US1382178A - Collapsible shipping-crate - Google Patents

Description

F. 1. DULTMEIER.

COLLAFSIBLE SHlPPING CRATE..

APPLICATIQN F11-.ED lLlLY 124. 1:920- I I V Patented June 21, 1921.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK J'. DULTMEIER, OF MANNIN'G, IOWA.

COLLAPSIBLE SHIPPING-CRATE.

Application filed. July 12,

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, FRANK J. DULTMEIER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Manning, in the county of Carroll and State of Iowa, have invented a certain new and useful Collapsible Shipping-Crate, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a shipping crate of simple, durable and inexpensive construction adapted to contain animals or the like for conveyance from place to place and adapted, when not in use to be' collapsed into a compact form convenient for storage or transportation.

A further object is to provide such a crate of peculiar make, so constructed and arranged that the top, bottom and sides are connected together when the crate is ready for use, in such manner as to hold the crate indits open position and to properly close its en s.

Still a further object is to provide such a crate so constructed and arranged that when collapsed, the upper and lower surfaces of the crate, as collapsed, will rest-against each other, and there is provided between the parts of the collapsed crate a small compart-4 ment convenient for the reception of the free parts of the crate.

Still a further object is to provide such a crate having simple means for holding it rigid in its open position.

With these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, ai1n rangement and combination of my device, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in my claims, and illustrated 1n the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a Perspective view of a c ollapsible shipping crate, embodying my 1nvention.

Fig. 2 shows a side elevation of the crate in its collapsed and nested position.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the crate collapsed. Y

Fig. 4 shows a detailed, sectional view taken on the line 4.--4 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 shows a detailed, sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

My improved collapsible crate comprises side, top and bottom members.

The bottom member, I have indicated in the accompanying drawings by tbe reference character 10. This 'bottom member is neces Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J une 21, 1921.

1920. Serial No. 395,639.

sarily solid. The sides and top members may or may not be solid.

Underneath the bottom, near the ends thereof, are cross pieces 11. Secured to the cross pieces 1l are hinges 12, having theirV pintles and hinge lines 13 adjacent to the upper edges of the bottom 10, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

Secured to the hinges 12 are uprights `14 forming parts of the sides. The lower ends of the uprights 14 terminate iush with the' upper surfaces of the bottom 10. There are two or more of the uprights 14 at each side of the crate. Y

Connecting the uprights 14 near the ends of the crate on each side thereof, 1 provide the longitudinally arranged side members 15, which may be spaced from each other, as illustrated in Fig. 1, and which project beyond the uprights 14, as isclearly illustrated for instance in Fig. 1.

Arranged between the members 14 at each side of the crate and secured to the inner surface of the lower side member 15, so as to rest flush with the upper surface of the bottom 10, when the crate is ready fornse, is a strip 16, designed to properly close the gap between the bottom 10 and the lower' side member 15. The two sides are preferably alike.y i

At the upper ends of the end uprightsv 14 are hinges 17 connected with top cross members 18, as is clearly shown in Fig. 4. Two or more of the members 18 may be employed.

The members 18 near the ends of thev crate are connected by longitudinally arranged top members 19, preferably spaced from each other, as is shown in Fig. 1. The top members 19 terminate flush with theouter edges of the member 18, as is shown in said figure.

Cn the inner sides of the members 15 at their ends and spaced from the members 14 are cleats 20, which are for the purpose of holding the end members or end gate members now to be described. The end gate members will be described as in upright po: sition and comprise in each case, spaced uprigbts 21 connectedby spaced cross members 22,- which project beyond the members 21, as is clearly illustrated in Figs. l and 2.

The cross members 22 of the end gate. members are of such length as to properly be received between the opposite members of the opposite sides, as is' shown in Fig. 1.

The members 21 of each end gate member are so spaced apart as to stand between the cleats 20 at 'one end of the crate, when the crate is assembled.

Vend of the crate, a cross member 23V adapted to be received between the two members 22 of the end gate member and to have its ends received between the two adjacent side members 15, as is illustrated for instance in Fig. 1.

