BOX HAVING A VARIABLE SIZE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a box designed as a multi-body system with variable box volume and/or box shape, a closable box with variable box volume and/or box shape and a kit of parts for the respective box according to the corresponding independent claim.

BACKGROUND

Boxes for shipping parcels or for storing objects are generally known in countless sizes and designs. One problem that arises particularly in shipping is that in most cases a box is only partially filled and the rest is air space or filled with filling material. There are software solutions for optimally filling a larger space, such as a container, with the parcels to be shipped, so that the entire container space is filled with parcels of different sizes and shapes. However, such solutions only partially optimize the required space, as the content and filling level of the individual parcels is not known and therefore optimization in this respect is not possible.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a solution by means of which a box can be optimized in terms of filling level and space taken up.

The objective is reached in a first aspect of the invention with a box with variable box volume and/or box shape. The box has four box lateral walls and a box base and is configured as a multi-body system. It comprises a first, a second, a third and a fourth element, wherein each element has two lateral walls and a base and is connected to two adjacent elements so that each element forms a corner of the box. The box base is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases of all elements. Each box lateral wall is formed by a lateral wall of one element and a lateral wall of an adjacent element in such a way that these lateral walls are pushed into one another. The lateral walls of the elements, which are pushed into one another, can each be shifted back-and-forth relatively to one another in a longitudinal direction of the lateral walls between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position. The change in the box volume and/or the box shape is achieved by changing the length of any two opposite box lateral walls or of any two opposite box lateral walls and then of the other two opposite box lateral walls. Each box lateral wall is formed by a lateral wall with a longitudinal guide and a lateral wall without longitudinal guide in such a way that the lateral wall without longitudinal guide can be accommodated in the longitudinal guide of the lateral wall with longitudinal guide and can be held therein so as to be shiftable back-and-forth.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a closable box with variable box volume and/or box shape, comprising a first box according to the first aspect of the invention for storing objects and a second box according to the first aspect of the invention, which second box is provided as a lid for the first box. The volume and/or shape of the second box can be adapted to the volume and/or shape of the first box such that the second box can be slipped over the first box, so that the second box provided as a lid closes the first box.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a kit of parts for assembling a box according to the first aspect of the invention or for assembling a closable box according to the second aspect of the invention.

Since the box according to the invention has a variable volume, it can be adapted in size to the intended contents. In particular when the box is used for shipping, the size of the box can be adjusted by the sender himself, as the only person who has an influence on the contents of the box, so that as little air space as possible is created in the box. This optimizes the space requirement of the box. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous when the box is used for shipping, that filling material, which is often used to fill the empty space in the box to prevent the contents from flying around and being damaged, can be saved. This also saves weight, which improves the ecological balance.

The flexibility of the box is also demonstrated by the fact that its shape can be changed. This means that it can also be adapted to the spatial conditions outside the box, wherein, for example, the volume can remain the same depending on the contents. In other words, the box according to the invention can be configured in such a way that only its volume changes and the shape remains the Same, or that only its shape changes and its volume remains the same, or that its shape and volume change. This makes the box particularly suitable for storing objects, for example at home, since it can be adapted to additional objects and/or to the dimensions of a storage space provided for this purpose.

A further advantage of the second aspect of the invention is that the box can be closed with a similar changeable lid, which can be adapted to the selected box shape and to the selected box volume. Thus, the box can be easily closed after it has been filled and brought into the desired shape. The closeable box is therefore very suitable as a shipping box.

A further advantage of the boxes according to the first and second aspects of the invention is that the volume can be increased without increasing the weight, since the elements have a constant weight.

As the box is designed as a multi-body system and consists of elements (individual bodies), it can advantageously also be sold as a kit of parts for the individual elements, which saves a significant amount of space during storage and transportation. In addition, only individual elements can be replaced if, for example, an element has been damaged during shipping. This means that it is not necessary to replace the entire box, which improves the ecological balance.

The box according to the invention is preferably made of plastic, with the individual elements of the box preferably being in one piece. Advantageously, a plastic box can be reused, which produces less waste. If the box is formed from one-piece elements, it can advantageously be manufactured more cheaply using known processes such as injection molding. It is preferred if the box is made of plastic that is recovered from the oceans, for example, which contributes to cleaning up the environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. It is shown in:

FIG. 1 a perspective view of a box according to the invention in a configuration with minimum volume,

FIG. 2 a perspective view of the box according to the invention in a configuration with maximum volume,

FIG. 3 a perspective view of the box according to the invention from FIG. 1 in an exploded view with individual elements,

FIG. 4 a view from above showing the box base of the box according to the invention in the configuration with maximum volume from FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 a perspective view of the box according to the invention from FIG. 3 in an exploded view with individual elements shown in reverse to FIG. 3 to illustrate the box base,

FIG. 6 a top view of an element of the box according to a further embodiment in the unfolded state,

FIG. 7 a perspective view of the box according to the invention with elements for fastening the lateral walls to one another,

FIGS. 8 and 9 each a perspective view of a further embodiment of an element of the box according to the invention,

FIG. 10 a perspective view of detail A from FIG. 8,

FIG. 11 a top view of detail B from FIG. 9,

FIG. 12 a perspective view of an element of the box according to the invention with alternative elements for fastening the lateral walls to one another,

FIG. 13 a top view of detail A from FIG. 8,

FIGS. 14 and 15 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the box according to the invention, and

FIG. 16 a perspective view of a further embodiment of the box according to the invention with insertable lateral walls.

