Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02698303 2010-02-08
Container Sidewall, Container having such a Container Sidewall, and
Product-Transporting Receptacle with such a Container
The invention concerns a container sidewall for containers as well as a
container
with at least one such container sidewall. Moreover, the invention concerns a
product-transporting receptacle comprising such a container.
The container sidewall functions as a stabilizing means. Such stabilizing
means,
for example, so-called "sandwich structures", are generally known and are
utilized in different fields of application, for example, insulation
technology, truck
superstructures, industrial construction, advertisement boards, stage
construction, furniture building etc. Sandwich structures comprise in general
two
stiff cover layers between which a more light-weight core material, for
example,
honeycomb structures of paper, lightweight wood, polyurethane, styrofoam or
the
like, is arranged. When producing such sandwich structures, for example, first
the cover layers are placed into a mold and are secured in place from the
exterior
by means of pressure plates at the desired spacing or are maintained in the
desired shape and subsequently filled with polyurethane foam, for example.
Alternatively, in case of shape-stable core materials the cover layers can be
clamped together with the core material in a mold and pressed, glued or
welded.
This manufacture is relatively labor-intensive and cost-intensive and requires
additional molds and machines that, for example, must also be matched in a
complex way to the shape to be produced of the sandwich structure or to forms
of the starting materials; this makes the production of the sandwich
structures
even more expensive. An example of a biologically degradable laminated
composite material with a layer of cured starch foam is disclosed in WO
94/05492.
Containers for builk material and corresponding sidewalls are also generally
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known. An example for such containers are barrels or kegs, cardboard packages
or intermediate biulk containers (IBC) that are rigid and often heavy (rigid
intermediate bulk container, RIBC) or lightweight and flexible (flexible
intermediate bulk c:ontainer, FIBC) wherein the latter are also referred to as
Abig
bag@ and are essentially in the form of large bags with rectangular or round
cross-section. The RIBCs that often
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are comprised of metal or plastic material are used frequently for
transporting liquid
or pasty materials and FIBCs are used frequently for transporting flowable
bulk
material, for example, construction materials such as sand, gravel, or rocks
but also
pharmaceutical substances, foodstuff or their intermediates. The
specifications of
such FIBCs can be found in DIN EN standard 1898 (Specifications for flexible
intermediate bulk coni:ainers (FIBC)).
As a result of the flexibility of the FIBCs, in particular of their lateral
surfaces, bulk
material filled into such an FIBC that is resting on solid ground force the
lateral
surfaces outwardly so that they are caused to assume a convex shape and the
FIBC even assumes a spherical shape in case of suspended transport. In this
way,
on the one hand, as a result of a reduced footprint the stability of the
filled FIBC is
negatively affected arid, on the other hand, an efficient space utilization
during
transport or storage is worsened as a result of bulging of the FIBC.
Up to now, for reducing bulging rigid wooden or plastic pallets have been
inserted
into the FIBCs. In this case, however, the plates contact the bulk material or
transported goods and the plates must be secured with regard to tilting or
toppling
over; this makes more difficult handling before and during the filling process
and
increases costs. Alternatively, for stabilizing the FIBC corner-to-corner
bracing is
used also but such bracing also contacts the bulk material or transported
goods.
Also, the plates must be provided with through openings because otherwise a
uniform filling of the FIBCs is made more difficult. Moreover, by means of
these
measures only a mediocre straightening of the outer shape of the FIBCs is
achievable because the pressure forces generated by the bulk material or
transported goods are essentially received and/or transmitted only locally and
this
also reduces the stability and makes difficult handling of the FIBCs.
Moreover, the
FIBCs are also stabilized by means of rigid plates that are placed or inserted
between inner and outer surfaces, for example, made of wood or metal; however,
as a result of excess niaterial required for the inner and outer surfaces in
order to
enable placement or insertion, i.e., a play between these surfaces, handling
of such
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FIBCs, in particular before the filling process, is made difficult and the
stability is
reduced.
Examples of suchi flexible containers with a reinforcement by means of rigid
plates or frame ane disclosed in FR 2 546 488, WO 01/25101 Al, DE 20 2005
000 885 U1, GB 2 311 773 A and US 6,203,198 B1.
Moreover, tubs for storing liquids are known that have an inflatable self-
supporting sidewall, for example, disclosed in JP20003187912.
