Patent Publication Number: US-11643252-B2

Title: Storage device

Description:
This application claims priority based on an International Application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, PCT/EP2018/074922, filed on Sep. 14, 2018. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a storage device with at least one storage container which comprises a container housing, on which at the outside at least one handle is arranged, said handle being designed as an at least essentially U-shaped bow grip and comprising two grip limbs which are connected to one another by a connection web, around which a hand can grip, and in the region of the free end sections of the grip limbs which are opposite the connection web being pivotably mounted on the container housing about a pivot axis via a pivot bearing device, so that it can pivoted between a position of non-use which is pivoted onto the container housing and a position of use which projects away from the container housing. 
     A storage device of this type which is known from DE 10 2011 006 871 A1 comprises a storage container which is designed as a hand-tool box and in whose container housing a light device is integrated. The container housing is provided with two carrier grips which can be used as handles, of which the one is an upper handle which is arranged on the upper side and the other a front handle which is arranged on a narrow front side. Both handles are designed as bow grips with an essentially U-shaped fashion and are pivotably mounted on the container housing. 
     DE 20 2012 102 760 U1 likewise discloses a container-like transport device which for the user-friendly handling is provided with two carrier grips for the horizontal and for the vertical carrying position. 
     DE 197 06 413 A1 discloses a suitcase-like receptacle which on an upper side comprises a bow-like carrier grip and to whose front side a further carrier grip can be additionally attached in a releasable manner by way of latching connection devices. 
     A storage device which is known from EP 2 485 874 B1 comprises a storage container whose container housing consists of a box-like housing lower part and of a housing lid which is pivotably mounted thereon in the region of the rear side. The housing lid can be pivoted into a closure position, in which it lies on the housing lower part and closes an access opening for an internal storage space of the container housing. A pivotable upper handle is attached at the outside to the upper side of the housing lid. Furthermore, coupling devices are formed in the region of the upper side and the lower side of the container housing, said coupling devices permitting the stacking of several storage containers on one another and permitting them to be releasably coupled to one another in a manner in which they cannot be lifted from one another. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the invention to provide measures which even in the case of a heavy loading ensure a secure carrying of the storage container on a handle. 
     For achieving this object, according to the invention, in combination with the aforementioned features, one envisages each pivot bearing device comprising a first bearing element which is arranged on the container housing and a second bearing element which is arranged on one of the grip limbs of the handle, said bearing elements being inserted into one another in the axis direction of the pivot axis and being rotatable relative to one another with respect to the pivot axis, wherein a securing device which assumes an active state at least in the position of use of the handle is assigned to the free end section of each grip limb, by way of which securing device in its active state the assigned grip limb is supportable or supported with respect to the container housing in the axis direction of the pivot axis, in order to prevent a mutual approach of the two grip limbs which would permit a release from one another of the bearing elements which are inserted into one another. 
     In this manner, each of the two pivot bearing devices, via which the handle which is designed as a bow grip is pivotably mounted on the container housing, comprises two first and second bearing elements which are inserted into one another in the axis direction of the pivot axis and which are rotatable relative to one another about the pivot axis. One of these bearing elements is located on the container housing, the other on the free end section of one of the two grip limbs of the handle. In order to ensure that the pivotable handle does not inadvertently slip out of the container housing and the storage container does not fall down, even when carrying a heavily loaded storage container, a securing device which assumes an active state at least in the position of use of the handle is assigned to the free end section of each grip limb. The securing device in its active state supports the grip limb which is assigned to it, with respect to the container housing in the axis direction of the pivot axis, in a manner such that the grip limb cannot move in the direction of the other grip limb. By way of this, the bearing elements of the pivot bearing devices which are inserted into one another cannot execute an axial relative movement, by way of which they are pulled apart and separated from one another when the grip limbs of the handle are subjected to external forces which act in the sense of a mutual approach. Such external forces could arise for example if a heavily loaded storage container is lifted at the connection web of its handle and the handle elastically sags in the region of the connection web. On account of the support by way of the securing devices, one prevents the grip limbs from approaching one another due to the elastic deformation of the handle when the storage container is lifted at the connection web of its handle. Expediently, the two bearing elements are designed as one piece with the grip limbs and the first bearing elements are expediently designed as one piece with the container housing. The pivot bearing devices are preferably designed such that each second bearing element which is arranged on a grip limb, in the stick-on direction is stuck together with the first bearing element which is arranged on the container housing and which points away from the respective other grip limb in the axis direction of the pivot axis. 
     Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the dependent claims. 
     The handle, to which the two securing devices are assigned, is assembled on the container housing expediently by way of a latching procedure which is entailed by an elastic bending of the handle, concerning which the two grip limbs briefly approach one another. In order for such a latching assembly to be possible irrespective of the secured position of use, the handle can be positioned in at least one pivoting position which differs from the position of use and in which the securing devices are inactive and the grip limbs are released in a manner such that these are movable in a manner directed to one another. By way of this, a relative movement between the two grip limbs in the axis direction of the pivot axis is possible, such being necessary for the assembly procedure combined with a latching procedure. 
     Preferably, the handle in the at least one pivoting position which is combined with an inactive state of the securing devices can also be disassembled from the container housing again when required. A grip limb, for example assisted by an applied lever tool, then merely needs to be elastically bent to the side to such an extent that the bearing elements of a pivot bearing device disengage from one another. 
     Preferably, in each pivoting position, in which the securing devices are inactive, the handle can be attached to the container housing by way of latching given the first assembly of the storage container or in a case of repair. If it is the case of a releasable latching connection, which is advantageous, then the handle in the state pivoted into each of these pivoting positions can also be removed again from the container housing by way of a latching-out procedure when required. 
     Expediently, each securing device is designed such that its inactive state is present at least in the region of the position of non-use of the handle, wherein it is preferably exclusively present in the region of the position of non-use of the handle. The latter provides an optimal safety from inadvertently releasing the latching connection irrespectively of the pivoting position outside of the position of non-use, into which the handle is momentarily pivoted. 
     Expediently, the securing devices are designed such that their active state is present in the position of non-use of the handle as well as in a pivoting region of the handle of maximally 10 degrees which follows the position of non-use. In this manner, the inactive state of the securing devices is not restricted to only a very specific pivoting position for simplifying the assembly of the handle, but the pivoting region, in which the active state is present, with regard to angle is relatively small, so that the securing effect is given in a relatively large pivoting region. 
