A CONTAINER FOR STORING ARTICLES AS WELL AS A SET OF PARTS FOR MAKING SUCH A CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container for storing articles, comprising at least a bottom wall and a number of side walls which are pivotally connected to the bottom wall, which side walls can pivot from a closed position of the container, in which access to the bottom wall is limited, to an unfolded position of the container, in which access to the bottom wall is easier, each side wall being provided, at a position spaced from the bottom wall, with an edge element which extends substantially transversely to the side wall.

[0002] As an example see document US-A-5 542 870. The invention further relates to a set of parts for forming such a container.

[0003] Such containers or storage boxes are known per se for storing articles.

[0004] The invention concerns a container which is in particular suitable for packaging articles of relatively small dimensions, for example, such as Lego pieces, screws and bolts. With such a container, which is known from NL1037285 in the name of the present applicant, the container can be swung open from the closed position to an unfolded position by pivoting the side walls away from each other. Rigid side walls adjacent to each other are connected by flexible connecting side walls. In the closed position, access to the interior of the container is limited, whilst in the unfolded position the articles can be selected or displayed on the surface provided by said unfolding. Both the rigid side walls and the flexible connecting side walls are provided with edge elements which prevent the relative small articles from rolling off the surface.

[0005] When the articles are to be put away again, the side walls and the connecting side walls are pivoted toward each other until the side walls extend substantially transversely to the bottom wall and to each other. When this takes place, the articles move over the side walls and the connecting side walls in the direction of the bottom wall. Subsequently, a cover can be positioned on the side of the side walls remote from the bottom wall.

[0006] With the container known from NL1037285 it is thus no longer necessary to tip over the contents of the container in order to find the desired article, for example in the case of Lego pieces for building a particular Lego structure.

[0007] Although the known device is quite satisfactory, it is a drawback of the known device that it is relatively costly to produce the rigid bottom wall, the rigid side walls that are pivotally connected thereto and the connecting side walls that are connected to the side walls. The known container comprises a relatively large blank in the unfolded position. As a result, a version of plastic material will be relatively costly because relatively large moulds must be used. It has furthermore been found that it is relatively difficult to realise the various material properties that are required, such as the combination of flexible connecting parts and rigid side walls, in the end product.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a container that can be produced in a relatively simple manner.

[0009] This object is achieved with the container according to the invention in that the container is provided with a flexible holder element which is connected to the edge elements, wherein the flexible holder element extends over the bottom wall, the side walls, between adjacent side walls and between adjacent edge elements in the unfolded position of the container, wherein the flexible holder element, in co-operation with the edge elements, forms a holder having a bottom surface and an endless upright edge in the unfolded position of the container.

[0010] The bottom wall, the side walls and the edge elements can be made of one and the same plastic material. The bottom wall, the side walls and the edge elements can be produced as separate parts, which are subsequently joined together, or as a single blank. Openings are located between adjacent side walls, which extend in different directions in the unfolded position. The flexible holder element extends over said openings. The flexible material extends further between the edge elements, which extend transversely to the side walls. In the unfolded position, the flexible material is stretched between the edge elements, as it were, in which position it extends substantially transversely to the side walls, just like the edge elements.

[0011] Surprisingly it has been found that the use of more parts makes it possible to produce the container at relatively lower cost. The use of relatively more parts leads to a greater functionality. The use of the flexible holder element and the edge elements placed on the side walls makes it possible to produce the container in a relatively simple manner and at low cost. In the closed position, the flexible holder element is located in the interior of the container and holds the articles. The flexible holder element has the advantage that, in co-operation with the edge elements, it forms a holder having a bottom surface and a circumferential wall in the unfolded position of the container for holding articles present on the bottom surface. The articles will thus remain in the interior of the container also in the unfolded position, thereby reducing the risk of the articles inadvertently being lost.

[0012] The flexible holder element can be made of any flexible material.

[0013] It is noted that from US 20060169690 A1 there is known a convertible container comprising a bottom wall and side walls hinged thereto. Said document, however, does not present a container having relatively rigid walls and rigid edge elements and a flexible holder element, which flexible holder element extends not only over the rigid walls and between the side walls but also over the edge elements and between the edge elements. As a result, the flexible element covers the openings between the side walls and at the same time forms an upright wall that extends between the edge elements.

[0014] It is noted that from US 5,542,870 A there is known a fold-out container comprising a bottom wall and side walls pivotally connected thereto. The side walls comprise triangular edge parts extending transversely thereto, which, in the closed position, form a cover extending parallel to the bottom wall. However, said document does not present a container provided with a flexible holder element that extends over the rigid walls, between the side walls and also over the edge elements and between the edge elements.

[0015] One embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the flexible holder element forms an endless upright edge in the unfolded position over the edge elements and between the adjacent edge elements.

[0016] Because of the provision of the endless edge, relatively small articles are prevented from sliding or rolling off the bottom surface in a simple manner.

[0017] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the flexible holder element forms a substantially regular octagonal surface, with the endless upright edge extending transversely thereto, in an unfolded position.

[0018] Such a regular octagonal surface is suitable for a container having a square bottom wall and identical side walls.

