels 10, each exhibiting a horizontal dimension substantially the same as that of the panel 7 beneath and similar in all respects; the side edges of these panels 10 likewise can be secured rigidly to and separated from one another by way of locking means consisting, for example, in bolts 11 similar to the bolts 8 first mentioned.

[0015] Alternatively, the second locking means 11 might consist (see fig 5) in a rigid link 31 of upturned 'L' profile of which the vertical member 31v is accommodated, axially slidable and rotatable about its own axis X, in a tubular socket 32 afforded by a top corner 10a of each further panel 10, and the horizontal member 31o affords two locking pins 33a and 33b of similar embodiment projecting downwards and, with the rigid link 31 in a lowered position, insertable in two relative tubular sockets 34a and 34b afforded by the corresponding top corners 10a of adjacent panels 10; with this arrangement, the panels 10 can be elevated and secured one to the next in sequence, and released simply by lifting and rotating the vertical member 31v of each link 31 to separate the two associated panels 10.

[0016] 12 denotes one of three panels, each exhibiting the shape substantially of a right trapezium, of which the longer parallel sides are associated with the top edges of three adjoining base panels 3 and the shorter parallel sides are disposed adjacent to the virtual bottom panel 4 and convergent on a central outlet 16. The top edge of the fourth base panel 3 affords hinge means 13 allowing the connection of a fourth trapezoidal panel 14, of which the longer parallel side is associated with the hinge means 13 and the shorter parallel side is rotatable about the top edge of the relative base panel 3 between a position substantially of contact with the bottom panel 4 (see fig 2) and a position fully above the base 2, shown in fig 3. In the lowered position, the hinged panel 14 combines with the three fixed trapezoidal bottom panels 12 to create a hopper 15 substantially of frustopyramidal shape disposed with the vertex over the central outlet 16.

[0017] The central outlet 16, of rectangular shape, can be opened or shut at will by manual operation of a handle 17 connected to a rectangular panel, or gate 18; more exactly, the gate is positioned above the bottom panel 4 and capable of sliding movement in either direction along a path parallel with two of its own sides, supported in guide means 4g afforded by the aforementioned lattice members, into and away from a position of alignment with the outlet 16.

[0018] Similarly, the vertical base panel 3 with which the hinged trapezoidal panel 14 is associated affords a rectangular side outlet 19 that can be opened or closed at will by means of a trapezoidally shaped panel or gate 21, associated with the panel 3 by way of a relative hinge 19c and rotatable about a horizontal axis away from or into a position of alignment with the side outlet 19; using the side outlet, the bottom of the hopper is formed by the sliding gate 18 and by a fixed horizontal panel 4f constituting a part of the virtual bottom panel 4.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the bin 1 (see fig 6) featuring maximum collapsibility, the first hinged panels 7 might be provided with restraint means 25, which also constitute an alternative solution to the first locking means 8, fitted to one vertical frame member in such a manner as to unite this and the adjacent frame member, permanently, as a pair.

[0020] More exactly, such means 25 serve to restrain two of the four panels 7 (in this instance, the two aforementioned vertical base panels 3 composed of metal section members are not connected to the two corresponding panels 7 above) and consist in a pair of supports 26 rigidly associated with one of the vertical members of each restrained panel 7; the projecting end of each support 26 takes the form of a shackle 27 designed to create a circular seat rotatably accommodating the vertical member of the adjoining panel 7, i.e. that pivotably associated with the top edge of the vertical base panel 3.

[0021] With this type of arrangement, the four panels 7 immediately above the base 2 can be folded down in pairs (as described more fully in due course).

