TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR FRAGILE OBJECTS.

Abstract

According to certain embodiments, a vibration isolation system comprises a platform adapted to carry one or more loads and an adjustable load positioning system. The platform is suspended within a support structure by a plurality of isolators. The isolators are adjusted to prevent vibrations within a predetermined frequency range for a payload of a predetermined mass. The adjustable load positioning system is adapted to facilitate the positioning of the one or more loads such that the payload of the predetermined mass is centered over the platform's center of gravity.

Description

FRAGILE OBJECT TRANSPORT SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for transporting fragile objects. BACKGROUND Fragile objects may be at risk of damage when transported from one location to another. To minimize risks, fragile objects are traditionally transported in wooden crates. The wooden crates are padded with foam to protect the fragile object in the event the wooden crate is dropped. Unfortunately, traditional wooden crates cannot adequately protect fragile objects from damage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION The embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the risk of a fragile object being damaged during transit. For example, a vibration isolation system is described herein. According to certain embodiments, a vibration isolation system comprises a platform adapted to carry one or more loads and an adjustable load positioning system. The platform is suspended within a support structure by a plurality of isolators. The isolators are adjusted to prevent vibrations in a predetermined frequency range for a payload having a predetermined mass. The adjustable load positioning system is adapted to facilitate positioning the one or more loads such that the payload having the predetermined mass is centered at the center of gravity of the platform. In some embodiments, the platform comprises a load-bearing surface having a rectangular shape and the plurality of insulators comprises first, second, third, and fourth wire rope insulators. The first wire rope insulator is positioned proximate a first corner of the load-bearing surface and the second wire rope insulator is positioned proximate a second corner of the load-bearing surface such that the second wire rope insulator diagonally opposes the first wire rope insulator. The third wire rope insulator is positioned proximate a third corner of the load-bearing surface and the fourth wire rope insulator is positioned proximate a fourth corner of the load-bearing surface such that the fourth wire rope insulator diagonally opposes the third wire rope insulator.In some embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth wire rope insulators is a high energy rope assembly (HERM) comprising a wire rope embedded in an elastomer. In some embodiments, the first wire rope isolator comprises a plurality of loops or turns. The loops are held in place by two brackets. Each bracket extends tangentially through the first wire rope isolator, and the brackets are positioned on opposite sides of the first wire rope isolator. The vibration isolation system further comprises a mounting assembly that couples the first wire rope isolator to a rectangular frame that provides the support structure within which the platform is suspended. The mounting assembly comprises a first mount positioned at a corner of a rectangular frame such that the first mount fits diagonally between two sides of the rectangular frame. The first mount connects to one of the brackets of the first wire rope isolator.The mounting assembly comprises a second mount, which includes an angled portion that connects to the other bracket of the first wire rope insulator and a flat portion that engages the platform proximate a corner of the platform. The first mount and the second mount maintain the first wire rope insulator at an angle such that an axis through a diameter of the first wire rope insulator bisects the center of the load-bearing surface of the platform. As discussed above, the isolators are adjusted to prevent vibrations in a predetermined frequency range for a payload having a predetermined mass. In some embodiments, the predetermined frequency range encompasses 10-40 Hz and the predetermined mass is in the range of 80-100 kilograms. In some embodiments, the vibration isolation system further comprises the one or more loads. The combined mass of the platform, the adjustable load positioning system, and the one or more loads satisfies the predetermined mass of the payload to which the plurality of isolators are adjusted. In some embodiments, the one or more loads include at least one mass unit having a specific mass adapted to adjust the combined mass of the platform, the adjustable load positioning system, and the one or more loads to satisfy the predetermined mass of the payload to which the plurality of isolators are adjusted. In some embodiments, the mass unit comprises a thermal phase change material, an inelastic particulate material, or both. In some embodiments, a first load of the one or more loads comprises a flexible panel (such as a painted canvas). In some embodiments, the first load further comprises a container assembly operable to protect the flexible panel. The container assembly comprises a rear panel, a front panel, and a more rigid panel. The rear panel is positioned behind the flexible panel and is offset by a substantially airtight first compartment. c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi The front panel is positioned in front of the flexible panel and offset by a second, substantially airtight compartment. The more rigid panel is positioned in front of the front panel and offset by a third, substantially airtight compartment. In some embodiments, the adjustable load positioning system comprises one or more horizontal rails and one or more vertical rails. The horizontal rails facilitate movement of a load along the length of the platform. The vertical rails facilitate movement of the load along the height of the platform. In some embodiments, the adjustable load positioning system comprises a first shelf and a first set of brackets. The first shelf is adapted to support the bottom of a first one of the one or more loads. Each bracket of the first set of brackets has an L-shaped portion adapted to support a respective corner of the first load. The adjustable load positioning system facilitates sliding the first set of brackets to center the payload. The adjustable load positioning system facilitates securing the first set of brackets in place once the payload has been centered. In some embodiments, the vibration isolation system comprises a box that either provides the CLOznn / bznz / e / Y support structure within which the pallet is suspended or contains the support structure. The vibration isolation system further comprises a second shelf and a second set of brackets. The second shelf is adapted to support the bottom of a second one of the one or more loads. Each bracket of the second set of brackets has an L-shaped portion adapted to hold a respective corner of the second load. The adjustable load positioning system facilitates sliding the second set of brackets to center the payload. The adjustable positioning system facilitates securing the second set of brackets in place once the payload has been centered. The first shelf and the first set of brackets face the front of the drawer, and the second shelf and the second set of brackets face the rear of the drawer. In some embodiments, the support structure within which the platform is suspended comprises a drawer. The drawer comprises a plurality of panels arranged to form walls of the drawer. The plurality of panels include a front panel forming the front wall of the drawer and a rear panel forming the rear wall of the drawer. The drawer further comprises a first set of locks securing the front panel to the drawer and a second set of locks securing the rear panel to the drawer. The front panel is removable when the first set of locks are unlocked, and the rear panel is removable when the second set of locks are unlocked. In some embodiments, the drawer further comprises a first set of guides adapted to align the front panel with the drawer and a second set of guides adapted to align the rear panel with the drawer.In some embodiments, each of the plurality of panels comprises a polypropylene honeycomb panel in an aluminum extrusion. In some embodiments, the support structure within which the platform is suspended comprises a box, and the box includes an integrated base. The integrated base defines at least two openings sized to accommodate the tips of a forklift. In some embodiments, the integrated base lowers the box's center of gravity. In some embodiments, the vibration isolation system comprises a box that either provides the support structure within which the platform is suspended or contains the support structure. In some embodiments, one or more shock absorbing structures are positioned within the box. The shock absorbing structures comprise polycarbonate, polypropylene, impact-endothermic open-cell polyurethane foam, and / or expanded polystyrene (XPS). In some embodiments, one or more silica gel tiles and / or thermal phase change tiles are positioned within the box. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. Certain embodiments may protect a canvas painting, artwork, or other fragile object from vibration and / or shock that may occur during transit. As an example, certain embodiments may provide a vibration isolation crate that prevents and dampens vibrations and / or reduces the transmitted shock experienced by the object in transit. The crate may be configured to isolate damage frequencies and / or absorb shock in the event the crate is dropped. As another example, certain embodiments may raise the natural frequency of the object. For example, the object may be arranged within a panel system that raises the natural frequency of the object well above its fundamental damage frequency.Raising the natural frequency can prevent resonance that would otherwise amplify vibrations through the object (such as vibrations found in traffic vehicles). Certain embodiments can adjust or adapt the protection based on the particular object being transported, for example, depending on the object's fundamental damage frequency. Certain embodiments may have all, some, or none of these advantages. Other advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS CLOznn / frznz / e / Y FIGURE 1 illustrates an example of a platform for carrying a load, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURES 2a-2b illustrate an example of a crate for transporting a platform carrying a load, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 3 illustrates an example of a mounting assembly for mounting a platform to the drawer of FIGURES 2a-2b, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 4 illustrates an example of an insulator that may be used in the mounting assembly of FIGURE 3, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 5 illustrates an example of an adjustable load positioning system for securing a load to a platform, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 6 illustrates an example of a platform comprising an adjustable load positioning system that is mounted within the drawer of FIGURES 2a-2b, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 7 illustrates an example of a base for the drawer of FIGURES 2a-2b, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 8 illustrates an example c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi container assembly for a cargo, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 9 illustrates an example container assembly for a cargo, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fragile objects are traditionally transported in wooden crates padded with foam. The foam is intended to protect the fragile object in the event of a drop or collision. Traditional wooden crates, however, cannot adequately protect the fragile object from damage. For example, the fragile object may be subjected to significant stresses when transported by truck, airplane, or other vehicle. Because the transit vibrations encountered approach the resonant frequencies of the fragile object, these vibrations cause the fragile object to vibrate with increased amplitude, placing stress on the object's materials and structures, resulting in weathering or other damage. For example, the fragile object may be a painting on canvas.When resonant vibrations occur, the canvas oscillates, and the paint restricts the canvas's movement through tension and compression, thereby damping the canvas's kinetic energy. If the stresses at the adhesive and cohesive bonds that remain in aging paintings exceed the stress limits, the painting will crack and separate, either at the position where the paint adheres to the canvas or between the paint layers. The paint layers increasingly transform from a semi-continuous film to a series of fragmented sections. Each time a crack forms, that crack becomes the focal point of movement in that area. As more movement occurs, the canvas and the paintings become more and more damaged at the cracks. As paint ages, it tends to become less flexible and more brittle.Thus, older paintings are increasingly prone to damage as a result of vibrations from travel or journey. The most damaging traffic-related vibrations generally occur at frequencies similar to the natural frequency of the object. At the natural frequency of the object, resonance occurs such that motion is amplified in the fragile object. The natural, resonant frequencies of a painting will generally be in the range of approximately 5-50 Hz, and the natural frequency of a glass or ceramic sculpture will generally be in the range of approximately 150-1000 Hz. In developing the systems and methods described herein, it was discovered that traditional wooden crates only fail to reduce damaging vibrations, but instead transmit and actually amplify many vibrations through additive interference.For example, testing was conducted on a traditional wooden crate configured with scanning laser accelerometers and vibrometers placed or focused on a painting, the foam cushioning, the wooden crate, and the bed of the truck transporting the painting. The test recorded well below the data suggested in US MIL-STD-810 for typical commercial truck carriers, in that transit vibrations are greatest in the 1060 Hz and 100-160 Hz regions. The test further demonstrated that traditional wooden crates and foam crates have relatively low natural and resonant frequencies (approximately 20,100 Hz) and therefore amplify transit vibrations through additive interference in the low-frequency damage ranges. In each configuration in which foam was used, vibration through the fragile payload increased.For example, the displacement energy experienced by a foam-padded painting was insufficient, so that if the painting had been placed directly on the truck bed, the foam increased the risk of damage to the painting by amplifying the displacement energy. The results obtained from the foam testing were unexpected because foam has conventionally been thought of as beneficial for protecting fragile objects and because foam behaves differently when viewed on its own than when viewed carrying a load. In both product literature and in experimental testing on engineering shake tables and actual road tests, cushioning foams made from open-cell polyurethane (PEU) and extruded closed-cell polyethylene foams exhibit consistent natural frequencies between 3 Hz and 100 Hz, depending on the configurations used as container cushions and the payload compressions created. These are precisely the frequencies transmitted in all modes of motor, rail, and air transportation.Because the input vibration frequencies approximate or replicate the natural frequencies of the foam cushions, both the cushions and the wooden bed walls move in phase and amplify the excursions transmitted from the truck bed or wall. Current system embodiments seek to solve this problem by creating components that can predictably elevate the payload's natural frequency without mechanical contact and by tuning the suspension system to affect the critical damping of input vibration energies. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide solutions to this and other problems associated with traditional systems for transporting fragile objects. For example, certain embodiments may reduce exposure to vibration frequencies that would otherwise damage a fragile object in transit, such as vibrations in lower frequency ranges (e.g., vibration less than about 150 Hz, vibration less than about 100 Hz, or other frequencies depending on the natural frequency of the object being transported). Certain embodiments utilize a suspension system to provide adjustable protection from vibration and shock. The suspension system includes a platform for carrying the object. The platform connects to isolators that suspend the platform.The isolators may be adjustable to prevent vibrations from occurring at the natural frequency and / or to raise the natural frequency of the load to a frequency sufficiently above the fundamental damage frequency of the object. The fit of the isolators can be improved by centering the load at the center of gravity of the suspension frame and by using diagonally opposed isolators adjusted to a specific mass. An adjustable load positioning system is described herein that allows the load to be centered at the center of gravity to improve the fit of the isolators. In certain embodiments, the suspension system may be packaged inside a vibration isolation crate. Additionally, if the fragile object is substantially flat, the fragile object may be packaged using a panel system, for example, before being loaded onto the suspension system's pallet and / or being packaged inside the vibration isolation crate. The panel system provides protection during transit by controlling movement across the fragile object. Generally, the panel system positions the substantially flat object, such as a painting, between panels on the front and back sides of the object. Substantially airtight air spaces between the flat object and the panels increase rigidity, which reduces vibrational movement across the flat object. Additional panels may be used to increase rigidity. For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. FIGURE 1 illustrates an example of components of a suspension system for transporting and storing a load, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The components may include a platform 110 configured to