[0001] The present invention relates to a container system, and more specifically to a system
of stackable and/or nestable containers.
[0002] Using stackable and nestable containers for merchandise storage and handling is known.
When the containers are full, they are placed in a first direction and are stacked
on top of each other to protect the merchandise contained in the containers placed
underneath. Empty containers are nestable in a second direction, which optimizes the
empty return of containers and limits transport costs.
[0004] Nevertheless, the use of these stackable and nestable containers is not without disadvantages.
In fact, these containers are not suitable for the storage and transport of products
that may be damaged by the retention of water in the containers. This is the case,
for example, with seafood, particularly fish. Another disadvantage with this type
of container is that stacks of stacked containers are not stable and the containers
move in relation to each other since the upper containers are simply placed on the
rims formed on the inner surface of the lower containers.
[0005] The present invention is defined by a system of stackable and/or nestable type containers
according to appended claim 1.
[0006] Products, such as fish, need to be stored and/or transported with ice that, when
melting, releases water likely to damage the fish. Containers in which the bottom
and/or walls are in a mesh or a grid through which water may flow are known. First,
this type of surface tends to damage the products contained in the container. Moreover,
these surfaces create retention areas that are difficult to clean and unhygienic.
Another disadvantage is that, when full containers are in the stacked position, water
flows from an upper container into the lower container and comes into contact with
the contents of the lower container.
[0007] The present invention enables evacuation of this water outside the containers, thereby
preventing contact with the products contained in containers placed in the lower position.
In the context of the invention, the "inside of the container" designates the inner
volume defined by the bottom and the wall or walls of the container; a container in
an "upper position" designates a container placed on top of another or other containers;
and a container in a "lower position" designates a container placed under another
or other containers.
[0008] The first container comprises a means to evacuate liquid out of the first container
and the second container comprises a means to evacuate liquid out of the second container
that can be aligned with the liquid evacuation means of the first container. In other
words, the liquid evacuation means of the first container and of the second container
are adjacent so as to minimize or prevent the flow of liquid inside the containers
and in particular inside the second container. The liquid evacuation means comprises
an opening in fluid communication between the inside of the container and the outside
of the container, for example, an opening through the wall and/or bottom of the container.
[0009] The second container comprises stabilizing means enabling the liquid evacuation means
of the first container to be aligned with the liquid evacuation means of the second
container.
[0010] The second container comprises a reinforcement that is able to receive a column from
the first container in support, the stabilizing means being situated in said reinforcement.
The column of the first container has a shape that is substantially complementary
to that of the reinforcement so as to prevent lateral movements of the container with
relation to the second container. The stabilizing means is an additional means for
stabilizing stacked containers. The stabilizing means comprise at least one stabilizing
rib and preferably two stabilizing ribs.
[0011] In addition or alternatively, the second container comprises a groove that is able
to receive a column from the first container, the stabilizing means being situated
in said groove. In practice, the groove of the second container is formed by a column
from the second container, with a shape that is substantially complementary to the
column of the first container. The stabilizing means is an additional means for stabilizing
nested containers. The stabilizing means comprise at least one stabilizing rib and
preferably two stabilizing ribs.
[0012] Preferably, at least one of the columns of the first container comprises a means
to evacuate liquid outside the first container. According to a particularly preferred
embodiment of the invention, the columns of the first container are recessed in relation
to the inside of the container. Thus, the columns do not affect the usable volume
of the container and the products placed in the container do not prevent the evacuation
of water outside the container.
[0013] Preferably, the liquid evacuation means of the first container comprise a liquid
evacuation means, for example, an opening, at the base of the column or in an area
adjacent to the base of the column. In the system according to the present invention,
water is evacuated outside the container in a passive manner since the water naturally
accumulates at the bottom of the container and flows via the evacuation means. The
evacuation does not require any external intervention, either by the user or mechanically
(for example, requiring the utilization of a pump or other mechanical means). It is
interesting to note that the container may be used alone or may be combined with a
second container in a system as described in this application.
[0014] Preferably, the second container comprises a rim that can receive the columns from
the first container in support, particularly in the stacked position. This rim enables
the structure formed by the containers to be reinforced, particularly in the stacked
position, so as to prevent the walls of the second container from bulging under the
weight of the first container and its contents.
[0015] Preferably, the rim of the second container comprises the means for evacuating liquid
outside the second container. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of
the invention, the rim of the second container comprises a reinforcement that is able
to receive a column from the first container in support, the liquid evacuation means
of the second container being situated in said reinforcement. The reinforcement enables
the containers to be stacked while preventing the containers from moving against each
other. The liquid evacuation means of the upper container may be aligned with the
evacuation means of the second container for evacuating outside said containers. Thus,
when the containers are in the stacked position, the water flowing from the first
container is evacuated outside the second container at the rim, under the opening
of the second container, without entering the second container and thus without entering
in contact with the contents of the second container.