[0022] The three trapezoidal bottom panels 12 might also be anchored pivotably by way of their longer sides to corresponding horizontal hinges, in the manner already intimated for the fourth panel 14, and made rotatable thus between a lowered position in which the hopper is assembled ready for use, and a raised position, flush against the respective mesh panels; in this instance, the bin will incorporate further locking means 28 by which to secure the shorter parallel side of each trapezoidal panel 12 and 14 to the relative mesh panel 7 when folded up into the raised position. As illustrated in fig 4, such locking means 28 might be embodied as a plurality of rigid hoops 29, one to each panel 12 and 14, permanently associated with the respective mesh panel 7 (in effect, with the inwardly directed face of the mesh); the hoop 29 is positioned in such a way as to intercept the shorter parallel side 12a or 14a of the trapezoidally shaped panel 12 or 14 when rotated upwards, and accordingly, each of the shorter sides affords a pair of slots 30 in which the hoop 29 can locate, such that the one panel 12 or 14 is locked to the other panel 7 by mechanical interference. An additional measure of security can be afforded by providing a notch 30s between the slots 30, formed in one of a plurlaity of vertical stiffening ribs afforded by each panel 12 and 14, and thus allowing a positive horizontal engagement between the hoop 29 and the notch 30s.

[0023] The operation of the dispensing bin 1 according to the invention will now be described.

[0024] The bin 1 being fully assembled and erected, with the shorter parallel side of the trapezoidal bottom panel 14 adjacent to the bottom panel 4 and all the hinged panels 7 and 10 made appropriately secure by means of the corresponding bolts or links 8 and 11 so that the structure is rendered stable, a bag S of plastic or paper material filled with the small items to be dispensed can be positioned internally of the enclosure, as in fig 2; in this instance, the opening SI from which the bag discharges its contents is positioned centrally, at the bottom.

[0025] The bin 1 as shown in fig 2 is easily transported, for example by means of a lift truck of which the forks can be slipped under the base 2, and several bins 1 can be stacked for shipping and storage.

[0026] The items can be drawn off from the bottom of the bin 1 simply by opening up the hopper, drawing back the gate 18 to expose the outlet 16 in the bottom panel 4.

[0027] Should it happen, on the other hand, that the user prefers to dispense the items from the side of the bin 1 (as in fig 3), the panel 14 is rotated upward (during initial preparation) around the relative hinge 13 to the position illustrated, the sliding gate 18 remains in the position of alignment with the central outlet 16, and the side outlet 19 is exposed by rotating the relative gate 21 upwards; finally, an opening SV is made in the corresponding side or corner of the bag S.

[0028] Once the bin 1 has been emptied, the bag is removed (see fig 7), the top bolts or links 11 are released to free the uppermost side panels 10 (denoted 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d in figs 7 and 8 for convenience), and each panel 10 can be rotated outwards and down into a position flush with the corresponding side panel 7 beneath (see fig 8). At this point, having folded the four hopper panels 12 and 14 up against the corresponding side panels 7, the first bolts 8 are drawn back so as to release these same panels 7 (similarly denoted 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d in figs 7 to 10 for convenience), whereupon each vertical pair of panels 7 and 10 can be folded down in turn from the top edge of the relative base panel 3, pivoting about the relative hinge 6, to assume a horizontal position spanning the top of the base 2. To ensure that the four pairs of panels 7 and 10 can collapse correctly into a neat horizontal pack, the hinges 6 to which the bottom side panels 7 are anchored will need naturally to be positioned at varying heights, the calculation of which being obvious to a person skilled in the art. In the example of fig 9, on the other hand, which shows a bin with the lower side panels 7 arranged in two permanently joined pairs each united by the restraint means 25, the second stage of the collapsing sequence (the top panels 10 already being lowered) is accomplished thus: having released panel 7b from 7c and panel 7d from 7a, the operator tilts a first pair of panels 7a and 10a marginally outwards (arrow F in fig 9) and rotates the permanently associated adjoining pair 7b and 10b sideways into a position of flush contact with the former 7a (arrow F1 in fig 9); the resulting pack of four panels can now be folded down together as one into the base 2 (arrow F2 in fig 9). This same procedure is repeated for the remaining pairs of panels 7c-10c and 7d-10d (see fig 10) to arrive at the configuration of minimum proportions shown in fig 11.