carry a load 120. For purposes of explanation, FIGURE 1 illustrates the orientation of the platform 110 relative to an x-axis extending in the length direction of the platform 110 (e.g., left to right), a y-axis extending in the height direction of the platform 110 (e.g., top to bottom), and a z-axis extending in the width direction of the platform 110 (e.g., front to back). In the example illustrated in FIGURE 1, the platform 110 provides a planar, load-bearing surface for supporting the load 120 in an x-y plane.As illustrated in FIG. 1, the load-bearing surface may have a rectangular shape (e.g., a generally four-sided surface in which the sides may all be the same length, such as a square, or different lengths, such as an oblong rectangle, and the corners may be perpendicular, rounded, or chamfered). The platform 110 may comprise any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood, cardboard, etc. In certain preferred embodiments, the platform 110 comprises a rigid material having a high natural frequency, e.g., the platform 110 comprises one or more lightweight aluminum honeycomb panels. The load 120 includes an object 300, such as a painting, drawing, sculpture, artifact, museum specimen, or other fragile object. In some embodiments, the load may further include packaging. For example, the object 300 may be packaged within a container assembly, such as the panel system described with respect to FIGS. 8-9 below. The panel 110, the load 120, and / or the object 300 may optionally be enclosed within a box or other protective covering, such as a weather-proof (or rain-proof) cover comprising stretch wrap, polyfilm, KEVLAR®, stretch fabric, vinyl, thermal blanket, and / or other suitable material. The load 120 may be secured to the platform 110 using one or more latches and / or other securing mechanisms. An example of an adjustable load positioning system that may be used in securing the load 120 to the platform 110 is further discussed below with respect to FIG. 5. In certain embodiments, the platform 110 may carry more than one load. As one example, multiple loads 120 could be carried on the same surface of the platform 110 (not shown). As another example, FIG. 1 illustrates a first load 120a on a first surface of the platform 110 and a second load 120b on the opposite surface of the platform 110. The platform 110 optionally includes a shelf 115. In some embodiments, the shelf 115 may be coupled directly to the platform 110 or extruded from the platform 110, such as a flange that projects outwardly in the xz plane to further support the load 120. In other embodiments, the shelf 115 may be attached to an adjustable load positioning system, such as an adjustable track system that couples to the platform. To carry loads on opposing surfaces, the platform 110 may include a first shelf portion that extends from the front side of the platform and a second shelf portion that extends from the rear side of the platform. The first and second shelf portions may be separate shelves, or they may be a single shelf that wraps around the platform 110 or is dissected by the platform 110. The platform 110 may be suspended within a support structure. In certain embodiments, the isolators 130 suspend the platform 110 such that the platform 110 is in a vertical orientation when the support structure is positioned upward. In some embodiments, the vibration isolation system includes a caisson, and the caisson itself provides the support structure that suspends the platform 110. FIG. 2A , discussed below, provides an example in which the caisson itself provides the support structure (e.g., top, bottom, left, and right walls 202 of caisson 200 provide a support structure for mounting the isolators 130 that suspend the platform 110). In other embodiments, the support structure may be a separate component, such as a structure that may be contained within a caisson during transit and may be removed from the caisson when the platform 110 is loaded or unloaded.In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a rectangular frame (e.g., a generally four-sided frame in which the sides may all be the same length, such as a square, or different lengths, such as an oblong rectangle, and the corners may be perpendicular, rounded, or chamfered). Depending on the embodiment, the rectangular frame may either be defined by walls of the box (e.g., top, bottom, left, and right walls 202 of box 200 forming a rectangular frame for suspending platform 110), or the rectangular frame may be a separate, removable frame that may optionally be contained within the box. FIGURE 2a illustrates one embodiment of a crate 200 within which the platform 110 may be suspended. In certain embodiments, the crate 200 may comprise a plurality of walls 202, one or more guides 204, one or more locks 206, and / or a base 210. The crate 200 may be any crate suitable for containing the platform 110 carrying one or more loads 120. In certain embodiments, the crate 200 may be a custom crate. The custom crate may be constructed using parts listed in a parts list. In certain embodiments, the parts may be standard parts, which can help ensure that the parts are reliable and easily removable from various manufacturers. Standard parts refer to parts that are based on specifications defined by a standards group, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International, or other standards groups.In certain embodiments, the parts list may include the materials and dimensions of panels to be used as walls 202, the number and type of guides 204, the number and type of locks 206, the number and type of fasteners to couple the components of the drawer 200 together, and / or any other suitable parts. The dimensions of the walls 202 may be specified to accommodate the size of the items being contained within the drawer 200. In one embodiment, the walls 202 may be sized to accommodate a hanging system carrying a painting up to 44 x 44 inches. As an example, to accommodate a hanger that can carry a painting of this size, the walls 202 may be sized such that the overall dimensions of the drawer 200 are approximately 80 inches long, 80 inches high, and 35 inches wide. By sizing the drawer 200 with a relatively large width (such as a width greater than or equal to 35% of the height of the drawer 200), the risk of the drawer 200 being tipped is substantially reduced. Other embodiments may be sized to accommodate a smaller or larger load.In certain embodiments, the crate 200 may be configured to weigh approximately 180 kilograms (400 pounds) when loaded, which may be similar to the weight of a conventional wooden crate for carrying a similarly sized painting. In some embodiments, the crate 200 utilizes lighter materials on the top and heavier materials on the bottom to lower the center of gravity and improve stability compared to a conventional wooden crate. In certain embodiments, the walls 202 comprise any rigid, high natural frequency, puncture-resistant material, such as metal, plastic, synthetic composite material, or honeycomb structure and / or other suitable material. In certain embodiments, each wall 202 may be a panel that can be coupled to one or more of the other two walls 202 using one or more types of fasteners, such as channels, screws, bolts, hinges, locking mechanisms (e.g., lock 206), press fits, gaskets, adhesives, or other suitable fasteners. The material for the panels may be selected to impart certain properties, such as light weight, strong appearance, scalable in size, effective in reducing vibrations, puncture resistant, and / or capable of providing protection from the elements (e.g., moisture, heat, dust, etc.). An example of such material includes polypropylene honeycomb in aluminum extrusion.The polypropylene honeycomb shape in aluminum extrusion can reduce or eliminate vibrations, for example, certain panels made from this material have been shown to reduce or eliminate vibrations c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi of less than 500 Hz. In some embodiments, the panel may include a Kevlar-like facing that reduces the risk of puncture. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, an outer film may be applied to one or more surfaces of the panel. As an example, a replaceable outer film made of vinyl or similar material may be applied to one or more outward-facing wall panels for drawer 200. The outer film may protect the panels from abrasion or dirt. In some embodiments, an outer film may be removable so that it may be replaced if it begins to show signs of wear and tear (e.g., dirt, scratches, etc.). In certain embodiments, the outer film may have a color or design, such as a logo or drawer number, which may help distinguish drawer 200 from other drawers. Although the previous example describes the use of a custom-made crate, in other embodiments, the crate 200 may be a commercial crate, such as a crate manufactured by PELICAN, STORM CASE, FAWICM, or some other manufacturer. Examples include a resilient, plastic-composite wall crate that is weatherproof, waterproof, acoustically sealed, resilient (e.g., able to retain its shape after an impact), shock absorbent, and puncture resistant, such as a FAWICM polypropylene honeycomb sandwich panel crate with aluminum extrusion corners and seams, or a PELICAN, roto-molded polyethylene crate. The crate 200 may comprise front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom sides. The bottom side of the crate 200 may be positioned to take the gravitational load during transit, and the top side of the crate 200 may be positioned opposite the bottom side. For purposes of explanation, the front and rear sides of the crate 200 may extend along the length of the object being transported, as represented by the x-axis in FIG. 1, and the left and right sides may extend along the width of the object being transported, as represented by the z-axis in FIG. 1. The crate 200 may comprise one or more doors for entering the interior of the crate. A door may comprise any suitable mechanism for opening and closing the crate, and the door may be positioned at any suitable location. In certain embodiments, the doors may be configured to allow the crate 200 to be loaded and unloaded while in the upright position, without having the crate 200 tilted on the floor (i.e., without having to move the crate 200 from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation). Loading in the upright position may allow for safer and more efficient handling of the load, including an option to load the crate 200 from both the front and the back. In certain embodiments, one or more walls 202 may operate as one or more doors. For example, FIG. 2b illustrates an example in which the front wall 202 may be a removable panel that operates as a door. FIG. 2b illustrates the front wall 202 in the closed / latched position. The front wall 202 may be removed / detached in order to load the front side of the pallet 110 (as shown in FIG. 2a). Similarly, the rear wall 202 may be a removable panel that can be unlatched / detached to load the rear side of the pallet 110. Although the previous example describes the front and / or rear walls 202 as being removable, in other embodiments, the front and / or rear walls 202 may be hinged to a portion of the drawer 200. In certain embodiments, the door may allow another portion of the drawer 200 to be detached and reattached to the drawer 200.As an example, a top portion and a bottom portion of drawer 200 could be bolted together when drawer 200 is closed and unbolted / separated when drawer 200 is opened. In certain embodiments, a door could be constructed into one of the sides of drawer 200. In this manner, an entire wall 202 and / or a portion of wall 202 may operate as a door depending on the embodiment. c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi For any of the door types discussed above, a gasket, such as a cord gasket, may go all the way around the seams of the opening to which each door joins in order to provide a watertight seal that prevents moisture and debris from entering the drawer 200 when the panel is secured to the drawer 202 (i.e., when the doors are closed). In certain embodiments, the drawer 200 comprises one or more guides 204. FIG. 2a shows an example in which the top, bottom, left, and right walls 202 of the drawer 200 each include two guides 204 for alignment with the front wall 202. Other embodiments may utilize more or fewer guides 204, for example, depending on the size of the drawer 200 or the type of door used for the drawer 200. In certain embodiments, the guides 204 may comprise ball bearings. In certain embodiments, spring-loaded alignment snap fits may be utilized as guides 204. The snap fits may comprise pairs of female and male connectors that engage together when the door is closed. The guides 204 may be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. As an example, the guides 204 may be made of stainless steel.The guides 204 allow for alignment of removable doors, such as the removable wall panels discussed above. For example, when a removable panel is attached, the guides 204 allow for positioning the panel in the correct alignment to securely close the drawer 200 and align the locks 206 such that fewer technicians may be required to close the drawer 200. Once the guides 204 are engaged with the removable panel, the guides 204 can hold the panel in place such that removal of the panel would require a technician to apply pressure, for example, by pulling on the handles 208 shown in FIG. 2b. In this manner, the guides 204 can prevent the removable panel from unexpectedly detaching, which may prevent injury to the technician or damage to items within the drawer 200. The drawer 200 may further comprise one or more locks 206. The locks 206 may hold the doors in a closed position. In certain embodiments, the locks 206 provide a watertight and / or vapor-tight seal at a specific pressure (such as 70-90 psi, e.g., 80 psi). In certain embodiments, cam locks are used for the locks 206. In some embodiments, a lock 206 may include a push button to release the bolt from the lock. In certain embodiments, the locks 206 include a key lock, a combination lock, a radio frequency identification (RFID) lock, or other security mechanism to prevent an unauthorized person from gaining access to the contents of the drawer 200.FIGURE 2a shows an example in which the top, bottom, left, and right walls 202 of the drawer 200 each include three locks 206 for locking with the front wall 202. Other embodiments may utilize more or fewer locks 206, for example, depending on the size of the drawer 200 or the type of door used for the drawer 200. In certain embodiments, the box 200 may include one or more environmental buffers. Examples of environmental buffers include thermal buffers (such as insulation layers or thermal phase change tiles) and moisture buffers (such as conditioned silica gel tiles). For example, in certain embodiments, the interior-facing surface of one or more wall panels may be lined with thermal insulation. Certain environmental buffers may be implemented using one or more tiles positioned within the box 200. In certain embodiments, the tiles are press-fit onto an interior surface of the box 200, such as the inside of a door. Additionally, or alternatively, certain embodiments position the environmental buffers within the box 200 by placing one or more environmental buffers on or within the platform 110.As an example, the thermal phase change material may be enclosed within the platform 110. Enclosing the thermal phase change material within the platform 110 may protect the tiles from damage, shock and leakage and may ensure that the tiles close sufficiently at load 120 to buffer the surrounding temperature load 120. An exemplary enclosure of thermal phase change material within platform 110 includes placing one or more thermal phase change tiles between a first panel (e.g., a front-facing panel) and a second panel (e.g., a rear-facing panel) of platform 110. In other words, platform 110 may comprise the thermal phase change material sandwiched between the first panel and the second panel. In certain embodiments, the first and second panels may comprise aluminum honeycomb panels enclosing the thermal phase change tiles within an epoxy adhesive matrix. In certain embodiments, each thermal phase change tile measures approximately 14 x 14 x 2.5 centimeters (5 U x 5 h x 1 inch) and weighs approximately 300 grams (10.4 ounces). Within the temperature range of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, each tile contains 50 British Thermal Units (BTU) of reserve thermal mass. Assuming a reserve rating of 200 BTU per 1.5 cubic meters of enclosed space in order to add or subtract 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and an average enclosed space of 1.5 cubic meters for a medium-sized drawer 200, four tiles could be embedded within the voids created between the front and rear facing panels of the shelf 110. The thermal phase change material may be obtained from Cryopak1® or other manufacturers. Optionally, crate 200 may be configured with one or more shock-absorbing structures to absorb impact and prevent damage to the object in transit. For example, in certain embodiments, the shock-absorbing structures may rapidly compress or collapse in the event of a shock (such as a drop or collision) and slowly expand after the car to reduce the bouncing motion of platform 110. Additionally, or alternatively, certain shock-absorbing structures rapidly compress in the event of a shock (such as a drop or collision) but do not decompress. By using a non-decompressing material, the bouncing motion can be prevented. If the structure remains compressed, this can be used as an indicator to identify whether crate 200 was mishandled. This information can be used in developing an insurance claim for mishandling in transit.Examples of shock absorbing structures include replaceable honeycomb, fluted and / or corrugated structures composed of paper, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene (e.g., closed cell expanded polystyrene (XPS) core) and / or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The selection of the shape(s) and material(s) of the shock absorbing structures depends on the weight of the payload and the shock impulse being absorbed.In certain embodiments, an inexpensive paper honeycomb material may be used as an easily replaced first shock absorbing structure, and the paper honeycomb material may be placed on the bottom with a larger energy absorbing plastic or polyethylene honeycomb structure and impact-endothermic open-cell polyurethane foam (smart foam, Poron XRD, D30, and the like) to absorb the shock of a catastrophic impact. The shock absorbing structures