Patent Publication Number: US-2004045963-A1

Title: Device and method for packaging transporting and storing products, in particular bulk goods

Description:
[0001] The invention relates to a device for transporting and/or storing products. Such a device is known from practice.  
       [0002] With the known device, use is made of a standard container, for instance a 20 or 40 feet container such as a shipping container. Such containers have a bottom and a roof, sidewalls and a closable loading opening through which products can be brought into and out of the container. A large number of such containers can be loaded in a transport device such as a container ship, for instance in a series of layers on top of each other, so that a high degree of loading can be achieved. Furthermore, the products are well protected by such a container. However, such a container has the drawback that it has fixed outside dimensions, irrespective of the degree of filling. This means that, for instance, upon returning the containers to a filling location, after the goods have been unloaded at a destination, the containers are often completely or for the larger part empty. For filled or empty transport and/or storage, the containers require the same transport space. This is logistically disadvantageous. Moreover, transport and storage of container are often paid to the required volume, which means that the costs for transport and storage of an empty container or a filled container are the same.  
       [0003] It is further known to use substantially flat carriers, such as bolsters or flats on which products can be secured, for instance with the aid of straps or the like. Such carriers are for instance used to transport machines, irregularly shaped products and the like. Then, the bolsters are usually stacked as top layer on a series of layers of standard containers as described hereinabove or carried along as deck load. When using flats, where adjacent the opposite end faces end walls are provided, machines and the like are strapped on the carrier, whereupon the flats can be stacked onto each other as containers. These known methods have as a drawback that, therewith, only relatively form-retaining products can be transported and stored, while these products are not, at least hardly protected towards the outside. Moreover, the bolsters cannot be stacked one on top of each other.  
       [0004] The invention contemplates a device of the type described in the preamble, wherein the above-mentioned drawbacks have been obviated as much as possible, while maintaining advantages thereof. To that end, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.  
       [0005] With a device according to the invention, two conditions are possible. In a first condition, the block containers are stacked on the substantially plate-shaped carrier, in unfolded and/or set-up condition, while in each block container, products such as bulk goods can be received. As the container is substantially block-shaped, the block containers can be received on the carrier in a relatively dense stacking, such that in this manner, a device is obtained which, as a whole, in the first condition mentioned, is also substantially block-shaped and can be stacked on a comparable device or on standard containers as described in the preamble.  
       [0006] In a second condition of a device according to the invention, the block containers are folded and/or disassembled, so that the volume is considerably reduced, for return or storage of empty block containers. The block containers can then be stacked on the carrier in the folded and/or disassembled condition mentioned, so that the outside dimensions of the respective device in the second condition as a whole are considerably smaller than those of the same device in the first condition. Preferably, a series of devices brought thus in the second condition is stackable, such that, once again, substantially, a block-shape is obtained with outside dimensions which substantially correspond to the outside dimensions of a standard container as described in the preamble, or at least dimensions which fit within a modular size of such a container.  
       [0007] Herein, standard container is at least understood to include a container of the type described in the introduction with dimensions usual in practice, such as 20 or 40 feet containers. Modular dimensions is at least understood to mean dimensions such that a discrete number of devices according to the invention, in first and/or second condition, stacked next to or on top of each other, have outside dimensions which substantially correspond to the outside dimensions of a standard container. Block container is herein at least understood to include a container, adapted to be folded and/or disassembled, having, substantially, a block shape, i.e. with substantially rectangular sides and a rectangular bottom surface, wherein, optionally, an open top side can be provided through which products can be brought into the block container. A block container can be box-shaped and can be provided with an inner container and an outer container, adapted to be folded and/or disassembled, together or separately.  
       [0008] In a device according to the invention, known bolsters or flats can be used, which have a ground surface which fits within the modular dimensions mentioned and which usually corresponds to the ground surface of a standard container.  
       [0009] In a device according to the invention, block containers are preferably mutually connected, at least in the first condition, in particular in lateral direction. Thus, particularly movements of the block containers in lateral direction can be prevented. During transport, in particular by water, the block containers in loaded condition can normally be sufficiently held on the carrier in vertical direction by their own weight. By lateral blocking, lateral movements can then be prevented. Thus, the block-shape of the device in the first condition and, optionally, in the second condition, is automatically maintained and an even more stable, stackable device is obtained.  
