US20130126542A1

US20130126542A1 - Case system

Info

Publication number: US20130126542A1
Application number: US13/583,053
Authority: US
Inventors: Patricia Lorek; Manfred Klement
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Plaston AG; Metabowerke GmbH and Co
Priority date: 2010-03-09
Filing date: 2011-03-08
Publication date: 2013-05-23
Also published as: DE202010000340U1; WO2011110559A1; EP2544864A1; CN102791438A; DE202010014027U1

Abstract

A container system is disclosed, and which includes a container bottom part, defining an interior; a container top part which is hingedly affixed to the container bottom part; and at least one additional container having a connecting structure which joins the additional container to the container bottom part.

Description

The present invention relates to a container system, in particular a case system, comprising a container, in particular a case, for the storage of objects, which container has a container top part and a container bottom part. At least one additional container, which is suitable for storing further objects, can be releasably attached to the container. Such container systems are used to store and/or transport various objects, such as tools.

PRIOR ART

A container, such as a case, often has a container bottom part and a container top part, which can be folded together by means of a hinge in order to jointly close off an interior. By swinging open the container top part in relation to the container bottom part, the interior and the objects, for example tools, stored therein can be made accessible. For the convenient transporting of the container, this often also has a handle.
For the user of the container, it may be desirable to enlarge the storage capacity of the container or to provide separate compartments for the storage of specific objects, such as accessories, dirtied tools, special instruments or consumables.
DE 203 03 536 shows a toolbox comprising a side wall having inner and outer walls which can be folded relative to each other. Between these inner and outer walls are provided compartments, which serve to receive specific tools.
In U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,680 is shown a modular system in which various additional containers can be attached to the side of a tool case. Depending on the objects to be stored therein, these additional containers can be differently designed. Such case systems are also shown in DE 94 17 348 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,712.
In these systems, the tool case can be enlarged, according to the requirement of the user, with those additional containers which contain the respectively specifically required objects. Hence the user does not have to store and transport a large number of different tools together in a large tool case. He can instead only house frequently used and multipurpose tools in the case, for instance, while the special tools are stored in the additional containers. According to which special tools are specifically required, the case can then be supplemented by the additional containers which are respectively appropriate.
These said case systems have the drawback, however, that the additional containers can easily fall off the case if they are not properly attached to the case, for example, or if the user bangs against them somewhere while carrying the case. Moreover, it is possible that the additional containers are not properly closed and spring open, for instance, when the case is lifted up or carried. At least in some case systems of the prior art, the fastening of the additional containers, furthermore, is awkward.

REPRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to define a container system in which an additional container can be easily releasably attached to a container, wherein an unintentional fall-off of the additional container from the container is prevented.
This object is achieved by a container system having the features of claim 1. Further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
The present invention thus provides a container system having the following features:
a container, in particular a case, having a container top part and a container bottom part, which latter has a base and, attached thereto, a peripheral side wall, wherein the side wall, together with the base, delimits an interior of the container, which interior is suitable for storing objects, and wherein the container has a closed state in which the container top part and the container bottom part jointly close off the interior to the outside and has an open state in which the interior is accessible from the outside; and
at least one additional container, which has a connecting structure and which is suitable for storing further objects, wherein the additional container, in the open state of the container, can be releasably attached to the side wall, in particular slipped onto this, by means of the connecting structure.
At the same time, the container top part is arranged relative to the container bottom part in the closed state such that it prevents removal of the additional container from the container.
The additional container can thus be attached to or removed from the container only in the open state thereof. In the closed state, this is prevented by the container top part. An unintentional release of the additional container from the container is thereby, in the closed state thereof, effectively prevented. The additional container can here be designed such that it forms a form closure with the container when it is attached thereto, and that the container top part, in the closed state, prevents release of the form closure.
The additional container can here be constituted, for instance, by a container for the storage of further objects, such as, for example, accessories, a dirtied tool, special objects or consumables. The additional container can, in particular, be a closable container and can have, for instance, specific compartments for the reception of certain objects such as drills, saw blades, fishing articles, sewing accessories, first aid equipment, etc. It can also be constituted, however, by an open container.
Preferably, the connecting structure can be slipped onto the side wall in a direction of displacement, wherein the container top part covers the connecting structure in the closed state in order to prevent displacement, in particular counter to the direction of displacement. In this way, the additional container can be attached to the container in a particularly easy manner for the user. The direction of displacement is advantageously directed toward the base and runs, in particular, substantially perpendicular to the base.
Advantageously, the connecting structure, in the closed state of the container, is held, in particular even clamped, in a region between the container bottom part and the container top part. Removal of the additional container from the container can hence easily be prevented by the container top part.
The connecting structure preferably comprises a suspension element, such as, for example, a suspension bracket, which can be hooked over the side wall such that it projects into the interior. The suspension element here advantageously rests on a top edge of the side wall and extends from there preferably into the interior and, adjacent to an inner side of the side wall, toward the base of the container bottom part. The attachment and separation of the additional container to and from the open container can hence be realized in a particularly easy manner for the user. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable, however, for a downwardly closed rail to be configured, for example, on the outside of the container bottom part, and for the connecting structure to be designed as a profile which can be introduced into the rail from above, wherein the container top part, in the closed state, covers the rail from above. Removal of the additional container from the container in the closed state is thereby likewise prevented. It is also possible, of course, for the rail to be configured on the additional container, and the profile on the container bottom part. The additional container can also be hookable inward into the case, while the described advantageous features are maintained.
The side wall can have a retaining element, which projects into the interior and is configured to enter into a releasable latching connection with the suspension element. The suspension element advantageously then has an appropriately complementary latching element, such as a recess, a depression, grooves, ribs, etc.
The container is preferably designed in such a way, in accordance with a standard construction, that the container top part is connected to the container bottom part pivotably about a pivot axis. The additional container is then preferably attached in a region of the side wall which runs substantially transversely to this pivot axis.