WAY(S) TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

A “multi-body system” is understood here as a mechanical system of individual bodies that are coupled together by joints. The joints themselves can be part of the individual bodies. The “individual bodies” are referred to below as “elements”. The joints used here are so-called linear joints, which in the present context are each formed by two lateral walls forming a box lateral wall, wherein one lateral wall can be accommodated in the other lateral wall and can be held therein so as to be shiftable back-and-forth. The hinge function is understood as a displacement of the lateral walls relative to each other to change the length of the box lateral wall.

In the present context, a clip fastener includes any fastener that functions by snapping a fastening element into another fastening element. This includes click fasteners, snap fasteners and latching fasteners.

In the present context, the terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the interior of the box or the surroundings of the box. Accordingly, for example, “inwards” means towards the inside of the box or facing the inside of the box and “outwards” means towards the surroundings of the box or facing the surroundings of the box.

FIGS. 1 and 2 each show a perspective view of a box 10 according to the invention in a configuration with minimum volume and in a configuration with maximum volume, respectively. The box 10 has four box lateral walls 10a and a box base 10b. The box is designed as a multi-body system. As can be seen from the combined view of FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal volume and/or the shape of the box can be varied, which is made possible by interaction between the elements of the box. The box is preferably made of plastic, in particular of a solid plastic material to ensure high stability. It is preferred if the wall thickness of the box is at least 3 to 4 mm.

In this example, the box has a cuboid shape. However, it could also be cube-shaped. This would be achieved by the lateral walls of the elements being the same length.

FIG. 2 shows that the box 10 is formed from a first element 1, a second element 2, a third element 3 and a fourth element 4.

The elements of the box interact with each other to achieve the intended volume or shape adjustment. Each element has 2 degrees of freedom, which are marked x and y in the figures. The wall lengths of the lateral walls of the elements also refer to these directions. The box lateral walls are formed by the lateral walls of the elements, each of which engages with neighboring lateral walls. This is now explained in more detail in connection with FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the box according to the invention of FIG. 1 or 2 in an exploded view with the first element 1, the second element 2, the third element 3 and the fourth element 4. Each element has a first lateral wall 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, a second lateral wall 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b and a base 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c. To form the box, each element can be connected to two adjacent elements, so that when the elements are connected, each element forms a corner of the box. In the connected state of the elements, each box lateral wall 10a is formed by the first lateral wall of one of the elements and the second lateral wall of an adjacent element 1a, 4b; 1b, 2a; 2b, 3a; 3b, 4a. In other words, the two lateral walls form a linear joint. This results in four linear joints 11a (FIG. 2), each of which enables a relative movement of the respective cooperating lateral walls with only one degree of freedom, i.e. either in the X direction or in the Y direction. The first lateral wall of one element and the second lateral wall of the neighboring element can be moved back-and-forth relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the lateral walls between a minimum overlap position and a maximum overlap position. Accordingly, the first lateral wall la of the first element 1 is connected to the second lateral wall 4b of the fourth element 4, the second lateral wall 1b of the first element 1 is connected to the first lateral wall 2a of the second element 2, the second lateral wall 2b of the second element 2 is connected to the first lateral wall 3a of the third element 3 and the second lateral wall 3b of the third element 3 is connected to the first lateral wall 4a of the fourth element 4. The box base 10b is formed by at least partially overlapping the bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of all elements, which is visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. The box volume or the box shape can be changed by the relative displacement of the lateral walls of at least two opposing box lateral walls (linear joints).

In embodiments, the box volume is determined by the relative displacement of the lateral walls 1a-4b, 2b-3a; 1b-2a, 3b-4a of two opposing box lateral walls from the maximum overlap position to the minimum overlap position and subsequent relative displacement of the lateral walls 1b-2a, 3b-4a; 1a-4b, 2b-3a of the other two opposite box lateral walls from the maximum overlap position to the minimum overlap position between a configuration with minimum box volume and a configuration with maximum box volume, and vice versa. In this example, the cuboid shape is retained. Of course, intermediate positions of the overlapping of the lateral walls are also possible, so that any configuration between the configuration with minimum and maximum box volume can be Set steplessly. In particular, as mentioned, not only the volume of the box can be changed, but also the shape of the box. The shape of the box can only be changed in the intermediate positions between the configuration with minimum box volume and a configuration with maximum box volume, as these extreme positions depend on the shape of the individual elements. In this example, the cuboid box can be converted into a cube-shaped box in an intermediate position, for example by adapting the length of two opposing box lateral walls to the length of the other two opposing box lateral walls. A change in the volume of the box is explained below as an example based on the configuration with minimum box volume. To increase the box volume, the box must first be enlarged in the x-direction or y-direction by pulling on a box lateral wall. If, for example, the box lateral wall 4a/3b is pulled in the y-direction, the length of the two box lateral walls 1a/4b and 2b/3a increases. Generally speaking, the volume and/or shape of the box is achieved by pulling/pushing a box lateral wall or successively a box lateral wall and a further box lateral wall perpendicular to it