       [0010] Preferably, with a device according to the invention, fastening means are provided on the carrier to which block containers of the or a layer, at least the lower layer, can be attached, whereupon the further block containers of at least the lower layer can be connected to the respective block containers.  
       [0011] Preferably, with block containers according to the invention, coupling means are provided which, in uncoupled position of the block containers are received within the outer contour of the respective block container, while, in coupled condition, they reach partly outside the outer contour mentioned and engage in or on a juxtaposed block container. Then, it is particularly advantageous when the coupling means mentioned can be controlled with the aid of forks of a lifting device, when the block containers are taken up therewith. As a result, the block containers can be positively coupled and/or uncoupled while, thus, damages to in particular the coupling elements and the surroundings can simply be prevented.  
       [0012] The invention further relates to a series of devices according to the invention, characterized by the features of claim 12.  
       [0013] With such an embodiment, the advantage is achieved that a series of devices according to the invention can be transported back and/or stored with a minimal volume, while, furthermore, the devices can be stacked between standard containers and/or devices according to the invention in first, set-up and, optionally, filled condition. Thus, further costs are saved while, furthermore, logistical advantages are achieved.  
       [0014] The invention further relates to an assembly according to the invention, characterized by the features of claims 14 and/or 15.  
       [0015] The invention further relates to a method, characterized by the features of claim 16.  
       [0016] With such a method, block containers with a carrier can be taken up and moved, filled with products, whereupon the same block containers with relatively small volume, in folded and/or disassembled condition can be stored and transported for reuse. Then, in unfolded and/or set-up condition, the separate block containers can have a relatively small volume in relation to the known standard containers. With a method according to the invention, for instance, medium volume bulk transport is made possible, while the required volume for transport of the empty devices is considerably smaller than the required volume for transport of full devices, so that a considerable saving in volume and costs is obtained. Furthermore, mixed goods, among which relatively small batches of bulk goods, can be transported and stored together in a simple manner, in separate block containers, so that a particularly flexible method is obtained.  
       [0017] In further elaboration, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 18.  
       [0018] By assembling the block containers on a carrier to form a block-shaped device with outside dimensions approximately corresponding to those of a standard container, at least fitting within the modular size of such containers, with a method according to the invention, in a particularly advantageous, safe and economical manner, block containers and standard containers can be transported and stored together. Thus, moreover, a particularly large logistic freedom is obtained. Further, both set-up devices, i.e. filled block containers, and standard containers and folded and/or disassembled block containers with carriers can be transported in a mixed manner. Thus, the logistic freedom is even further enhanced.  
       [0019] The invention further relates to the use of a bolster or a flat, characterized by the features of claim 24.  
       [0020] A bolster is a substantially flat carrier, known from practice, with holes for attaching strapping means. A flat is such a bolster which, however, is provided on two opposite ends with a removable or foldable end wall, on which a further flat, bolster or standard container can be stacked. In a use according to the invention, a modular container of standard dimensions is obtained, receivable in a logistic system of bolsters, flats and, in particular, standard containers, while, for transport in empty condition, considerably less space and costs are involved, while a particularly large logistic freedom is obtained. This is particularly so because, in principle, the bolsters and/or flats and/or standard containers for use therewith need not undergo any special modifications.  
       [0021] The invention further relates to a block container, characterized by the features of claim 26.  
       [0022] Such a block container is particularly suitable for use within the invention.  
       [0023] Within the invention, it is preferred that the block containers can be fittingly received in a standard container, in rows included next to or above each other.  
       [0024] In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a device and method, as well as an assembly and series according to the invention are given. In elucidation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of a device, method, series, assembly and block container according to the invention will be described further with reference to the drawing. 