[0016] Preferably, the second container comprises a groove that is able to receive a column
from the first container, the liquid evacuation means of the second container being
situated in said groove. In practice, the groove of the second container will be formed
by a column from the second container. Thus, when a first container is nested in a
second container with the same dimensions, the columns of the first container are
positioned in the grooves (or columns) of the second container so that water can flow
from one container to the other by the evacuation means situated at the lower end
of the columns of the nested containers.
[0017] Preferably, the second container comprises a groove that is able to receive a column
from the first container, the stabilizing means being situated in said groove. In
practice, the groove of the second container is formed by a column from the second
container, with a shape that is substantially complementary to the column of the first
container. The stabilizing means is an additional means for stabilizing nested containers.
The stabilizing means may comprise at least one stabilizing rib and preferably two
stabilizing ribs.
[0018] Preferably, the first container comprises a bottom, said bottom comprising at least
one groove in fluid communication with the liquid evacuation means. The groove enables
water from, for example, ice placed in the container or from the washing of products
to be guided towards the evacuation means. Another advantage of a groove (or grooves)
is the reinforcement of the bottom of the container.
[0019] Preferably, the first container comprises a bottom, said bottom comprising a first
surface that is substantially perpendicular with relation to the wall or walls of
the container and a second surface that slopes downwardly with relation to the first
surface and in fluid communication with the evacuation means. This second surface
guides the water accumulated at the bottom of the container to the evacuation means.
[0020] Another object of the present disclosure is a system of stackable and/or nestable
containers comprising at least one first container and at least one second container,
the first container comprising a plurality of columns enabling the stacking and/or
nesting of the first container with the second container, characterized by the fact
that the second container comprises a means for stabilizing the first container with
relation to the second container.
[0021] Preferably, the second container comprises a rim comprising a reinforcement that
is able to receive a column from the first container in support, the reinforcement
comprising at least one rib that is able to retain the column in said reinforcement.
[0022] Preferably, the second container comprises a groove that is able to receive a column
from the first container, the groove comprising at least one rib that is able to retain
the column in said groove.
[0023] Preferably, the dimensions of the bottom of the first container are smaller than
those of the opening defined by the rim of the second container.
[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, said system is
a modular type system in which the first container and the second container have different
dimensions. The modular system comprises stackable and/or nestable containers with
different dimensions.
[0025] Preferably, in the case of containers with different dimensions, the first container
is stackable on the second container in a first position, and nestable in the second
container in a second position that is 180° from the first position. The longitudinal
walls of the first container will be placed in parallel with relation to the longitudinal
walls of the second container in a first position, and the first container will be
rotated 180° with relation to its vertical axis to be nested in the second position.
[0026] In the event where the upper container has dimensions that are smaller than those
of the lower container, the longitudinal walls of the upper container may be placed
perpendicularly with relation to the longitudinal walls of the lower container in
the stacked position. Moreover, in the event where the upper container has dimensions
that are larger than those of the lower container, the containers can be stacked with
the longitudinal walls of the upper container placed perpendicularly with relation
to the longitudinal walls of one, or preferably, several lower containers.
[0027] The system of stackable and/or nestable containers may comprise at least one evacuation
means as defined above and at least one stabilizing means as defined above.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one of the side walls
of the first and/or second container comprises a lower level portion having a top
surface at a lower level than the top surface of the remainder of said side wall.
The lower level portion provides for a gap between the top surface of the container
and the bottom of a container stacked thereupon. The gap makes the content of the
container visible for inspection.
[0029] Preferably, the top surface of said lower level portion extends along at least half
of the longitudinal extension of said side wall and/or across the middle of said side
wall. For example, the lower level portion can extend along approximately three quarters
of the longitudinal extension of the side wall. Thereby, there is a sufficiently wide
gap between stacked containers for the inspection of the container content.
[0030] The lower level portion may be provided in each of two opposing side walls of the
first and/or second container. Thereby, inspection of the content of the lower one
of two stacked containers is possible from two sides.
[0031] The first and second containers may each comprise a pair of opposing first side walls
and a pair of opposing second side walls extending between said first side walls,
wherein the first side walls are longer than the second side walls, wherein said lower
level portion is provided in one or both of said longer side walls. This provides
a sufficiently long gap for inspection of goods in stacked containers.
[0032] In one embodiment, at least one or each of the corner portions of the first container
comprises a recess for receiving a respective bottom portion of a column of the second
container when stacked upon the first container, wherein the bottom surface of the
recess is at the same level as the level of the top surface of said lower level portion
of the side wall of the first container. This feature also contributes to providing
a sufficiently large gap between stacked containers.
[0033] In one embodiment a portion of the top surface of one of the side walls, or of one
of each of opposing pairs of side walls, comprises a marking, or a different profile
or contour than the corresponding portion of the top surface of the opposing side
wall. For example, said marking or profile or contour is formed by a wavelike upper
surface. The wavelike upper surface may be provided at a handle portion of the first
and second containers. These features facilitate the correct alignment of containers
on top of one another for either stacking or nesting, as desired.
[0034] Another object of the present disclosure is a container for a system as defined above.