In other words, not only the volume of the box but also its shape can be varied. For example, between the configurations with minimum and maximum box volume, it is possible to change only the box volume, e.g. by changing the length of the box lateral walls so that the box remains cuboid, but its volume changes. On the other hand, if the length of the box lateral walls is changed accordingly, only the shape can be changed, e.g. by changing the box from a cuboid shape with volume V1 to a cube shape with volume V1. Finally, the shape and the box volume can of course also be changed. Between the configuration with minimum box volume and the configuration with maximum box volume, the shape and/or the box volume can be varied continuously (i.e. steplessly), wherein the shape can be varied steplessly between cuboid and cube-shaped. These possibilities illustrate the high flexibility of the box and its adaptability to the contents and available storage space for the box. Each box lateral wall is formed by a lateral wall with a longitudinal guide 1a; 1b; 3a; 4a and a lateral wall without longitudinal guide 2a; 2b; 3b; 4b in such a way that the lateral wall without longitudinal guide can be accommodated in the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall with longitudinal guide and can be held therein so as to be shiftable back-and-forth.

In one variant of the box (not shown), the lateral walls of the elements are designed in such a way that exactly one lateral wall of all elements comprises a longitudinal guide. In FIG. 3, the lateral wall 1b of the first element would be exchanged with the lateral wall 2a of the second element.

However, the second variant shown in FIG. 3 is preferred. In this variant, both lateral walls 1a, 1b of the first element 1 have a longitudinal guide 9a. Neither lateral wall 2a, 2b of the second element 2 has a longitudinal guide. In each case, one lateral wall 3a, 4a of the third element 3 or the fourth element 4 has a longitudinal guide 9a and the other lateral wall 3b, 4b of the third element 3 or the fourth element 4 has no longitudinal guide.

The longitudinal guides of the lateral walls 9a are preferably formed by an L-profile open towards the box base 10b, which is arranged at the upper edge of the respective lateral wall with longitudinal guide 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a. In FIG. 3, the L-profile is best visible at the reference 9a of the element 4. The L-profile preferably extends continuously essentially along the entire length of the lateral wall with longitudinal guide. However, it is also possible that the L-profile comprises several L-profile sections distributed along the length of the lateral wall. The upper edge 9b of each lateral wall without longitudinal guide can be accommodated in the cavity between the L-profile or the L-profile sections and the respective lateral wall with longitudinal guide and can be held therein so that it can be displaced back-and-forth. It is preferable if the upper edge 9b of the lateral wall without longitudinal guide is thinner than the rest of the lateral wall without longitudinal guide in the area where it is received in the cavity and has a gradation 9c towards the inside of the box, which is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3 at the third element 3. This has the advantage of saving material and makes it intuitively easier for the user to recognize what needs to be inserted into each other. In addition, the box lateral wall can be designed as an overall smooth surface without steps if the L-leg of the longitudinal guide parallel to one lateral wall is flush with the surface of the cooperating other lateral wall. However, the longitudinal guides could be designed in a variety of alternative plug-in connections. They could also be arranged at other points along the lateral walls. However, the arrangement at the upper edge is preferred, as this provides comparatively high stability and avoids a potential gap between two adjacent lateral walls.

Both lateral walls of each box lateral wall preferably each have a first limiting element 5a, 5b. When the minimum overlap position is reached, the first limiting elements engage with each other in such a way that further pulling apart of the lateral walls can be prevented. In a preferred embodiment, the first limiting elements are designed as projections facing each other and overlapping in the longitudinal direction. The projections 5a of the lateral walls with longitudinal guide are directed towards the inside of the box and the projections 5b of the lateral walls without longitudinal guide are directed towards the outside of the box. If two lateral walls are now inserted into each other for the first time, the projection 5b of the lateral wall without longitudinal guide must overcome the projection 5a of the lateral wall with longitudinal guide. For this purpose, the projections are designed to be stepless towards the edge of the corresponding lateral panel so that they can easily slide over each other and engage after the highest point. During this process, the lateral wall without the longitudinal guide is bent slightly towards the inside of the box, creating a tension that is released once the highest point of the protrusions is reached by snapping the protrusion 5b of the lateral wall without the longitudinal guide towards the lateral wall with the longitudinal guide. On this side, the projections each have a step so that they abut against each other when the lateral walls are pulled apart and do not allow further pulling apart. In other words, they have a sawtooth shape in embodiments. However, it is possible to completely separate the elements of the box in a way that the user pushes the respective lateral wall without longitudinal guide slightly towards the inside of the box in order to overcome the step of the protrusion of the cooperating lateral wall with longitudinal guide. Advantageously, the box according to the invention is safer due to the use of the protrusions and cannot be accidentally disassembled into its individual parts, e.g. if only an adjustment of the box volume or shape is desired. Due to the special design and position of the protrusions, the user must carry out special deliberate steps to disassemble the box into its individual parts.