[0019] Preferably, both the bottom and the side walls are square. By using four side walls, a cube-shaped container is obtained. Using such a container, a relatively large area can be defined, whilst folding as well as unfolding can take place in a simple manner. Because of the relatively large area in an unfolded position, sorting and selecting the articles is relatively easy.

[0020] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the flexible holder element is made of a cloth-like material.

[0021] Such a material is relatively inexpensive the textile-like material can be relatively thin, so that the textile-like material is easily deformable upon folding and unfolding the container. The textile-like material may be cotton or a synthetic material, for example.

[0022] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the flexible holder element is undetachably connected to the edge elements.

[0023] In this way the holder element is prevented in a simple manner from becoming detached from the edge elements upon folding and unfolding of the container.

[0024] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the flexible holder element is provided with means for connecting the flexible holder element to the edge elements.

[0025] If the flexible holder element is connected to the edge elements by means of shell-shaped elements, Velcro or other detachable means provided on the flexible holder element, the flexible holder element can be easily detached, for example for being washed.

[0026] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the container comprises a number of connecting elements, wherein at least each side wall and the bottom wall are pivotally connected via at least one connecting element.

[0027] This makes it possible to use relatively simple walls. The connecting elements are preferably designed for engaging edges or edge portions of the walls.

[0028] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the connecting element comprises a hook-shaped hinge element, which hook-shaped hinge element comprises two spring lips extending parallel to each other, which are connected near a first end and which are provided with barb-like elements at a second end remote from the first end, whilst the hook-shaped hinge element is provided with a hook-shaped element on a side of the first end remote from the second end.

[0029] The connecting element can be easily connected to the bottom wall by means of the lips, whilst the hook-shaped element can be connected to the side wall, or conversely.

[0030] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the barb-like elements are located in an opening provided in the bottom wall, and that the hook-shaped element is in engagement with a pivot connected to the associated side wall, or vice versa.

[0031] The barb-like elements provide a solid connection between the connecting element and the wall in question. The hook-shaped hinge element that has been moved into engagement with the pivot provides a pivotable connection between the bottom wall and the side wall in a simple manner.

[0032] The hook-shaped hinge elements can be used in pairs. Two hook-shaped hinge elements are in that case used beside each other, with the hook-shaped elements facing away from each other and extending in opposite directions. The connecting elements are pivotable relative to the bottom wall upon connection of the hook-shaped elements, so that the hook-shaped elements can engage the pivot from opposite sides. Once the two hook-shaped elements surround the pivot, the connecting elements can be moved relative to the bottom wall, resulting in the barb-like elements being positioned in a further opening in the bottom wall and the lips abutting against a strip-shaped element of the bottom wall. In this locked position, the connecting elements are no longer pivotable relative to the bottom wall. Since the two hook-shaped elements engage around the pivot from different sides, disconnecting the hook-shaped elements is not possible. As a result, a substantially undetachably, pivotable connection between the bottom wall and the side wall is obtained. It is also possible, of course, for the pivot to be connected to the bottom wall and for the barb-like elements of the connecting element can be connected to the side wall. Preferably, two pairs of hook-shaped hinge elements are used for each side wall.

[0033] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the container comprises a number of coupling elements, wherein two adjacent side walls are detachably connected together in the closed position of the container via the interlocking coupling element and connecting element.

[0034] By connecting the side walls together in the closed position of the container, undesirable unfolding of the container is prevented in a simple manner.

[0035] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the coupling element comprises two spring lips extending parallel to each other, which are connected near a first end and which are provided with barb-like elements at a second end remote from the first end, whilst the coupling element is provided with a cam-shaped element on a side of the first end remote from the second end.

[0036] Such a coupling element can be connected to the side wall in a similar manner as the above-described connecting element. Preferably, it is connected to the side wall at a position spaced from the bottom wall, so that a good connection between the side walls is obtained.

[0037] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the side walls include an angle of at least 135 degrees, preferably 180 degrees, with the bottom wall in the unfolded position.

[0038] If an angle of at least 135 degrees is used, the container provides a kind of shell shape in the unfolded position, in which the articles that may be present therein are readily accessible to a user. The surface is formed by the bottom wall and the side walls that extend at an angle of 130 degrees or more with respect to the bottom surface. Preferably, the side walls lie substantially in the same plane as the bottom wall in the unfolded position, in other words, the side walls more or less include an angle of about 180 degrees with the bottom wall. In this way a relatively flat surface is provided, which can form an ideal playing surface for a child, for example.

[0039] Another embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterised in that the bottom wall and/or the side walls are made of a relatively rigid material, for example a rigid plastic.

[0040] In this way a container is obtained which exhibits robustness in the closed position thereof, whilst a maximal area is obtained in the unfolded position due to the use of the flexible holder element.

[0041] The invention further relates to a set of parts for forming a container as described in the foregoing, said set comprising a bottom wall, a number of separate side walls being pivotally connectable to the bottom wall, a number of separate edge elements, each edge element being connectable to a side wall, which edge element extends transversely to the side wall, spaced from the bottom wall; as well as a substantially flexible holder element, which is connectable to the edge elements, wherein the side walls, after connection of the parts into an assembled container, are pivotable from a closed position of the container, in which access to the bottom wall is limited, to an unfolded position of the container, in which access to the bottom wall is easier, in which unfolded position the flexible holder element extends over the bottom wall, the side walls, between adjacent side walls and between adjacent edge elements.