[0029] Fully collapsed, as described above, the vertical dimension of the bin 1 can be reduced substantially to that of the base 2 and the compacted structure can be shipped to and/or stored at the refilling premises both with ease and with modest demands on available space.

[0030] It will be clear from the foregoing that the stated object is comprehensively realized in a dispensing bin 1 according to the invention, which not only can be reused ad infinitum, but is also of compact proportions when empty, and therefore inexpensive to return to a supplier and/or to store. By virtue of the type of construction adopted, furthermore, fully erected bins can also be stacked one on top of another.

Claims

1. A dispensing bin for small items in bulk, of the type comprising a base (2) appearing substantially rectangular in plan, and associated with the side edges of the base, respective upwardly extending side panels (7) of substantially rectangular shape by which the items are contained within the bin, comprising:

- first hinge means (6) by which the side panels (7) are connected pivotably to the base (2) and capable thus of rotation about the axis of the respective first hinge means (6) from a vertical position to a second position;

- first locking means (8) by which adjacent side panels (7) can be secured rigidly to and detached from one another;

- a plurality of further panels (10) equal in number to the side panels (7) and appearing substantially rectangular in shape, each connected pivotably by way of second hinge means (9) to a respective side panel (7) along an edge remote from that associated with the base (2) and rotatable about the axis of the relative second hinge means (9) between a position substantially of extension, in which the connected panels (7, 10) occupy a common plane, and a folded position in which the further panel (10) is disposed substantially flush against the side panel (7);

- second locking means (11) by which adjacent further panels (10) can be secured rigidly to and detached from one another;

- a first outlet (16) located in the bottom of the base (2), from which to dispense the items contained within the bin (1) and

- gate means (18) associated with the first outlet (16) and allowing the outlet to be opened and shut; characterized in that

- in correspondence of said second position the side panels (7) are rotated positioned substantially flush with the top of the base (2); and

- a second outlet (19) is provided located in one side of the base (2), the items contained within the bin (1) being dispensed from said second outlet through gate means (21) associated with said second outlet (19) and allowing it to be opened and shut independently of the first outlet (16).

2. A dispensing bin as in claim 1, further comprising four bottom panels (12, 14) substantially of right trapezoidal shape, consisting in three panels (12) disposed with the longer parallel side at a height above that of the opposite shorter parallel side and connected substantially in a rigid manner to the top edge of a respective side of the base (2), and a fourth panel (14) disposed with the longer parallel side pivotably connected to the top edge of a further side of the base (2) and rotatable thus between a lowered position, similar to that occupied by the three remaining bottom panels (12), in which the four panels combine to create a hopper opening vertically onto the bottom outlet (16), and a raised position flush against a respective side panel (7) in which the panels combine to create a hopper opening laterally onto the side outlet (19), wherein the length of the longer parallel sides of the panels (12, 14) is substantially identical to that of the edges of the base (2) with which they are connected.

3. A dispensing bin as in claim 2, wherein the outlet (19) afforded by the side of the base (2) lies adjacent to the fourth bottom panel (14).

4. A dispensing bin as in claim 1, further comprising means (25) of restraint afforded by at least two of the side panels (7), associated with one vertical member of the relative panel and coinciding with the first locking means (8), by which two adjacent side panels (7) are joined together as a pair in a permanent association and in such a way that one can be rotated, whenever the further rectangular panels (10) are folded flush against the relative side panels (7), from an open position, in which the two joined panels (7) are disposed mutually at right angles, to a position in which the same two panels (7) are substantially in flush contact one with another, thereby allowing four interconnected panels (7, 10) to be collapsed into a pack, wherein the means (25) of restraint consist in a pair of supports (26), associated rigidly and transversely with the vertical member of the relative panel (7), of which the projecting ends afford respective shackles (27) serving to create a circular seat rotatably accommodating the corresponding vertical member of the adjacent side panel (7).