Alternatively or additionally, the first limiting elements can be arranged in the L-profile of the longitudinal guides 9a or on the upper edges 9b of the lateral walls. In this case, they are designed as described above, with one projection of the upper edge of one lateral wall extending vertically upwards and the cooperating projection of the L-profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the other lateral wall extending vertically downwards and being arranged in the rail formed by the L-profile.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement of the bases of the elements. The bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the elements are preferably arranged and designed in such a way that they overlap to a greater or lesser extent during the relative shifting of the lateral walls in a predetermined sequence, depending on the degree of shifting, so that the box base comprises four base layers at least in some areas. Maximum overlapping of the bases is achieved in the configuration with minimum box volume (FIG. 1), in which all four bases are essentially arranged in a stack on top of each other. A minimum overlap of the base exists in the configuration with maximum box volume, which is shown in FIG. 2.

The above-mentioned predetermined order of the bases is preferably selected so that the base of the second element, i.e. in the preferred configuration of the box of element 2 with two lateral walls without a longitudinal guide, is arranged at the top and represents the inside of the box base in the configuration with minimum box volume. The base of the first element 1, i.e. the element with two lateral walls with a longitudinal guide, is arranged at the base and represents the outside of the box base in the configuration with minimum box volume.

Preferably, the configuration with minimum box volume, i.e. with maximum overlap of the base, is achieved when at least one of the base abuts one of the lateral walls of another element.

The design of the bases is explained in more detail below, which is best seen by looking at FIGS. 3 and 4 together. Basically, the bases of the elements can be inserted into each other according to the same principle as the lateral walls, in that base guides are provided for them in a similar way to the longitudinal guides of the lateral walls, so that linear joints are also used here. This considerably increases the stability of the box. However, the bases could also be designed without base guides and merely overlap without interlocking when the box is assembled. Since the box according to the invention is preferably made of a rigid plastic, the bases could be made thicker, for example, so that the stability is still provided without base guides. Even without making the bases thicker, this design without base guides would be possible for small boxes in the range of, for example, 20 or 30 cm edge length in the configuration with maximum box volume. However, the version with base guides is preferred.

In each case, two adjacent bases are pushed into one another so that a first base pair 1c, 4c and a second base pair 2c, 3c are formed. Each base has a first edge (at reference 8a, 8b in FIG. 3) and a second edge arranged perpendicular to it (at reference 8c, 8d in FIG. 3), wherein the first edges of the bases are parallel to each other and the second edges of the bases are parallel to each other. One base 1c, 3c of each base pair has a first base guide 8a at the first edge and the other base 2c, 4c of each base pair has no base guide at the first edge. The bases with first base guide 1c, 3c are not adjacent, wherein the first edge of each of the base without base guide 2c, 4c is receivable in the first base guide 8a of one of the bases with first base guide and is slidable back-and-forth therein. In FIG. 3, the fourth element is thus inserted into the first element by simultaneously inserting the edge 9b of the lateral wall of the fourth element into the longitudinal guide of the lateral wall of the first element and the base edge 8b of the fourth element into the base guide 8a of the first element. In this way, the base 4c is positioned above the base 1c. This procedure is analogous for inserting the second element into the third element. The two pairs of bases are thus formed. In a further step, the pairs of bases must now be joined together.

For this purpose, the base without the first base guide 4c of the first base pair has a second base guide 8c on its second edge and the base with the first base guide 3c of the second base pair can be received with its second edge 8d in the second base guide 8c and held therein so that it can be displaced back-and-forth. As a result, the base 2c belonging to the second base pair has neither a first base guide nor a second base guide. In this way, the base pairs are connected to each other and also form a linear joint in a broader sense. Of course, the lateral walls are also connected in a similar way to that described above for connecting the elements to form base pairs. Thus, when the edge 8d of the base 3c is inserted into the base guide 8c of the base 4c, the edge 9b of the lateral wall of the third element is simultaneously inserted into the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall of the fourth element and the edge 9b of the lateral wall of the second element is inserted into the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall of the first element.

FIG. 4 shows that the base pair 1c/4c is located below the base pair 2c/3c. The base 2c belonging to the second base pair without the first base guide and without the second base guide is the uppermost base when the bases overlap and the base 1c of the first base pair adjacent to it is the lowermost base.