As is usual with many containers, the container can further have a fastening between the container top part and the container bottom part, which fastening is suitable for locking the container in the closed state and is disposed in a region of the side wall that lies opposite the pivot axis.
Preferably, the container is of a standard container shape such that it has a handle which is used to carry the container and which is disposed in a region of the side wall of the container that lies opposite the pivot axis. This handle is preferably attached to the container bottom part, and particularly preferably to the side wall of the container bottom part. It can also, however, be attached to the container top part.
The container can essentially have an overall cuboid basic shape, which, in particular, can be flattened such that two opposite faces of this basic shape are substantially larger than, preferably even at least twice as large as, every other face of the cuboid basic shape.
In a preferred embodiment, the additional container has an additional container bottom part having a receiving space suitable for storing objects, and also has a lid suitable for, in a closure position, closing off the receiving space to the outside and, in an opening position, opening this up to the outside.
Preferably, the container top part, in the closed state of the container, then cooperates with the lid in such a way that movement of the lid from the closure position into the opening position is prevented. The additional container attached to the container can thus only be opened and closed when the container is in the open state. Unintentional springing open of the additional container, for example, while the container is being carried, is thereby prevented.
In order to realize such cooperation of the container top part with the lid, the lid advantageously has a cover region, which, in the closure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, is covered by the container top part.
The cover region is preferably configured as a flange, which, in the closure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, is held, in particular even clamped, in a region between the side wall and the container top part.
Preferably, the lid is pivotably connected to the additional container bottom part in a region disposed on a side of the additional container that is facing away from the container. This connection of the lid to the additional container bottom part can be effected, for instance, via a hinge, in particular via a film hinge. However, a standard axial hinge can also, of course, be used.
The additional container can additionally or alternatively have a fastening between the additional container bottom part and the lid, which fastening is suitable for locking the additional container in the closure position.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool case can have in its side wall at least one guide element, in which a guide element of the additional container can engage.
Furthermore, the additional container can have a double eyelet, by means of which the lid of the additional container can be held closed even when the fastening is open.
The additional container can have at least one suspension bracket, and the suspension bracket can have a bottom bracket and a top bracket, whereby the fastening of the additional container to the case can be further improved.
In the side wall of the additional container can be arranged guides, into which partitions, made of plastic, for instance, can be inserted.
On the inner side of the side wall of the tool case or of the additional container can be arranged guide rails, into which insert plates can be introduced. Said insert plates can here be part of a fastening system for objects to be transported in the case or additional container.
The above described additional container does not necessarily have to be used solely together with the case. It is equally conceivable to use the additional container without the case.
Thus the additional container can also be introduced, for instance, into a suitable receiving apparatus of a fixed machine, or else into an appropriately equipped shelving system. In this instance, the receiving apparatus can be configured, in particular, analogously to the corresponding case side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve merely as illustration and should not be interpreted restrictively. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a case belonging to a container system according to a first inventive embodiment in the closed state, without additional containers;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the open state, without additional containers;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the closed state, with additional containers attached thereto;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view, from a viewing direction different from that of FIG. 3, of the case of FIG. 1 in the closed state, with additional containers attached thereto;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 in the open state, with additional containers attached thereto, wherein one of the additional containers is open;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an additional container in the open state;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the additional container of FIG. 6 in the closed state; and