     
    
    
     [0025] In the drawing:  
     [0026]FIG. 1 schematically shows, in side view, a device according to the invention;  
     [0027]FIG. 2 schematically shows, in side view, a number of stacked devices according to FIG. 1, in set-up condition;  
     [0028]FIG. 3 schematically shows, in side view, a number of devices according to FIG. 1, in folded condition;  
     [0029]FIG. 4 shows, in top plan view, a center part of a carrier according to the invention, provided with a partly shown fastening device;  
     [0030]FIG. 5 schematically shows two devices according to the invention, stacked in an alternative embodiment;  
     [0031] FIGS.  6 A-B show coupling means for a device according to the invention, in a first embodiment, in retracted condition;  
     [0032] FIGS.  7 A-B show a coupling device according to FIG. 6, in coupling condition;  
     [0033] FIGS.  8 A-D show coupling of two block containers according to the invention, with the aid of alternative, schematically shown coupling means;  
     [0034] FIGS.  9 - 11  schematically show a block container for use within the invention;  
     [0035]FIG. 12 schematically shows a logistic method according to the invention; and  
     [0036]FIG. 13 shows a second alternative embodiment of coupling means for use within the invention. 
    
    
     [0037] In this description a block container is understood to include a container adapted to be at least partly folded and/or disassembled, having at least in unfolded condition, substantially, a block-shape, i.e. substantially rectangular end faces, side surfaces and bottom surface. Block containers for use within the invention have dimensions which fit within a modular system based on standard containers. Such standard containers, for instance shipping containers, are generally indicated as, for instance, 20 feet or 40 feet containers. Such standard containers are generally used for transport by, for instance, water, road or train and for storage. A block container according to the invention can, for instance, be designed as shown in FIG. 9, but can also be designed in a different manner, for instance as a crate that can be folded or be disassembled, or the like. Specific embodiments, to which the invention is not limited, are shown in the non-prepublished Dutch patent application entitled “Method and device for packaging cocoa beans and such natural products”, filed on Nov. 15, 2000. This patent application is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference. In this description, reference will be made to the use of bolsters and flats. Such carriers are known from practice.  
     [0038]FIG. 1 schematically shows, in side view, a device  1  according to the invention in a first embodiment, wherein on a bolster  2  as carrier, two layers of block containers  4  are received, of which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, eight end face walls  6  are visible. Viewed in side view, in the center of the bolster  2 , a fastening element  8  to be further described has been fitted, which extends approximately over the width of the bolster  2 . On both sides of the fastening element  8 , the block containers  4  have been arranged. The bolster  2  has a length L of, for instance, 20 or 40 feet, while the block containers, in the longitudinal direction L of the bolster  2 , have a width B which is chosen such that a discrete number of block containers, in the shown exemplary embodiment four block containers  4 , together with a fastening element  8  received therebetween can be fittingly received on the bolster  2 . This means that the block containers  4  are pushed against each other by the longitudinal sides  10 , on both sides of the fastening element  8 , the outer side walls  10 A being approximately, preferably exactly, flush with the end faces  12  of the bolster  2 . In a comparable manner, the end walls  6  are flush with the longitudinal edges  14  of the bolster  2 , as shown in FIG. 4 in which one block container  4  has been schematically drawn in. The block containers have been stacked directly on top of each other, such that they engage in each other partly, while the bolster  2  and the two layers of block containers  4  stacked thereon have a height corresponding to the height of a standard container. In this manner, a device  1  is obtained having the same outside dimensions as a standard container. The load bearing capacity of the bolster  2  and the block containers  4  stacked thereon is chosen such that a series of devices  1  can be stacked in the same manner as with standard containers, for instance up to seven or eleven layers, while, each time, a bolster  2  rests on the upper sides  16  of the upper layer of block containers  4 . Such a stacking is schematically shown in side view in FIG. 2.  
     [0039]FIG. 2 shows eight devices  1  stacked in two rows of four layers. Here, again, each device comprises two layers of block containers  4 , as shown in FIG. 1. This means that eight bolsters  2  with 64 block containers  4  are stacked in a space corresponding to the space required for stacking eight standard containers. In FIG. 2, all block containers are shown in unfolded condition, which containers are filled with products, such as, for instance, bulk goods. By way of illustration, block containers  4  according to the invention can for instance be filled with natural products, such as cocoa beans, coffee beans or the like, with granulates, grains and the like, but also with more solid products, such as products packaged in boxes. However, this should not be taken to be limitative in any way. The block containers  4  can also be used for different products, stacked on one and the same bolster.  