[0042] The invention is based on the surprising perception that the known container can be suitably assembled from a number of parts which in themselves are relatively small. Instead of integrally forming a blank by means of which the container can be placed in a closed position, the container is built up of separate parts.

[0043] In an unfolded position of the container, the flexible holder element forms, in co-operation with the edge elements, a holder having a bottom surface and a circumferential wall for holding articles present on the bottom surface in place thereon. The articles will thus remain in the interior of the container also in the unfolded position, so that the risk of the articles inadvertently being lost is reduced.

[0044] A special additional advantage of the set of parts is that the set can be packaged as a relatively compact whole, which thus takes up relatively little space, for example in a shop. The various parts of the set are to be assembled by the user. The set may also comprise the connecting elements and coupling elements already described in the foregoing.

[0045] It is preferable if the container and the set of parts further comprise a cover wall, which can be detachably connected to the side walls of the container in the closed position of the container.

[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail hereinafter by means of a description of a preferred embodiment of a container and a set of parts according to the invention, in which reference is made to the following figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a first embodiment of a container according to the present invention in an unfolded position thereof;

Figure 2 is an overview of a set of parts for the container according to the present invention that is shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of a partially assembled condition as shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 is a perspective rear view of a second embodiment of a container according to the present invention in an unfolded position thereof;

Figure 5 is a perspective front view of the container shown in figure 1 in an unfolded position thereof;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a flexible holder element of the container shown in figure 4;

Figure 7 is a perspective front view of the container shown in figure 4 in a partially unfolded position thereof.

[0047] Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the figures.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a perspective, exploded view of a container 1 according to the invention. The container 1 comprises a bottom wall 2, to which four side walls 4a-4d are pivotally connected. The bottom wall 2 and the side walls 4a-4d are made of a relatively rigid material, for example a rigid plastic. Figure 1 shows the situation with the container 1 in an unfolded position. In this position, the four side walls 4a-4d extend parallel to the bottom wall 2. Provided on each of the side walls 4a-4d is an edge element 6a-6d. The edge element 6a-6d extends transversely to the plane formed by the side wall 4a-4d. The edge element 6a-6d is mounted in openings in the side wall 4a-4d by means of hook-shaped pins.

[0049] The container 1 also comprises a flexible holder element 7. The flexible holder element 7 may be made of a textile material or of a flexible plastic material. The flexible holder element 7 comprises an octagonal layer of material, which is provided with an endless upright edge 8 at the octagonal outer circumference, which edge is preferably made of the same material. The upright edge 8 is provided with a receiving opening on the sides facing the bottom wall 2 and the edge elements 6a-6d, via which the holder element 7 can be connected to the edge elements in a simple manner. In a simple embodiment, the upright edge 8 provided with receiving openings is made of a textile material. To that end a piece of textile is affixed to each side of the octagon opposite the edge elements 6a-6d, with the end being folded toward the edge of the octagon. The flap is folded double, as it were. The side edges are then joined together, using a sewing or a glueing technique, for example. Thus a receiving opening for the edge element 6a-6d is formed. By connecting the side edges of each flap of the octagon to a side edge of an adjacent flap, an upright edge 8 is formed, which offers some resistance against deformation also in an unfolded position. In the folded position, a cover element 9 can be placed on the container 1 so as to close the interior of the container.

[0050] Folding and unfolding the container can take place in a similar manner as already described in NL 1037285, which publication is incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] As figure 1 clearly shows, the container 1 comprises substantially six identical wall elements, which together form a cube-shaped container 1 comprising a bottom 2, side walls 4a-d and a cover 9. Because of the use of six substantially identical wall elements, the production process is relatively simple and inexpensive. The use of several costly moulds is no longer necessary. Furthermore, this embodiment of the container 1 makes it possible for the container 1 to be transported as a construction kit comprising a set of parts and also to be offered and sold as such in a shop. The user must assemble the container himself.

[0052] Figure 2 shows an overview of the set of parts. The set comprises a flexible holder 7, a number of walls, a number of edge elements 6 and a number of connecting elements 11 and coupling elements 12. Said parts are not shown to scale. A usual set comprises one flexible holder 7, which is octagonal in shape, one bottom wall 2, four side walls 4a-4d, which are all five identical, four edge elements 6 and sufficient connecting elements 11, 12 for pivotally connecting the four side walls 4a-4d to the bottom wall 2, and possibly for firmly connecting the edge elements 6 to the side walls 4a-4d. Each edge element 6 comprises short sides extending at an angle of 45 degrees to the longitudinal side. If desired, a cover 9 similar to the bottom wall 2 and the side walls 4a-4d may be added to the set.

[0053] The connecting element 11 is provided with a hook-shaped hinge element which comprises two spring lips 13, 14 extending parallel to each other, which lips are connected near a first end 15 and which are provided with barb-like elements 17 at a second end 16 remote from the first end. The hook-shaped hinge element is provided with a hook-shaped element 18 on a side of the first end 15 remote from the second end 16.