     Of the two bearing elements of a respective pivot bearing device of the handle, expediently the one bearing element is designed as a bearing eye and the other bearing element as a bearing pin which is rotatably inserted into the bearing eye. The bearing eyes are preferably located on the container housing and the bearing pins on the grip limbs of the handle. In this case, the bearing eyes are arranged distanced to one another in the axis direction of the pivoting axis and with insert openings which face one another. The bearing pins are likewise aligned on the handle in the axis direction of the pivot axis, but point away from one another with their free ends. 
     With regard to an attachment of the handle to the container housing, created by latching, it is expedient if each bearing pin at the face side has an oblique sliding surface, with which it can slide on a peripheral edging structure of the container housing which encompasses the bearing eye, whilst creating an elastic bending of the handle, when the handle given the latching procedure is moved with an assembly movement which is at right angles to the pivot axis in the direction of the container housing. 
     The pivot bearing devices are expediently arranged in the region of the outer sides of the two grip limbs which are away from one another in the axis direction of the pivoting axis. Hereby, there are no components of the pivot bearing devices whatsoever between the two grip limbs in the region of the U-opening. 
     The container housing has a housing wall which on its outer side expediently comprises a deepening which is denoted as an outer wall deepening and in which the pivotable handle is mounted. The two pivot bearing devices are preferably located in the region of two lateral edge surfaces of the outer wall deepening which lie opposite one another at a distance. The design is preferably made such that the handle is received in the outer wall deepening in a completely sunk manner in its position of non-use and projects out of the wall deepening in its position of use. 
     Expediently, a pivoting angle of 90 degrees is present between the position of non-use and the position of use. 
     Each securing device expediently has a first support projection which is arranged on the container housing in the region of the pivot axis of the handle and which projects away from the housing wall of the container housing transversely to the pivoting axis. Furthermore, a second support projection which belongs to one of the two securing devices and which participates in the pivoting movement of the handle on pivoting between the position of non-use and the position of use is arranged on the free end section of each grip limb. With each securing device, the first support projection and the second support projection are arranged offset to one another in the axis direction of the pivoting axis in a manner such that the second support projection which is arranged on the container housing is distanced further to the U-opening which is delimited between to two grip limbs, than the first support projection. The two support projections of each securing device are furthermore arranged such that in the active state of the securing device they can overlap at right angles to the pivot axis of the handle and consequently support themselves on one another in the axis direction of the pivot axis. 
     In order to succeed in the selective presence of the inactive state and the active state of the securing device being dependent on the pivoting position of the handle, the two support projections of each securing device are preferably designed such that in the pivoting position which defines the inactive state no overlapping at right angles to the pivot axis of the handle is present and such an overlapping is only present at those pivoting positions which correspond to an active state of the securing device. For this, for example the second support projections which are formed on the grip limbs can be designed such that they only extend a little in the circumferential direction of the pivot axis. 
     Expediently, the first support projection delimits a groove which is open at right angles to the pivot axis and into which the second support projection which is arranged on the handle either immerses or does not immerse depending on the pivoting position of the handle. Preferably or alternatively, the second support projection delimits a groove which is open at right angles to the pivot axis and into which the handle immerses or does not immerse depending on the pivoting position of the handle. 
     Expediently, an arresting device of the storage container which is designed for the non-pivotable releasable arresting of the position of non-use of the handle is assigned to the pivotable handle which is provided with the two securing devices. In this manner, the pivotable handle can be releasably arrested in the position of non-use which is pivoted onto the container housing, in a manner such that it is prevented from an uncontrolled pivoting relative to the container housing when the storage container is transported without the use of the front handle. This arresting function is particularly advantageous if the storage container yet comprises a further handle, with which it can be alternatively transported. The arresting device prevents the pivotable handle from pivoting uncontrollably to and fro and hitting the container housing at the outside when the storage container is carried whilst using the further handle. The releasable arresting ability of the position of non-use of the pivotable handle hence contributes to an improved handling comfort of the storage container. 
     The arresting device is preferably designed such that given a manually created pivoting of the handle it automatically changes between an active operating state which acts in an arresting manner and an inactive operating state which acts in a non-arresting manner Herewith, the arresting and the release of the arresting is effected quasi automatically when the user of the storage device grips the handle and pivots it by way of a suitable force effort in the direction of the position of non-use or in the position of use. 
     It is particularly in the aforementioned context that it is advantageous if the arresting device is designed as a latching device which with a snap effect automatically latches in or automatically latches out depending on the pivoting direction of the handle. Such a latching device can be inexpensively realised and can be expediently integrated into the container housing and the pivotable handle in a direct manner on manufacture of these container components. 
     The container housing of the storage container has an upper side which faces in a height direction as well as a front side which is orientated at right angles to the height direction. The pivotable handle which has been explained until now and to which the securing devices are assigned is preferably arranged on the front side of the container housing at the outside and can therefore be denoted as a front handle. Its pivot axis runs at right angles to the height direction of the container housing. It is suitable for a comfortable carrying of the storage container, above all when the container housing has a relatively small height in comparison to its length and width. On use of the front handle, a height axis of the container housing which determines the height direction is aligned horizontally. 
     The previous remarks with regard to the securing devices which ensure a secure fastening of the handle to the container housing in the position of use specifically do not apply exclusively, but in particular to a front handle. 
     As has already been indicated, the storage container can comprise several alternatively useable handles. In particular, the container housing additionally to the front handle which is attached to its front side comprises an upper handle which is arranged on the upper side at the outside. On using the upper handle, the storage container can be carried in an alignment, in which the height axis which defines the height direction is aligned vertically. 
     The upper handle in principle can be attached to the container housing in an immovable manner. However, the upper handle is also preferably pivotably mounted on the container housing and in the course of a pivoting movement can be selectively pivoted into a position of non-use which is pivoted onto the container housing at the top or into a position of use which is pivoted away from the container housing and which projects upwards 
     Expediently, an arresting device which is suitable for the releasable arresting of the upper handle in its position of non-use is assigned to this. For an improved differentiation, the arresting device which is assigned to the front handle is denoted as the front arresting device and the arresting device which is assigned to the upper handle is denoted as an the upper arresting device. 
     It is advantageous if the upper arresting device and the front arresting device are designed in the same manner and operate according to the same principle. This permits a particularly inexpensive manufacture of the storage container. Both arresting devices are expediently designed as releasable arresting devices. 