The container may be such as any one of the first containers or second containers
described above. A container comprising one or more of the characteristics described
in relation to any one of the first containers or second containers described above
is also contemplated.
[0035] The invention will be better understood and its various advantages and characteristics
will be clearer upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying
figures. The figures are presented for indicative purposes and in no way limit the
invention. The figures show:
Figure 1A: a perspective view of the top of a first example of a container of a system
according to the invention;
Figure 1B: a perspective view of the bottom of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 1C: a top view of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 1D: a bottom view of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 1E: a front longitudinal view of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 1F: a rear longitudinal view of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 1G: a lateral view of the container from Figure 1A;
Figure 2A: a perspective view of the top of a second example of a container of a system
according to the invention;
Figure 2B: a perspective view of the bottom of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2C: a top view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2D: a bottom view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2E: a front longitudinal view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2F: a rear longitudinal view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2G: a right lateral view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 2H: a left lateral view of the container from Figure 2A;
Figure 3A: a perspective view of the top of a third example of a container of a system
according to the invention;
Figure 3B: a perspective view of the bottom of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 3C: a top view of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 3D: a bottom view of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 3E: a front longitudinal view of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 3F: a rear longitudinal view of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 3G: a lateral view of the container from Figure 3A;
Figure 4: a longitudinal view of two containers from Figure 1A pre-nesting;
Figure 5: a partial view of a container of a system according to the invention;
Figure 6: a longitudinal view of two containers from Figure 1A pre-stacking;
Figure 7: a perspective view of two containers of a system according to the invention
in the stacked position;
Figures 8A and 8B: two partial views of a container of a system according to the invention;
Figure 9: a perspective view of a system according to the invention in the stacked
position;
Figure 10 a perspective illustration of a container for a system according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 an illustration of a portion of the container of Figure 10;
Figure 12 an illustration of another portion of the container of Figure 10;
Figure 13 an illustration of stacked and nested containers of a system according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 an illustration of a portion of the stacked and nested containers of Figure
13; and
Figure 15 another perspective illustration of the container of Figure 10.
[0036] Container 1 illustrated in the figures has a substantially parallepiped shape that
is open at the top and comprises a substantially rectangular bottom 2, two lateral
walls 3, 4 and two longitudinal walls 5, 6. However, containers according to the present
disclosure with different shapes, for example substantially cylindrical or cubic,
are also contemplated.
[0037] Container 1 comprises a rim 7 that extends along the upper part of walls 3-6. Rim
7 may completely or partially encircle the opening created by the upper part of walls
3-6. For example, in the container illustrated in the figures, a grip 8 is situated
and centred in the upper part of each lateral wall 3, 4. Depending on usage, grips
8 may also or alternatively be situated in the longitudinal walls. The function of
rim 7 is to reinforce container 1 and prevent walls 3-6 from bulging, particularly
when full containers are stacked on container 1. When the containers are nested, the
rim prevents the containers from being wedged within each other.
[0038] Columns 9 are formed in walls 3-6 of container 1. In container 1, columns 9 are integrally
formed in walls 3-6. Columns 9 enable a first container 1A to be stacked on a second
container 1B in one direction (Figure 6) and enable the first container 1A to be nested
in a second container 1B in the opposite direction (Figure 4) after a 180° rotation
around the vertical axis of container 1. Two colours may be used to differentiate
the nestable side from the stackable side (i.e., two-toned).
[0039] Columns 9 are hollow to enable nesting of the containers. This structure also limits
production costs and lightens container 1. Columns 9 are recessed in relation to the
inner volume of container 1 defined by bottom 2, lateral walls 3, 4 and longitudinal
walls 5, 6 of the container, so as to not block the usable volume of container 1.
In the container 1 illustrated in the figures, the hollow columns 9 of container 1B
form a groove 10 that can partially receive, in the nested position, columns 9 of
container 1A. Columns 9 of container 1A and grooves 10 of container 2A substantially
form an inverted trapezium extending from the upper opening of container 1 to bottom
2 to facilitate the insertion of columns 9 in grooves 10 and to stabilize columns
9 in grooves 10, but other shapes (for example, substantially conical columns) are
also contemplated.
[0040] The number of columns 9 depends on, for example, the dimensions of container 1. Columns
9 reinforce the walls 3-6 in which they are formed and therefore the longer the wall
3-6, the higher the number of columns 9. Of course, the number and position of columns
9 on each wall 3-6 facilitates and depends on the stacking and nesting combinations
contemplated.
[0041] The containers 1 illustrated in the figures comprise two types of means 11, 12 for
evacuating liquid outside the containers (Figure 5).
[0042] A first evacuation means 11 comprises an opening in the upper part of container 1,
for example, near or in rim 7 of container 1. In the figures, the opening is situated
in a reinforcement 13 formed in the upper surface of rim 7. The dimensions of reinforcement
13 are substantially complementary to those of the lower part of a column 9 of a second
container, so that column 9 may be accommodated and retained therein in the stacked
position. In the event of a container without a reinforcement, the opening may be
situated on the upper surface of rim 7. In the event of a container without a rim,
the opening may be situated on the upper surface of wall 3-6 or on a peripheral flange.