     [0040] In FIG. 3, the devices  1  of FIG. 2 are shown in folded condition. This means that the block containers have been folded and put on the respective bolsters  2 , whereupon these have been stacked one on top of the other. Then, the height H of the eight devices  1 , in folded condition, is preferably equal to the height H of one device  1  in unfolded condition, i.e. of a bolster having thereon two layers of block containers  4 . It will be clear that by suitable dimensioning, it is, for instance, also possible to fold together and stack a different number, for instance eleven, devices  1 , as shown in FIG. 3 within a height H corresponding to the height of a device  1  in unfolded condition. As is clearly found upon comparison of FIGS. 2 and 3, by folding and stacking the devices  1 , a particularly large space saving is obtained. This means that for returning and storing the empty block containers  4 , at least devices  1 , little space is required, which, naturally, is economically advantageous.  
     [0041]FIG. 4 schematically shows, in top plan view, a bolster  2  having thereon one block container  4 , which abuts against a beam-shaped fastening element  8  extending over the width of the bolster  2 . In FIG. 4, only half the fastening element  8  is shown, so that keyholes  16  situated underneath are visible. Such keyholes  16  are usually provided in bolsters. At the bottom side, the fastening element  8  is provided with pins with flanges with which the fastening element  8  can be secured in the keyholes  16 . However, it will be clear that the fastening element  8  can be secured in any desired manner. Optionally, it can even form an integral part of the bolster  2 .  
     [0042] In FIG. 5, two devices  1  according to the invention are shown, stacked, in an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, eight block containers  4  have been stacked on a flat  2 A. Such a flat  2 A, known from practice, is in principle comparable to a bolster  2  as shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 , while, however, two diametrically opposed end walls  18  are provided, connected in hinges  20  to a plate-shaped carrier  2 B, designed as a bolster  2 . The end walls  18  have a height such, that, again, the height H of the device  1  is equal to the height of a standard container. The eight block containers  4  are stacked in dense stacking on the carrier  2 B between the end walls  18 , such, that the entire device  1 , again, is substantially block-shaped. The devices  1  are stacked by placing the carrier  2 B of the upper device  1  on the end walls  18  and/or the block containers  4 . Once again, when the block containers  4  are empty, the block containers  4  can be folded and/or disassembled, by pivoting the end walls  18  against the carriers  2 B. Subsequently, the folded or disassembled block containers  4  are stacked on the side walls  18 , whereupon, once again, the thus folded devices  1  can be stacked as shown in FIG. 3.  
     [0043] It will be clear that the bolsters  2  and the flats  2 A can also be used together in random combinations, optionally together with standard containers of the same, at least a matching modular size. Also, the bolsters  2  and the flats  2 A can be stacked directly one on top of the other, while, for instance, the block containers  4  are stacked and transported separately, while, for instance, they can also be stored in a standard container. In particular, this is preferred when loose parts, such as bigbags which are to be suspended in frames of the block containers  4  or the like, are to be taken along.  
     [0044] In the exemplary embodiments shown, each time, eight block containers  4  are stacked on a bolster  2  or flat  2 A. However, it will be clear that also a different number of block containers  4  can be stacked thereon, by modifying the outside dimensions of the block containers  4  or by using a bolster  2  or flat  2 A with different standard dimensions. Also, the block containers  4  can be stacked in a different number of layers, depending, again, on the outside dimensions of the block containers on the one hand and the standard containers, at least the desired outside dimensions of the device  1 , on the other hand. Such modifications will be directly clear to the skilled person.  
     [0045] In devices  1  according to the invention, the block containers  4 , at least in set-up and/or unfolded condition and preferably also in folded condition, are mutually connected, while, furthermore, at least one and preferably a number of the block containers are connected to the bolster  2  or flat  2 A at least the carrier  2  via the fastening means  8 . To this end, any fastening means known from practice can be used, among which, for instance, straps, clamping connections and the like. However, it is preferred that coupling means be used which form part of the block container  4  and/or the fastening means  8  and which, in non-coupled condition, are completely received within the outer contours of the block containers  4  and only in coupled condition reach beyond them, for engagement of an adjacent block container and/or fastening means  8 . In FIGS.  6 - 8 , two exemplary embodiments of such coupling means are shown by way of illustration. An advantage of such coupling means is that they are always available, while damage to them is easily prevented when the block containers  4  are not coupled. The fact is that then, the coupling means are fully protected towards the outside.  