may be placed at any location that may be susceptible to shock, such as toward the bottom of the drawer 200. In certain embodiments, the shock absorbing structures may be placed within the isolators 130.For example, wire rope insulators may include a plurality of loops 132, and shock absorbing structures may optionally be positioned within the loops 132 to protect the insulators 130 in the event of a shock. In certain embodiments, the crate 200 and / or panel 110 may comprise one or more latches and one or more attachment points for the latches (such as a latch channel). A latch may extend through the load 120 to assist in securing the load 120 to the pallet 110. Any suitable latch, such as a metal bar or a fabric strap, may be used. In certain embodiments, a metal bar (such as an aluminum bar) may be preferable to a fabric strap because a fabric strap may tend to amplify vibrations in damaging frequency ranges. In certain embodiments, the adjustable load positioning system described below with respect to FIG. 5 may be used (with or without a fabric strap, metal bar, or other latch) to secure the load 120 to the pallet 110. FIGURE 2a further illustrates that the pallet 110 is coupled to the crate 200 via one or more mounting assemblies. Each mounting assembly may include an isolator 130, a first mount 140a that couples the isolator 130 to one or more walls 202 of the crate 200, and a second mount 140b that couples the isolator 130 to the pallet 110 suspended within the crate 200. In general, the isolators 130 reduce movement of the pallet 110 carrying the load 120. As an example, the isolators 130 may reduce vibrations that may occur when the pallet 110 is transported by truck, aircraft, or other vehicle. As another example, the isolators 130 may cushion the impact on the platform 110 in the event that the crate 200 carrying the platform 110 is dropped, such as in the event that the crate 200 experiences a 1 to 3 foot drop. c LOznn / bznz / e / YiAi Any suitable isolators 130 may be used. Examples of isolators 130 include wire rope isolators, rubberized air bags, smart foam, or other structures operable to suspend the platform 110. In certain embodiments, high energy rope assemblies (HERMs) may be used as isolators 130. An example of a HERM is discussed further below with respect to FIG. 4. Various embodiments may comprise one type of isolator 130 (e.g., wire rope isolators only) or multiple types of isolators (e.g., wire rope isolators and smart foam isolators). The isolators 130 are configured such that the platform 110 is oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to the ground when the crate 200 is oriented in an upward position.When the crate 200 is transported in the upward position, the isolators 130 dampen vibrations affecting the load 120 carried by the platform 110 suspended within the crate 200. FIGURE 3 illustrates a close-up view of a mounting assembly comprising an insulator 130, a first mount 140a, and a second support 140b. In the example, the insulator 130 is illustrated as a wire rope insulator, such as a HERM. FIGURE 3 illustrates the first mount 140a positioned at a corner formed between a first wall 202 (e.g., the left wall) and a second wall 202 (e.g., the top wall) of the drawer 200 such that the first mount 140a engages diagonally between the left wall and the top wall. The first mount 140a is generally tangentially connected to the insulator 130 so as to maintain the insulator 130 at an angle relative to the platform 110.The second mount 140b includes a first portion that is generally tangentially connected to the insulator 130, for example, at a location of the insulator 130 opposite the first mount 140a, and helps maintain the insulator 130 at an angle relative to the platform 110. The second mount 140b may further comprise a second portion that couples to the platform 110. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2a, the portion of the second mount 140b that couples to the platform 110 is ultimately positioned flush with the platform 110 proximate a corner of the platform 110. In certain embodiments, the first mount 140a and the second mount 140b maintain the insulator 130 at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees relative to the x-axis) such that an axis through the diameter of the insulator 130 in the x-y plane bisects the center of the platform 110. FIGURE 4 illustrates an example of an insulator 130, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIGURE 4 illustrates a HERM, which is a type of wire rope insulator. Each HERM may comprise a coil-like structure having a plurality of loops 132 held together by one or more brackets 134. In certain embodiments, the loops 132 are made of wire rope. The diameter of the loops 132, the spacing of the loops 132, and the thickness of the wire may be adjusted based on the frequencies being isolated by the insulator. In certain embodiments, the HERM may include a first bracket 134 operable to attach to a first mount 140a and a second bracket 134 operable to attach to a second mount 140b. In the illustration, bracket 134 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 136 through which a bolt, screw, or other fastener may attach bracket 134 to mount 140.The HERM further comprises an overmolded material, such as an elastomer (e.g., neoprene, natural rubber, etc.), which adds energy damping to the HERM. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 4 shows a portion of the overmolded material as removed so that the loops 132 are visible in the drawing. It will be understood that, in practice, the overmolded material would be embedded loops 132. A HERM may act as a non-linear spring (i.e., the resistance of the HERM increases as the force increases thereon). The HERM illustrated in FIGURE 4 can be manufactured to maintain a specific mass and / or obtain a known / specified natural frequency. As an example, a HERM with a natural frequency around 5 Hz can be effective and reduce vibrations between 8 and 40 Hz. At vibrations below 8 Hz, the crate 200 and platform 110 move as a rigid solid, so that there is no stress on the load 120 (e.g., a painting) due to frequencies below 8 Hz. In certain embodiments, the suspended platform 110 may be self-centering. For example, isolators 130 (such as the HERM illustrated in FIG. 4 ) may be configured to minimize the degree to which the load-carrying platform 110 moves from its home position in response to vibration and / or shock. The home position may be referred to as the (0, 0, 0) point relative to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis. Return of the platform 110 to the home position (0, 0, 0) after an excursion relative to the outer shell may be optimized by arranging the isolators opposite or not each other. For example, suppose a first wire rope isolator (WRI-1) opposes a second wire rope isolator (WRI-2). A movement that pushes WRI-1 will pull the opposite WRI-2 such that when WRI-1 is brought into compression, the opposite WRI-2 is put into tension, and vice versa.In this way the opposing wire cable insulators 130 keep the net effect of the movement as close to neutral as possible. In the example illustrated in FIGURE 2a, a return platform 110 to its home point is accomplished at least in part by configuring a wire rope insulator proximate each corner of the platform 110. The wire rope insulator 130a at the top left corner of the platform 110 is in opposition to the wire rope insulator 130c at the bottom right portion of the platform 110, and the wire rope insulator 130b at the top right portion of the platform 110 is in opposition to the wire rope insulator 130d at the bottom left portion of the platform 110. The opposing wire rope insulator(s) 130 may be aligned. For example, an axis through the diameter of insulator 130a in the xy plane may be aligned with an axis through the diameter of insulator 130c in the xy plane to bisect the center of platform 110.Similarly, an axis through the diameter of insulator 130b in the xy plane may be aligned with an axis through the diameter of insulator 130d in the xy plane to bisect the center of platform 110. FIGURE 5 illustrates an example of aligning each axis to bisect the center (CG) of platform 110. In certain embodiments, the suspension system may be configured such that each wire rope insulator 130 is in a state of slight compression when the platform 110 is in its initial position (0, 0, 0). In this manner, the suspension system may respond to movements that cause one wire rope insulator 130 to be subjected to increased compression without immediately causing the opposite wire rope insulator 130 to be subjected to tension such that the net movement of the platform 110 is gradual and kept to a minimum. The wire rope insulators may be adjusted to accommodate both the load 120 and the natural frequency of the load 120, thereby achieving critical damping of transportation-induced vibrations. The adjustment may include selection of the loop spacing, loop diameter, wire thickness, number of wires in a cable strand, number of loops, number of insulators 130, orientation angle of the insulators 130 relative to the platform 110, position of the insulators 130 relative to the platform 110, and so on. As an example, as the weight of the load 120 increases, the thickness of the wire 137 may be increased, the loop diameter 136 may be decreased, and / or the number of loops