An object of the invention resides therefore in that a lightweight, stable,
easily
producible and inexpensive container sidewall for containers is to be
provided.
Moreover, a lightweight and easy-to-use container with at least one such
container sidewall is be provided which in particular is foldable and is
distinguished by excellent shape stability especially in the filled state.
Moreover,
a product-transporting receptacle is to be provided that comprises at least
one
such container.
This object is solved in accordance with the invention by a container sidewall
with
the features of claim 1. For this purpose, on a container sidewall with two
parallel oriented boundary surfaces that delimit at least partially a cavity
at least
one connecting means for the two boundary surfaces is provided in the area of
the cavity whereiri the cavity is filled or fillable at least partially with a
shape-
stabilizable material. In this way, a simple manufacture and customizing of
the
container sidewall are enabled because the shape of the container sidewall can
be determined by imeans of the shape of the cavity. The labor, material and
cost
expenditures are thus reduced because the use of complex molds or machines is
no longer required. Moreover, the container sidewalls can be flexible,
expandable or both. In addition, high cutting and puncture resistance are
provided as well as high tear resistance.
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For example, a least one container sidewall that is stiffened and/or shape-
stabilized by mearis of the shape-stabilizable material can be connected to at
least one flexible element, for example, a flexible container sidewall, for
example,
by sewing, gluing, welding or the like.
With respect to the container, this object is solved according to the
invention in
that the container provided for receiving goods to be transported comprises a
plurality of sidewalls wherein at least one of the sidewalls is embodied as a
container sidewall
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of the aforementioned and subsequently described kind. In this way, a
lightweight
construction of the container results which container is also flexible, i.e.,
at least
partially foldable. Moreover, an excellent shape stability, for example, after
erecting
the container, is ensured, in particular in the filled state. For example, a
container
having a fill volume of 1,000 cm3 could weigh 5 to 15 kg.
In regard to the product-transporting receptacle, this object is solved in
that the
container comprises at least one first container and one second container of
the
aforementioned and subsequently described kind. The product-transporting
receptacle is thus, on the one hand, lightweight and flexible, i.e., at least
partially
foldable and, on the other hand, is stable, in particular in the filled state.
For
example, a high lateral stability, particularly in case of filling with liquid
or pasty
materials, is provided. Moreover, the manufacture of the product-transporting
receptacle is simple and inexpensive because essentially the same machines
used
for the manufacture of the first and the second containers are used and/or
similar
working steps are carried out in this connection.
Advantageous embocliments of the invention are the object of the respective
dependent claims. The employed claim dependencies in this connection refer to
the
further embodiment of' the object of the independent claims by the features of
the
respective dependant claims; the dependencies are not to be understood as a
waiver in regard to obtaining an independent object protection for the feature
combinations of the subordinate dependent claims. Moreover, with regard to the
interpretation of the claims for a detailed concrete embodiment of a feature
in a
dependent claim, it is to be understood that such a limitation is not present
in the
preceding claims.
In a preferred embodiment of the container sidewall at least one of the
boundary
surfaces is comprised at least partially of a fabric. In this way, a high
flexibility as
well as minimal weight are ensured. Moreover, an excellent force uptake and
force
distribution are ensured by means of the fabric.
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Especially preferred is a polymer tape fabric, fiber fabric or a combination
of both.
I n this connection, the fabric can comprise, for example, monofilament
fibers, multi-
filament fibers or a combination thereof.
Preferably, the fabric comprises at least partially a synthetic and/or a
natural
polymer, in particular a biopolymer. Moreover, the fabric can at least
partially be
coated with such polymer. In this way, in accordance with the selection of the
polymer an excellent stability as well as, for example, resistance with regard
to
solvents can be achieved and moreover an inexpensive manufacture is ensured.
In this connection, the polymer can be selected from a group that comprises
polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides or a combination thereof. In this way,
weather
resistance, excellent foodstuff compatibility or excellent hygiene properties
are
ensured. The polymer polypropylene is especially preferred.
When the natural polymer is a biopolymer, for example, a biopolymer of a group
comprising a polyhydroxy alkanoate, polylactate or a combination thereof,
after use
an excellent biodegradability or recyclability is ensured, for example.
