Systainers (from sys-tem con-tainers) are modular inter-stacking plastic containers used for transporting power tools. Boxes from different manufacturers are compatible and can be stacked and clipped together. A design using four joining clips was introduced by Festool Tooltechnic in 1993.[2] In 2010 the T-Loc variant was introduced using a rotating handle for connecting and locking of containers, in combination with redesigned feet.[2]
To reduce plastic pollution, Festool designed the Systainer to first allow distribution of products, then be reused in stacking form as reusable packaging for tool transportation and storage.[3]
Several power tool manufacturers use or offer Systainer-compatible variants.[4] Other manufacturers use the alternative Sortimo L-BOXX design.[4]
The term "Systainer" was trademarked in the United States in January 1994.[5]
The T-Loc style uses a single rotating catch mechanism.Festooldust extractor with attached systainer
In 2009, the design of Tanos' T-Loc stacking boxes was registered in the name of Timo Kuhls.[10]
In 2011, the design of Makita's Makpac stacking boxes was registered in the names of Yuji Yamamoto and Kiyozumi Kokawa.[11][12]
In 2014, the design of Tanos' cantilever toolbox was registered in the name of Timo Kuhls.[13]
Beginning in 2014, the students at the Heinrich-Hübsch wood-working college in Karlsruhe started making wooden containers for each students' tools. The "Woodbox" design is 210 millimetres (8.3 in) high, with a transparent area for drill bits in the lid, and a T-Loc closing handle compatible with other systainer cases.[14] In 2016 the teacher of the class, Peter Winklhofer, made the PDF plans available to enable other carpenters and students to build their own versions of the case.[15]
In 2015, the design of Hitachi's micro-sized Hit-Case stacking boxes was registered in the name of Yi-Hung Lin.[16]
In mid-2019, Systainer³ was announced jointly by Festool, Bott, and Tanos. These containers have integrated slide rail slots for direct connection to van racking, and front handles, along with backward compatibility.[17]
^ abDeBoer, Clint (21 October 2010). "Festool T-LOC Updates Systainer Storage System". Pro Tool Reviews. Retrieved 12 July 2018. in 1993, the Festool Systainer turned upside down the world of construction professionals, who by then was still mainly organized with boxes… Systainer is a composition of words Sys-tem and Con-tainer… first generation of Systainer… close and unlock four snaps, …new T-Loc system is backwards compatible with existing Systainers… T-Loc versions on top… T-shaped and Loc means close (Lock), open (Open) and connected (Connect).
^Morris, Michael; Carnett, John B. (September 1994). "Euro Tools". Popular Science. Vol. 245, no. 3. p. 84. ISSN0161-7370. Festo has also developed its own unique response to Germany's environmental challenge—by packaging its products in sturdy plastic crates call Systainers that later become a stackable, transportable storage system for tools and accessories.
^"Gibt es eine Übersichtstabelle mit allen neuen Bezeichnungen, Größen und Höhen?" [Is there an overview table with all new names, sizes and heights?]. Systainer³ verbindet Werkstatt und Baustelle. Festool Mobility (in German). Systainer³ (Höhe mit Fuß in mm): …SYS3 M 112; …SYS3 M 137 Neu… SYS3 M/L 187… SYS3 M/L 237… SYS3 M 337… SYS3 M 437
^US patent 9375835B1, Lin, Yi-Hung, "Tool box assembly", issued 2016-06-28, assigned to Fairness Technology Group
^Dixon, Lucy (2019-07-03). "Festool to launch the Systainer3 tool storage system". Professional Builder UK. Retrieved 2019-09-16. Systainer³ can be integrated into the Bott vario³ vehicle equipment… Systainer³ Organizer… in two different sizes and has a transparent cover… integrated mounting rails… number "3"… indicates the third generation of the Systainer, which has been established in the professional trade sector since 1993, …compatible with all older Systainer models… three low Systainer³ variants have a handy front carrying handle
Further reading
Classic (1992): EP patent 0555533B1, Pauser, Herbert Bernhard & Maier, Peter, "Stackable container", published 1993-08-18, issued 1994-08-10, assigned to Festo and TTS Tooltechnic Systems (expired)
Maxi (1999): EP patent 1018473B1, Pauser, Herbert & Steimel, Johannes, "Container assembly", published 2000-07-12, issued 2003-01-02, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
T-Loc (2009): EP patent 2313321B1, Koenig, Andreas; Kuhls, Timo & Schäffer, Raimund et al., "Stackable Container Assembly with Reciprocal Locking of the Stacked Containers", published 2011-04-27, issued 2012-02-15, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
T-Loc (2009), credit card size (ID-1 format) label holder/attachment interface: EP patent 2485874B1, Michels, Markus & Wolle, Lutz, "Container arrangement", published 2012-08-15, issued 2017-12-06, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
Toolbox (2013): EP patent 2994274B1, Kuhls, Timo & Wolle, Lutz, "Container assembly", published 2016-03-16, issued 2017-05-31, assigned to TTS Tooltechnic Systems
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