As mentioned, the base guides 8a, 8c are preferably designed similarly to the longitudinal guides of the lateral walls. The first base guides 8a and the second base guide 8c are each designed as an L-profile open laterally towards the opposite lateral wall of the associated element (FIG. 3 at reference 8c). The first edges 8b received in the first base guides 8a are each thinner than the rest of the respective base and have a gradation towards the inside of the box. The second edge 8d accommodated in the second base guide 8c is thinner than the rest of the base 3c and is stepped towards the inside of the box. This design is analogous to the thinner edges of the lateral walls without longitudinal guide.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the box according to the invention of FIG. 3 in an exploded view with individual elements shown in reverse to FIG. 3 to illustrate the base of the box. The element 2 with the uppermost base 2c is preferably designed in such a way that the uppermost base 2c comes to rest on the first base guide 8a of the element 1 with the lowermost base 1c. It is preferable if the lateral wall of the element with the uppermost base 2c, which is perpendicular to the first base guide, has a spacer 7 below the uppermost base, which comes to rest on the lowermost base 1c. For this purpose, the base guide 8a of the first element has a gap 7a on the corresponding lateral wall 1b, in which the spacer 7 can be received. This advantageously increases the stability of the box.

Preferably, at least all lateral walls without longitudinal guide 2a, 2b, 3b, 4b have first reinforcing ribs 6a on the outside. The first reinforcing ribs can be vertical reinforcing ribs and/or horizontal reinforcing ribs and/or diagonal reinforcing ribs. However, the design shown in FIG. 5 is preferred. Therein, an interruption 6c of the reinforcing ribs in the form of a channel is provided, which is intended to receive the projection 5a of the lateral wall of the other element of the respective box lateral wall described above.

Preferably, the bases 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c of the elements also have second reinforcing ribs 6b on the outside or on the inside, which can also be vertical reinforcing ribs and/or horizontal reinforcing ribs and/or diagonal reinforcing ribs.

As mentioned, the box according to the invention is preferably made of plastic, in particular of a thermosetting plastic. The advantage is that such a box can be reused much more often than a comparable cardboard box, although the production of the box according to the invention from cardboard is of course not excluded. In addition, the thermosetting plastic box is robust.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an element of the box according to a further embodiment in a folded outwards state, and FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the box according to the invention of FIG. 2 with elements according to the embodiment of FIG. 6. The reference numbers in the earlier figures have not been shown here for reasons of clarity, but they apply unchanged.

In contrast to FIG. 5, which shows the first and second reinforcing ribs 6a, 6b on the outside of the box, the reinforcing ribs are arranged on the inside of the box in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, the arrangement of the reinforcing ribs in FIG. 5 or FIGS. 6 and 7 can also be reversed.

In principle, this embodiment is characterized by the fact that both lateral walls of each element can be folded in relation to the base of the respective element. They can be folded down from an upright position, in which they form a 90° angle with the base, into a folded-down position, in which they are parallel to the base, in particular lie in one plane with the base, and vice versa. The upright position corresponds to the illustration in FIG. 7, in other words it is the position in which the box can be used. The folded-down position corresponds, for example, to a preferred delivery position of the box components and has the advantage that the delivery of boxes or, in general, the transportation of the boxes is space-saving.

This embodiment of the box is also characterized by the fact that the manufacturing process is simpler, since no complicated moulds need to be provided. Advantageously, the individual elements of the box are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, as they can be produced in the folded out state and are therefore plate-shaped in this state, which is an important advantage, particularly with regard to the intended use in logistics, where a large number of elements are required.

In a preferred embodiment, each lateral wall is connected to the base of the respective element by means of at least one joint, in particular by means of at least one hinge joint, for folding. It is preferred if exactly one hinge joint is used for this purpose, which comprises several hinges that are distributed over the entire length of the lateral wall. Advantageously, such a hinge joint is robust and allows the lateral wall to be folded as often as desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the elements of the box are made in one piece. They can be formed using known methods of plastics processing, e.g. by injection molding. The advantage of this embodiment is that the elements are ready for use immediately after manufacture and no further steps are required to assemble the elements. These can be rigid elements as described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 5. Alternatively, the elements may be in one piece, but the material thickness at the respective edges between the lateral walls and the base may be less than the remaining wall or base thickness. In other words, the joint used is a so-called film joint. The edges or film joints are marked in FIG. 6 with a black strip 13. The stripe is intended to illustrate that it is a surface with a lower material thickness and not a “line-shaped edge”. This allows the lateral walls to be folded at these edges in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, despite the one-piece design. This has the advantage that no additional elements are required as a joint between the lateral walls and the base, as the thinner edge itself represents the joint.

In one embodiment, the box comprises a fastening system 12a-12c for the foldable lateral walls, wherein the fastening system is provided for fastening the lateral walls of an element to each other in the upright position. The fastening system has the general advantage that, for use of the box, it fastens the lateral walls of the elements to one another and allows the connection to be released in order to store the element in a space-saving manner after use.