FIG. 8 shows a partial view of a section through a case belonging to a container system according to a second inventive embodiment in the closed state, with additional containers attached thereto;

FIGS. 9 to 16 show a further embodiment of the invention in a variety of views.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIGS. 1 to 7, a preferred illustrative embodiment of an inventive container system is shown in perspective representations. The container system has a container 1, here in the form of a case, in particular a tool case, and one or more additional containers 2 attached thereto.
As is shown, in particular, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 1 comprises a case top part 11 and a case bottom part 12. The case top part 11 has a planar and substantially rectangular top face 111, from which a peripheral casing 112 extends downward. The case bottom part 12 comprises a base 121, from which a peripheral side wall 122 extends upward. In this illustrative embodiment, the vertical dimension of the side wall 122 is here substantially greater than the vertical dimension of the casing 112. The base 121, jointly with the side wall 122, the top face 111 and the casing 112, delimits an interior of the case 1.
The case bottom part 12 and the case top part 11 are pivotably connected to each other by a hinge 13. The hinge 13 here connects a top edge of the side wall 122 to a bottom edge of the casing 112 and is arranged along a longitudinal side of the case 1. The hinge 13 can here have any chosen embodiment according to the prior art. By the hinge 13 is defined, in particular, a pivot axis, about which the case top part 11 can be pivoted relative to the case bottom part 12.
The hinge 13 allows the case top part 11 to be pivoted toward the case bottom part 12 in such a way that the case top part 11 closes off to the outside the interior delimited by the case bottom part 12. The case 1 is then in a closed state (FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the case 1 has in the closed state substantially a flat, cuboid shape. By swinging open the case top part 11 relative to the case bottom part 12, the interior becomes accessible from the outside and the case 1 is in an open state (FIG. 2).
On that side of the case 1 that lies opposite the hinge 13, two fastenings are present in order to lock together the case bottom part 12 and the case top part 11 in the closed state of the case 1. Alternatively, however, just one, or more than two fastenings, could also be provided. The fastenings are respectively formed by a locking clamp 124 movably attached to the case bottom part 12 and by a locking structure 113 configured on the case top part 11. For the locking of the case 1 in the closed state, the locking clamp 124 can be engaged by means of a pivot motion in the locking structure 113, which has a depression complementary to the locking clamp 124. Of course, the locking clamp could also be attached to the case top part 11 and the locking structure 113 could be configured on the case bottom part 12. Moreover, any other chosen fastenings according to the prior art are also conceivable.
In order to secure the content stored in the interior of the case 1 against, for instance, unauthorized removal, clasps 114 and 126, which can be connected, in particular, with a padlock, are provided here. The clasps 114 and 126 are here disposed on the casing 112 of the case top part 11 and on the side wall 122 of the case bottom part 12, on that side of the case 1 that lies opposite the hinge 13, such that they can be connected to each other by means of a commercially available padlock.
The case bottom part 12 further has a handle 123, which is used for carrying of the case 1 by a user. Just like the locking clamps 124 and the clasps 126, the handle 123 is fitted on that side of the case 1 that lies opposite the hinge 13.
As is shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, additional containers 2 can be attached to the side of the case 1. In the present illustrative embodiment, up to two additional containers 2 can here be attached to mutually opposing sides of the case 1. The attachment of the additional containers 2 to the case 1 is possible, however, only in the open state of the case 1 (FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the additional containers 2 are attached to the case 1 respectively in a side wall region extending transversely to the hinge 13 or to the pivot axis defined thereby.
The detailed design of the additional containers 2 of this illustrative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Extending upward from a planar base 221 is a peripheral side wall 222. The vertical extent of the side wall 222 here corresponds to that of the side wall 122 of the case bottom part 12. The base 221 of the additional container 2 forms together with the side wall 222 a container bottom part 22 of the additional container 2.
On the top edge of a region of the side wall 222 that is facing toward the case 1 are configured two downwardly extending suspension brackets 223, which form a connecting structure. These two suspension brackets 223 serve to hook the additional container 2 in the open state of the case 1 over a side wall 122 of the case 1. The attachment of the additional container 2 to the case bottom part 12 is here effected by the suspension brackets 223 being slipped onto the side wall 122 in a direction of displacement directed from top to bottom. The suspension brackets 223 then rest on the top edge of the side wall 122 and extend from there into the interior of the case 1 and downward along the inner side of the side wall 122. In the open state of the case 1, the additional containers 2 are thus easily attachable to the case bottom part 12 or removable therefrom. In the closed state, the suspension brackets 223 are covered, however, by the case top part 11, so that the suspension brackets 223 cannot be displaced from the bottom upward. In particular, the suspension brackets 223, in the closed state of the case 1, are held between the top edge of the side wall 122 and the bottom edge of the casing 112 of the case top part 11. In this state, the additional container 2 forms a form closure with the case 1. In this closed state of the case 1, removal of the additional containers 2 from the case 1 is therefore not possible.