[0054] The coupling element 12 comprises two spring lips 19 extending parallel to each other, which are connected near a first end 20 and which are provided with barb-like elements 22 at a second end 21 remote from the first end. The coupling element 12 is provided with a cam-shaped element 23 on a side of the first end 20 remote from the second end 21. The cam-shaped element 23 can be detachably clamped in the hook-shaped element 18, as will be explained in more detail yet below.

[0055] The walls 2, 4a-4d, 9 each have two pairs of connecting positions 25 on each longitudinal side 24 for connection to a connecting element 11 or a coupling element 12. Each connecting position 25 comprises a pivot 26 extending parallel to the longitudinal side 24 in question, a first opening 27, a strip 28 extending parallel to the pivot 26 and a second opening 29.

[0056] To connect a side wall 4a-4d to the bottom wall 2, a connecting element 11 is provided at each pair of connecting positions 24 on the longitudinal side 24 of the bottom wall facing the side wall in question. To that end the barb-like elements 17 are pushed over the pivot 26 in the direction indicated by arrow P1 until the barb-like elements 17 are located in the opening 27. When this is done, the lips 13, 14 are urged apart against spring force. In this position, the connecting element 11 can pivot about the pivot 26. The hook-shaped elements 18 of two adjacent connecting elements 11 are connected to the pivot 26 in opposite sense, with the opening 30 of one hook-shaped element 18' facing up, seen in the plane of drawing of figure 3, and the opening of the other hook-shaped element 18" facing down, seen in the plane of drawing of figure 3. Subsequently, the hook-shaped elements 18', 18" are placed round the pivot 26 of the side wall 4d from both sides. Once the four connecting elements 11 are connected to the side wall 4, the side wall 4d and the connecting elements 11 connected thereto are moved in the direction indicated by arrow P1 toward the side wall 2. Upon said movement, the lips 13, 14 are again urged apart against spring force until the barb-like elements 17 are located in the openings 29 and the lips 13, 14 abut against the strip 28 on either side. In this position the connecting element 11 can no longer pivot about the pivot 26 of the bottom wall 2. This position is shown at the connection between the side wall 4c and the bottom wall 2. Since the hook-shaped elements 18', 18" engage round the pivot 26 from both sides, the pivot 26 cannot undesirably become detached from the hook-shaped elements 18', 18". The bottom wall 2 and the four connecting elements 11 connected thereto can pivot about the four pivots 26 of the side wall 4d.

[0057] In a similar manner, all side walls 4a-4d are pivotally connected to the bottom wall 2. It is also possible to connect the barb-like elements 17 of the connecting elements 11 to the side walls 4a-4d and to connect the hook-shaped element 18 to the pivots 26 of the bottom wall 2.

[0058] On two adjacent longitudinal sides 24 of two adjacent side walls 4c, 4d, a connecting element 11 is provided at the connecting position 25 furthest removed from the bottom wall 2 in the case of one side wall 4d and a coupling element 12 is provided at the connecting position 25 furthest removed from the bottom wall 2 in the case of the other side wall 4c. The connecting element 11 and the coupling element 12 are moved in the directions indicated by arrows P2, P3 until the barb-like elements 17, 22 are located in the openings 29 and the lips 13, 14; 19 abut against the strip 28 on either side. In the closed position of the container 1, the cam-shaped element 23 of the coupling element 12 is detachably clamped in the opening 30 of the hook-shaped element 18 of the connecting element 11.

[0059] Figures 4-7 show a second embodiment of a container 40 according to the invention. The container 40 comprises a blank 41 of plastic material, comprising a bottom wall 42 and four side walls 43, which are pivotally connected to the bottom wall 42 via fold lines 44. The blank 41 is made of polypropylene, for example. Each side wall 43 comprises, on either side thereof, a connecting strip 45 extending transversely to the associated fold line 44. The connecting strips 45 are pivotally connected to the side wall 43 via fold lines 46. Adjacent connecting strips 45 of adjacent side walls 43 are provided with mating strips of Velcro 47, 48, by means of which the container 40 can be held in the closed position.

[0060] Each side wall 43 further comprises an edge element 49 (see figure 7), which extends parallel to the associated fold line 44. The edge element 49 is pivotally connected to the side wall 43 via a fold line 50. The edge element 49 comprises short sides 51 extending at an angle of 45 degrees to the fold line 15.

[0061] The side walls 43 are each provided with an opening 52 for lifting the container 40.

[0062] The container 40 further comprises a flexible holder element 53. The flexible holder element 53 comprises an octagonal bottom surface 54 and an upright endless edge 55 extending along the circumference of the bottom surface 53. The edge 55 extends transversely to the bottom surface 54. The flexible element 53 is made of a 80 - 100 g nonwoven polypropylene cloth, for example.

[0063] The endless edge 55 is glued to the edge elements 49 of the blank 41 with edge portions 56. Edge portions 57 of the endless edge 55 located between edge portions 56 extends between the short sides 51 of the edge elements 49. A central portion 58 of the bottom surface 54 extends over the bottom wall 42 and portions 59 extend over the side walls 43. Portions 60 of the bottom surface 54 extend over openings between adjacent side walls 43. The edge portions 56 are foldable about fold lines 61 relative to the portions 59. The edge portions 57 are foldable about fold lines 62 relative to the portions 60.

