Crate

Abstract

A crate includes a bottom having two projections arranged at opposite length sides of the bottom and extending upward from the bottom, opposing end walls extending along width sides of the bottom, and two opposing side walls extending along length sides of the bottom. The end walls and the side walls are configured to be foldable with respect to the bottom. The side walls have a height such that the side walls at least partially overlap when being folded. Each side wall is coupled to the bottom via at least one hinge. Each hinge is provided slidably in the projection such that the hinge is movable between a lower position and an upper position, the lower position being closer to the bottom than the upper position.

1 . A crate, comprising:
 a bottom having two projections arranged at opposite length sides of the bottom and extending upward from the bottom;   opposing end walls extending along width sides of the bottom; and   two opposing side walls extending along length sides of the bottom,   wherein the end walls and the side walls are configured to be foldable with respect to the bottom,   wherein the side walls have a height such that the side walls at least partially overlap when being folded,   wherein each side wall is coupled to the bottom via at least one hinge, and   wherein each hinge is provided slidably in the projection such that the hinge is movable between a lower position and an upper position, the lower position being closer to the bottom than the upper position.   
     
     
         2 . The crate of  claim 1 , wherein the height of the projections above the bottom corresponds substantially to the thickness of the two side walls. 
     
     
         3 . The crate of  claim 1 , wherein
 in the unfolded state, lower ends of the side walls rest on an upper surface of the respective projections with the hinges of both side walls at the lower position, and   in the folded state, the lower ends of the side walls are opposite to the inner surface of the respective projections with the hinges of the side walls at different heights in the projections.   
     
     
         4 . The crate of  claim 1 , wherein in the folded state one side wall rests on the end walls folded onto the bottom, and the other side wall at least in part rests on the one side wall. 
     
     
         5 . The crate of  claim 4 , wherein the hinge of one side wall resting adjacent to the bottom remains at the lower position, and wherein the hinge of the other side wall is at a position above the lower position, thereby allowing the arrangement of the folded side walls to be substantially parallel to the bottom with the other side wall having its outer surface being substantially on the same level as the upper surface of the projections. 
     
     
         6 . The crate of  claim 3 , wherein the hinges are configured such that in the folded state there is a gap between the lower surfaces of the side walls and the respective inner surfaces of the projections. 
     
     
         7 . The crate of  claim 6  wherein each hinge comprises an extension rod, connecting the hinge elements, arranged in the projection and a side wall, the extension rod defining the gap and having a length defined by the distance between the lower position of the hinge and the height of the projection. 
     
     
         8 . The crate of  claim 7 , wherein each side wall comprises a plurality of hinges. 
     
     
         9 . The crate of  claim 1 , when the crate is formed of plastic. 
     
     
         10 . The crate of  claim 1 , wherein the crate is provided for receiving and/or for transporting foods, for example fruits, vegetables, meat and the like.