     [0046] In FIGS.  9 - 11 , an embodiment of a foldable block container  1  is shown, as an example, with reference to which coupling means according to FIGS.  6 - 8  will be described.  
     [0047] In FIG. 9, in side view, an embodiment of a frame  102  for a block container  4  according to the invention is schematically shown. In this schematic view, at the left hand side, a frame wall part  132  in set-up condition is shown and at the right hand side in collapsed condition. In FIG. 10, in perspective view, a lower corner of a frame according to FIG. 9 is shown, viewed from the inside. The frame  102  comprises two longitudinal girders  126  extending parallel to each other and two cross girders  126 A mutually connecting the longitudinal girders by their end faces. The girders are manufactured from box profiles. In the longitudinal girders  126 , adjacent the end faces, on both sides, rectangular recesses  182  are arranged, adjacent the lower sides. The frame wall parts  132  comprise two legs  134  extending parallel to each other, connected at the top end by a cross connection  136 , while, adjacent the lower ends, the legs are provided with a leg part  180  extending, with the frame wall part  132  in set up condition, approximately horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal girders  126 . Adjacent the free end of the leg part  180 , a blocking pin  148  is provided which reaches into the rectangular recess  182  and has relatively much clearance there. Adjacent a lower end, the two legs  134  are mutually connected by a cross rod  149 , having, for instance, a circular cross section. This cross rod  149  extends parallel to the cross girders  126 A, adjacent an upper side thereof. On the upper side of the cross girders  126 A, a number of hooking elements  147  have been fitted, for instance by welding, open at the top and turned outwards. With a set-up frame wall part  132 , as shown in FIG. 9 at the left hand side, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11A, the cross rod  149  is received within the hooking elements  147 . A sack-shaped element  104  can be attached to hooking elements  154 ,  156 . When loaded by the sack-shaped element, the frame wall part  132  is loaded in the direction F, so that, in principle, it will tend to rotate about the cross rod  149 , within the hooking element  147 , the horizontal leg part  180  being pushed against a horizontal plate part  140  welded between the frame parts  126 ,  126 A, while the blocking pin  148  is pushed into a lower corner of the recess  182  proximal to the cross girder  126 A. The lower end of the legs  134  is then pushed against the cross-girder  126 A. In this condition, the frame wall part  132  is securely locked and the packaging device  101  can be manipulated in a simple manner and, for instance, be held upside down to be emptied. Moreover, on the plate part  140 , a locking projection  181  is provided, against which the free end of the leg part  180  abuts. As a result, the leg  134  cannot rotate without it first being slightly lifted, whereupon the hook  147  will deform elastically at least to some extent, as will be discussed further.  
     [0048] In FIG. 9 on the right hand side, the frame wall part  132  has been brought in a collapsed condition. With reference to FIGS.  11 A-D, this will be explained further.  
     [0049] From the set-up position, as shown in FIG. 11A, where a lower corner of the frame  102  is shown, a sack-shaped element  104 , suspended within the frame  102 , is taken from the hooks  154 ,  156  after it has been emptied. Then, the frame wall part  132  is lifted up somewhat, until the leg part  180  reaches above the locking projection  181 , whereupon it is tilted outwards in the direction T facing away from the arrow F in FIG. 9, about the cross rod  149  within the hook-shaped elements  147 , such, that the blocking pin  148  is pushed into a top corner of the recess  182  remote from the cross girder  126 A. When the frame wall part  132  is moved upwards, the hook-shaped elements  147  and/or the cross rod  149  are elastically deformed to some extent to enable the desired placement. Due to the position of the blocking pin  148 , further rotation is prevented. This position is shown in FIG. 11B. From this position, the frame wall part  132  is pulled upwards, approximately parallel to the plane of the frame wall part  132 , such that the cross rod  149  is pulled from the hook-shaped elements  147 . Preferably, here, a slight elastic deformation should occur, so that a proper confinement can be obtained. In FIG. 11C, the cross rod  149  is shown detached from the hook-shaped elements  147 , while the frame wall part is somewhat moved upwards in relation to the position as shown in FIG. 11A, such, that the blocking pin  148  is pushed in the upper corner of the recess  182  proximal to the cross girder  126 A. Then, the frame wall part  132  is tilted in the direction F, to the position shown in FIG. 11D, while the legs  134  extend parallel to the longitudinal girders  126 , the leg part  180  extending approximately vertically and resting on the plate  140 . Then, the blocking pin  148  lies at the bottom of the recess  182 .  