In the event where the columns are formed inside the container, it would in practice
be possible to have water evacuation means in the upper part of the container. However,
a container with recessed columns 9 is preferable so as to not block the inner usable
volume of the containers. Moreover, in this type of container, the water evacuated
would be redirected inside the lower container.
[0043] A second evacuation means 12 comprises an opening in the lower part of a column 9,
in the bottom of column 9, in a part adjacent to the bottom of column 9 or in the
angle formed by the bottom 2 of container 1 and a wall of column 9.
[0044] These evacuation means 11, 12 are particularly advantageous in the case of systems
of stackable, nestable, stackable and nestable containers and the containers may also
be used alone, particularly if they comprise an evacuation means 12.
[0045] The containers 1 illustrated in the figures comprise the following stabilizing means
14, 15 of a first container 1A with relation to a second container 2A (Figure 5).
The base of column 9 of container 1A has a substantially "T" shape.
[0046] Reinforcement 13 constitutes stabilization means. Its partially complementary shape
to the lower part of column 9 of container 1A enables lateral movements of container
1A with relation to container 1B to be reduced or prevented.
[0047] Stabilizing means 14 improve the stabilization of container 1A stacked on container
1B and limit the deformation of the longitudinal walls of the lower container (Figures
7, 8A and 8B). In the containers illustrated in the figures, two ribs partially close
reinforcement 13 so as to retain column 9 of container 1A in reinforcement 13. The
ribs leave an opening so as to facilitate washing of the container, and more specifically
washing of reinforcement 13. The ribs project from the reinforcement 13 surface so
as to not block the inner volume of container 1B. In the figures, reinforcement 13
receives the horizontal part of the "T" formed by the base of column 9 of container
1A and the opening between the ribs receives the vertical part of the "T" formed by
the base of column 9 of container 1A.
[0048] Grooves 10 constitute a stabilizing means when the containers are nested. Their partially
complementary shape to column 9 of container 1A enables the lateral movements of container
1A with relation to container 1B to be reduced or prevented.
[0049] Stabilizing means 15 improve the alignment of the liquid evacuation means of container
1A with the liquid evacuation means of container 1B on which it is nested (Figure
5). In the containers illustrated in the figures, two ribs are formed in the bottom
of groove 10 and along the walls of groove 10 so as to not block the liquid evacuation
means 12 or the inner volume of container 1B. The ribs are such that the base of groove
10 has a shape complementary to the base of column 9 of container 1A so that the space
between the ribs receives the vertical part of the "T" formed by the base of column
9 of container 1A.
[0050] The bottom of container 1A may also have a bottom 2 with dimensions substantially
smaller than those of the opening formed by the walls of container 1B so as to improve
the stabilization of container 1A stacked on container 1B and to enable container
1A to be nested in container 1B.
[0051] The bottom 2 of container 1 has a smooth surface so as to not damage the products
contained in the container, for example, products such as fish and fruits that tend
to bruise. This smooth bottom 2 does not have a retention area and facilitates the
washing of container 1.
[0052] Moreover, bottom 2 has a structure that improves the evacuation of liquid outside
the containers. The bottom 2 of the containers illustrated in the figures comprises
grooves 16 enabling not only reinforcement of bottom 2, but also the liquid to be
directed to the evacuation openings 12. The bottom thus comprises sloping surfaces
17 to guide the liquid to the evacuation openings 12.
[0053] Full containers 1 may be stacked by placing columns 9 of container 1A in reinforcements
13 in rim 7 of container 1B. Columns 9 are stabilized in reinforcements 13 and retained
by ribs 14. The evacuation opening 12 of container 1A is aligned with the evacuation
opening 11 of container 1B on which it is stacked.
[0054] In container 1A, water (and/or another liquid) accumulates in the bottom 2 of the
container, and is guided by grooves 16 and sloping surfaces 17 to finally be evacuated
by openings 12 of container 1A. The water traverses opening 12 of container 1A towards
the outside of container 1A, and then opening 11 of container 2A towards the outside
of container 2A without entering the inner volume of container 2A. The water may thus
be evacuated outside the containers without damaging the products contained in the
containers in the stacked position.
[0055] Empty containers 1 are nested (Figure 4) by sliding columns 9 of container 1A into
grooves 10 of container 1B to form a system according to the present invention. Columns
9 of container 1A are maintained in trapezoidal grooves 10 and by stabilizing ribs
15 such that the evacuation opening 12 of container 1A is aligned with the evacuation
opening 12 of container 1B on which it is nested.
[0056] In container 1A, water (and/or another liquid) accumulates in the bottom 2 of the
container, and is guided by grooves 16 and sloping surfaces 17 to finally be evacuated
by openings 12 of container 1A. The water traverses the opening 12 of container 1A
towards the outside of container 1A, and then opening 12 of container 2A towards the
outside of container 2A without entering the inner volume of container 2A. Empty containers
do not require a drying step and are just nested for empty return.