5. A dispensing bin as in claim 2, wherein all four trapezoidally shaped bottom panels (12, 14) are connected pivotably by way of the longer parallel side to a relative side panel (7) and rotatable thus between the position in which the four panels combine to create a hopper, and a position in which each panel (12, 14) is disposed flush against the relative side panel (7) and secured thereto by relative locking means (28) interacting with the shorter parallel side (12a, 14a).

6. A dispensing bin as in claim 5, wherein the locking means (28) relative to each bottom panel (12, 14) consist in a rigid hoop (29) associated permanently with the respective side panel (7) and positioned to intercept the panel (12, 14), when rotated into the corresponding position, by engaging a pair of open slots (30) provided in the edge of the shorter parallel side (12a, 14a) and positioned to admit a portion of the hoop (29), in such a way that the panel (12, 14) is locked by mechanical interference between the hoop and the slots.

7. A dispensing bin as in claim 1, wherein the second locking means (11) relative to each of the further rectangular panels (10) consist in a rigid link (31) of upturned 'L' profile of which the vertical member (31v) is accommodated, free to slide axially and rotatable about its own axis (X), in a tubular socket (32) afforded by one top corner (10a) of the further panel (10), and the horizontal member (31o), affords two downwardly projecting pins (33a, 33b) insertable in respective tubular sockets (34a, 34b) afforded by the corresponding top corner (10a) of the adjacent panel (10) when the rigid link (31) is in a lowered position.

Ansprüche

1. Behälter zum Ausgeben von kleinen Massengütern vom Typ enthaltend ein Grundelement (2), das in der Plandarstellung eine im wesentlichen rechteckige Form hat, und, verbunden mit den Seitenkanten des Grundelementes, entsprechende und sich nach oben erstreckende Seitenwände (7) von im wesentlichen rechteckiger Form, durch welche die Gegenstände in dem Behälter gehalten werden, enthaltend:

- erste Scharniermittel (6), durch welche die Seitenwände (7) schwenkbar mit dem Grundelement (2) verbunden und somit in der Lage sind, eine Umdrehung um die Achse der entsprechenden ersten Scharniermittel (6) aus einer vertikalen Position in eine zweite Position auszuführen;

- erste Befestigungsmittel (8), durch welche die aneinandergrenzenden Seitenwände (7) fest miteinander verbunden und voneinander gelöst werden können;

- eine Anzahl von zusätzlichen Wänden (10), entsprechend der Anzahl der Seitenwände (7) und eine im wesentlichen rechteckige Form aufweisend, von denen jede schwenkbar mit Hilfe von zweiten Scharniermitteln (9) an eine entsprechende Seitenwand (7) angelenkt ist, und zwar entlang der Kante, die entfernt von der mit dem Grundelement (2) verbundenen liegt, und drehbar um die Achse der entsprechenden zweiten Scharniermittel (9) zwischen einer im wesentlichen ausgestreckten Position, in welcher die miteinander verbundenen Wände (7, 10) eine gemeinsame Ebene bilden, und einer umgeklappten Position, in welcher die weitere Wand (10) im wesentlichen bündig an der Seitenwand (7) anliegend angeordnet ist;

- zweite Befestigungsmittel (11), durch welche die angrenzenden zusätzlichen Wände (10) fest miteinander verbunden und voneinander gelöst werden können;

- ein erster Austritt (16), angeordnet im Boden des Grundelementes (2), von dem aus die in dem Behälter (1) enthaltenen Gegenstände ausgegeben werden; und

- Verschlussmittel (18), die dein ersten Austritt (16) zugeordnet sind und es erlauben, dass der Austritt geöffnet und verschlossen werden kann;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

- entsprechend der genannten zweiten Position die Seitenwände (7) gedreht und im wesentlichen bündig mit dein oberen Teil des Grundelementes (2) angeordnet sind; und

- ein zweiter Austritt (19) vorgesehen ist, angeordnet in einer Seite des Grundelementes (2), wobei die in dem Behälter (1) enthaltenen Gegenstände von dem genannten zweiten Austritt ausgegeben werden, und zwar mit Hilfe von Verschlussmitteln (21), die dem genannten zweiten Austritt (19) zugeordnet sind und es erlauben, dass dieser unabhängig von dein ersten Austritt (16) geöffnet und verschlossen werden kann.

2. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 1, weiter enthaltend vier Bodenplatten (12, 14), im wesentlichen von einer gleichschenkligen Trapezform, bestehend aus drei Platten (12), angeordnet mit der längeren parallelen Seite auf einer Höhe oberhalb der Höhe der gegenüberliegenden kürzeren parallelen Seite und auf eine im wesentlichen starre Weise an der oberen Kante einer entsprechenden Seite des Grundelementes (2) befestigt, und einer vierten Platte (14), angeordnet mit der längeren parallelen Seite und schwenkbar angeschlossen an der oberen Kante einer weiteren Seite des Grundelementes (2) und somit drehbar zwischen einer gesenkten Position, ähnlich jener, die von den verbleibenden drei Bodenplatten (12) belegt ist, und in welcher die vier Bodenplatten zusammen eine vertikal auf den unteren Austritt (16) gerichtete Trichteröffnung bilden, und einer angehobenen, bündig an einer entsprechenden Seitenwand (7) anliegenden Position, in welcher die Platten zusammen eine seitlich auf den Seitenaustritt (19) gerichtete Trichteröffnung bilden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Länge der längeren parallelen Seiten der Platten (12, 14) im wesentlichen gleich ist wie die der Kanten des Grundelementes (2), mit denen sie verbunden sind.

3. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der von der Seite des Grundelementes (2) aufgewiesene Austritt (19) an die vierte Bodenplatte (14) angrenzend verläuft.

4. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 1, weiter enthaltend Haltemittel (25), die von wenigstens zwei der Seitenwände (7) aufgewiesen werden, verbunden mit einem vertikalen Element der entsprechenden Wand und zusammentreffend mit den ersten Befestigungsmitteln (8), durch welche zwei aneinandergrenzende Seitenwände (7) zu einem Paar verbunden werden zu einer dauerhaften Verbindung, und zwar auf solche Weise, dass eine davon gedreht werden kann, wann immer die zusätzlichen rechteckigen Wände (10) bündig gegen die entsprechenden Seitenwände (7) umgeklappt sind, und zwar aus einer offenen Position, in welcher die beiden miteinander verbundenen Wände (7) gegenseitig im rechten Winkel zueinander angeordnet sind, in eine Position, in welcher dieselben beiden Wände (7) im wesentlichen bündig im Kontakt miteinander sind, wodurch es vier miteinander verbundenen Wänden (7, 10) ermöglicht ist, zu einem Paket zusammengeklappt zu werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Haltemittel (25) aus einem Paar von Supporten (26) bestehen, die starr und querverlaufend mit dem vertikalen Element der entsprechenden Wand (7) verbunden sind, und deren hervorstehendes Ende entsprechende Bügel (27) aufweist, die dazu dienen, einen kreisförmigen Sitz zu bilden, der das entsprechende vertikale Element der angrenzenden Seitenwand (7) aufnimmt.

5. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass alle vier trapezförmig ausgebildeten Bodenplatten (12, 14) mit ihre längeren parallelen Seite schwenkbar an eine entsprechende Seitenwand (7) angeschlossen und somit drehbar sind zwischen der Position, in welcher die vier Platten zusammen einen Trichter bilden, und einer Position, in welcher jede Platte (12, 14) bündig an der entsprechenden Seitenwand (7) an liegend angeordnet und an dieser durch entsprechende Befestigungsmittel (28) gesichert ist, die mit der kürzeren parallelen Seite (12a, 14a) zusammenwirken.

6. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befestigungsmittel (28), die sich auf eine jede Bodenplatte (12, 14) beziehen, aus einem starren Ring (29) bestehen, der dauerhaft mit der entsprechenden Seitenwand (7) verbunden und so angeordnet ist, dass er die Platte (12, 14) abfängt, wenn diese in die entsprechende Position gedreht wird, und zwar durch Einrasten in ein Paar von offenen Schlitzen (30), die in der Kante der kürzeren parallelen Seite (12a, 14a) vorgesehen und so positioniert sind, dass ein Abschnitt des Ringes (29) aufgenommen werden kann, und zwar auf solche Weise, dass die Platte (12, 14) durch das mechanische Eingreifen zwischen Ring und Schlitzen befestigt wird.

7. Behälter zum Ausgeben nach Patentanspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweiten Befestigungsmittel (11), die sich auf eine jede der zusätzlichen rechteckigen Wände (10) beziehen aus einem starren Verbindungsglied (31) mit einem nach oben gerichteten L-Profil bestehen, dessen vertikales Element (31v) frei axial gleitend und um seine eigene Achse (X) drehbar in einem rohrförmigen Sitz (32) gelagert ist, der von der oberen Ecke (10a) der zusätzlichen Wand (10) aufgewiesen wird, und dessen horizontales Element (10o) zwei nach unten gerichtete hervorstehende Zapfen (33a, 33b) aufweist, die in entsprechende rohrförmige Sitze (34a, 34b) einsetzbar sind, aufgewiesen von der oberen Ecke (10a) der angrenzenden Wand (10), wenn sich das starre Verbindungsglied in einer gesenkten Position befindet.

Revendications

1. Un récipient de distribution pour petits articles en vrac, du type comprenant une base (2) présentant vue de haut une forme substantiellement rectangulaire, et associé avec les bords latéraux de la base, des panneaux latéraux (7) s'élevant vers le haut de forme substantiellement rectangulaire, par lesquels les articles sont contenus à l'intérieur du récipient, comprenant :

- de premiers moyens à charnière (6) par lesquels les panneaux latéraux (7) sont reliés de façon pivotante à la base (2) et capables de la sorte d'accomplir un mouvement de rotation sur l'axe de leurs premiers moyens à charnière respectifs (6), d'une position verticale à une deuxième position ;

- de premiers moyens de verrouillage (8), par lesquels les panneaux latéraux adjacents (7) peuvent être assurés de façon rigide et détachés l'un de l'autre ;

- une pluralité de panneaux supplémentaires (10), égaux en nombre aux panneaux latéraux (7), et substantiellement rectangulaires quant à la forme, chacun relié de façon pivotante au moyen de deuxièmes moyens à charnière (9) à un panneau latéral respectif (7) le long d'un bord éloigné de celui qui est associé à la base (2), et tournant sur un axe des deuxièmes moyens à charnière (9) correspondants, entre une position substantiellement d'extension, dans laquelle les panneaux reliés (7, 10) occupent un plan commun, et une position repliée, dans laquelle le panneau supplémentaire (10) est disposé substantiellement contre le panneau latéral (7) ;

- de deuxièmes moyens de verrouillage (11), par lesquels les panneaux adjacents supplémentaires (10) peuvent être assurés de façon rigide et détachés l'un de l'autre ;

- une première sortie (16) située au fond de la base (2), permettant de distribuer les articles contenus dans le récipient (1) et

- des moyens de fermeture (18) associés à la première sortie (16) et permettant d'ouvrir et de fermer la sortie caractérisé en ce que

- à la hauteur de ladite deuxième position, les panneaux latéraux (7) sont tournés dans une position dans laquelle ils se trouvent substantiellement contre le sommet de la base (2) ; et

- une deuxième sortie (19) est prévue, située sur l'un des côtés de la base (2), les articles contenus à l'intérieur du récipient (1) étant distribués par ladite deuxième sortie à travers les moyens de fermeture (21) associés à ladite deuxième sortie (19) et en permettant l'ouverture et la fermeture indépendamment de la première sortie (16).

2. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre quatre panneaux de fond (12, 14) de forme substantiellement droite trapézoïdale, consistant en trois panneaux (12) disposés avec le côté parallèle le plus long à une hauteur au-dessus du côté parallèle le plus court opposé, et reliés substantiellement de façon rigide au bord supérieur du côté respectif de la base (2), et un quatrième panneau (14), disposé avec le côté parallèle le plus long relié de façon pivotante au bord supérieur d'un autre côté de la base (2) et tournant ainsi entre une position basse, semblable à celle qu'occupent les trois autres panneaux de fond (12), dans laquelle les quatre panneaux forment ensemble une trémie s'ouvrant verticalement sur la sortie du fond (16), et une position haute contre le panneau latéral respectif (7), dans laquelle les panneaux forment ensemble une trémie s'ouvrant sur la sortie latérale (19), où la longueur des côtés parallèles les plus longs des panneaux (12, 14) est substantiellement identique à celle des bords de la base (2) auxquels ils sont reliés.

3. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la sortie (19) présentée par le côté de la base (2) se trouve être adjacent au quatrième panneau du fond (14).

4. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre des moyens (25) de retenue fournis par au moins deux des panneaux latéraux (7), associés à un membre vertical du panneau correspondant, et coïncidant avec les premiers moyens de verrouillage (8), au moyen desquels deux panneaux latéraux adjacents (7) sont joints ensemble de façon à former une paire en association permanente, de sorte que l'un puisse tourner, quand les panneaux rectangulaires supplémentaires (10) sont repliés contre les panneaux latéraux correspondants (7), d'une position ouverte, dans laquelle les deux panneaux joints (7) sont disposés mutuellement à angle droit, à une position dans laquelle lesdits panneaux (7) sont substantiellement l'un contre l'autre, permettant de la sorte à quatre panneaux (7, 10) liés entre eux d'être réduits en un paquet, dans lequel les moyens (25) de retenue consistent en une paire de supports (26), associés de façon rigide et transversale au membre vertical du panneau correspondant (7), dont les extrémités proéminentes offrent des chaînes (27) servant à créer un logement circulaire recevant de façon tournante le membre vertical correspondant du panneau latéral adjacent (7).

5. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les quatre panneaux du fond de forme trapézoïdale (12, 14) sont reliés de façon pivotante par leur côté parallèle le plus long à un panneau latéral correspondant (7) et peuvent tourner de la sorte entre une position dans laquelle les quatre panneaux forment ensemble une trémie, et une position dans laquelle chaque panneau (12, 14) est disposé contre le panneau latéral correspondant (7) et assuré à ce dernier par les moyens de verrouillage correspondants (28) interagissant avec le côté parallèle le plus court (12a, 14a).

6. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 5, dans lequel les moyens de verrouillage (28) de chaque panneau du fond (12, 14) consistent en un cercle rigide (29) associé de façon permanente au panneau latéral correspondant (7) et positionné de façon à intercepter le panneau (12, 14), quand il est tourné dans la position correspondante, en s'engageant dans une paire de fentes ouvertes (30) pratiquées dans le bord du côté parallèle le plus court (12a, 14a) et positionnées pour recevoir une partie du cercle (29), de façon que le panneau (12, 14) est verrouillé par interférence mécanique entre le cercle et les fentes.

7. Un récipient de distribution selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les deuxièmes moyens de verrouillage (11) correspondant à chacun des panneaux rectangulaires supplémentaires (10) consistent en un lien rigide (31) présentant un profil en L renversé dont le membre vertical (31v) s'engage, libre de coulisser de façon axiale et tournant sur son propre axe (X) dans un support tubulaire (32) fourni par un coin supérieur (10a) du panneau supplémentaire (10), et le membre horizontal (31o) présente deux pointes proéminentes tournées vers le bas (33a, 33b), s'insérant dans des supports tubulaires respectifs (34a, 34b) fournis par le coin supérieur correspondant (10a) du panneau adjacent (10), quand le lien rigide (31) est dans une position abaissée.

Drawing