As in the present illustrative embodiment, on the top edge of a region of the side wall 222 that is facing away from the case 1, a lid 21 can be pivotably attached to the container bottom part 22 by a hinge 23. The hinge 23 can here be constituted, for instance, by a film hinge or some other hinge according to the prior art. The lid 21 here serves to close off the receiving space of the container bottom part 22 in a closure position. The lid 21 here has a top face 211, from which a peripheral casing 212 extends downward. To the bottom rim of the casing 212 can be attached side brackets 213, which are part of a fastening for holding the lid 21 of the additional container 2 in the closure position. The side brackets 213 can be configured, for example, to enter into snap-locking connection with a complementary structure (not shown in the figures) configured on the container bottom part 22. In this embodiment, the additional containers can thus be opened and closed irrespective of whether the case 1 is in the open or closed state.
A second embodiment of an inventive container system is shown in FIG. 8 in a sectional view. Identical or similar parts of the container system are here denoted with the same reference symbols. In this illustrative embodiment also, the container 1 is constituted by a case. The side wall 122 of the case 1 of this container system here has inwardly projecting retaining elements 125, which are configured to enter into a releasable latching connection with the suspension brackets 223. To this end, the suspension brackets 223 of the additional containers 2 respectively in this embodiment have a recess into which the retaining elements 125 can engage. Through the provision of the retaining elements 125 on the side wall 122 and of this design of the suspension brackets 223, the additional containers 2 are secured against falling off the side wall 222, including, in particular, when the case 1 is in the open state. Alternative latching, snap-in or similar connections of the suspension brackets 223 to the side wall 222 are conceivable.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 further shows an advantageous design of the lid 21. The lid 21 here has, on the bottom edge of that region of the casing 212 that is facing toward the case 1, a flange 214 projecting perpendicularly outward. The flange 214 can extend over the entire length of the region of the casing 212 where this bears against the case 1. The flange 214 can also, however, be of broken configuration or designed as a narrow projection or a boss. In the closure position of the lid 21 of the additional container 2, this flange 214, just like the suspension tab 223, ends up between the side wall 122 and the casing 112 of the closed case 1. Opening of the additional container 2 in the closed state of the case 1 is thereby prevented. Once the additional container 2 is attached to the case 1, the receiving space of the additional container 2 can thus be made accessible or closed off only in the open state of the case 1. In particular, the lid 21 of the additional container 2 attached to the case 1 can thereby be effectively prevented from unintentionally springing open while the closed case 1 is being carried. When, in the closed state of the case 1, the case top part 11 and the case bottom part 12 are secured by a padlock connecting the clasps 114 and 126, the additional containers 2 are also secured to the case 1 such that they are able to be opened and removed from the case 1 only once the padlock has been unlocked and the case 1 itself subsequently opened.
The case top part 11, the case bottom part 12, the container bottom part 22 and the lid 21 are advantageously configured in one piece and produced by injection molding. Particularly advantageous is a design of the additional containers 2 as in the present illustrative embodiment, where the entire additional container 2 is configured as a whole in one piece and the connection of the container bottom part 22 to the lid 21 is effected via a film hinge 23.
The invention is obviously not limited to the preceding illustrative embodiments and a multiplicity of modifications is possible. In particular, the case 1 does not have to have the described flat and cuboid shape. Any chosen designs are conceivable for this purpose. Moreover, the handle 123 could be fitted, instead of to the case bottom part 12, centrally on the top face 111 of the case top part 11, for instance. Alternatively or additionally, a carrying strap could also be provided.
The additional containers 2 could also be attachable to the case 1 in a different manner according to the prior art. For instance, an embodiment in which a vertically extending rail is attached to the outside of the side wall 122 is conceivable. The rail would have two L-shaped, mutually facing side profiles, which delimit an intervening channel. The additional container of such an embodiment would then have an outwardly projecting T-profile, which would be configured complementary to this rail such that it can be inserted from above into this channel as far as a bottom stop. The case top part could then be correspondingly designed such that, in the closed state of the case, it covers the rail from above in order to prevent removal of the additional container from the case. The rail and the T-profile could also, however, extend perpendicularly to the above-stated vertical direction, in a direction pointing toward the pivot axis of the hinge 13. The direction of displacement for the attachment of the additional container 2 to the case 1 would then be directed in the same direction pointing toward the pivot axis, or in an opposite direction thereto. In such an embodiment, the case top part 11 could have, for example, a downwardly projecting element, which in the closed state of the case 1 hampers displacement of the additional container 2 relative to the case 1 and thereby prevents removal of the additional container 2 from the case 1.