     [0050] The block container described here is described in more detail in the above-mentioned Dutch patent application, which is incorporated herein by reference, also as regards the further embodiments described therein.  
     [0051] It will be directly clear that a frame wall part  132  can be brought from the position shown in FIG. 11D to the position shown in FIG. 11 a  in a simple manner, in an order contrary to the earlier described order for folding in. In the embodiments shown, the sack-shaped element can, for instance, be simply designed as a big bag. Preferably, a block container  4  according to the invention has a modular size fitting standard (shipping) containers, for instance (x*0.5)m×(y*0.6)m×(z*0.6)m, where x, y and z are integers.  
     [0052] The frame can be designed in many different manners, for instance such that it can be wholly or partly disassembled instead of being folded. Also, different types of sack-shaped elements can be used. Further, for instance, more than two frame wall parts can be provided, so that several sack-shaped elements can be suspended in a block container according to the invention while frame wall parts can also be built up differently, for instance from wire netting, perforated or closed plate material or the like.  
     [0053] It is noted, for that matter, that in the foregoing Figures, reference numerals from the FIGS.  9 - 11  are indicated without further discussion, by way of illustration.  
     [0054] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, in front view and side view, respectively, two girders  126  are shown, pushed against each other and having, connected thereto, cross girders  126 A and legs  134 . In FIG. 6, they are drawn in uncoupled condition. FIGS. 7A and B show the same views, but in coupled condition. In FIGS. 6A and 7A, in the left hand girder  126 , coupling means  200  are shown. These coupling means comprise a shaft  202  extending approximately horizontally having thereon a first run-on cam  204 , fixedly connected to the shaft  202 . A second run-on cam  206  is rotatably disposed on the same shaft  202 . The run-on cams  204 ,  206  have complementary, inclining surfaces, which include an angle α with the longitudinal axis L of the shaft  202 . Between the second run-on cam  206  and the outwards facing wall  208  of the girder  126 , a spring  210  is included, which pushes the second run-on cam  206  with the inclining surface against the first run-on cam  204 . On the second run-on cam  206 , on the side proximal to the wall  208 , a somewhat U-shaped bracket  212  is fitted, with a long leg  214  abutting against the second run-on cam  206 , and a relatively short leg  215  located adjacent the wall  208 , below the shaft  202 . In the wall  208 , under the shaft  202 , an opening  216  is provided, through which the relatively elongated, U-shaped bracket  212  can reach, at least through the short leg  215  thereof. As is clear from FIGS. 6A and B, in the first position shown there, the U-shaped bracket  212  is virtually completely received within the box profile  126 , while an inclining striking lip  218  reaches into the opening  216  to some extent. To the long leg  214 , an arm  220  is attached, which, in the first position, extends approximately horizontally in the direction facing away from the U-shaped bracket  212 , while against the inner side of the wall  208 , approximately adjacent the lower longitudinal edge of the opening  216 , at a distance from the opening  216  mentioned, a pin  222  extends, on the inside of the girder  126 . This pin  222  has a length which is smaller than the distance between the second run-on cam  206  and the wall  208 . In the girder  126  shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A at the right hand side, a corresponding opening  216 A is provided, in which no further coupling means have been provided. The coupling means  200  can be used as follows.  