may be increased. In certain embodiments, the wire rope insulators 130 are adjusted to produce a trim ratio greater than or equal to 1.4.The tuning ratio is determined by dividing a natural frequency of an object being protected by the vibration isolation system by a natural frequency of the vibration isolation system. In certain embodiments, the wire rope isolators 130 may be tuned to isolate one or more frequencies in the range of approximately 8-50 Hz, depending on the object being protected by the vibration isolation system. In certain embodiments, the wire rope insulators 130 may be separately adjusted depending on their position within the suspension system. Wire rope insulators 130 positioned proximate the bottom side of the platform 110 (the gravity load bearing side of the platform 110) tend to experience heavier loading and thus may be adjusted to support more weight than wire rope insulators 130 positioned proximate the top side, right side, and / or left side of the platform 110. In this manner, wire rope insulators 130 positioned proximate the bottom side of the platform 110 may be adjusted to support more weight.As an example, the wire rope insulator(s) 130 positioned proximate the bottom side of the platform 110 may have a different wire thickness, number of wires in a cable braid, number of loops in the cable insulator, and / or loop diameter than the wire rope insulator(s) 130 positioned proximate the top side of the platform 110. As another example, the wire rope insulators 130a and 130b on the top of the platform 110 may be adjusted to provide more flexibility and the wire rope insulators 130c and 130d may be adjusted to provide more rigidity. This may allow the platform 110 to provide an inverted pendulum motion such that the gravity load-bearing side c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi on the bottom of the platform 110 remains relatively permanent relative to the top of the platform 110.In other embodiments, the wire rope insulators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d may all be the same insulator type (e.g., the insulators may all be the same HERM model with the same fitting properties, such as wire thickness, number of wires in a wire braid, number of loops in the wire rope insulator, and / or loop diameter). In certain embodiments, a foam structure may be positioned across a space formed by the loops 132 of the wire rope cable insulator 130 (e.g., the foam structure may be positioned across a space in the core of the wire rope insulator 130). The foam structure is operable to act as a safety stop to provide impact attenuation and prevent the wire rope insulator 130 from collapsing in the event of a similar fall. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates embodiments in which the wire rope insulator (HERM) 130 includes two brackets 134a and 134b. The foam structure may be positioned between the first bracket 134 and the second bracket 134b to prevent the first bracket 134a from coming into contact with the second bracket 134b in the event of a fall or similar impact.The foam structure may be made of a LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi material that is soft and cushiony in low impulse environments (e.g., impulses due to vibrations) and stiffens in high impulse environments (e.g., impulse due to the drop of drawer 200). For example, the foam structure may comprise a variable stiffness, impact responsive foam such as smart foam, urethane foam (e.g., PoronXRD urethane), or other material that compresses rapidly and forms chemical crosslinks that stiffen and absorb energy in high impulse environments. The foam structure may have any suitable shape, such as a block shape, a cylindrical shape, or more generally, a foam mass. In certain embodiments, the width / diameter of the foam structure is about half the diameter of loop 136.This may allow some air space for the wire rope insulator 130 to flex in low-torque environments without coupling to the foam structure. In certain embodiments, each wire rope insulator (e.g., insulators 130a-130d) may be configured with a foam structure as a safety stop. FIGURE 5 illustrates an example of an adjustable load positioning system for securing a load to a platform, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The fit of the isolators 130 may be improved by centering the load 120 at the center of gravity of the suspended platform 110 and by utilizing diametrically opposed isolators matched to a specific mass. An adjustable load positioning system such as that shown in FIGURE 5 allows the load 120 to be centered at the center of gravity to improve the fit of the isolators 130. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the adjustable load positioning system comprises a plurality of adjustable rails 116 that permit movement of the load 120 in any suitable direction. In a preferred embodiment, the rails 116 permit movement of the load 120 in an up-and-down direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction of the platform 110) and in a left-and-right direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction of the platform 110). In certain embodiments, the rails 116 may be coupled together with brackets that permit sliding the rails 116 into position and locking the rails 116 in place once the load is centered. In some embodiments, the rails 116 may be made rigid under tension such that the rails 116 lock in place.Other locking mechanisms, such as a deadbolt, may be used in addition to or as an alternative to tension-based locking. Platform 110 may be considered centered when a level positioned along the x-axis of platform 110 becomes oval. c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi FIGURE 5 further illustrates that the adjustable load positioning system may include one or more shelves 115 and / or one or more brackets 118 for holding the load 120 in place. In the example shown in FIGURE 5, the shelf 115a is configured to hold the bottom of a load facing front 120a and the shelf 115b is configured to hold the bottom of a load facing rear 120b. In certain embodiments, the shelf 115 has a channel shape such that a front portion of the shelf 115 may assist in holding the load 120 in place in a front-to-rear direction. In other embodiments, the shelf 115 is generally flat. In some embodiments, shelf 115a and shelf 115b may each be configured to move rails 116 up and down to facilitate balancing or balancing of loads 120a, 120b.For example, the adjustable load positioning system may allow sliding of shelf 115a and / or shelf 115b to center the payload. In other embodiments, shelf 115a and shelf 115b may each have a fixed location, which may be toward the rear of platform 110 to lower the center of gravity of crate 200 and allow overhead clearance for a load in shop 120. In the example shown in FIG. 5, brackets 118 comprise an L-shaped portion that allows a corner of the load 120 to be held. For example, bracket 118b is configured to hold an upper left corner of the load facing the front 120a and bracket 118c is configured to hold an upper right corner of the load facing the front 120a. Similarly, brackets 118a and 118d are configured to hold upper corners of the load facing the rear 120b. Brackets 118 may each be configured to move up, down, left, and right along rails 116 to facilitate swinging of loads 120a, 120b. Optionally, the bracket 118 may comprise a rigid position, such as a metal clamp, to maintain the shape of the bracket 118 under the pressure of the load 120. The shelves 115 and brackets 118 may be added or removed depending on how many loads 120 are to be carried across the platform 110. The shelves 115 and / or brackets 118 optionally comprise a cushioning material, such as soft foam, that may prevent damage to the load 120 (e.g., when the load 120 is being loaded / unloaded or in transit). Additionally, or alternatively, the shelves 115 and / or brackets 118 may comprise a gripping material that reduces slippage along the surface of the shelves 115 and / or brackets 118. In certain embodiments, mass units 117 may be added to platform 110 to facilitate centralizing platform 110 at its center of gravity. For example, the exterior frame 112 of platform 110 may be made of mini-channel extruded aluminum such that the mass units 117 may be bolted onto the platform 110 whenever more mass is needed to center the platform 110 (e.g., mass units 117 may be added to the left, right, top, bottom, front, or rear until a level positioned along the x-axis of platform 110 becomes oval). Additionally, the mass units 117 may be used to ensure that platform 110 carries the amount of mass to which isolators 130 are set.In this way, the mass units 117 compensate for load 120 having too little mass (e.g., if paintings are carried on the platform 110 that are lighter than the mass to which the insulators 130 are adjusted). Each mass unit may have a standardized or specified mass to simply calculate the mass added by the mass units 117. In certain embodiments, space may be reserved between the exterior structure 112 of the platform 110 and the exterior covering of the crate 200 (e.g., walls 202) to allow space for adding mass units 117. As an example, the space may be 8-14 inches deep. In certain embodiments, the mass units 117 are aluminum units containing phase change material to help maintain a stable temperature interior crate 