     The upper handle in the position of non-use is expediently received in a completely sunk manner in an upper wall deepening of the container housing which is formed at the outside in the upper side of the housing wall of the container housing. This on the one hand has the advantage that the upper handle does not project beyond the outer contour of the container housing on use of the front handle as a carrier grip. On the other hand, this entails the advantage that the storage container can be stacked with further other storage containers in the height direction in a securely standing manner. 
     The container housing preferably has an at least essentially rectangular outline. This favours a space-saving mounting of the receiving container, in particular also in cases in which the storage device comprises several storage containers. 
     Preferably, the container housing is composed of a box-like housing lower part and housing lid. The housing lower part on an upper side which faces upwards in the height direction comprises an access opening for an internal storage space, to which the housing lid is assigned. The housing lid is pivotably mounted on the housing lower part in a manner such that it is selectively pivotable into a closure position which covers the access opening and into at least one open position which releases the access opening. Objects can be brought into the storage space and also be removed again, through the released access opening. The housing lower part expediently comprises a base wall and a peripheral wall which projects upwards from the edge of the base wall in the height direction of the container housing, wherein both walls belong to the housing wall of the container housing. The upper end section of the peripheral wall frames the access opening. 
     The upper handle is arranged on the housing lid at the top on the outside whereas the front handle is attached at the outside to the front wall of the housing part which is a constituent of the peripheral wall of the housing lower part, said peripheral wall projecting upwards from the base wall of the housing lower part. 
     Preferably, the container housing is designed such that the housing lid is releasably lockable to the housing lower part in the closure position. Corresponding locking means are expediently located at the outside on the front side of the container housing, in particular above the front handle in the height direction. The locking means comprise for example a rotary bar. 
     In an advantageous design, the storage device comprises a shelf structure, in which the at least one storage container can be received in a manner in which it can pulled out whilst not in non-use. In this context, it is advantageous if the storage container on the outer side of the container housing comprises a guide device which fits together with a counter guide device which is arranged on the shelf structure and which likewise belongs to the storage device. Preferably, the guide device as well as the counter guide device are structured in a rail-like manner and engage into one another in a linearly displaceable manner, which favours an easy pulling-out or insertion of the storage container out of and into the shelf structure respectively. 
     The storage device can comprise only a single storage container. However, it is advantageous if it comprises several storage containers which are preferably stackable onto one another in the height direction of each storage container. By way of this, they can be mounted in a space-saving manner. 
     It is advantageous if each of the several stackable storage containers comprises a lower coupling device on its container housing in the region of the lower side and an upper coupling device in the region of the upper side, wherein these two coupling devices are adapted to one another in a manner such that storage containers which are directly stacked onto one another in a height direction can be releasably coupled to one another in a manner in which they cannot be lifted from one another, by way of the interaction of the upper coupling device of the respective lower storage container and of the lower coupling device of the respective upper storage container. 
     If the storage containers comprise a housing lower part and a housing lid which is pivotable with respect to this, wherein these two components are releasably lockable to one another in a closure position of the housing lid by way of locking means, it is advantageous if the locking means fulfil a multi-function and are also designed as constituents of at least one of the coupling devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is hereinafter explained in more detail by way of the accompanying drawings. In these are shown in: 
         FIG.  1    a preferred first embodiment of a storage device according to the invention with a perspectively drawn storage container which is drawn with the closure position of its housing lid and which comprises two alternatively useable handles which are shown in their position of non-use, wherein its position of use is indicated in a dot-dashed manner for each handle, 
         FIG.  2    the storage container of  FIG.  1    in the state, in which its handle which is located on the front side and is designed as a front handle is pivoted into the position of use, 
         FIG.  3    a front view of the storage container of  FIG.  1    with a viewing direction according to arrow III of  FIG.  1   , 
         FIG.  4    a horizontal section through the storage container with a viewing direction which is directed upwards in the direction of the housing lid according to the section plane IV-IV of  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  5    the detail VI which is framed in a dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  4   , in an enlarged individual representation, 
         FIG.  6    a vertical section of the storage container according to the section line VI-VI of  FIG.  3   , 
         FIG.  7    the detail VII which is framed in a dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  6   , in an enlarged individual representation, wherein the front handle is shown in an arrested position of non-use, 
         FIG.  8    the detail according to  FIG.  5    given a front handle which is pivoted into the position of use, wherein a preferably present securing device assumes its active state, 
         FIG.  9    the upper end section of the storage container from  FIG.  1    in a perspective representation, wherein an upper handle which is arranged on the upper side is pivoted out of the position of non-use, so that the view onto an upper arresting device which arrests the position of non-use is cleared, 
         FIG.  10    the detail X which is framed in a dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  9   , in an enlarged representation, 
         FIG.  11    a representation which is comparable to  FIG.  9   , in the state of the upper handle, in which it is pivoted into the position of use, 
         FIG.  12    a plan view of the storage container with a viewing direction according to arrow XII of  FIG.  1   , 
         FIG.  13    a vertical section of the storage container according to the section plane XIII-XIII of  FIGS.  1  and  12   , so that two momentarily active arresting units of the upper arresting device which fixes the position of non-use of the upper handle are visible, 
         FIG.  14    the detail XIV which is framed in a dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  13   , in an enlarged individual representation, 
         FIG.  15    a further perspective representation of the storage container in the not yet assembled state of the pivotable front handle, wherein the assembly procedure is indicated by arrows, 
         FIG.  16    the detail XVI which is framed in a dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  3   , on the front side of the storage container in the region of the front handle which assumes the position of non-use, wherein the front handle is only shown in a dot-dashed manner for the purpose of a better overview, 
         FIG.  17    an individual representation of the front handle in a front view, 
         FIG.  18    a perspective front view of the front handle, 
         FIG.  19    a perspective rear view of the front handle, and 
         FIG.  20    a container stack which consists of three storage containers of the storage device which are stacked upon one another and are releasably connected to one another in a vertically non-liftable manner, wherein the storage containers disregarding an different construction height are designed identically and wherein the uppermost storage container which is arranged on the container stack has a smaller construction height than the two storage containers which are placed therebelow and which amongst one another have the same construction height. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The storage device which is provided as a whole with the reference numeral  1  comprises one or more storage containers  2  whose basic construction in one advantageous design is evident from  FIGS.  1  to  19   .  FIG.  20    shows three storage containers  2  of the storage device  1  in a state stacked upon one another whilst forming container stack  98  and these are designed identically disregarding a different height. The storage device  1  can basically also comprise only a single storage container  2 . 
     The storage container  2  has a container housing  15  with preferably an at least essentially rectangular outline which is well evident from  FIGS.  4  and  12   . 