     [0055] After two block containers  4  have been fittingly pushed against each other, such that the openings  216 ,  216 A abut against each other, the U-shaped bracket  212  is pushed over the lower longitudinal edge  217  of the opening  216 , through the opening  216  and  216 A, whereupon the second run-on cam  206  is rotated about the shaft  202 , counter-clockwise in the side views of FIGS. 6B and 7B. The second run-on cam  206  is then forced outwards by the first run-on cam  204 , while compressing the spring  210 . The free end  224  of the short leg  215  of the U-shaped section  212  will then engage against the inner side of the wall  208 A of the right hand box profile  126 , above the opening  216 A, while the arm  220  is forced beyond the pin  222  and will engage behind it. In this condition, the coupling means  200  are blocked by the arm  220  and the pin  222 , while the two profiles  126  are held against each other by the U-shaped bracket  212 . Upon uncoupling of the two block containers, the arm  220  is again forced along the pin  222  in a simple manner so that the U-shaped bracket  212  is forced back into the first position by the spring  210 , as is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Also, when next to the left hand block container  4  no second block container  4  extends, at least not with an opening  216 A at the suitable position, the U-shaped section  212  will be forced back into the box profile  126  by the spring  210 . Lateral connection of the block containers  4  offers the advantage that moving apart of the block containers  4  on the bolsters  2  and/or the flats  2 A is prevented. Thus, a particularly stable stacking can be obtained.  
     [0056] In the fastening means  8 , designed in FIG. 4 as a box profile  8 , openings  216 A are provided, in which the coupling means  200 , at least the U-shaped sections can engage, so that the block container  4  can be attached to the fastening means  8 . Thus a secure confinement is effected.  
     [0057] In FIGS.  8 A-C, an alternative embodiment of coupling means  200  according to the invention is shown, in a girder  126 . In FIG. 8A, in cross section, a girder  126  is shown, in which an arm  232 , pivotable about a shaft  230 , is fitted. The arm  232  reaches from the shaft  230  through an opening in the inward facing wall  208 B through the box profile  126  into an opening  216  provided in the opposite wall  208 . The arm  232  is provided at its free end with a hook  234  which is turned upwards. Between the bottom wall  209  of the girder  126  and the arm  232 , a spring  210  is provided, which biases the arm  232  in an upwardly pivoted position, as shown in FIG. 8A. There, the arm  232  has a length such that in the upwardly pivoted position shown in FIG. 8, it is virtually completely received within the box profile  126 . From this position, the arm  232  can be pivoted downwards, to the position shown in FIG. 8B, while compressing the spring  210 , such that the hook  234  reaches outside the opening  216 . In this condition, the hook  234  can be inserted through an opening  216 A into a girder  126 A of a block container  4 A to be coupled. This opening  216 A has a height D which is considerably less than the height of the box profile  126 . The upper longitudinal edge  217  of the opening  216 A is, for instance, at approximately the same height as the shaft  230 . When the girders  126 ,  126 A are pushed against each other, as shown in FIG. 8C, the arm  232  can be released, whereupon it is pivoted upwards by the spring  210 , in the direction of the first position shown in FIG. 8A. However, then, the hook  234  will engage behind the wall  208 A of the right hand box profile  126 A, behind the upper longitudinal edge  217  of the opening  216 A. Thus, in a simple manner, further pivoting is prevented, while the two box profiles  126 ,  126 A are mutually coupled. If no box profile  126 A is pushed against the left hand box profile  126 , the arm  232  will move on to the first position, back into the box profile  126 . When the right hand block container  4 A is lifted, the hook  234  will automatically be released from the opening  216 A, such that the block containers  4 ,  4 A are uncoupled.  
     [0058] It is preferred that the coupling means  200  can be operated by, for instance, forks of a forklift truck with which the block containers  4  are lifted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, this can for instance be effected by lengthening the pivot arm  232  in the direction facing away from the opening  216 , for instance with an arm  232 A, extending approximately horizontally, represented in FIG. 8A in dotted lines. In the opposite girder  126  of the same block container  4  (not shown) openings are provided through which both forks of a forklift truck can be inserted, for lifting the block container  4 . Then, the forks are slid under the lengthened arm  232 A, which arm is then pushed away upwards. Thus, the pivot arm  232  is forced downwards, to the position shown in FIG. 8B. When the forks are retracted, the pivot arm will be forced back by the spring  210  in the direction of the first position shown in FIG. 8A. This means that when the block container  4  shown at the right hand side in FIGS. 8C and 8D is removed with a forklift truck, the arm  232  is forced downwards again and the block container  4  can be taken away.  