In a first embodiment, the fastening system is formed by at least two cooperating fastening elements 12b, 12c, wherein a first fastening element 12a, 12b is arranged on one lateral wall and a second fastening element 12c is arranged on the other lateral wall. It is preferable if the fastening elements together form a clip fastener and snap into one another in a releasable manner. In the embodiment shown, the first fastening element is designed as a tab 12a with a latching projection 12b and the second fastening element is designed as a wall hole 12c. The lateral walls are connected to each other in such a way that they are first brought into the upright position. The lateral walls are designed in such a way that their upper corners coming together engage with each other in such a way that they form a flush shaft corner. Then, in the upright position, the tab 12a is folded over so that it engages around the other lateral wall. Finally, the latching projection 12b is inserted into the wall hole 12c and latched into place. The latching projection also has means for releasing the connection. The latching projection can be designed in a variety of ways, whereby variants that are easy to manufacture are strongly preferred due to the large number of production units. The latching projection is shown here as an example in the form of a knob that expands away from the tab in relation to its diameter. The maximum diameter of the knob is slightly larger than the diameter of the wall hole 12c. Part of the knob is partially separated from the rest of the knob by a gap 12d. When the knob is inserted into the wall hole, this part of the knob is displaced from the edge of the wall hole towards the remaining part of the knob and springs back into its original position after insertion, thereby creating a force-fit connection of the knob in the wall hole. To release the connection, this procedure is reversed, with the finger acting on the knob part this time and pushing the knob out of the wall hole.

Other variants of the fastening system can include, for example, fastening in the manner described above on the inside of the lateral walls. Alternatively, both lateral walls can each include a wall hole and a separate strap with two buttons can be used to connect them.

It is preferable if the region 12e of the wall hole is recessed in the lateral wall in the insertion direction of the latching projection and has the shape of the tab 12a, so that the tab 12a with the latching projection 12b comes to lie therein in the latched state, so that a smooth, stepless outer surface of the lateral wall results. This has the advantage of preventing the later assembled box from getting caught on another object and at the same time optimizes the space requirement of the box.

In a second, preferred embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 12, the fastening system comprises a clip fastener with a first fastening element 18a and a second fastening element 18b (not visible, in the figure behind the bridge 18a), which cooperate with one another. The first fastening element is a snap-in element 18a which is arranged laterally on the one lateral wall in extension of the one lateral wall. In other words, the snap-in element extends in a direction perpendicular to the adjacent other lateral wall. The second fastening element is designed as a bridge 18b arranged on the outside of the other lateral wall. The fastening elements are designed and arranged in such a way that when the two lateral walls are erected to a position perpendicular to the base of the element, the snap-in element engages around the bridge. To release the connection, a depression or recess 18c is provided on the outside of the other lateral wall, into which the user can insert a finger and lift the snap-in element from the bridge, thereby releasing the grip on the bridge. This embodiment has the advantage that less material is required, as there is no tab as in the first embodiment.

In principle, the fastening system can be used for all embodiments of the elements in combination with all other varying features of these elements.

FIGS. 8 and 9 each show a perspective view of a further embodiment of an element of the box according to the invention. In FIG. 8, element 3 is shown as an example and in FIG. 9, element 4 is shown as an example (with reference to FIG. 2). The two figures are intended to illustrate a further feature of the box according to the invention, explained below, for the embodiments of the box elements with foldable lateral walls. The feature of the foldable lateral walls has already been described in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. The feature described below can in principle be used for all embodiments of the elements in combination with all other varying features of these elements in which the lateral walls are foldable. The feature is a stopper System that prevents the individual elements from separating from each other when the lateral walls are folded down. This has the advantage that the folded box can be conveniently stowed away without having to ensure that the elements remain together. In connection with FIG. 5, a way of preventing the elements from separating from one another in the upright state of the elements by means of the first limiting elements 5a, 5b has already been described. Prevention of separation of the elements from one another in the folded-down state is preferably achieved by means of second limiting elements which are located at that end of a respective first or second base guide 8a, 8c which is remote from the perpendicular lateral wall of the respective element. The position of these elements is shown by the circles A in FIG. 8 and B in FIG. 9 and also applies to the other elements of the box according to the invention. These details will now be explained in more detail in the context of the respective FIGS. 10 and 11. It is noted that the second limiting elements 16a, 16b can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the first limiting elements 5a, 5b. The advantage of using both systems is that the box according to the invention in the configuration with maximum box volume is more stable when trying to pull the elements even further apart, as they are held together at several points on the lateral walls and on the base, thus making it easier to prevent the elements from separating. This configuration can be used for both foldable and non-foldable lateral walls. If only the first limiting elements 5a, 5b are used, the elements can be separated from each other without resistance in the folded-down state or can be separated more easily in the upright position of the lateral walls than if the second limiting elements are also used. If only the second limiting elements 16a, 16b are used, the elements cannot be easily separated from each other regardless of whether the lateral walls can be folded down or not, but they can be separated more easily than if the first limiting elements are also used. This configuration is preferred because on the one hand material is saved and on the other hand the complexity of manufacture is reduced. It is also possible to use a combination of the first limiting elements (on the lateral walls and/or in the L-profile of the longitudinal guides 9a or on the upper edges 9b of the lateral walls) and the second limiting elements, in the sense that not all elements of the box have all limiting elements. A preferred “mixed configuration” is shown below.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of detail A from FIG. 8 and FIG. 11 a top view of detail B from FIG. 9. The second limiting elements 16a, 16b are explained in more detail below. In detail A it can be seen that a stopper 16a is provided in the first base guide 8a. The stopper 16a is designed as a lateral projection in the vertical part of the L-profile. In detail B, a pin 16b is shown which extends essentially in the plane of the respective base horizontally away from the base at an angle of 10°<alpha<80°, preferably of 20°<alpha<70 °, particularly preferably of 30°<alpha<60°, to its second base guide (edge) 8b. The pin essentially points away from the lateral wall perpendicular to the associated base guide.