[0057] Containers 1 may be used alone or with other containers in a system such as described
above. The liquid evacuation and column stabilizing means may be used alone or in
combination in a system according to the present invention.
[0058] In a nestable container system, containers 1 preferably have at least one evacuation
means in a groove 10. In a stackable container system, containers 1 preferably have
at least one evacuation means in rim 7. In a stackable and nestable container system,
containers 1 preferably have at least one evacuation means of each type.
[0059] Moreover, in a nestable container system, containers 1 preferably have at least one
stabilizing means in a column 9. In a stackable container system, containers 1 preferably
have at least one stabilizing means in rim 7. In a stackable and nestable container
system, containers 1 preferably have at least one stabilizing means of each type.
[0060] Figures 10 to 15 illustrate a system of stackable and nestable containers according
to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 illustrates a first container
20 comprising opposing pairs of long side walls 21 and short side walls 22. The long
side walls 21 comprise a portion 23 where the upper surface is at a lower level than
the upper surface of the remaining portion 24 of the long side walls 21. This feature
enables the inspection of goods contained in the container 21 when another container
25 is stacked upon it, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. That is, the lower rim
formed by this lower level portion of the long side walls 21 provides a gap 26 in
between the bottom of the container 25 and the top surface of the container 20. The
gap 26 makes the content of the container 20 visible for inspection.
[0061] One of each of the pairs of long and short side walls 21, 22 comprises a profiled
portion 27 and 28, respectively. In particular, in the portions 27 and 28, the respective
side walls 21 and 22 have a wavelike top surface. The corresponding portions 29 and
30 of the respective opposing side walls 21, 22 have a different (planar) top surface.
This feature facilitates the stacking or nesting of containers by a user, as illustrated
in Figure 13. That is, if the profiled portions 27 and 28 of two containers 20 and
31 are aligned with one another, the upper container 20 comes to nest in the lower
container 31. In contrast, if containers - such as the containers 20 and 25 in Figure
12 - are aligned such that the profiled portions 27 and 28 come to reside at opposite
ends, the containers can be stacked upon one another.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the profiled portion 28 is arranged at a handle portion
of the container 20.
[0063] As illustrated in Figures 10 and 15, the bottom surface 32 of the container 20 comprises
an elevated centre portion 33 to direct liquid toward exits 34 at the side walls 21
and 22 and exits 35 at the corners of the container 20. Effective evacuation of liquid
is further improved by grooves or channels 37, 38, 39 along the side walls 21, 22
and near the exits 34, 35. In particular, the channels 37 extend at the bottom of
and along the side walls 21, while the channels 38 extend at the bottom of and along
the side walls 22. The channels 39 extend perpendicularly to the channels 37 and lead
into the channels 37. The channels 37 are bounded on one side by the walls 21 and
on the other side by longitudinal projections 40 extending in parallel to the side
walls 21. Similarly, the channels 38 are bounded on one side by the walls 22 and on
the other side by longitudinal projections 41 extending in parallel to the side walls
22. The projections 40 are interrupted by the channels 39. The channels 37, 38, 39
as well as the projections 40, 41 are illustrated in more detail in Figures 11 and
12.
[0064] Figure 11 also shows in more detail the stabilizing means 15 as described above in
connection with Figure 5.
[0065] It is noted that the features shown in and described in connection with Figures 10
to 15 may also be provided in the containers shown in and described in connection
with Figures 1 to 9. Equally, the features shown in and described in connection with
Figures 1 to 9 may also be provided in the containers shown in and described in connection
with Figures 10 to 15.
Numerical references
[0066]
- 1
- Container
- 1A
- Upper container
- 2A
- Lower container
- 2
- Bottom
- 3
- Lateral wall
- 4
- Lateral wall
- 5
- Longitudinal wall
- 6
- Longitudinal wall
- 7
- Rim
- 8
- Grip
- 9
- Column
- 10
- Groove
- 11
- Evacuation of liquid by the rim
- 12
- Evacuation of liquid by the column
- 13
- Reinforcement to stabilize a stacked container
- 14
- Stabilization of a stacked container
- 15
- Stabilization of a nested container
- 16
- Groove on the bottom surface
- 17
- Slope on the bottom surface
- 20
- Container
- 21
- Long side walls
- 22
- Short side walls
- 23
- Lower level portion of side walls
- 24
- Remaining portion of side walls
- 25
- Stacked container
- 26
- Gap between stacked containers
- 27
- Profiled portion
- 28
- Profiled portion
- 29
- Non-profiled portion
- 30
- Non-profiled portion
- 31
- Container
- 32
- Bottom of container
- 33
- Elevated portion
- 34
- Exit
- 35
- Exit
- 37
- Channels
- 38
- Channels
- 39
- Channels
- 40
- Projections
- 41
- Projections
1. A system of stackable and/or nestable type containers (1; 20; 25; 31) comprising at
least one first container (1A; 20; 25) and at least one second container (1B; 31),
wherein
the first container (1A; 20; 25) comprises a plurality of columns (9) configured to
stack and/or nest the first container (1A; 20; 25) with the second container (1B;
31),
the first container (1A; 20; 25) further comprises at least one liquid evacuation
means (11; 12; 34; 35) configured to evacuate liquid to the outside of the first container
(1A; 20; 25), and
the second container (1B; 31) comprises at least one liquid evacuation means (11;
12; 34; 35) configured to evacuate liquid to the outside of the second container (1B;
31),
wherein the second container (1B; 31) further comprises at least one of a reinforcement
(13) enabling the containers (1; 20; 25; 31) to be stacked and a groove (10) enabling
the containers (1; 20; 25; 31) to be nested, each of which partially complementary
shaped to the columns (9) of the first container (1A; 20; 25) characterized in that the second container (1B; 31) includes stabilizing means (14; 15) comprising at least
one stabilizing rib (14; 15) configured to align the liquid evacuation means (11;
12; 34; 35) of the first container (1A; 20; 25) with the liquid evacuation means (11;
12) of the second container (1B; 31).