It will, of course, be obvious that thc members 23 are of such length, that in the assembled crate, their outer ends are flush with the outer surfaces of the members 15 at the opposite sides of the crate.

In using the crate, it will be understood that oneend gate member is lassembled in the crate and the other is left open until'the animal or animals are placed in the crate, whereupon, the other end gate member is slid into position. A cotter pin or the like 24 may be extended through one of the end gate members 21, and through what may be called the locking member 23, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5, for preventing any accidental removal lof the member 23, after the crateV has been assembled ready for use.

When it is desired to collapse the crate, the cotter pins 24 arewithdrawn; the locking members 23 are withdrawn; the end gate members are then lifted upwardly and removed from the body of the crate, whereupon the crate may be collapsed to the right or to the left, as is desired.

In Fig.'2, I have shown the crate illustratedl in Fig. 1, collapsed to the right, and

Ain Fig. 3, I have shown the collapsed crateV swung around, so as to illustrate l indicated by the capital A.

the end,

4It will be noted that when the crate is collapsed, the longitudinal frame members of the top and bottom and side members will make a flat upper surface and a flat bottom Y fastening tle loose parts to the mainbody of surfaceT which is convenient for shipping and storage. Y

It will benoted also that the crate members of the top and sides areso arranged as to leave a sort of central compartment for receiving the end gate members, as is illustrated for'instance in Fig. 2, and it will also be noted that after the gate members are so received, the `members 23 may be slidl into position betweenthe members 21 of the respective end gate members for packing the entire crate in a minimum space and in a convenient form.

A wire or similar means may be used for the crate for shipping in collapsed position.

It will be noted that my improved collapsible crate has a number of substantial advantages.

It is desirable in a crate of this kind, especially one used for hogs or the like, that the end gate members be entirely removable, so as to be used at either side of the crate for forming what might be called a fence corner, or so that they may be removed entirely, so aspnet to frighten the animals.

Furthermore by making the end gate members entirely removable, the crate may be collapsed into a smaller space than would otherwise be possible.

The end gate members can be quickly and easily assembled or removed from their installed positions. The members 23 fit snugly between the cleats 20 and the uprights 14; and also between the adjacent lmembers 15 and also between the adjacent members 22 for thereby holding the. crate rigidly in its open position.

l/Vhen the crate is collapsed, it has smooth upper and lower surfaces with no parts to be caught or to catch on other objects.

rIhe crates so collapsed can be stacked. conveniently in a minimum space, and in shipping in an express car or the like can `be stood up against the wall or otherwise handled for greater convenience in such transportation.

In shipping stock, particularly hogsland chickens, the consignee .may conveniently and easily collapse the crate, and it can be returned to the consignor at a minimum transportation cost, because of the reduction in its bulk.' n v An ordinary -rigid crate is frequently used Y only once, whereas a crate of this type may be used again and-again, thereby reducing cra-te expense to the stock raiser and shipper.

@n account of the collapsibility of my crate, it may be kept for instance on a farm, and instead of being left in the yard, subject to exposure to the elements, may be collapsed and hung on the wall in any building.

It will beV seen from the showing in Fig'.v 1, that the bottom 10 extends at its vends flush with the extreme end of the crate, so that the end gate .membersl rest solidlyron the bottom 10. It may be noted also that the cross members 22 are preferably arranged to register with and snugly fit adjacent to the respective sidemembers 15. The top, of course, is short' enough to permit theAv re'- moval of the end gate members.

The locking members hold the end gate members against the bottom so as to prevent any sagging of the crate. f Y

These features of structure are such as to strengthenthe crate and giveit rigidity by the bearing of the end gate members against the bottom and the side members 15.

It will be obviousthat with veryslight f purpose, it may be desirable in some cases that the Walls and top be made solid, which, of course, could easily be done. Y

It is my "purpose to cover by my claims any changes or modifications inthe construction of my crate and any use of me-` chanical equivalents, which maybe reasonably included within their scope. I

l claim asmy invention: i

l. In a collapsible crate, a bottom, a top and sides, each having longitudinal and cross members, the cross members of the sides being hinged to the cross members of the top and bottom, the longitudinal members of the sides being extended beyond the cross members thereof, the extending ends of the longitudinal side members being provided with receiving means, end gate members comprising upright members and cross members projecting beyond the upright members and adapted to have their ends received in said receiving means, said lastnamed cross members being spaced from each other, a locking member for each end member arranged to be received between the spaced cross members of the end member and to project between the longitudinal members of the sides.