Preferably, a web, a seam, a rivet, a button, an adhesive connection, a weld
connection or a combination thereof are provided as connecting means. When the
connecting means is a web, it can be particularly in the form of a tie, a
thread, a
monofilament fiber, a multi-filament fiber, or a binding warp of the fabric;
this
ensures a simple manufacture of the container sidewall.
It is especially preferred that the cavity is structured by means of a
plurality of webs
into communicating fields. In this way, a substantially more uniform
fillability is
ensured and the manufacturing expenditure is thus reduced and costs are
reduced.
Moreover, a uniform force uptake and force transmission as a result of a
substantially uniform niaterial strength are ensured.
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It is moreover preferred that the shape-stabilizable material is, for example,
a
granular material, a liquid, a gel, a gas, a foam or a combination thereof.
This
material can therefore be filled simply and inexpensively into the cavity, for
example,
by being poured, cast, injected, blown, sucked in or the like. Moreover, in
this way a
substantially uniform fillability of the cavity and/or distribution of the
shape-
stabilizable material in the cavity is provided. For example, the material can
comprise polyurethane, a resin, bentonite or the like.
It is especially preferred that the shape-stabilizable material is a
polyurethane hard
foam. Such a material is lightweight and after solidification is shape-stable;
this
provides, on the one hand, minimal weight and, on the other hand, excellent
stabilization properties. Moreover, an excellent thermal insulation with
regard to
heat and cold is ensured.
Especially preferred, the shape-stabilizable material in the cavity is at
least
temporarily transferable into a substantially shape-stable form. This can be
realized, for example, by polymerization, curing, solidification, fusing,
gluing or the
like, can be provided for a limited time or can be permanent.
The shape-stabilizable material can be filled, for example, by means of a fill
opening
that is in particular closable, into the cavity. When the fill opening after
introduction
of the shape-stabilizable material into the cavity is closable, it is ensured
that in
case of a material that slowly assumes its shape-stable state the material
remains in
the cavity until at least a partial stabilization has been reached. Moreover,
the
closability makes it possible that the shape-stabilizable material can be
distributed
easily in the cavity, for example, by inverting, pivoting or the like.
Preferably the edges cif a first boundary surface are connected at least
partially to
edges of a second boundary surface in order to form the cavity. In this
connection,
the edges can be conriected for example by means of a seam, a weld connection,
an adhesive connection or a combination thereof. In this way, the cavity can
be
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easily and inexpensively formed and a seal-tightness of the connection
relative to
the shape-stabilizable material is ensured.
Preferably, the container sidewall has a rod-shaped or flat geometry and can
be
additionally deformabNe or shaped along at least one axis. In this way,
excellent
adaptability to a shape, for example, of transported goods and/or stored goods
can
be ensured. For example, a flat container sidewall can be provided as a
pallet, for
example, for packaged goods or the like, and/or can also be used in case of
goods
arranged on such a pallet (or a conventional pallet) for lateral stabilization
of the
goods.
In a preferred embodirnent of the containerthe containercomprises at least one
first
opening adjoining at least one sidewall for introducing or filling in the
goods.
Additionally or alternatively, the first opening can be an integral component
of the
boundary surface or the first opening can replace a sidewall, in particular an
upper
sidewall, at least partially.
The container can cornprise, for example, a second opening that adjoins at
least
one boundary surface for removing transported goods. In this way, a simple
removal of the transported goods, for example, in that it pours, falls, flows,
runs or
the like from the container. In this connection, it can be provided that the
removal
opening is integrated into a bottom side of the container.
When the container comprises a first opening, it can be closable, for example,
by
means of a closure flap of flexible or non-flex material, for example, a
fabric. When
the container comprises a first opening and a second opening, the first
opening, the
second opening or both openings can be closable. Additionally or
alternatively, for
at least one opening ari introducing or filling aid and/or a removal aid, for
example, a
socket, a funnel, a chute, a projection of the like can be provided. Such aid
can be
realized at least partially of a flexible material, for example, a fabric.
When, for
example, a socket or ai funnel of flexible material is present, it can be
closable, for
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example, by a clamp, a clip, a tie, a strap, or the like. Additionally or
alternatively, the removal opening can be generated at the time of removal,
for
example, by mearis of a cut. In this connection, on the surface of a container
sidewall a preferred location can be provided and can be marked for locating
it
more easily, for example, by color.