2. The system according to claim 1 in which at least one of the columns (9) from the
first container (1A; 20; 25) comprises the or at least one liquid evacuation means
(11; 12; 34; 35).
3. The system according to claim 2 in which the liquid evacuation means (11; 12; 34;
35) of the first container (1A; 20; 25) comprises at least one opening at the base
of the column (9) or adjacent to the base of the column (9).
4. The system according to any one of the previous claims in which the second container
(1B; 31) comprises a rim (7) extending completely or partially along an upper part
of side walls (3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22) configured to receive columns (9) from the first
container (1A; 20; 25), the rim (7) comprising the or at least one liquid evacuation
means (11; 12; 34; 35) of the second container (1B; 31).
5. The system according to claim 4 in which the rim (7) of the second container (1B;
31) comprises the reinforcement (13) that is configured to receive a column (9) from
the first container (1A; 20; 25), the liquid evacuation means (11; 12; 34; 35) of
the second container (1B; 31) being situated in said reinforcement (13).
6. The system according to any one of the previous claims in which the second container
(1B; 31) comprises a groove (10) formed by a hollow column (9) that is configured
to receive a column (9) from the first container (1A; 20; 25), the liquid evacuation
means (11; 12; 34; 35) of the second container (1B; 25) being situated in said groove
(10).
7. The system according to any one of the previous claims in which the columns (9) from
the first container (1A; 20; 25) are recessed in relation to the inside of the container
(1A; 20; 25).
8. The system according to any one of the claims 4 to 7 in which the first container
(1A; 20; 25) comprises a bottom (2), said bottom (2) comprising at least one groove
(37; 38; 39) in fluid communication with the liquid evacuation means (34; 35) and/or
said bottom (2) comprising a first surface (33) that is substantially perpendicular
with relation to the wall or walls (21; 22) of the container (20; 25; 31) and a second
surface (32) that slopes downwardly with relation to the first surface (33) and in
fluid communication with the liquid evacuation means (34; 35).
9. The system according to one of the claims 4 to 8, wherein at least one of the side
walls (21; 22) of the first and/or second container (20; 25; 31) comprises a lower
level portion (23) having a top surface at a lower level than the top surface of the
remainder (24) of said side wall (21; 22).
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein at least one or each of the corner portions
of the first container (20; 25) comprises a recess for receiving a respective bottom
portion of a column (9) of the second container (31) when stacked upon the first container
(20; 25), wherein the bottom surface of the recess is at the same level as the level
of the top surface of said lower level portion (23) of the side wall (21; 22) of the
first container (20; 25).
11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein a portion of the top surface of one
of the side walls (21; 22), or of one of each of opposing pairs of side walls (21;
22), comprises a marking, or a different profile or contour than the corresponding
portion (29) of the top surface of the opposing side wall (21; 22).
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the marking or profile or contour is formed by a wavelike
upper surface.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the wavelike upper surface is provided at a handle
portion (8) of the first and second containers (20; 25; 31).
1. System von stapelbaren und/oder nestbaren Behältern (1; 20; 25; 31) mit zumindest
einem ersten Behälter (1A; 20; 25) und zumindest einem zweiten Behälter (1B; 31),
wobei
der erste Behälter (1A; 20; 25) eine Mehrzahl von Säulen (9) aufweist, die zum Stapeln
und/oder Nesten des ersten Behälters (1A; 20; 25) mit dem zweiten Behälter (1B; 31)
ausgebildet sind,
der erste Behälter (1A; 20; 25) ferner zumindest eine Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung
(11; 12; 34; 35) aufweist, die so ausgebildet ist, dass sie Flüssigkeit zur Außenseite
des ersten Behälters (1A; 20; 25) entleert und
der zweite Behälter (1B; 31) zumindest eine Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11;
12; 34; 35) aufweist, die so ausgebildet ist, dass sie Flüssigkeit zur Außenseite
des zweiten Behälters (1B; 31) entleert,
wobei
der zweite Behälter (1B; 31) ferner zumindest eine Verstärkung (13) aufweist, die
es ermöglicht, die Behälter (1; 20; 25; 31) zu stapeln und eine Nut (10), die es ermöglicht,
die Behälter (1; 20; 25; 31) zu nesten, von denen jede teilweise komplementär zu den
Säulen (9) des ersten Behälters (1A; 20; 25) geformt ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Behälter (1B; 31) eine
Stabilisierungseinrichtung (14; 15) aufweist, die zumindest eine Stabilisierungsrippe
(14; 15) aufweist, die ausgebildet ist ist, um die Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung
(11; 12; 34; 35) des ersten Behälters (1A; 20; 25) mit der Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung
(11; 12) des zweiten Behälters (1B; 31) auszurichten.