     The container housing  15  has a height axis  16  which extends between a lower side  4  and an upper side  5  and whose axis direction defines a height direction which is provided with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it has a longitudinal axis  17  which is at right angles to the height axis  16  and which runs between a front side  6  and a rear side  7 , and furthermore has a transverse axis  18  which is at right angles to the height axis  16  as well as to the longitudinal axis  17 . The axis direction of the longitudinal axis  17  defines a longitudinal direction which is provided with the same reference numeral, whereas the axis direction of the transverse axis  18  defines a transverse direction of the container housing  15  which is provided with the same reference numeral. By way of example, the dimensions in the height direction  16  define a height, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction  17  a depth and the dimensions in the transverse direction  18  a width of the container housing  15 . 
     The aforementioned rectangular outline runs in a plane which is at right angles to the height axis  16 . 
     The container housing  15  has a housing wall  22  which delimits a storage space  23  which is formed in the housing interior and which is evident for example from the  FIGS.  4 ,  6  and  13   . Arbitrary objects which are to be stored, for example tools and in particular electrical tools can be accommodated in the storage space  23 . 
     Expediently, the container housing  15  has a housing lower part  24  and a housing lid  25  which is mounted on the housing lower part  24  in a pivotably movable manner. Only the housing lid is visible in the  FIGS.  9  and  11   . The housing wall  22  is composed of walls of the housing lower part  24  and of the housing lid  25 . 
     Concerning the preferably box-like housing lower part  24 , the housing wall  22  consists of a base wall  26  which terminates the storage space  23  at the lower side  4  and of a peripheral wall  27  which projects upwards from the outer edge of this base wall  26  in the height direction  16 . The peripheral wall  27  encompasses the storage space  23  around the height axis  16 , wherein at its upper side which is opposite the base wall  26  it comprises an upper end section  21  which frames an access opening  28  for the storage space  23 . Objects can be inserted into the storage space  23  and be removed from the storage space  23 , through the access opening  28 . 
     The peripheral wall  27  which is of one piece with the base wall  26  is composed of a front wall  32  which is orientated at right angles to the height axis  16 , of a rear wall  33  which lies opposite the front wall  32  in the longitudinal direction  17  and of two side walls  34 . The side walls  34  lie opposite one another in the transverse direction  18  and connect the front wall  32  to the rear wall  33 . The front wall  32  and the rear wall  33  each extend essentially in a plane which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis  17 . The side walls  34  each extend essentially in a plane which is at right angles to the transverse axis  18 . 
     The complete peripheral wall  27  and the base wall  26  are designed as one piece with one another. 
     The housing lid  25  is assigned to the access opening  28  and is pivotably mounted relative to the housing lower part  24  about a pivot axis  35  which runs in the transverse direction  18 , preferably in the region of the rear wall  33 . Preferably, the pivot bearing means  12  which define the pivot axis  35  are arranged at the rear corner regions of the peripheral wall  27  which connect a side wall  34  to the rear wall  33 , in particular at only a small height distance to the access opening  28 . 
     In the course of a pivoting movement  36  which is indicated in  FIG.  2    by a double arrow, the housing lid  25  can be selectively positioned in a closure position which lies on the upper end section  21  of the peripheral wall  27  and herein closes the access opening  28  or in various open positions which are pivoted upwards to a greater or lesser extent. In the open positions, the access opening  28  is accessible with an opening cross section which is differently large depending on the selected opening pivoting angle. 
     The closure position of the housing lid  25  is expediently releasably lockable. For this, by way of example, suitable locking means  38  which can be manually actuated are to be found in the region of the front side  6  on the container housing  15  at the outside. Preferably, the locking means  38  comprise a rotary bar  42  which is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis  44  which is parallel to the longitudinal axis  17 , in the region of the front side  6  on the housing lid  25 , and a locking projection  43  which is arranged at the outside on the front wall  32  of the housing lower part  24 . In the state of the housing lid  25 , in which it is located in the closure position, the rotary bar  42  can be rotated such that it is selectively in or out of locking engagement with the assigned locking projection  43 . 
     The storage container  2  which is illustrated by way of example comprises only a single storage space  23  which is closed by the housing lid  25  in a manner which is to be opened. Concerning an embodiment example which is not illustrated, additionally yet at least one drawer which when required can be pulled out and which provides an additional storage space is yet additionally arranged in the housing lower part  24 . Concerning an embodiment example which is likewise not shown, the container housing  15  on the upper side  5  has no cover, but a cover wall which is designed as one piece with the peripheral wall  27 , wherein the storage container  2  as a whole is designed as a drawer container which comprises one or more drawers which when required can be pulled out of the container housing or pushed into it and whose drawer spaces together define the storage space  23 . 
     A handle  52  which for an improved differentiation is denoted as a front handle  52  is arranged on the container housing  15 , at least at the outside on the front side  6 . If the container housing  15  is composed of a housing lower part  24  and of a housing lid  25  in accordance with the embodiment example, then the front handle  52  is preferably attached at the outside to the front wall  32  of the housing lower part  24 . This is the case with regard to the illustrated embodiment example. By way of using the front handle  52 , the storage container  2  can be carried and transported in an alignment, in which the height axis  16  is aligned horizontally and which is hereinafter denoted as a vertical alignment. 
     The storage container  2  at the outside on its upper side  5  which is oriented in the height direction  16  preferably comprises a further handle  45  which for an improved differentiation is denoted as an upper handle  45 . If the container housing  15  according to the embodiment example comprises a housing lid  25 , then the upper handle  45  is attached at the outside to an upper lid wall  79  of the housing lid  25  which in the closure position extends at right angles to the height axis  16 . By way of using the upper handle  45 , the storage container  2  can be carried and transported in a horizontal alignment, in which the height axis  16  runs vertically. 
     At least the front handle  52 , preferably however also the upper handle  45  are pivotably mounted on the container housing  15 , so that by way of pivoting relative to the container housing  15  they can be selectively positioned in a position of non-use which is pivoted onto the container housing  15  or in a position of use which projects away from the container housing  15 . 
     The pivot axis  51  of the front handle  52  is hereinafter denoted as a front pivot axis  51 , wherein the associated pivoting movement  53  is rendered evident by a double arrow. 
     The pivot axis  49  of the upper handle  45  is hereinafter denoted as the upper pivot axis  49  wherein the associated pivoting movement  41  is likewise indicated by a double arrow. 