2. In a collapsible crate, a bottom, a top and sides, each having longitudinal and cross members, the cross members of the sides being hinged to the cross members of the top and bottom, the longitudinal members of the sides being extended beyond the cross members thereof, the extending ends of the longitudinal side members being provided with receiving means, end gate members comprising upright members and cross members projecting beyond the upright members and adapted to have their ends received in said receiving means, said lastnamed cross members being spaced from each other, a locking member for each end member arranged to be received between the spaced cross members of the end member and to project between the longitudinal members of the sides, and means for locking said last described member in assembled position.

In a collapsible crate, a bottom, a top and sides, each having longitudinal members and cross members, the crossmembers of the sides being hinged to the cross members of the top and bottom, the longitudinal members of the sides being extended beyond the cross members thereof` the extending ends of the longitudinal side members being provided with receiving means, end gate members comprising upright members and cross members projecting beyond the upright members and adapted to have their ends received in said receiving means, said last-namedcross members being spaced from each other, a locking member for each end member arranged to be received between' the spaced cross members of the end member and -toproject between the longitudinal members of the sides, the cross members of the crate'bei'ng arranged on the inside thereof, whereby when the end members are removed and thecrate is collapsed, a compartment is formed between the longitudinal members for the reception of the end gate members and the lockinglmember.

' 4c. In a collapsible crate, a bottom having cross members and a bottom member resting thereon, sides having upright members, hinges connecting said upright members of the sides with the cross members of the bottom, longitudinal members outside the upright members of the sides and projecting beyond said upright members, the projecting ends of said longitudinal members having receiving means, a top having cross members hinged to the upright members of the sides, longitudinal members above the cross members of the top, and gate members, each having upright members adapted to be arranged between the extended ends of the longitudinal side members, and having cross members projecting beyond said upright members of the ends, and adapted to 'have their ends received in said receiving members, a locking member for each end adapted to be received between the adjacent cross members of the ends and between adjacent longitudinal side members on each side of the crate, whereby when the ends are removed and the crate is collapsed, the crate, as collapsed, will have a flat top and bottom, and a fastening device extended through an upright member of' an end and said locking means.

5. In a collapsible crate, a bottom, a top and sides, each having longitudinal and cross members, the cross members of the sides being hinged tothe cross members of the top and bottom, the longitudinal members of the sides being extended beyond the cross members thereof, the extending ends of the longitudinal side members being provided with receiving means, end gate members comprising upright members and cross members projecting beyond the upright members and adapted to have their ends received in said receiving means, said lastnamed cross members being spaced from each other, a locking member for each end member arranged to be received between the spaced cross members of the end member and to project between the longitudinal members of the sides, the bottom being such length. that the end gate members rest thereon, and the parts being arranged so that the locking member always holds the end gate members against said bottom.

, 6., In a .collapsible crate, a bottom, a top and sides, each having longitudinal and cross members, thecross members of the sidesbeing hinged to the cross members of thertop and bottom, the longitudinal members of the sides being extended beyond the cross members thereof, the extending ends of the longitudinal side members being provided with receiving means, end gate members comprising upright members and'crossV members VAprojecting bevond the uprightV members and adapted tohave their ends recelved 1n sald receiving means,l sald lastnamed cross members being spaced from,`

each other, a locking member for each end memberarranged to be received between the spaced cross members of the end ymember' and to project between the. longitudinal members ofthe sides, the bottom being such length that the end gate'members rest thereonand the parts being so arranged that the locking member holds the end gate members against said bottom, the horizontal members ofthe ends being arranged to register. with and'toy have their ends adjacent to the horizontal members of the sides for holding the crate rigid, when in its open assembled Yposition. Y Des Moines, Iowa, J ulv 7, 1920. 4 5

l Y FRANK .T DULTMEIER.

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