An exemplary mixed configuration (in conjunction with FIG. 3) is as follows:

• • Element 1: projections extending vertically downwards in both L-profiles of the longitudinal guides 9a of the lateral walls and stopper 16a in the base guide 8a;
  • Element 2: vertically upwardly extending projections of the upper edges of both lateral walls and a pin 16b on the edge 8b;
  • Element 3: vertically downwardly extending projection in the L-profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall 3a, vertically upwardly extending projection of the upper edge of the lateral wall 3b, pin 16b on the edge 8d and stopper 16a in the base guide 8a; and
  • Element 4: vertically downward extending projection in the L-profile of the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall 4a, vertically upward extending projection of the upper edge of the lateral wall 4b, pin 16b on the edge 8b and stopper 16a in the base guide 8c.

If an edge 8b or 8d is inserted in the associated base guide 8a or 8c, the pin 16b can move without obstruction along the vertical wall of the L-profile in which its edge is received when the volume and/or shape of the box according to the invention changes. It is oriented in the direction of pulling the elements apart from each other. As soon as the configuration with maximum box volume is reached, the pin 16b abuts against the stopper 16a and thus prevents the two elements from separating from each other. The elements can be designed in such a way that the pin is accessible from the outside of the base of the other element, so that the stopper effect is canceled, for example by means of a suitable tool, by acting on the pin from the outside of the other base and the elements can be separated from each other.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an element of the box according to the invention with the alternative elements already described for fastening the lateral walls to one another. It can also be seen in FIG. 12 that the element 4 (exemplary also for the other elements) has two positioning projections 14 on the upper edge of the lateral wall 4a. The positioning protrusions are for stable stacking of boxes according to the invention on top of each other. For this purpose, the elements have corresponding recesses on the lower edge of the lateral walls into which the positioning projections of the box underneath are inserted in each case.

FIG. 12 also shows two rails 17a, 17b, which are also marked 17 in the detailed view A in FIG. 10. The rails 17 are a feature of a further embodiment of the first base guides 8a and the second base guide 8c. They serve to increase the stability of the box according to the invention and to better guide the bases into one another when changing the volume or shape of the box. The first rail 17a projects upwards from the base and, when viewed from above, is not arranged under the horizontal leg of the L-profile of the associated base guide. The second rail 17b projects downwards from the horizontal leg of the L-profile of the associated base guide. The rails are intended to cooperate with modified edges 8b, 8d, which are shown in another view of detail B from FIG. 9 in FIG. 13 in lateral view (i.e. in direction y, see FIG. 9). As can best be seen in FIG. 8, four first and second rails are arranged along the edge. However, there could also be a different number of rails. It has been shown that this arrangement is considerably easier to produce than a continuous rail, which is why it is preferred.

In this new embodiment, the previously described edges without base guide of the elements, i.e. the edges 8b and 8d, have two additional base guides 19a, 19b for compatibility with the rails 17a, 17b. The first additional base guide 19a is an elongated groove which is open at the base and the second additional base guide 19b is an elongated groove which is open at the top and which is arranged next to the first additional base guide. The modified first base guides 8a and the modified second base guide 8c each cooperate with the corresponding modified edge 8b and 8d, respectively, in that the first rail 17a is received in the first additional base guide 19a and the second rail 17b is received in the second additional base guide 19b.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a perspective view of a further embodiment of the box according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the other embodiments in that the lateral walls of the elements can be folded inwards. The principle of foldable lateral walls was described by way of example for lateral walls that can be folded outwards in connection with FIG. 6. The hinges can also be designed as a film joint or hinge joint for the lateral walls that can be folded inwards, as already described. One difference in this embodiment is that the lateral walls of the elements can also be partially folded inwards in an assembled state of the box in the configuration with minimum box volume. This has the advantage that the space taken up by the box during stowage can be reduced, but without having to dismantle the box. FIG. 14 shows the box 10 in the configuration with minimum volume and with two box lateral walls folded inwards and FIG. 15 shows the box from FIG. 14 with the other two box lateral walls also in the folded-down state. For this purpose, the lateral walls for folding down each have a hinge at a certain height 20 from the base, which hinge divides the respective lateral wall into a lower wall section 21a rigidly connected to the base and an upper wall section 21b which can be folded down. Here, by way of example, two first opposite box lateral walls come to lie next to each other and the other two box lateral walls come to lie next to each other above the first box lateral walls. All box lateral walls are essentially parallel to the box base. For this purpose, the height 20 of the hinge of each lateral wall is selected such that all of the upper wall portions are foldable in a predetermined order SO that they have a sandwich configuration when folded inwardly. In other words, at least some of the lateral walls have different heights 20 of the hinges. In FIG. 14 it can be seen that the hinge (left) of the folded-down box lateral wall is lower than the hinge (right) of the still upright box lateral wall. The difference in height depends on the number and total thickness of the folded lateral walls. In this example, the heights 20 are the same for corresponding lateral walls of opposite box lateral walls. The height 20 is now considered for lateral walls of a box lateral wall. In this configuration with minimum box volume, the box lateral wall has a maximum overlap of the corresponding lateral walls. To enable inward folding, the height 20 of the outer lateral wall 22b is higher than that of the inner lateral wall 22a so that the outer lateral wall can rest on the inner lateral wall (see FIG. 14).