     Both pivot axes  51 ,  49  run parallel to the transverse axis  18 . 
     The positions of non-use of the two handles  52 ,  45  which are pivoted onto the container housing  15  are shown at  52   a  and  45   a , the positions of use at  52   b  and  45   b . The front handle  52  in its position of use  52   b  projects to the front away from the container housing  15 , wherein the upper handle  45  in its position of use  45   b  projects away upwards from the container housing  15 . 
     Preferably, the front handle  52  is designed as a bow grip which is designed at least essentially in a U-shaped manner. This also applies to the upper handle  45 . Both handles  52 ,  45  are realised as bow grips in the illustrated embodiment example. 
     The front handle  52  which is designed as a bow grip has two grip limbs  55  which correspond to the U-limbs and which are distanced to one another in a grip longitudinal direction  45  and are parallel to one another and which at their one face-side end region are connected to one another by way of a connection web  56 . The grip longitudinal direction  54  runs in an axis direction of a longitudinal axis of the front handle  52 , said longitudinal axis being provided with the same reference numeral. 
     The upper handle  45  in a corresponding manner likewise has two grip limbs  57  which are distanced to one another in the longitudinal direction  18  and which are connected to one another at one end by way of a connection web  58 . 
     The preferably rod-like connection webs  56 ,  58  of the two handles  52 ,  54  expediently run parallel to one another. The upper handle  45  preferably has a greater length than the front handle  52 . Both handles  52 ,  45  are arranged and designed mirror-symmetrically with respect to a middle plane which is spanned by the height axis  16  and the longitudinal axis  17  and which passes through the container housing  15  at the centre of the width. 
     The upper handle  45  is pivotably mounted on the housing lid  25  in the region of the free end sections  63  of its grip limbs  57  which are opposite to its connection web  58 . In the position of non-use  45   a , a grip plane of the upper handle  45  which is spanned by the connection web  58  and the two grip limbs  57  runs at right angles to the height axis  16 . 
     Preferably, the upper lid wall  79  of the housing lid  25  which belongs to the housing wall  22 , at the outside comprises an upper wall deepening  64 , in which the upper handle  45  is rotatably mounted and in which the upper handle  45  is received in a preferably completely sunk manner on assuming its position of non-use  45   a . The upper wall deepening  64  is expediently likewise designed in a U-shaped manner. In the position of use  45   b , the upper handle  45  projects upwards out of the upper wall deepening  64 , wherein the connection web  58  is distanced sufficiently far to the upper lid terminating surface  48 , in order to permit the gripping around by way of a hand for carrying the storage container  2 . 
     Alternatively to the pivotable upper handle  45 , the storage container  2  can however also comprise an upper handle  45  which is fixedly attached to the container housing  15  in a non-pivotable manner. 
     The front handle  52  in the region of the free end sections  62  of its grip limb  55  which are opposite to its connection web  56  are pivotably mounted on the front wall  32  at the outside for executing the pivoting movement  53 . For the definition of the assigned front pivot axis  51 , a suitable pivot bearing device  65  is assigned to each free end section  62  of the two grip limbs  55 . 
     The front wall  32  at its outer side which is away from the storage space  32  is expediently provided with a front wall deepening  66 , in which the two pivot bearing devices  65  are arranged. The front wall deepening  66  has such a depth that the front handle  52  is completely sunk therein given the assumption of its position of non-use  52   a . In the position of use  52   b , the front handle  52  projects significantly far out of the front wall deepening  66 , in order to be able to grip around the connection web  56  with one hand for carrying the storage container  2 . 
     A handle plane which is spanned by the two grip limbs  55  and the connection web  56  of the front handle  52 , in the position of non-use runs at right angles to a longitudinal axis  17  and in the position of use at right angles to the height axis  16 . 
     The front wall recess  66  at its two sides which are distanced to one another in the transverse direction  18  are delimited by two lateral edge surfaces  67  which face one another and are distanced to one another in the transverse direction  18 . Each pivot bearing device  65  is preferably placed in the region of one of these two lateral edge surfaces  67 . 
     The front handle  52  is expediently pivoted downwards in the position of non-use  45   a , which is to say its U-opening points upwards in the height direction  15 . 
     Concerning the upper handle  45 , the position of non-use  45   a  expediently manifests itself in the fact that the U-opening of the bow-shaped upper handle  45  faces the rear side  7  in the longitudinal direction  17 . 
     Expediently, an arresting device of the storage container  2  which is denoted as a front arresting device  68  for an improved differentiation is assigned to the front handle  52  and is designed for the non-pivotable releasable arresting of the front handle  52  in its position of non-use  52   a.    
     It is advantageous if an arresting device which is suitable for the releasable arresting of the position of non-use  45   a  of the upper handle  45  is assigned to this, said arresting device being denoted as an upper arresting device  69  for an improved differentiation. The storage container  2  of the illustrated embodiment example comprises the front arresting device  68  as well as the upper arresting device  69 . 
     Each arresting device  68 ,  69  prevents the handle  52 ,  45  which is situated in the position of non-use  52   a ,  45   a  from carrying out uncontrolled pivoting movements relative to the container housing  15  when the storage container  2  is transported whilst using the respective other handle  45  or  52  which is momentarily in the position of use  45   b ,  52   b.    
     The front arresting device  68  is expediently designed as a latching device  70  which depending on the pivoting direction of the pivoting movement  53  automatically latches in or latches out with a snap effect when a corresponding actuation force is introduced into the front handle  52 . The intensity of the latching is adequately large, in order to prevent an automatic latching-in or latching-out given the designated handling of the storage container  2 . However, it is sufficiently small, in order to be able to create a latching or a lifting of the latching solely by way of action by hand without an extraordinary force application. 
     The upper arresting device  69  is preferably likewise designed as a latching device  71  whose functional characteristics correspond to the aforementioned ones which are explained by way of the latching device  70 . 
     Basically, it is possible for the front and/or the upper arresting device  68 ,  69  to be designed in a manner in which they are to be actuated separately, so that a mere manual force introduction into the assigned handle  52 ,  45  does not alone cause a change of the operating state. For example, at least one spring-loaded bar can be present. The outlined design with an automatic blocking and de-blocking alone on account of a suitable force introduction into the assigned handle  52 ,  45  however permits a particularly comfortable handling given simultaneously low manufacturing costs. 
