Apparatus for crating elongate items such as tubs
US6145684A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2585/681
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In one aspect, the present invention relates to a crate subassembly including four support cords with connector plates securing respective adjacent cords. More particularly, the connector plates extend over the interfaces between adjacent cords, and the connector plates secure adjacent cords together so as to prevent relative lateral movement between adjacent cords yet allow relative rotational movement of the cords as described below. By simply separating opposing cords, the subassembly can be easily and quickly opened. Specifically, the connector plates flex, or bend, and the connector plates have sufficient rigidity so that once opened, the subassembly does not close on itself during handling. Also, notches are formed between adjacent cords, and these notches are utilized when forming a crate as described below. To form a crate, and in an exemplary configuration, three subassemblies are positioned in a spaced relationship, and girders are positioned to extend through respective notches in each subassembly. The girders may, for example, be secured to each subassembly using screws which pass through the girder and into one of cords. In this manner, a crate for an elongate object s…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.