Of course, other overlapping options are also conceivable when folding inwards. For example, all the box lateral walls could lie on top of each other and not in pairs in the same plane. In this case, the heights 20 of all lateral walls would be different. Such a configuration would make sense if the wall height of the box lateral wall were selected so that opposing box lateral walls would overlap when folded down.

In this embodiment of the box, the longitudinal guides 9a of the lateral walls with longitudinal guides point outwards and are attached to the inner lateral wall of each box lateral wall, so that the longitudinal guides do not abut against the upper edge 9b of the other cooperating lateral wall when the box is folded in. This is visible in FIG. 14. In contrast, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, in which the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall 4a, for example, is directed inwards, the edge 9b of the lateral wall 3b in the longitudinal guide 9a of the lateral wall 4c would abut against the upper inner side of the lateral wall 4c during folding and prevent folding. However, this embodiment could be modified for the implementation of the box according to FIGS. 14 and 15 by providing the longitudinal guide 9a pointing outwards on the lateral wall 3b, while the lateral wall 4a would have an edge 9b. In this way, the lateral wall 3b would correspond to the lateral wall 22a and the lateral wall 4a to the lateral wall 22b of FIG. 14. This applies mutatis mutandis to the other lateral walls of the box according to FIG. 3.

It is preferable if the box lateral walls each have fastening elements, e.g. clip fastening mechanisms, to hold them in the inwardly folded position.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the box according to the invention with insertable lateral walls. This embodiment is particularly suitable for the box according to FIGS. 14 and 15 because the lateral walls are not folded at the edge between the base and the lateral wall. This means that a vertical bridge 23 can be provided for each lateral wall in the respective base at its edge, which is rigidly connected to the base and can accommodate the lateral wall. For this purpose, each lateral wall can have hooks 24 extending downwards, which can be received in the bridge and snapped into it, for example. In the assembled state, the bridge is part of the lateral wall. FIG. 16 shows exemplary lateral walls with three or four snap fasteners, which are exemplarily designed here in the manner of backpack fasteners. In one embodiment, only a single snap-in is provided when the box is assembled for the first time. In another embodiment, means for releasing the plug-in connection can be provided.

As mentioned at the beginning, the invention also relates to a closable box with variable box volume and/or box shape. In other words, the closable box according to the invention is a combination of two boxes according to the first aspect of the invention. It comprises a respective first box for storing objects and a second corresponding box, which second box is provided as a lid for the first box. Additional securing means may be provided to hold the lid on the box, e.g. adhesive tape. This also ensures that box does not expand automatically during transportation, e. g. due to vibrations or tilting.

The box according to the first aspect of the invention or the sealable box according to the second aspect of the invention can preferably be supplied as a kit of parts. In this case, all four elements 1, 2, 3, 4 are supplied in the form shown in FIG. 3 or 5. They can be assembled into a box by the user himself. The kit of parts for the closable box according to the second aspect of the invention obviously comprises two versions of each of the four elements 1, 2, 3, 4, since the only difference here is the lid, which is structurally identical to the box and differs from it only in that its elements are somewhat larger, so that it can also be slipped over the box in the configuration with minimum box volume. In other words, the size of the lid is of course always adapted to the dimensions of the box, as it must enclose the box. This is taken into account in the corresponding kit of parts.

It is preferred if the box or sealable box according to the invention is provided in different versions with respect to the covered size range, i.e. the maximum and the minimum adjustable box volume. In other words, the dimensions of the lateral walls of the elements can be varied. Compared to conventional solutions, fewer different versions of the box are required for this, as a large volume range can be covered with just a few versions of the box.

While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims. In this regard, terms used in the description such as “preferred”, “in particular”, “advantageous”, etc. refer only to optional and exemplary embodiments.