     The operating state which is assumed by the arresting device  68 ,  69  given a non-pivotably arrested position of non-use  45   a ,  52   a  is hereinafter also denoted as an active operating state. That operating state of the arresting device  68 ,  69  which no longer arrests the position of non-use is hereinafter also denoted as an inactive operating state. 
     The pivoting angle of the front handle  52  and/or of the upper handle  45  between the position of non-use  52   a ,  45   a  and the position of use  52   a ,  45   b  is expediently at least essentially 90 degrees. Each handle  52 ,  45  can be pivoted within this pivoting range, in particular in an infinite manner, into arbitrary intermediate positions which are all neither arrested nor arrestable. In  FIG.  20   , such an intermediate pivoting position of the front handle  52  is shown at the middle container  2 . As soon as the handle  52 ,  45  has left the arrested position of non-use  52 ,  45   a , it can be freely pivoted at least to into the position of use  52   b ,  45   b . Given a suitable design of the pivot bearing means, the handle  52 ,  45  can even be pivoted beyond the position of use  52   b ,  45   b.    
     The arresting device  68 ,  69  can be locally limited to a single region of the respective handle  52 ,  45 . However, it is seen as more advantageous if the front arresting device  68  and/or the upper arresting device  69  consists of several, in particular of precisely two arresting devices  68 ,  68   b ;  69   a ,  69   b  which are locally arranged distanced to one another. By way of example, the two arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  and  69   a ,  69   b  of each arresting device  68 ,  69  are distanced to one another in the axis direction of the assigned pivot axis  51 ,  49 . 
     The two arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  of the front arresting device  68  which are hereinafter also denoted as front arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  for simplification are each arranged in the region of one of the two grip limbs  55 . They are preferably each located in the region of one of the two lateral edge surfaces  67  of the front wall deepening  66 . 
     The front arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  are arranged distanced to the pivot bearing devices  65  transversely to the pivot axis  51 . In particular, they are located at a distance to the pivot axis  51 , which corresponds to the distance of the connection web  56  to the pivot axis  51 . Considered in the position of non-use  52   a  of the front handle  52 , both front arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  expediently lie in the region of the connection web  56 . 
     The arresting units  69   a ,  69   b  of the upper arresting device  69  which are hereinafter also denoted as upper arresting units  69   a ,  69   b  are arranged with respect to the upper handle  45  in a comparable manner as the front arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  are arranged with respect to the front handle  52 . In each case, one of the upper arresting units  69   a ,  69   b  is located in the region of one of the grip limbs  57 , in particular in its region which is away from the respective other grip limb  57 . They are each located in the region of one of two lateral edge surfaces  72  of the upper wall deepening  66  which face one another and which are arranged distanced to one another in the transverse direction  18  and with the embodiment example each lie in the proximity of one of the two side walls  34 . In the position of non-use  45   a , one of the grip limbs  57  of the upper handle  45  extends next to each of these two lateral edge surfaces  72 . The upper arresting units  69   a ,  69   b  are preferably each arranged in the region of the connection web  58  of the upper handle  45 . 
     Preferably, each front arresting unit  68   a ,  68   b  comprises an arresting projection  73  which by way of example is designed in a pimple-like manner and is arranged on the housing wall  22  of the container housing  15  and in particular is designed as one piece with the housing wall  22 . It represents a first arresting element  73   a  of the front arresting unit  68   a ,  68   b . Each arresting projection  73  is preferably formed on one of the two lateral edge surfaces  67  of the front wall deepening  66 , so that it projects from the side into the front wall deepening  66 . 
     Expediently, each upper arresting unit  69   a ,  69   b  also comprises a correspondingly designed arresting projection  75 , wherein these arresting projections  75  are expediently each formed on one of the two lateral edge surfaces  72  of the upper wall deepening  66 . 
     Each arresting projection  73  of the front arresting units  68   a ,  68   b  in the position of non-use  52   a  engages into an arresting deepening  74  of the respective front arresting unit  68   a ,  68   b  which is formed in the front handle  52 . This arresting deepening  74  represents a second arresting element  74   a  of the respective front arresting unit  68   a ,  68   b.    
     In an advantageous manner, the two arresting deepenings  74  with regard to the embodiment example are formed by the end regions of a cavity  81  which passes through the connection web  56  in its longitudinal direction, said end regions being assigned to the two grip limbs  55 . In the position of non-use  52 , each arresting projection  73  immerses from a face side into the cavity  81  and engages behind a wall section  82  of the connection web  56  which peripherally encompasses this cavity  81 . This is well evident in  FIG.  7   . The wall section  82  can be moved past the arresting projections  73  with a snap effect by way of the pivoting movement  53  of the front handle  52 . 
     In a comparable manner, each upper arresting unit  69   a ,  69   b  also expediently comprises an arresting deepening  76  which is formed on the upper handle  45  and by one of the two opposite end regions of a cavity  83 , said cavity longitudinally passing through the connection web  58  of the upper handle  45 . In the position of non-use  45   a , the two arresting projections  75  engage into the cavity  83  from opposite sides and overlap a wall section  84  of the connection web  58  which peripherally encompasses the cavity  81 . Given the pivoting moment  41  of the upper handle  45 , the mentioned wall section  84  can be moved past the assigned arresting projection  75  with a snap effect. 
     It is to be understood that the assignment of the arresting projections  73 ,  75  and of the arresting deepenings  74 ,  76  with respect to the container housing  15  and the respective handle  52 ,  45  can also be exchanged. 
     Each arresting deepening  74 ,  76  is designed complementarily to the shape of the arresting projection  73 ,  75  in the case of an embodiment example which is not illustrated, and has the shape for example of a small trough, into which the pimple-like arresting projection  73 ,  75  can snap. 
     It is to be understood that the first and the second arresting element  73   a ,  74   a  of the front handle  52  can also be designed in a manner other than in the form of an arresting deepening and an arresting projection. The same also applies to the constituents of the upper arresting unit  69   a ,  69   b.    
     As a whole, it is advantageous if the upper arresting device  69  is designed in the same manner as the front arresting device  68 , this being is realised with the illustrated embodiment example. 
     A particularly advantageous design of the fastening measures for the front handle  52 , said measures permitting a pivoting movement  53 , are explained hereinafter. 
     As already mentioned, the pivotable fixation of the front handle  52  to the front wall  32  is effected by way of two pivot bearing devices  65  which are each assigned to one of the free end sections  62  of the grip limbs  55 . 