[0064] In the fully unfolded position, the edge elements 49 of the blank 41 and the edge portions 56 connected thereto of the flexible holder element 53 extend transversely to a base plane in which the bottom wall 42 and side walls 43, are located. The edge portions 57 that extend between the short sides 51 of the edge elements 49 also extend transversely to the base plane.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an unfolded cloth of which the flexible holder element 53 is made. The edge portions 57 comprise a lip 64 near both ends, which lip is connected to the edge portion 57 via a fold line 65. The lip 64 extends along a short side 66 of the edge portion 56. The lip 64 is cut loose from the edge portion 56 along the short side 66. Then the edge portions 56, 57 are folded about the fold lines 61, 62 to an orientation transversely to the bottom surface 54. The lips 64 are folded about the fold lines 65, placed against the edge portions 56 and subsequently connected thereto by glueing or sewing. Thus the flexible holder element 53 comprising an upright endless edge 55 is obtained. The edge 55 preferably has a height of a few centimetres, for example 3 - 6 centimetres, so that on the one hand small articles are held within the flexible holder element 53 and on the other hand articles are readily accessible to a user.

[0066] Figure 7 shows the container 40 in a partially unfolded position, in which two side walls 43 extend transversely to the bottom wall 42 and two side walls 43 extend parallel to the bottom wall 42. As the figure clearly shows, the edge elements 49 of the side walls 43 extending parallel to the bottom wall 42 and the edge portions 56 connected thereto of the flexible holder element 53 extend transversely to the bottom wall 42. The edge portion 57 that extends between the short sides 51 of the edge elements 49 likewise extends transversely to the bottom wall 42.

[0067] The set of parts can be made in various dimensions. An embodiment of the container 1 with a length L of the sides of the bottom wall 2 and the side walls 4a-4d of 20 - 25 centimetres is specially preferred, however. In a non-assembled condition, such a container 1 fits in a package having a height of about 6 centimetres.

[0068] It is also possible to use different materials for the bottom wall, the side walls and the flexible holder element.

[0069] The skilled person will appreciate that the invention has been described in the foregoing on the basis of a few possible embodiments that are preferred. The invention is not limited to these embodiments, however.

[0070] It is possible to construct the cover so that it closes a container at the upper side thereof with one side and is suitable for supporting a container positioned thereon with another side. The cover may be provided with an upright edge, which abuts on the side walls of the container positioned thereon.

[0071] It is thus apparent, for example, that the invention is not limited to the manner in which the connection between the walls is effected, and that alternatives are conceivable.

[0072] It is also conceivable for the walls and the bottom not to be identical, but that differences between the walls are possible. A uniform version is preferable, however.

[0073] It is furthermore conceivable for the container not to be cube-shaped but to have a different shape.

List of numerals

[0074] 

1

container

2

bottom wall

4a-4d

side wall

6a-6d

edge element

7

flexible holder element

8

endless upright edge

9

cover element

11

connecting element

12

coupling element

13

lip

14

lip

15

first end

16

second end

17

barb-like element

18, 18', 18"

hook-shaped element

19

lip

20

first end

21

second end

22

barb-like element

23

cam-shaped element

24

longitudinal side

25

connecting position

26

pivot

27

first opening

28

strip

29

second opening

30

opening

40

container

41

plastic blank

42

bottom wall

43

side walls

44

fold line

45

connecting strip

46

fold line

47

strip of Velcro

48

strip of Velcro

49

edge element

50

fold line

51

short side

52

opening 52

53

flexible holder element

54

octagonal bottom surface

55

endless edge

56

edge portion

57

edge portions

58

central portion

59

portion

60

portion

61

fold line

62

fold line

64

lip

65

fold line

66

short side

Claims

1. A container (1, 40) for storing articles, comprising at least a bottom wall (2, 42) and a number of side walls (4a-4d, 43) which are pivotally connected to the bottom wall (2, 42), which side walls (4a-4d, 43) can pivot from a closed position of the container (1, 40), in which access to the bottom wall (2, 42) is limited, to an unfolded position of the container (1, 40), in which access to the bottom wall (2, 42) is easier, each side wall (4a-4d, 43) being provided, at a position spaced from the bottom wall (2, 42), with an edge element (6a-6d, 49) which extends substantially transversely to the side wall, characterised in that the container (1, 40) is provided with a flexible holder element (7, 53) which is connected to the edge elements (6a-6d, 49), wherein the flexible holder element (7, 53) extends over the bottom wall (2, 42), the side walls (4a-4d, 43), between adjacent side walls (4a-4d, 43) and between adjacent edge elements (6a-6d, 49) in the unfolded position of the container (1, 40), wherein the flexible holder element (7, 53), in co-operation with the edge elements (6a-6d, 49), forms a holder having a bottom surface (54) and an endless upright edge (18, 55) in the unfolded position of the container (1, 40).

2. A container (1, 40) according to claim 1, characterised in that the flexible holder element (7, 53) forms an endless upright edge (8, 55) in the unfolded position over the edge elements (6a-6d, 49) and between the adjacent edge elements (6a-6d, 49).

3. A container (1, 40) according to claim 2, characterised in that the flexible holder element (7, 53) forms a substantially regular octagonal surface, with the endless upright edge (8, 55) extending transversely thereto, in an unfolded position.

4. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible holder element (7, 53) is made of a cloth-like material.

5. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flexible holder element (7, 53) is undetachably connected to the edge elements (6a-6d, 49).

6. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims1 - 4, characterised in that the flexible holder element (7, 53) is provided with means for connecting the flexible holder element (7, 53) to the edge elements (6a-6d, 49).

7. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the container (1, 40) comprises a number of connecting elements (11), wherein at least each side wall and the bottom wall (2, 42) are pivotally connected via at least one connecting element.

8. A container (1, 40) according to claim 7, characterised in that the connecting element comprises a hook-shaped hinge element, which hook-shaped hinge element comprises two spring lips (13, 14) extending parallel to each other, which are connected near a first end (15) and which are provided with barb-like elements (17) at a second end (16) remote from the first end, whilst the hook-shaped hinge element is provided with a hook-shaped element (18, 18', 18") on a side of the first end remote from the second end.

9. A container (1, 40) according to claim 8, characterised in that the barb-like elements (17) are located in an opening (27, 29) provided in the bottom wall (2, 42), and that the hook-shaped element (18, 18', 18") is in engagement with a pivot (26) connected to the associated side wall (4a-4d, 43), or vice versa.

10. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims 7 - 9, characterised in that the container (1, 40) comprises a number of coupling elements (12), wherein two adjacent side walls (4a-4d, 4₃) are detachably connected together in the closed position of the container (1, 40) via the interlocking coupling element (12) and connecting element (11).

11. A container (1, 40) according to claim 10, characterised in that the coupling element (12) comprises two spring lips (19) extending parallel to each other, which are connected near a first end (20) and which are provided with barb-like elements (22) at a second end (21) remote from the first end, whilst the coupling element (12) is provided with a cam-shaped element (23) on a side of the first end remote from the second end.

12. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the side walls (4a-4d, 43) include an angle of at least 135 degrees, preferably 180 degrees, with the bottom wall (2, 42) in the unfolded position.

13. A container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bottom wall (2, 42) and/or the side walls (4a-4d, 43) are made of a relatively rigid material, for example a rigid plastic.

14. A set of parts for forming a container (1, 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, said set comprising:

- a bottom wall (2, 42);

- a number of separate side walls (4a-4d, 43) being pivotally connectable to the bottom wall (2, 42);

- a number of separate edge elements (6a-6d, 49), each edge element (6a-6d, 49) being connectable to a side wall (4a-4d, 43), which edge element (6a-6d, 49) extends transversely to the side wall (4a-4d, 43), spaced from the bottom wall (2, 42); as well as

- a substantially flexible holder element (7, 53), which is connectable to the edge elements (6a-6d, 49);

wherein the side walls (4a-4d, 43), after connection of the parts into an assembled container (1, 40), are pivotable from a closed position of the container (1, 40), in which access to the bottom wall (2, 42) is limited, to an unfolded position of the container (1, 40), in which access to the bottom wall (2, 42) is easier, in which unfolded position the flexible holder element (7, 53) extends over the bottom wall (2, 42), the side walls (4a-4d, 43), between adjacent side walls (4a-4d, 43) and between adjacent edge elements (6a-6d, 49) , wherein the flexible holder element, in co-operation with the edge elements (6a-6d, 49), forms a holder having a bottom surface (54) and an endless upright edge (8, 55) in the unfolded position of the container (1, 40).

15. A set according to claim 14, characterised in that the holder element (7, 53) is undetachably connected to the edge elements (6a-6d, 49).

Ansprüche

1. Behälter (₁, 40) zum Aufbewahren von Artikeln, der mindestens eine Bodenwand (2, 42) und eine Anzahl von Seitenwänden (4a-4d, 43), die schwenkbar mit der Bodenwand (2, 42) verbunden sind, umfasst, wobei die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43) aus einer geschlossenen Position des Behälters (1, 40), in welcher der Zugang zu der Bodenwand (2, 42) eingeschränkt ist, in eine aufgeklappte Position des Behälters (1, 40), in welcher der Zugang zu der Bodenwand (2, 42) leichter ist, schwenken können, wobei jede Seitenwand (4a- 4d, 43) an einer von der Bodenwand (2, 42) beabstandeten Position mit einem Randelement (6a-6d, 49) versehen ist, das sich im Wesentlichen transversal zu der Seitenwand erstreckt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (1, 40) mit einem flexiblen Behältniselement (7, 53) versehen ist, das mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) verbunden ist, wobei das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) sich in der aufgeklappte Position des Behälters (1 ,40₎ über die Bodenwand (2, 42), die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43), zwischen benachbarten Seitenwänden (4a-4d, 43) und zwischen benachbarten Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) erstreckt, wobei das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) in der aufgeklappte Position des Behälters (1, 40) im Zusammenwirken mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) ein Behältnis mit einer Bodenfläche (54) und einem endlosen aufrechten Rand (18, 55) bildet.

2. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) in der aufgeklappten Position einen endlosen aufrechten Rand (8, 55) über den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) und zwischen den benachbarten Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) bildet.

3. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) in aufgeklappter Position eine im Wesentlichen gleichmäßige achteckige Oberfläche bildet, wobei der endlose aufrechte Rand (8, 55) sich transversal dazu erstreckt.

4. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) aus einem tuchartigen Material hergestellt ist.

5. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) unlösbar mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) verbunden ist.

6. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche 1 - 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) mit Mitteln zum Verbinden des flexiblen Behältniselements (7, 53) mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) versehen ist.

7. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (1, 40) eine Anzahl von Verbindungselementen (11) umfasst, wobei mindestens jede Seitenwand und die Bodenwand (2, 42) über mindestens ein Verbindungselement schwenkbar verbunden sind.

8. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungselement ein hakenförmiges Scharnierelement umfasst, wobei das haken-förmige Scharnierelement zwei zueinander parallel verlaufende Federlippen (13, 14) umfasst, die in der Nähe eines ersten Endes (15) verbunden sind und die an einem von dem ersten Ende entfernten zweiten Ende (16) mit widerhakenartigen Elementen (17) versehen sind, während das hakenförmige Scharnierelement an einer Seite des von dem zweiten Ende entfernten ersten Endes mit einem hakenförmigen Element (18, 18', 18") versehen ist.

9. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die widerhakenartigen Elemente (17) in einer Öffnung (27, 29), die in der Bodenwand (2, 42) vorgesehen ist, angeordnet sind und dass das hakenförmige Element (18, 18', 18") mit einem Schwenkzapfen (26) in Eingriff steht, der mit der zugeordneten Seitenwand (4a-4d, 43) verbunden ist, oder umgekehrt.

10. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche 7 - 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (1, 40) eine Anzahl von Kopplungselementen (12) umfasst, wobei zwei benachbarte Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43) in der geschlossenen Position des Behälters (1, 40) über das Kopplungselement (12) und das Verbindungs-element (11), die ineinandergreifen, lösbar miteinander verbunden sind.

11. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kopplungselement (12) zwei zueinander parallel verlaufende Federlippen (19) umfasst, die in der Nähe eines ersten Endes (20) verbunden sind und die an einem von dem ersten Ende entfernten zweiten Ende (21) mit widerhakenartigen Elementen (22) versehen sind, während das Kopplungselement (12) an einer Seite des von dem zweiten Ende entfernten ersten Endes mit einem nockenförmigen Element (23) versehen ist.

12. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43) in der aufgeklappten Position einen Winkel von mindestens 135 Grad, bevorzugt 180 Grad, zu der Bodenwand (2, 42) aufweisen.

13. Behälter (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bodenwand (2, 42) und/oder die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43) aus einem relativ steifen Material, beispielsweise einem steifen Kunststoff, hergestellt sind.

14. Satz aus Teilen zum Bilden eines Behälters (1, 40) gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Satz umfasst:

- eine Bodenwand (2, 42);

- eine Anzahl von separaten Seitenwänden (4a-4d, 43), die schwenkbar mit der Bodenwand (2, 42) verbindbar sind;

- eine Anzahl von separaten Randelementen (6a-6d, 49), wobei jedes Randelement (6a-6d, 49) mit einer Seitenwand (4a-4d, 43) verbindbar ist, wobei das Randelement (6a-6d, 49) sich transversal zu der Seitenwand (4a-4d, 43), von der Bodenwand (2, 42) beabstandet, erstreckt; sowie

- ein im Wesentlichen flexibles Behältniselement (7, 53), das mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) verbindbar ist;

wobei die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43) nach Verbindung der Teile zu einem zusammengebauten Behälter (1, 40) aus einer geschlossenen Position des Behälters (1, 40), in welcher der Zugang zu der Bodenwand (2, 42) eingeschränkt ist, in eine aufgeklappte Position des Behälters (1, 40), in welcher der Zugang zu der Bodenwand (2, 42) leichter ist, schwenkbar sind, wobei das flexible Behältniselement (7, 53) sich in der aufgeklappten Position über die Bodenwand (2, 42), die Seitenwände (4a-4d, 43), zwischen benachbarten Seitenwänden (4a-4d, 43) und zwischen benachbarten Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) erstreckt, wobei das flexible Behältniselement in der aufgeklappten Position des Behälters (1, 40) im Zusammenwirken mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) ein Behältnis mit einer Bodenfläche (54) und einem endlosen aufrechten Rand (8, 55) bildet.

15. Satz gemäß Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Behältniselement (7, 53) unlösbar mit den Randelementen (6a-6d, 49) verbunden ist.

Revendications

1. Contenant (1, 40) pour le stockage d'articles, comprenant au moins une paroi inférieure (2, 42) et un certain nombre de parois latérales (4a-4d, 43) qui sont reliées de manière pivotante à la paroi inférieure (2, 42), lesquelles parois latérales (4a-4d, 43) peuvent pivoter à partir d'une position fermée du contenant (1, 40), dans laquelle l'accès à la paroi inférieure (2, 42) est limité, à une position dépliée du contenant (1, 40), dans laquelle l'accès à la paroi inférieure (2, 42) est plus aisé, chaque paroi latérale (4a-4d, 43) étant dotée, à une position espacée de la paroi inférieure (2-42), d'un élément de bord (6a-6d, 49) qui s'étend sensiblement transversalement à la paroi latérale, caractérisé en ce que le contenant (1, 40) est doté d'un élément de support souple (7, 53) qui est relié aux éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49), dans lequel l'élément de support souple (7, 53) s'étend sur la paroi inférieure (2, 42), les parois latérales (4a-4d, 43), entre des parois latérales adjacentes (4a-4d, 43) et entre des éléments de bord adjacents (6a-6d, 49) dans la position dépliée du contenant (1, 40), dans lequel l'élément de support souple (7, 53), en coopération avec les éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49), forme un support présentant une surface inférieure (54) et un bord vertical sans fin (18, 55) dans la position dépliée du contenant (1, 40).