It is especially preferred that the first and second openings are arranged
opposite
one another so thait a simple and substantially complete introduction and/or
filling
and removal of the transported goods is ensured. For example, the first and
second openings can be arranged on an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall.
Preferably, the coritainer comprises at least one suspension means; in this
way a
simple transport, for example, a suspended transport, is ensured. For example,
the container corriprises one, two, four or more suspension means. In this
connection, the suspension means can be connectable, for example, to at least
one boundary surface or a connecting location of at least two boundary
surfaces.
Additionally or alternatively, the suspension means can be an integral
component
of the boundary surface and/or the connecting location. In this way, a safe,
simple and inexpensive realization of the suspension means can be ensured.
It is especially preferred that the container is at least partially foldable,
in
particular in a substantially empty state. In this way, it is ensured that the
container can be stored and transported in a space-saving and inexpensive way.
In a preferred embodiment of the product-transporting receptacle according to
claim 29 an outer contour of the first container is matched to an inner
contour of
the second container in such a way that the second container receives the
first
container or can receive the first container. In particular, the first
container can
be provided for receiving the goods. The first container will also be referred
to
here and in the following as an inner part and the second container as an
outer
part.
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It is especially preferred in this connection that at least one container
sidewall of the
first container and/or of the second container is effective for shape
stabilization of
the product-transporting receptacle. In this way, material savings as well as
simplification of the manufacture and thus cost reduction are achieved.
It is especially preferred that two oppositely positioned container sidewalls
of the
first container and two oppositely positioned container sidewalls of the
second
container are effective for shape stabilization of the product-transporting
receptacle
wherein the opposite container sidewalls of the first container relative to
the
oppositely positioned container sidewalls of the second container are arranged
such
that, as a whole, four shape-stabilizing container sidewalls result.
In this connection, the product-transporting receptacle can comprise at least
one
support, for example, of metal, wood, plastic material, biopolymer composite
material or the like for stabilization. The at least one support can be, for
example,
tubular, rod-shaped, flat or the like, for example, an angle piece.
Additionally or
alternatively, the support can be arranged in at least one corner area.
In an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, the container sidewall
according to the inverition has at least one mobility strip that extends about
the
entire height of the sidewall and that operates as a hinge; the mobility strip
is free of
stabilizable material and its width corresponds at least to the length of the
connecting means. Advantageously, both boundary surfaces at least partially
are
comprised of fabric and the fabrics are connected in the area of the mobility
strip
across the entire height of the container sidewall in an impermeable way for
the
shape-stable material. The connection is realized in particular by sewing or
interweaving of the two fabrics. When filling the container sidewall with the
shape-
stabilizable material, the thus formed mobility strip is free of shape-
stabilizable
material and maintains thus its flexibility so that the mobility strip can
operate as a
hinge. In this way, it is achieved that the container sidewall is foldable
even in the
state filled with the shape-stabilizable material. Advantageously, the
container
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sidewall has at two opposed ends a mobility strip, respectively, as well as a
third
mobility strip between the two first mobility strips. In this connection, the
strips are
also free of shape-stabilizable material and their width corresponds at least
to the
length of the connecting means. By means of this configuration an even more
improved folding of the container sidewall is achieved when it is connected
with
further container sidewalls to form a container. In an especially preferred
configuration of a container according to the invention, at least two opposite
container sidewalls are provided with one of several configurations of the
aforementioned mobility strips. Advantageously, the container has in this
connection a substantially cubical shape with four container sidewalls
according to
the invention of which at least two opposed sidewalls each have three mobility
strips
of the aforementioned kind. In this way, a space-saving folding of the
container in
the empty state is possible. The bottom and the top of the container are
preferably
formed by a fabric with a closable opening for filling or emptying the
container.
Embodiments of the invention will be explained in the following with the aid
of the
drawing in more detail. Objects or elements that correspond to one another are
identified in the Figures with same reference numerals.
The, or each, embodiment is not to be understood as a limitation of the
invention.