     Each of these pivot bearing devices  65  has a first bearing element  85  which is arranged on the container housing  15  and a second bearing element  86  which is arranged on the grip limb  55 . These two bearing elements  85 ,  86  are stuck into one another in the axis direction of the pivot axis  51  and are rotatable relative to one another. 
     Preferably, the pivot bearing devices  65  are designed such that each second bearing element  86  which is arranged on a grip limb  55  is stuck together in a stick-on direction with the first bearing element  85  which is arranged on the container housing  15  and which in the axis direction of the pivot axis  51  points away from the respective other grip limb  55 . 
     Expediently, the second bearing elements  86  are designed as one piece with the grip limbs and the first bearing elements  85  are expediently designed as one piece with the container housing  15 . 
     By way of example, the first bearing element  85  is designed as a bearing eye  85   a  which comprises an insert opening  87  which faces the adjacent grip limb  57 . The bearing eye  85   a  in particular is realised as a wall deepening or a wall recess of the front wall  32 . With the embodiment example, it is formed in each one of the two lateral edge surfaces  67  of the front wall deepening  66 . The two insert openings  87  face one another and are aligned coaxially to one another. 
     The second bearing element  86  which is arranged on the front handle  52 , with regard to the embodiment example is designed as a bearing pin  86   a  which immerses through the insert opening  86  into the assigned bearing eye  85   a . The two bearing pins  86   a  are also aligned coaxially to one another, wherein they point in directions which are opposite to one another, thus away from one another. In particular, they are located on the outer sides of the two grip limbs  55  which are away from one another. Hence each bearing pin  86   a  immerses from the front wall deepening  66  into the assigned bearing eye  85   a.    
     The pivot bearing devices  65  are consequently preferably arranged in the region of the outer sides of the two grip limbs  55  of the front handle  52 , said outer sides being away from one another in the axis direction of the pivot axis  51 . 
     As is particularly well evident from  FIGS.  7 ,  8  and  9   , the bearing pins  86   a  by way of example have a non-round cross-sectional contour. However, they can indeed also be designed in a circularly round manner. 
     It is to be understood that the arrangement of the bearing eyes  85   a  and bearing pins  86   a  with respect to the container housing  15  and the front handle  52  can also be exchanged. 
     By way of a non-round cross-sectional contour of the bearing pins  86   a , it is very simple to realise the front handle  52  being able to be non-pivotably fixed in the position of use  52  in a simply releasable manner by way of a positive contact with the housing wall  22 . By way of example, the bearing pin  86   a  at a location of its peripheral periphery comprises a flattening  88  which in the position of use  52   b  bears and is supported on a plane wall surface of the housing wall  22 . Since the individual constituents consist of a plastic material, they are mutually compliant when a torque is exerted onto the front handle  52 . Inasmuch as this is concerned, the position of use  52   b  which is fixed by way of the bearing pins  86   a  can be very easily lifted again. 
     The front handle  52  expediently consists of a plastic material. This preferably also applies to the upper handle  45  and to the complete container housing  15 . 
     If the storage container  2  is carried in the vertical alignment by way of the front handle  52 , then the front handle  52  has the tendency to bend in the sense of a mutual approach of the two grip limbs  55 . These bending forces are indicated at  90  by arrows in  FIG.  3   . If the front handle  52  is not designed in a particularly stable manner, then this in principle could result in the bearing pins  86   a  slipping out of the bearing eyes  85   a  and the container housing  15  detaching. This danger is particular high given a heavy loading of the storage space  23 . 
     Concerning the illustrated storage container  2 , securing measures are undertaken to rule out this potential danger despite the lightweight construction manner of the front handle  52 . Hence the front handle  52  can be manufactured in a cost-saving manner, wherein in particular there exists the possibility, which is implemented in the embodiment example, of designing the connection web  56  in a tubular manner as a hollow body. 
     The securing measures lie in a securing device  91  which is arranged on the storage container  2  being assigned to the free end section  62  of each grip limb  55 . Each securing device  91  is designed such that at least in the position of use of the front handle  51  it assumes an active state, in which it can support or supports the assigned grip limb  55  in the axis direction of the pivot axis  51  with respect to the container housing  15 , in order, given the occurrence of bending forces  90 , to prevent a mutual approach of the two grip limbs  55  and thus a release of the bearing elements  85 ,  86  which are stuck into one another, from one another. 
     In an exemplarily realised embodiment, each securing device  91  comprises a first support projection  92  which is fixedly arranged on the container housing  15  in the region of the pivot axis  51  and which projects away from the front wall  32  to the front side  6  transversely and in particular at right angles to the pivot axis  51 . Each securing device  91  further comprises a second support projection  93  which is arranged at the free end region  62  of the assigned grip limb  55  and which in the axis direction of the pivot axis  91  is arranged offset to the first support projection  92  and specifically offset in the direction of the outer side of the assigned grip limb  55  which is away from the respective other grip limb  55 . The clear distance of the first support projections  92  which are arranged on the container housing  15 , measured in the transverse direction  18  is therefore smaller than the clear distance between two second support projections  93  which are formed on the front handle  52 , measured in the grip longitudinal direction  54 . 
     Each second support projection  93  participates in the pivoting movement  53  of the front handle  52  and is designed such that it overlaps the adjacent first support projection  92  which is arranged on the front wall  32  of the container housing  15 , at right angles to the pivot axis  51 , at least during the active state of the securing device  91 . By way of this overlapping, the second support projection  93  can support itself with an inner support surface  94  which is formed on its end-face which faces the U-opening of the bow-like front handle  52 , on an oppositely orientated outer support surface  95  of the first support projection  92  which faces it. 
     The securing devices  91  can thus be designed such that the active state is present in every pivoting position of the front handle  52 . 
     It is above all in the context of a particularly favourable assembly possibility for the front handle  52  that it is however advantageous if the securing devices  91  develop their effect in a selective manner, specifically in a manner depending on the pivoting angle of the front handle  52  which is assumed with respect to the container housing  15 . Hence with regard to the embodiment example, each securing device  91  in at least one other pivoting position which differs from the position of use  52  of the front handle  52  has an inactive state, in which it releases the assigned grip limb  55  for a relative movement which is directed to one another, between the two grip limbs  55  in the axis direction of the pivot axis  51 . Hence the two grip limbs  55  in the inactive state of the securing devices  91  can be approached to one another in the direction of the arrows  90  in  FIG.  3    amid the elastic bending of the front handle  52 , in particular of its connection web  56 . 