2. Contenant (1, 40) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support souple (7, 53) forme un bord vertical sans fin (8, 55) dans la position dépliée au-dessus des éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49) et entre les éléments de bord adjacents (6a-6d, 49).

3. Contenant (1, 40) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support souple (7, 53) forme une surface octogonale sensiblement régulière, avec le bord vertical sans fin (8, 55) s'étendant transversalement par rapport à celle-ci, dans une position dépliée.

4. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support souple (7, 53) est fait d'un matériau de type tissu.

5. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support souple (7, 53) est relié de manière non libérable aux éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49).

6. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support souple (7, 53) est doté de moyens de liaison de l'élément de support souple (7, 53) aux éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49).

7. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le contenant (1, 40) comprend un certain nombre d'éléments de liaison (11), dans lequel au moins chaque paroi latérale et la paroi inférieure (2, 42) sont reliés de manière pivotante par l'intermédiaire d'au moins un élément de liaison.

8. Contenant (1, 40) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de liaison comprend un élément d'articulation en forme de crochet, lequel élément d'articulation en forme de crochet comprend deux lèvres à ressort (13, 14) s'étendant parallèlement l'une à l'autre, qui sont reliées à proximité d'une première extrémité (15) et qui sont dotées d'éléments de type barbe (17) à une seconde extrémité (16) distante de la première extrémité, tandis que l'élément d'articulation en forme de crochet est doté d' un élément en forme de crochet (18, 18', 18^") sur un côté de la première extrémité distant de la seconde extrémité.

9. Contenant (1, 40) selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les éléments de type barbes (17) sont disposés dans une ouverture (27, 29) ménagée dans la paroi inférieure (2, 42), et en ce que l'élément en forme de crochet (18, 18 , 18") est en prise avec un pivot (26) relié à la paroi latérale associée (4a-4d, 43) ou vice versa.

10. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 7 à 9, caractérisé en ce que le contenant (1, 40) comprend un certain nombre d'éléments d'accouplement (12), dans lequel deux parois latérales adjacentes (4a-4d, 43) sont reliées l'une à l'autre de manière libérable dans la position fermée du contenant (1, 40) par l'intermédiaire de l'élément d'accouplement (12) et de l'élément de liaison (11) s'emboîtant.

11. Contenant (1, 40) selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que l'élément d'accouplement (12) comprend deux lèvres à ressort (19) s'étendant parallèlement l'une à l'autre, qui sont reliées à proximité d'une première extrémité (20) et qui sont dotées d'éléments en forme de barbes (22) au niveau d'une seconde extrémité (21) distante de la première extrémité, tandis que l'élément d'accouplement (12) est doté d'un élément en forme de came (23) sur un côté de la première extrémité distant de la seconde extrémité.

12. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les parois latérales (4a-4d, 43) comprennent un angle d'au moins 135 degrés, de préférence 180 degrés, avec la paroi inférieure (2, 42) dans la position dépliée.

13. Contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la paroi inférieure (2, 42) et/ou les parois latérales (4a-4d, 43) sont faites d'un matériau relativement rigide, par exemple un plastique rigide.

14. Ensemble de pièces pour la formation d'un contenant (1, 40) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit ensemble comprenant :

- une paroi inférieure (2, 42) ;

- un certain nombre de parois latérales distinctes (4a-4d, 43) pouvant être reliées de manière pivotante à la paroi latérale (2, 42) ;

- un certain nombre d'éléments de bord distincts (6a-6d, 49), chaque élément de bord (6a-6d, 49) pouvant être relié à une paroi latérale (4a-4d, 43), lequel élément de bord (6a-6d, 49) s'étend transversalement à la paroi latérale (4a-4d, 43), à l'écart de la paroi latérale (2, 42) ; ainsi que

- un élément de support sensiblement souple (7, 53) qui peut être relié aux éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49) ;

dans lequel les parois latérales (4a-4d, 43), après la liaison des pièces en un contenant assemblé (1, 40), peuvent pivoter d'une position fermée du contenant (1, 40), dans laquelle l'accès à la paroi inférieure (2, 42) est limité, à une position dépliée du contenant (1, 40), dans laquelle l'accès à la paroi inférieure (2, 42) est plus aisé, dans laquelle position dépliée l'élément de support souple (7, 53) s'étend au-dessus de la paroi inférieure (2, 42), les parois latérales (4a-4d, 43), entre des parois latérales adjacentes (4a-4d, 43) et entre des éléments de bord adjacents (6a-6d, 49), dans lequel l'élément de support souple, en coopération avec les éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49), forme un support présentant une surface inférieure (54) et un bord vertical sans fin (8, 55) dans la position dépliée du contenant (1, 40).

15. Ensemble selon la revendication 14, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de support (7, 53) est relié de manière non libérable aux éléments de bord (6a-6d, 49).

Drawing