     [0059] The coupling means  200  can also engage over the girders  126 , for instance as a substantially L-shaped bracket  242 , shown in FIG. 13, pivotable about an axis  240  extending parallel to the girder  126 , which bracket  242 , in an uncoupled condition, rests on a girder  126 , with the leg  244  of the L upwards, and, in coupled condition, engages over an adjacent girder  126 , with the leg of the L downwards. Preferably, then, the bracket  242  is biased by a spring  246  in the uncoupled and/or in the coupled condition, with the aid of a snap mechanism having two dead centers. To that end, for instance, the spring  246  can be used as shown in FIG. 13.  
     [0060]FIG. 12 schematically represents how devices  1  according to the invention can be used. A number of frames  102 , in folded condition as partly represented in FIG. 3, preferably stacked on a bolster  2  or flat  2 A, are transported to a filling location, such as a plantation  72 , together with a matching number of sacks  104 , represented in folded condition. Since, as a result, the devices  1  take up a relatively small volume, a large number of such devices can be transported in a simple manner. At the plantation mentioned, at least at a suitable filling location, the devices  1  are set up by folding out the frames  102  and suspending the sacks  104 . Then, the sacks  104  are filled with cocoa beans from the plantation  72 , whereupon the devices  1  are transported, in stacked condition, to a storage space and/or processing device  74 , where the devices  1  are arranged integrally in a storage space  74 , for instance with a forklift truck. To that end, the devices can be restacked, but can also be placed in racks on rollers or the like, so that moving is possible in a simple manner. As the sacks  104  are air-permeable and do not entirely abut each other as a consequence of the frames  102 , during transport and storage ventilation of the cocoa beans can be ensured in a simple manner, so that mold formation, rotting and the like can simply be prevented. As the devices can simply be taken up and moved in their entirety, each time a suitable choice from the cocoa beans present can be made for further processing. If a particular block container  4 , at least the cocoa beans present therein are eligible for further processing, the block container is simply taken up, for instance with a suitable forklift truck or the like, whereupon it can be driven to a pouring place. There, the block container  4  is tilted, preferably to a position wherein the open upper side  106  is substantially directed downwards.  
     [0061] It is preferred that use is made of a calculating unit with which, each time, the amount of devices  1 , at least frames  102  and sacks  104  can be calculated which have to be transported to a particular plantation  72 , at least collecting point for packaging the cocoa beans or such products available there. Naturally, for other types of products, modified block containers, filling locations and methods for loading and unloading can be used. Thus, a particularly simple and economically logistic system is obtained.  
     [0062] The invention is not limited in any way to the exemplary embodiments described and shown in the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.  
     [0063] For instance, other types and other numbers of block containers can be used within the invention, while combinations of bolsters, flats and standard containers can be used. The coupling means  200  can be designed in a different manner, while, furthermore, if applicable, they can be omitted when the block containers can be placed loosely, or can be secured in a different manner, for instance by strapping, or can be connected with other coupling means.  
     [0064] In the description, a logistic system is described on the basis of transport and storage, as well as use of devices  1  according to the invention for cocoa beans. However, it will be clear that in the same or in a comparable manner, devices according to the invention can also be used for different products, to be poured or not to be poured in bulk. For the coupling means  200 , also other operating means can be provided, for instance biased such that they are coupled upon placement of the block containers on each other and/or on a bolster, while, upon lifting thereof, the coupling means will be automatically released. It will be clear that the block containers  4  as a result of their own weight and, optionally, further block containers and/or devices according to the invention placed thereon will be held in their place in vertical direction.  
     [0065] Instead of bolsters  2  and/or flats  2 A known per se, also different, substantially plate-shaped carriers can be used, for instance custom made carriers. The devices  1  according to the invention can be stacked both in storage places and in transport means. The block containers  4  can be fastened to the carrier  2  in a different manner, for instance directly in the keyholes.  
     [0066] These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.