2. System nach Anspruch 1, bei dem zumindest eine der Säulen (9) aus dem ersten Behälter
(1A; 20; 25) die oder zumindest eine Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11; 12; 34;
35) aufweist.
3. System nach Anspruch 2, bei dem die Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11; 12; 34;
35) des ersten Behälters (1A; 20; 25) zumindest eine Öffnung an der Basis der Säule
(9) oder angrenzend an die Basis der Säule (9) aufweist.
4. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der zweite Behälter (1B; 31)
einen Rand (7) aufweist, der sich ganz oder teilweise entlang eines oberen Teils von
Seitenwänden (3; 4; 5; 6; 21; 22) erstreckt, der so ausgebildet ist, dass er Säulen
(9) vom ersten Behälter (1A; 20; 25) aufnimmt, wobei der Rand (7) die oder zumindest
eine Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11; 12; 34; 35) des zweiten Behälters (1B;
31) aufweist.
5. System nach Anspruch 4, bei dem der Rand (7) des zweiten Behälters (1B; 31) die Verstärkung
(13) aufweist, die zur Aufnahme einer Säule (9) aus dem ersten Behälter (1A; 20; 25)
ausgebildet ist, wobei sich die Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11; 12; 34; 35)
des zweiten Behälters (1B; 31) in dieser Verstärkung (13) befindet.
6. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der zweite Behälter (1B; 31)
eine Nut (10) aufweist, die durch eine hohle Säule (9) gebildet ist, die so ausgebildet
ist, dass sie eine Säule (9) aus dem ersten Behälter (1A; 20; 25) aufnimmt, wobei
sich die Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (11; 12; 34; 35) des zweiten Behälters
(1B; 25) in dieser Nut (10) befindet.
7. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Säulen (9) des ersten
Behälters (1A; 20; 25) gegenüber dem Inneren des Behälters (1A; 20; 25) vertieft sind.
8. System nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, bei dem der erste Behälter (1A; 20; 25) einen
Boden (2) aufweist, wobei der Boden (2) zumindest eine Nut (37; 38; 39) in Fluidverbindung
mit der Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (34; 35) aufweist und/oder den Boden (2)
eine erste Oberfläche (33), die im Wesentlichen senkrecht in Bezug auf die Wand oder
die Wände (21; 22) des Behälters (20; 25; 31) steht, und eine zweite Oberfläche (32),
die in Bezug auf die erste Oberfläche (33) nach unten geneigt ist und in Fluidverbindung
mit der Flüssigkeitsentleerungseinrichtung (34; 35) steht, aufweist.
9. System nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei zumindest eine der Seitenwände (21;
22) des ersten und/oder zweiten Behälters (20; 25; 31) einen tieferliegenden Abschnitt
(23) mit einer Oberfläche auf einer tieferen Ebene als die Oberfläche des Restes (24)
der Seitenwand (21; 22) aufweist.
10. System nach Anspruch 9, wobei zumindest einer oder jeder der Eckabschnitte des ersten
Behälters (20; 25) eine Aussparung zum Aufnehmen eines jeweiligen Bodenabschnitts
einer Säule (9) des zweiten Behälters (31) beim Aufstapeln auf den ersten Behälter
(20; 25) aufweist, wobei die Bodenfläche der Aussparung auf der gleichen Höhe liegt
wie die Höhe der Oberfläche des tieferliegenden Abschnitts (23) der Seitenwand (21;
22) des ersten Behälters (20; 25).
11. System nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei ein Abschnitt der Oberfläche einer der Seitenwände
(21; 22) oder eines jeden der gegenüberliegenden Paare von Seitenwänden (21; 22) eine
Markierung oder ein anderes Profil oder eine andere Kontur als der entsprechende Abschnitt
(29) der Oberfläche der gegenüberliegenden Seitenwand (21; 22) aufweist.
12. System nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Markierung oder das Profil oder die Kontur durch
eine wellenartige, obere Fläche gebildet wird.
13. System nach Anspruch 12, wobei die wellenartige, obere Fläche an einem Griffabschnitt
(8) des ersten und zweiten Behälters (20; 25; 31) vorgesehen ist.