Moreover, the additional containers 2 do not necessarily have to have a lid 21. In the absence of a lid, tools or other objects could also be held in the additional container 2 by custom-made receiving pockets. The additional container can also be realized as a textile pocket. A suspension bracket or rail, which is fixedly connected to the textile, for example by sewing, welding or riveting, and is made, for instance, of plastic or metal, can then serve to attach the additional container to the case. The hinge 13 does not necessarily have to be provided and could also be replaced by fastenings, for instance, as are provided on the opposite side of the case and are labeled with the reference symbols 124 and 113. The same applies to the hinge 23 of the additional containers. A multiplicity of further modifications is possible.
FIG. 9 shows in a perspective side view a tool case 1′ according to a further embodiment of the invention. In the shown representation, a part of the tool case 1′ is shown lying on the lid, so that the bottom part 12′ faces upward. The guide elements, which are configured as L-guides 1221 and are formed in the side wall 122′ of the tool case 1′, are clearly apparent in FIG. 9. The L-guides 1221 are here designed to receive a guide element, configured as an L-rail, of an additional container (not represented in FIG. 9) and thus to connect said additional container more firmly to the tool case 1′. In addition, it is clearly apparent in FIG. 9 that, when the top part 11′ is closed, the L-guide 1221 is closed off in the direction of the top part, so that the additional container cannot be upwardly removed from the tool case 1′.
FIG. 10 now shows an additional container 2′, which is designed for fastening to the tool case 1′ presented in FIG. 9. The additional container 2′ here shows the lid 21′, which, unlike the previously shown embodiment, cannot be opened along its longitudinal side, but along its transverse side or its narrow side. To this end, the additional container 2′ has on its front end face the fastening 25. Securement against unintended or unintentional opening can be achieved, in particular, by the double eyelet 26, with which, for instance with the aid of a padlock or else of a cable tie, the lid 21′ of the additional container 2′ can be held closed even when the fastening 25 is open. The two guide elements configured as L-rails 2221, which are designed to be introduced into the L-guides 1221—as represented in FIG. 9—are likewise clearly apparent in FIG. 10. Since the fixing in the upper region of the additional container 2′ is already ensured by the suspension brackets 223′, it is sufficient if the L-rails 2221—as represented—are configured extended only over a section of the side wall 222′ of the additional container 2′. In principle, it is also possible to configure the L-rails extended over the entire height of the side wall 222′. The particular construction of the three suspension brackets 223′ is likewise clearly apparent from FIG. 10. In the represented embodiment, the suspension brackets 223′ show a bottom bracket 2231 and a top bracket 2232. The bottom bracket 2231 is here designed to engage in the side wall 122′ of the tool case 1′ in the manner known from the preceding illustrative embodiment, and thus fasten the additional container 2′ to the tool case 1′. The top bracket 2232 fulfils a different function. In the closed state of the tool case 1′, it back-grips the top part 11′ thereof (not represented in FIG. 10) and thus prevents possible removal of the additional container 2′ from the tool case 1′ when the top part 11′ is closed. In order to illustrate the geometric relationships, a side view of the additional container 2′ from the front side is represented in FIG. 10.
For further clarification, a perspective representation of the arrangement, in which the respective top parts have been omitted and the additional container 2′ is shown disposed on the case 1′, is appended in FIG. 12. The engagement of the bottom brackets 2231 in the side wall 122′ of the case 1′ is here clearly apparent. Guides 2227, which are disposed in the side wall 222′ of the additional container 2′ and into which partitions, made of plastic, for instance, can be inserted, are likewise clearly apparent in FIG. 12; the corresponding guides lying opposite the guides 2227 are not visible in FIG. 12. In this way, the additional container 2′ is able to be divided in a comparatively flexible manner and can advantageously be used, for instance, as a small parts magazine.
FIG. 13 shows a section through the additional container 2′ and the adjoining region of the tool case 1′. The engagement of the top part 11′ of the tool case 1′ behind the top bracket 2232, and the engagement of the bottom bracket 2231 behind the side part 122′ of the tool case 1′, is clearly apparent. The L-rail 2221 introduced into the L-guide 1221 is likewise apparent in FIG. 13.
FIG. 14 shows a further detail of a possible embodiment of the inventive tool case. Guide rails 1271, into which, for instance an insert plate (not represented in FIG. 14) can be introduced, are here disposed in the rear wall 127 of a tool case. FIG. 14 a shows the arrangement shown in FIG. 14 once again in a top view from above. This measure opens up the possibility, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, of inserting a fastening element 3, provided with an insert plate 31 and a belt 32, into the guide rails shown in FIG. 14, and of thereby realizing a flexible fastening concept for objects which are to be transported in the tool case. In FIG. 16, said fastening concept is represented with reference to a drill 4 disposed, by way of example, in the tool case 1.