Instead, in the context of the present disclosure, numerous variations and
modifications are possible, in particular such variants, combinations and/or
materials that, for example, by combinations or modification of individual
features or
elements, described in connection with the general or special description part
as
well as in the claims and/or the drawings, are apparent to a person skilled in
the art
with regard to the solution of the object and, by combinable features lead to
a new
object, also in regard 1to the manufacturing processes. It is shown in:
Fig. 1 a schematic perspective illustration of a cross-section of a container
sidewall
according to one embodiment of the invention;
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Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of a cross-section of a further embodiment of
the
container sidewall according to Fig. 1:
Fig. 3 a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of the
container
sidewall according to Fig. 1:
Fig. 4 a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of the
container
sidewall according to the invention according to Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of the
container
sidewall according to the invention in accordance with Fig. 4;
Figs. 6a, 6b, 6c schematic cross-sections of different embodiments of a
container
according to the invention;
Fig. 7 a semi-transparent schematic illustration of a further embodiment of a
container according to the invention;
Fig. 8 a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of a container
according
to the invention;
Fig. 9 a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of a container
according
to the invention in accordance with Fig. 8 provided with supports;
Figs. 10a, 10b a semi-transparent schematic illustration of an outer part of a
further
embodiment of a container according to the invention;
Fig. 11 a semi-transparent schematic illustration of an inner part of an
embodiment
of a container according to the invention according to Fig. 10a and/or 10b;
Fig. 12 a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a product-transporting
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receptacle according to the invention with an inner part and an outer part;
Fig. 13 a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of the product-
transporting receptacle according to the invention in accordance with Fig. 12;
Fig. 14 shows a container according to the invention in three-dimensional
illustration;
Fig. 15 shows a side view of the container sidewall XV according to the
invention
illustrated in Fig. 14;
Fig. 16 shows the object of Fig. 15 in a section view according to the line
XVI-XVI;
and
Fig. 17 shows a cross-section illustration of the object of Fig. 14 with two
partially
folded container sidewalls.
In the following, elements that function in the same way are identified with
the same
reference numeral, should this be beneficial.
Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a cross-section of a
container
sidewall 10 according to the invention with two parallel arranged boundary
surfaces
12a, 12b, for example, made of a fabric 14a, 14b that are connected to one
another
at the edges 16, for example, by sewing, and in this way delimit a cavity 18.
In
addition or alternatively, the edges 16 can be glued, welded or connected in a
similar way. In the area of the cavity 18 the two boundary surfaces 12a, 12b
are
connected to one another by a plurality of connecting means 20, here in the
form of
webs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, for example, made of polypropylene tapes, so that the
boundary surfaces 12a, 12b essentially do not surpass a spacing that is
determined
by the length of the webs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. In this way, fields 24 that
communicate with one another are formed whose shape is determined by the
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arrangement of the webs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d in the cavity 18. This construction
is
referred to here anci in the following as a spaced-apart double fabric 25.
Additionally or alternatively, the connecting means can comprise multi-
filament
fibers or the like.
Additionally, the cavity 18 is fillable with a shape-stabilizable material
18a, for
example, a polyurethane foam, in particular polyurethane hard foam. In this
connection, the shape-stabilizable material 18a will be distributed in the
fields 24
because they communicate with one another (communicating fields) so that after
solidification of the foam a substantially stiff container sidewall 10 with
the capability
of force uptake and force distribution results. A shape of the container
sidewall 10,
for example, a flat shape, results in principle from the shape of the cavity
18, the
spacing of the boundary surfaces 12a, 12b, and the fill volume. In this
connection,
the length of the webs 22 determines the thickness of the container sidewall
10 but
in the areas that are not connected by means of webs 22a, 22c, 22c, 22b pillow-
like
bulges of the fields 24 can occur within certain limits. Filling of the cavity
18 with the
shape-stabilizable material 18a is realized, for example, by means of an at
least
partially open edge 16 or a fill opening 26. In the case of a fill opening 26,
the fill
opening can be closed, for example, tied off, sewn shut or the like, after the
shape-
stabilizable material has been filled in or after solidification of the shape-
stabilizable
material 18a.