1. Système de récipients de types empilables et/ou emboîtables (1 ; 20 ; 25 ; 31) comprenant
au moins un premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) et au moins un second récipient (1B ;
31), dans lequel :
le premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) comprend une pluralité de colonnes (9) configurées
pour empiler et/ou emboîter le premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) avec le second récipient
(1B ; 31),
le premier récipient (1A; 20; 25) comprend en outre au moins un moyen d'évacuation
de liquide (11 ; 12 ; 34 ; 35) configuré pour évacuer du liquide vers l'extérieur
du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) et
le second récipient (1B ; 31) comprend au moins un moyen d'évacuation de liquide (11;
12 ; 34 ; 35) configuré pour évacuer du liquide vers l'extérieur du second récipient
(1B ; 31),
dans lequel
le second récipient (1B ; 31) comprend en outre au moins l'un(e) d'un renfort (13)
permettant d'empiler les récipients (1 ; 20 ; 25 ; 31) et d'un rainure (10) permettant
d'emboîter les récipients (1 ; 20 ; 25 ; 31), dont chacun est formé de manière partiellement
complémentaire aux colonnes (9) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25), caractérisé en ce que le second récipient (1B ; 31) inclut des moyens de stabilisation (14 ; 15) comprenant
au moins une nervure stabilisatrice (14 ; 15) configurée pour aligner les moyens d'évacuation
de liquide (11; 12 ; 34 ; 35) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) sur les moyens d'évacuation
de liquide (11 ; 12) du second récipient (1B ; 31).
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel au moins l'une des colonnes (9) du premier
récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) comprend le ou au moins un moyen d'évacuation de liquide
(11 ; 12; 34; 35).
3. Système selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les moyens d'évacuation de liquide (11
; 12 ; 34 ; 35) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) comprennent au moins une ouverture
à la base de la colonne (9) ou en position adjacente à la base de la colonne (9).
4. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le second
récipient (1B ; 31) comprend un rebord (7) s'étendant en totalité ou en partie le
long d'une partie supérieure des parois latérales (3 ; 4 ; 5 ; 6 ; 21 ; 22) configurée
pour recevoir des colonnes (9) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25), le rebord (7)
comprenant le ou au moins un moyen d'évacuation de liquide (11 ; 12 ; 34 ; 35) du
second récipient (1B ; 31).
5. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le rebord (7) du second récipient (1B
; 31) comprend le renfort (13) qui est configuré pour recevoir une colonne (9) du
premier récipient (1A ; 20; 25), les moyens d'évacuation de liquide (11 ; 12 ; 34
; 35) du second récipient (1B ; 31) étant situés dans ledit renfort (13).
6. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le second
récipient (1B ; 31) comprend une rainure (10) formée par une colonne creuse (9) qui
est configurée pour recevoir une colonne (9) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25),
les moyens d'évacuation de liquide (11 ; 12 ; 34 ; 35) du second récipient (1B ; 25)
étant situés dans ladite rainure (10).
7. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les colonnes
(9) du premier récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25) sont encastrées par rapport à l'intérieur
du récipient (1A ; 20 ; 25).
8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 7, dans lequel le premier récipient
(1A ; 20; 25) comprend un fond (2), ledit fond (2) comprenant au moins une rainure
(37 ; 38 ; 39) en communication fluidique avec les moyens d'évacuation de liquide
(34 ; 35) et/ou ledit fond (2) comprenant une première surface (33) qui est sensiblement
perpendiculaire par rapport à la paroi ou aux parois (21 ; 22) du récipient (20 ;
25 ; 31) et une seconde surface (32) qui s'incline vers le bas par rapport à la première
surface (33) et en communication fluidique avec les moyens d'évacuation de liquide
(34 ; 35).
9. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8, dans lequel au moins l'une
des parois latérales (21 ; 22) du premier et/ou du second récipient (20 ; 25 ; 31)
comprend une partie de niveau inférieur (23) ayant une surface supérieure à un niveau
inférieur à la surface supérieure du restant (24) de ladite paroi latérale (21 ; 22).
10. Système selon la revendication 9, dans lequel au moins l'une ou chacune des parties
cornières du premier récipient (20 ; 25) comprend un évidement pour recevoir une partie
inférieure respective d'une colonne (9) du second récipient (31) lorsqu'il est empilé
sur le premier récipient (20 ; 25), dans lequel la surface inférieure de l'évidement
est au même niveau que le niveau de la surface supérieure de ladite partie de niveau
inférieur (23) de la paroi latérale (21 ; 22) du premier récipient (20 ; 25).
11. Système selon la revendication 9 ou 10, dans lequel une partie de la surface supérieure
de l'une des parois latérales (21 ; 22) ou de l'une de chacune des paires opposées
de parois latérales (21 ; 22) comprend un marquage ou un profil ou un contour différent
de celui de la partie correspondante (29) de la surface supérieure de la paroi latérale
opposée (21 ; 22).
12. Système selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le marquage ou le profil ou le contour
est formé par une surface supérieure ondulée.
13. Système selon la revendication 12, dans lequel la surface supérieure ondulée est ménagée
sur une partie de poignée (8) du premier et du second récipient (20 ; 25 ; 31).