Claims

1. A container system, comprising a container having a container top part and a container bottom part, which has a base and, a peripheral side wall attached thereto and wherein the side wall, together with the base, delimits an interior of the container, and wherein the interior is suitable for storing objects, and wherein the container has a closed state in which the container top part and the container bottom part jointly close off the interior to the outside and further has an open state in which the interior is accessible from the outside; and wherein at least one additional container, which has a connecting structure and which is suitable for storing further objects, is provided and wherein, in the open state of the container, can be releasably attached to the side wall by means of the connecting structure, and wherein the container top part is arranged relative to the container bottom part in the closed state such that it prevents removal of the additional container from the container.

2. The container system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the connecting structure can be slipped onto the side wall in a direction of displacement, and wherein the container top part covers the connecting structure in the closed state in order to prevent displacement.

3. The container system as claimed in claim 2, and wherein the connecting structure, in the closed state of the container, is held in a region between the container bottom part and the container top part.

4. The container system as claimed in claim 3, and wherein the connecting structure comprises a suspension element, which can be hooked over the side wall such that it projects into the interior.

5. The container system as claimed in claim 4, and wherein the side wall has a retaining element, which projects into the interior and is configured to enter into a releasable latching connection with the suspension element.

6. The container system as claimed in claim 5, and wherein the container top part is connected to the container bottom part pivots about a pivot axis, and wherein the additional container is attached in a region of the side wall which runs substantially transversely to this pivot axis.

7. The container system as claimed in claim 6, and wherein the container has a fastening between the container top part and the container bottom part and wherein the fastening is suitable for locking the container in the closed state and is disposed in a region of the side wall that lies opposite the pivot axis.

8. The container system as claimed in claim 7, and wherein the container bottom part has a handle which is used to carry the container and which is disposed in a region of the side wall of the container that lies opposite to the pivot axis.

9. The container system as claimed in claim 8, and wherein the additional container has an additional container bottom part having a receiving space suitable for storing objects, and has a lid suitable for, in a closure position, closing off the receiving space to the outside and, in an opening position, opening this up to the outside.

10. The container system as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the container top part, in the closed state of the container, cooperates with the lid in such a way that movement of the lid from the closure position into the opening position is prevented.

11. The container system as claimed in claim 10, and wherein the lid has a cover region, which, in the closure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, is covered by the container top part.

12. The container system as claimed in claim 11, and wherein the cover region is configured as a flange, which, in the closure position of the lid and in the closed state of the container, is held in a region between the side wall and the container top part.

13. The container system as claimed in claim 12, and wherein the lid is pivotably connected to the additional container bottom part in a region disposed on a side of the additional container that is facing away from the container.

14. The container system as claimed in claim 9, and wherein the additional container has a fastening between the additional container bottom part and the lid, which fastening is suitable for locking the additional container in the closure position.

15. The container system as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the container bottom part comprises a tool case having a side wall which defines at least one guide element, in which a guide element of an additional 20 container can engage.

16. The container system as claimed in claim 15, and wherein the additional container has a double eyelet 25 by means of which the lid of the additional container can be held closed even when the fastening is open.

17. The container system as claimed in claim 16, and wherein the additional container has at least one suspension bracket, and wherein the suspension bracket has a bottom bracket and a top bracket.

18. The container system as claimed in claim 17, and wherein arranged in the side wall of the additional container are guides, into which individual partitions, made of plastic can be inserted.

19. The container system as claimed in claim 18, and wherein arranged on the inner side of the side wall of the tool case or of the additional container are guide rails, into which insert plates can be introduced.

20. (canceled)