Fig. 2 shows schematically simplified a cross-section of a further embodiment
of a
container sidewall 10 that substantially corresponds to that disclosed in
connection
with Fig. 1. However, the webs 22a, 22b of the spaced-apart double fabric 25
are
embodied as doubled webs 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, for example, as a binding warp
28a,
28b.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a
container sidewall 10 that substantially corresponds to that disclosed in
connection
with Fig. 1. As a result of the arrangement of the webs 22a-22h, after filling
the
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cavity 18, for example, with polyurethane foam, convex support elements 30a,
30b,
30c, 30d, 30e result that project past the surface of the container sidewall
10 at
least upwardly and downwardly. In this connection, support elements 30a, 30b,
30c, 30d, 30e are advantageously provided at least in the corner areas 32a,
32b,
32c, 32d of the container sidewall 10. Moreover, the support elements 30a,
30b,
30c, 30d, 30e can be located also in the central area of the container
sidewall 10.
Fig. 4 shows schematically simplified a further embodiment of a container
sidewall
which is substantially identical to that described in connection with Fig. 3
but
comprises support elements 30f, 30g along two opposed edges 16.
Fig. 5 shows schematically simplified a container sidewall 10 that corresponds
substantially to that illustrated in Fig. 4 and has a second opening 34 in a
central
area of the container sidewall 10. This second opening 34 is surrounded by an
annular support element 36.
All support elements 30a-30g, 36 illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5 can be formed by
partially
removing webs 22a-22h or it is possible not to provide webs 22a-22h at the
corresponding locatioris from the outset.
Fig. 6a shows a schematically simplified cross-section of an embodiment of a
container 38 according to the invention with flexible sidewalls 40a, 40b, 40c,
40d
and an interior 42 delimited by them wherein the sidewalls 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d
correspond in their configuration to the configuration of the spaced-apart
double
fabric 25 as illustrated in Fig. 2 and at least partially are fillable with
shape-
stabilizable material 18a so that a container sidewall 10 of the kind
illustrated in Fig.
2 is obtained. In this connection, neighboring sidewalls 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d
are
connected to one another by sewing at connecting locations 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d.
In
addition or alternatively, they can also be connected by gluing, welding or
the like.
In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 6b the interior 42 is delimited by an
annular
sidewall 40a that has no connecting locations 44a, 44b, 44c, 44 (shown in Fig.
6a).
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The basic configuraticin corresponds to that illustrated in Fig. 6a.
Alternatively, as
illustrated in Fig. 6c, the annular boundary surface 40a comprises a
connecting
location 44a.
Fig. 7 shows a semi-transparent schematic illustration of a further embodiment
of a
container 38 according to the invention with rectangular cross-section. A
sidewall
40a-40d, here a lower sidewall 46, corresponds in its configuration to
container
sidewall 10 illustrated in Fig. 5 and is connected to the adjoining container
sidewalls.
An upper sidewall 48 comprises a first opening 50 with a filling aid 52, here
a
flexible upwardly openi filling socket 54 wherein the first and second
openings 50, 34
are substantially positioned opposite one another. The fill opening 52 can be
optional or the first opening 50 can replace the upper sidewall 48. In this
connection, the rectarigular cross-section can be square, for example.
On the upper corner 54a, 54b, 54c, 54d of the container 38 there are
suspension
means 56a, 56b, 56c, 56b, for example, loops which are connected to the
connecting locations 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, for example, are sewn in or the like.
Additionally or alternatively, the suspension means 56a, 56b, 56c, 56c can
also be
connected to the sidewalls 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, for example, by sewing, or can
even
be formed by them.
Moreover, the seconci opening 34 can comprise a removal aid, for example, a
removal socket, and the first, the second or both openings 34, 50 can be
closable
by means of a closure means, for example, a clip, a clamp, a tie, or the like
and/or
can be covered by means of a web of flexible material.
Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of a container
38
according to the invention in which four sidewalls 40a-40d are connected
flexibly to
one another at connecting locations 44a-44d. Two oppositely positioned
sidewalls
40b, 40d are container sidewalls 10a, 10b of the afore described kind and two
oppositely positioned sidewalls 40a, 40c are flexible.
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Moreover, two further container sidewalls 10c, 10d are movably connected at an
edge 16b, 16c to the connecting locations 44b, 44d and in this way, like a
hinge, are
foldable so that a foldability of the container 38 results. Additionally or
alternatively,
upper, lower or both sidewalls 48, 46 (shown in Fig. 7) can also be container
sidewalls 10 and movably connected to the connecting locations 44b, 44d and
thus
be collapsible or foldable.