     By way of example, this selective effect of the securing devices  91  is achieved by a special design of the second support projections  93  which are arranged on the grip limbs  55 . These support projections have only a limited circumferential extension around the pivot axis  51 , wherein their circumferential extension is about 90 degrees with the embodiment example. The support projections  93  therefore only assume a position which overlaps with the first support projections  92  in the active state of the securing devices  91  ( FIG.  8   ), whereas this overlapping is lifted in other pivoting positions of the front handle  56  ( FIG.  7   ). 
     It is advantageous if the inactive state of the securing device  91  is exclusively present when the front handle  52  is positioned in the region of the position of non-use  52   a , or in a restricted pivoting range of the handle of maximal 10 degrees starting from the position of non-use  52   a , wherein the position of non-use  52   a  is included. Such a design is present with the embodiment example. 
     The design with a selective action of the securing device  91  provides the opportunity which is utilised in the illustrated embodiment example, of assembling the front handle  52  on the container housing  15  and preferably of also disassembling it again, by way of a latching procedure whilst simultaneously ensuring the securing function on carrying the storage container  2  by way of the front handle  52 . 
     The front handle  52  is shown in the disassembled state in  FIG.  15   . Double arrows  96  indicate the possible relative movements of the two grip limbs  55  in the grip plane of the front handle  52  given an elastic bending of the front handle  52 . For the assembly on the container housing  15 , the front handle  52  is held in a relative position to the container housing  15  which corresponds to a pivoting position, in which the securing devices  91  are inactive. Concerning the embodiment example, this is a relative position which corresponds to the position of non-use  52   a.    
     In this alignment, the front handle  52  is pressed with an assembly movement which is indicated by arrows  97 , in the longitudinal direction  17  against the front wall  32  of the container housing  15 , so that the second bearing elements  86  latch into the first bearing elements  85  in the course of a latching procedure. 
     Concerning the embodiment example, this latching procedure is rendered possible by way of each bearing pin  86   a  at the face side having an oblique sliding surface  99 , with which given the assembly movement  97  it can slide on a peripheral edging structure  100  of the container housing  15  which encompasses the bearing eye  85   a . By way of this sliding, the two grip limbs  55  are briefly moved to one another according to the arrows  96  amid elastic deformation, in order, after passing the peripheral edging structure  100 , to move away from one another again according to the arrows  96  and to herein snap into the bearing eyes  85   a.    
     When required, the front handle  52  can be very easily disassembled again by way of engaging with a lever tool into the gap between a grip limb  55  and the lateral edge surface  67 , and the assigned grip limb  55  being elastically bent in the direction of the U-opening. 
     Expediently, the second support projection  93  delimits a first groove  101  which is formed at the face side on the free end section  62  of the grip limb  55  and is open transversely to the pivot axis  51 . The first support projection  92  which is formed on the container housing  15  immerses into this first groove  101 . 
     Additionally or alternatively, the first support projection  92  which is formed on the container housing  15  delimits a second groove  102  which is likewise open transversely to the pivot axis  91  and into which the second support projection  93  immerses. The immersing of the support projections  92 ,  93  into the grooves  102 ,  101  is effected selectively to the same extent as the mutual supporting effect of the two support projections  92 ,  93 . An even better supporting and/or guidance of the grip limbs  55  results due to the grooves  101 ,  102 . 
     An advantageous design of the storage device  1  comprises a shelf structure  103  which is merely indicted in a schematic dot-dashed manner in  FIG.  3    and which is designed in order to store at least one storage container  2  whilst not in use. The shelf structure  103  provides the possibility of receiving the at least one storage container  2  in a manner in which it can be pulled out in the manner of a drawer. Such a shelf structure  103  can be installed for example in a workshop or in a service vehicle. 
     In this context, the storage container  2  at the outer side of the housing lower part  24  comprises a guide device  104 , via which it can be brought in a linearly displaceable manner into engagement in a releasable manner by way of a counter guide device  105  of the storage device  1  which is arranged on the shelf structure  103 . By way of example, the guide device  104  comprises a guide rail  104   a ,  104   b  on the outer side of each side wall  34  in the region of the lower side  4 . The counter guide device  105  has two counter guide rails  105   a ,  105   b  which are arranged distanced to one another on the shelf structure  103  in a manner such that the storage container  2  can be brought into engagement with them from the face side by way of its guide rails  104   a ,  104   b.    
     The guide rails  104   a ,  104   b  and the counter guide rails  105   a ,  105   b  are matched to one another such that the storage container  2  can be inserted into the shelf structure  103  and can be pulled out of the shelf structure  103  in its longitudinal direction  17 . The front handle  52  can be used for this handling. 
     The guide device  104  is expediently integrated as one piece into the housing lower part  24  which consists of plastic material. 
     Preferably, several storage containers  2  are stackable onto one another in the height direction  16 , so that a container stack  98  results from two or more storage containers  2  which are stacked upon one another, as is shown by way of example in  FIG.  20   . In the stacked state, a respective upper container  2  is seated with its lower side  4  on the upper side  5  of a further container  2  which is arranged therebelow. 
     Expediently, each storage container  2  in the region of its lower side  4  has a lower coupling device  106  which is designed for example in a manner which is evident from  FIG.  3   . Furthermore, each storage container  2  on the upper side  5  has an upper coupling device  107  whose preferred design is evident from  FIG.  1   . The two coupling devices  106 ,  107  are adapted to one another such that on account of their interaction the storage containers  2  which are directed stacked on one another can be releasably coupled to one another in a manner in which they cannot be lifted from one another. Such a coupled state is shown in  FIG.  20   . The container stack  98  can then be carried and transported as a unit by way of the upper handle  45  of the uppermost storage container  2 . 
     The locking means  38  which are explained further above preferably belong at least partly to the two coupling devices  106 ,  107 . By way of example, the rotary bar  22  can be rotated into a coupling position which is shown in  FIG.  20    at  108  and in which it couples the two storage containers  2  which are stacked onto one another, to one another in a non-liftable manner in the region of the front side  6 . 
     Further constituents of the coupling devices  106 ,  107  with regard to the illustrated embodiment example are formed by projections which are formed on the lower side  4  and deepenings which are formed on the upper side  5 . In the state of two storage containers  2  stacked onto one another, the projections and deepenings at least partly engage into one another, wherein they overlap or engage behind one another transversely to the height direction  16  and likewise effect a coupling of two storage containers  2  which are stacked onto one another, in a manner such that they cannot be lifted from one another, in particular in the region of the rear side  7 . The projections are expediently stand feet which serve for placing the storage container  2  on a base.