Fig. 9 shows a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of container 38
according to the invention in accordance with Fig. 8, wherein additionally in
the area
of the connecting locations 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d a support 10v, 10x, 10y, 10z is
located, respectively. It can be tubular, rod-shaped or flat and can be
comprised of
metal, wood, plastic material, biopolymer, composite material, for example, a
rod-
shaped element filled with foamed polyurethane, or the like.
Fig. 10a shows a serrii-transparent schematic illustration of an outer part 58
of a
further embodiment of a container 38 according to the invention. It
corresponds
substantially to the coritainer 38 illustrated in Fig. 7 but two opposed
sidewalls 40b,
40d are embodied as container sidewalls 10a, 10b as described above and two
opposed sidewalls 40a, 40c are flexible. At the upper corners 54a, 54b, 54c,
54b of
the outer part 58 of the container 38 there are suspension means 56a, 56b,
56c,
56d connected to the connecting locations 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, and the first
and
second openings 34, 50 are rectangular and are delimited by stays that are
formed
by the upper and lower sidewalls 48, 46.
The outer part 58 illustrated in Fig. 10b corresponds substantially to that
illustrated
in Fig. 10a, but the first and second openings 54, 50 are round.
Fig. 11 shows a semi-transparent schematic illustration of an inner part 60 -
first
container 38 - of an embodiment of the container 38 according to the invention
which is combinable with the outer part 58 - second container 60a - as
illustrated in
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Fig. 10a or 10b, for example, is insertable into this second container 60a
(see Figs.
10a and 10b). In this connection, two oppositely positioned sidewalls 40b, 40d
are
container sidewalls 10a, 10b and two oppositely positioned sidewalls 40a, 40c
are
flexible. The first and second openings 50, 34 are connected to a fill socket
54 or a
removal socket 61. Preferably, the inner part 60 has an outer edge length
which is
smaller than a corresponding inner edge length of the outer part 58
(illustrated in
Figs. 6a and 6b) so that the inner part 60 can be inserted into the outer part
58 and
therefore both parts 60, 58 provide a product-transporting receptacle 62. In
this
connection, the sidewalls of the inner and outer parts 60, 58 (see Figs. 10a,
10b)
can contact at least partially, for example, positive-lockingly, frictionally,
or positive-
lockingly and frictionally. The inner part 60 is provided for receiving the
goods to be
transported.
Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of a product-
transporting receptacle 62 according to the invention with an inner and outer
parts
60, 58 (first and second containers 38, 60a) in which the inner part 60 is
inserted
into the outer part 58 so that the container sidewalls 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2
are
arranged substantially parallel to one another so that the product-
transporting
receptacle 62 is foldable. Before filling is done, the inner and outer parts
60, 58 are
turned by 90 degrees relative to one another so that the four container
sidewalls
10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2 stabilize the goods to be transported on four sides.
Fig. 13 shows a schematic cross-section of a further embodiment of a product-
transporting receptacle 62 according to the invention in accordance with Fig.
12
wherein additionally a support 10v, 10x, 10y, 10z is provided, respectively,
in the
area of the connecting locations 44a-44d of the outer part 58.
Fig. 14 shows a container 38 according to the invention with four container
sidewalls
10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4 of which two opposite sidewalls 10.1, 10.3 each have
three
mobility strips 63, respectively, that extend across the entire height h of
the
container sidewalls 10.1 10.3. Figs. 15 and 16 illustrated the positioning and
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configuration of the mobility strips 63. One mobility strip 63 is arranged on
the
oppositely positioned ends of the container sidewalls 10.1, respectively, and
a third
mobility strip 63 is located centrally between the first two mobility strips
63. The two
further container sidewalls 10.2 and 10.4 each have only two mobility strips
63 on
opposite ends of the container sidewalls 10.2,10.4. Positioning and
arrangement of
the mobility strips 63 and the thus enabled foldability of the container 38
can be
taken from Fig. 17. The width b of the mobility strips 63 corresponds at least
to the
length L of the connecting means 20. The container 38 illustrated in Fig. 14
has
moreover suspension means 56a, 56b, 56c, 56b for transport of the container 38
and comprises a first opening 15 with a filling aid 52 that can be closed off
by
closure means 64, here in the form of ties.
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