200.In certain embodiments, the mass units 117 comprise inelastic particulate material, such as lead balls, which may help dampen vibrations of the platform 110. In some embodiments, the inelastic particulate material may be suspended in gel. Alternatively, the inelastic particulate material may be surrounded by air. If the platform 110 is not centered or is not loaded with sufficient mass, the platform 110 may experience displacement by several inches in either direction. To minimize displacement, it is important that the payload be matched to the mass to which the isolators 130 are adjusted and positioned such that the platform 110 is centered at its center of gravity. As an example, the opposing isolators 130 are adjusted to a fixed mass of 90 kilograms such that vibrations in the critical range (e.g., 8-40 Hz) are not transmitted to the platform or payload when the load is approximately 90 kilograms and centered. More generally, to effectively prevent transmission of a specific range of vibrations, the payload must be matched to the isolators 130 (in other words, the isolators 130 must be matched to the payload). As an example, the vibration isolation system may be adapted to carry one or more paintings (e.g., stretched canvases painted with art). In certain embodiments, the isolators 130 may be adjusted to dampen vibrations in a predetermined frequency range for a payload having a predetermined mass. In certain embodiments, the predetermined frequency range is selected to decrease the natural frequency below a frequency at which the vibration isolation system handles the vibration as a rigid solid without causing stress in the canvas and without vibrating at the resonant frequency (e.g., first, second, or third drum) of the canvas. In certain embodiments, the predetermined frequency range that is damped begins at about 8-10 Hz and ends at about 40-50 Hz, such as 8-40 Hz, 8-50 Hz, 10-40 Hz, or 10-50 Hz, among others.In certain modalities, the predetermined mass is between 80-100 kilograms, such as 90 kilograms. Suppose the isolators 130 are adjusted to prevent vibrations in the predetermined frequency range of 10-50 Hz for a payload having a predetermined mass of 90 kilograms. The painting(s) (i.e., the one or more loads) in this example are considered to satisfy the predetermined payload mass to which the plurality of isolators adjust if the natural frequency is decreased below a frequency below 10 Hz. Suppose the platform with the adjustable load positioning system weighs 50 kilograms. As a first example, suppose the load of the painting(s) plus any optional mass units 117 add up to 35 kilograms (such that the combined weight of the platform, adjustable load positioning system, painting(s), and optional mass units 117 is 85 kilograms) which causes the natural frequency to be decreased to 9 Hz.As a second example, assuming the load of the paint(s) plus any one of the optional mass units 117 adds 40 kilograms (such that the combined weight of the pallet, adjustable load positioning system, paint(s), and optional mass units 117 is 90 kilograms) which causes the natural frequency to be decreased to 8 Hz. As a third example, assuming the load of the paint(s) plus any one of the optional mass units 117 adds to 45 kilograms (such that the combined weight of the pallet, adjustable load positioning system, paint(s), and optional mass units 117 is 95 kilograms), which causes the natural frequency to be decreased to 7 Hz. Each of the three examples (85 kilograms, 90 kilograms, and 95 kilograms) is considered to satisfy the predetermined mass to which the system is adjusted because each of the three examples prevents frequencies in the predetermined range of 10-50 Hz. In other embodiments, different isolators 130 could be specified (e.g., wire thickness, number of loops, loop diameter, loop spacing, and / or the number of wires in a cable braid could be adjusted) in order to tailor the isolators to prevent vibrations in the predetermined frequency range of 1050 Hz for a payload having a different predetermined mass, such as 50 kilograms for a smaller crate, 120 kilograms for a larger crate, or other suitable value. Similarly, in other embodiments, different isolators 130 could be specified (e.g., wire thickness, number of loops, loop diameter, loop spacing, and / or the number of wires in a cable braid could be adjusted) in order to tailor the isolators to prevent vibrations in a different predetermined frequency range, depending on the resonant frequency of the load. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the platform 110 is suspended by four wire rope isolators 130 (e.g., HERM). The isolators 130a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are mounted at the corners of the box 200 and are coupled proximate the corners of the platform 110 such that isolator 130a diagonally opposes isolator 130c and isolator 130b diagonally opposes isolator 130d (see, e.g., FIG. 5). This configuration of isolators 130 (e.g., HERM) in conjunction with an adjustable load positioning system that allows for centralization of the payload about the center of gravity of the platform 110 may be well suited to prevent vibrations in the range of about 10-50 Hz.For example, this configuration of isolators 130 in conjunction with the adjustable load positioning system can improve vibration damping in the critical range as compared to previous solutions, such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication 2017 / 0037928. In the previous solution, many isolators (e.g., 10 isolators) were paired such that the isolator pairs were opposed in the front-to-back, left-to-right, and top-to-bottom directions. However, the isolators in the previous solution were not opposed diagonally, and the platform in the previous solution did not have a mechanism to center the load on the platform's center of gravity 110.Thus, although each isolator in the previous solution was self-centering in accordance with its respective paired isolator, all of the isolators as a group were creating harmonic additive interference that did not prevent vibrations in all directions as effectively as the configuration of isolators 130 described herein. FIGURE 6 illustrates an example of a platform comprising an adjustable load positioning that is mounted within the drawer of FIGURE 2a, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGURE 7 illustrates an example of a base 210 for the crate 200 of FIGURE 2a, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the base 210 is integral with the crate 200 and lowers the center of gravity of the crate 200. In certain embodiments, the base 210 defines a plurality of openings 212. The openings 212 are sized to provide a space through which the tips of a forklift or pallet jack can pick up the crate. The base 210 can be made easier and safer to move the crate 200 by reducing the likelihood of a forklift puncturing the crate 200 or penetrating the crate 200. The base 210 can comprise any suitable material, such as molded polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the base 210 may be coupled to the bottom wall 202 of the drawer 200 by one or more fasteners, such as one or more nails, screws, bolts, adhesives, etc. FIGURE 8 illustrates an exemplary container assembly for a load 120, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, FIGURE 8 illustrates the load 120 arranged using a panel system that positions a substantially planar object 300, such as a painting, between panels on the front and rear sides of the object. Substantially airtight air spaces (i.e., air-sealed compartments) between the object 300 and the panels increase rigidity and reduce vibrational movement through the object 300. In the example illustrated in FIGURE 8, a three-panel system comprises, in order, a rear panel 310, the object 300, the front panel 301, and the stiffening panel 302.The rear panel 310 is positioned behind the object 300 and is offset by a first sealed air compartment, the front panel 301 is positioned in front of the object 300 and is offset by a second sealed air compartment, and the stiffening panel 302 is positioned in front of the front panel 301 and is offset by a third sealed air compartment. In an alternative embodiment, the load 120 may be a two-panel system, comprised of, in order, the rear panel 310, the object 300, and the front panel 301, without the stiffening panel 302. The use of panels that are relatively stiffer than the object 300 and that are aligned by sealed air compartments can control vibrations through the object 300. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the rear panel 310 imparts its rigidity to the object 300, the stiffening panel 302 imparts its rigidity to the front panel 301, and the front panel 301 further imparts its rigidity to the object 300. This result is based on the principles of the Universal Gas Law applied to simple planes within a control volume system. The gas trapped in any sealed air compartment acts as a resisted motion of one panel due to the resistance to the motion of the other panel resulting from the compression of the trapped gas. The effect is to resist the motion of a flexible panel with a stiffer panel and ultimately reduces the loading on the object during transit and handling.The amount of misalignment between the planes can be adjusted to minimize movement of the flexible panel while maintaining enough misalignment to prevent the planes from colliding during any remaining vibration. For example, in the ideal case of two perfectly simple planes, the stiffness of a 0.125-inch air gap is exceedingly high. For a displacement of 0.001 inches, the restoring force between the two planes is approximately 17 pounds per square foot, assuming sea-level air pressure, ambient temperature, and normal humidity levels. For small gaps, the mechanical stiffness between two planes is higher than casual observations would indicate. In certain embodiments, the panel system may be adjusted to raise the natural frequency of the object 300. As an example, assume the natural frequency of the canvas is 7 Hz. The back panel 310 may be configured to double the natural frequency of the canvas (from 7 Hz to 14 Hz in the example). The front panel 301 may be configured to increase the natural frequency of the canvas and back panel configuration by approximately one-third (from 14 Hz to 21 Hz in the example). The stiffening panel 302 may be configured to double the natural frequency of the canvas configuration between the back panel and front panel (from 21 Hz to 42 Hz in the example). Other embodiments may adjust the natural frequency to any suitable value.As an example, for an object 300 having a natural frequency in the range of 1 Hz to 20 Hz, the first sealed air compartment could be sized to increase the natural frequency of the object 300 by at least 20%, the second sealed air compartment could be sized to increase the natural frequency of the object 300 by at least 20%, and the third sealed air compartment could be sized to increase the natural frequency of the object 300 by at least 20%. Additionally, the combination of the first, second, and third sealed air compartments could be configured to increase the natural frequency of the object to at least 40 Hz. In certain embodiments, the panel system can prevent high displacement excursions, such as excursions greater than 350 microns. This can prevent movement or buckling that can occur when a stretched canvas is punctured, punched, or placed in a horizontal orientation. The use of the small volume, static gas piston is directed toward imparting the high natural frequency and low excursion properties of the rigid panels to the less rigid object 300 which may allow limiting undesirable excursions and raising the natural frequency of the object 300 without direct mechanical contact between the object 300 and the other panels. For example, in embodiments where the object 300 comprises a painting, the air pistons prevent the front panel 301, the stiffening panel 302, and the back panel 310 from directly contacting the face of the canvas. 9 illustrates an exemplary container assembly for a load 120, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. 9 illustrates the load 120 as including an object 300 configured within a panel system. The object 300 may be a painting, canvas, or other thin membrane artifact susceptible to vibration. The object 300 may be mounted on the stretcher 303. The stretcher 303 may provide a support structure, such as a wooden frame, and the edges of the object 300 (e.g., the canvas) move around the sides of the stretcher 303. In certain embodiments, the object 300 may be secured to the stretcher 303 using nails. The stretcher 303 may also incorporate cross members for additional rigidity. The object 300 (stretched on the stretcher 303) may be mounted in a frame 304, such as a gallery frame or other art frame. The frame 304 may include a recessed edge within which the object 300 may be mounted. As described further below, the load 120 includes a plurality of gaskets 306 for sealing the components of the load 120 in place. Any suitable gaskets 306 may be used, such as closed-cell polyethylene gaskets. In certain embodiments, a gasket 306 may form an air gap between the components sealed by the gasket 306. As one example, a gasket 306 may be used to form an air gap between two panels. As another example, a gasket 306 (gasket 306b) may be used to seal and / or form an air gap between the object 300 and the frame 304. In certain embodiments, the gaskets 306 may be selected to provide an air gap with a depth in the range of 3-5 millimeters. The load 120 may be pressure-adjustable to compress the various gaskets. FIGURE 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the panel system includes a front panel 301, an optional stiffening panel 302, and a rear panel 310. In certain embodiments, the front panel 301 comprises a transparent glazing such as acrylic or glass that is relatively more rigid than the object 300. In certain embodiments, the front panel has a thickness in the range of about 3-5 millimeters. The gasket 306a creates a sealed air compartment between the object 300 and the front panel 301. In certain embodiments, the gasket 306a is a 3-5 millimeter closed-cell polyethylene gasket positioned between the object 300 and the front panel 301. A spacer 307 may be used to increase the depth of the air space between the gasket 306a and the object 300. CLOznn / frznz / e / Y object 300 and the front panel 301. The spacer 307 in combination with the gasket 306a maintains the front panel in close proximity to the face of the object to increase rigidity, but sufficiently misaligned to ensure no collisions between the front panel 301 and the object 300 during transit and handling. As an example, the spacer 307 may comprise a polycarbonate material and may have a height in the range of about 1 to 5 millimeters, such as 3 millimeters. Thus, in certain embodiments, the gasket 306a together with the spacer 307 form an air space between the surface of the object 300 and the front panel 301 that has a depth in the range of about 4-10 millimeters, such as 6-8 millimeters. The front panel 301 may be sealed within the recessed portion of the frame 304 by another gasket (gasket 306d). The stiffer panel 302 is an optional panel that may be used to provide additional rigidity to the load 120. The stiffer panel 302 comprises any suitable material, such as a paper honeycomb board or an aluminum panel. To impart more rigidity to the object 300, the stiffer panel 302 may be stiffer than the front panel 301 (such as that discussed above which may be acrylic glass in certain embodiments). The stiffer panel 302 seals to the front panel 301 using gasket 306e. In certain embodiments, the gas space between the stiffer panel 302 and the front panel 301 is smaller in depth than the gas space between the front panel 301 and the object 300.By making the stiffer panel 302 to the front panel 301 by the smaller gas gap than the front panel 301 - to the object 300 in air gap makes the stiffer panel 302 to the air gap front panel 301 significantly stiffer in compression. In this way, the stiffer panel 302 significantly reduces vibration of the entire system by reducing the deflection under the load of the front panel 301, thereby alleviating deformation in the object 300. In certain embodiments, the packaging 306e comprises a 3-5 millimeter closed cell polyethylene packaging operable to produce a substantially airtight seal between the stiffer 302 and the front panel 301. In certain embodiments, the stiffer panel 302 is held in place by a clamp, tape, straps, or a box surrounding the entire load assembly 120. The back panel 310 may be coupled to the reverse side of the stretcher 303 and may form a continuous seal along the reverse side of the stretcher 303. For example, the back panel 310 may comprise a backing frame 311 that couples to the frame 304 via a gasket 306c, wherein the gasket 306c is operable to provide a substantially airtight seal. In certain embodiments, the gasket 306c is a closed-cell polyethylene gasket of 0.5% to 1.5%, preferably ... 3-5 millimeters. One or more fasteners 305 may be used to secure the back frame 311 to the frame 304. Examples of fasteners 305 include a screw, nail, bolt, adhesive, etc. Note that the gasket 306c provides a space between the frame 304 and the back frame 311 in the portion of the back panel 310. The space between the back panel 310 and the object 300 may be relatively large, for example about one inch depending on the depth of the stretcher 303 and / or thickness of the back panel 310. In certain embodiments, the backplane 310 further comprises a decontamination layer 312, a humidity control layer 313, and a backplane 314. The decontamination layer 312 may be positioned behind the stretcher 303 and may be operable to scavenge volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acid or aldehyde, or other contaminants emitted by the object 300. As an example, a paper board comprising clay and / or activated charcoal (e.g., zeolite clay and activated charcoal embedded in power boards) may be utilized in the decontamination layer 312. The humidity control layer 313 may be operable to stabilize humidity. In certain embodiments, the humidity control layer 313 comprises a polypropylene felt containing a silica gel. The silica gel conditions the frame 304 to maintain acceptable humidity within the frame 304. A dust cover may be positioned between the humidity control layer 313 and the object 300 to prevent silica dust from reaching the object 300. The backboard 314 provides rigidity to the back panel 310 such that the back panel is relatively more rigid than the object 300. The backboard 314 may comprise a substantially rigid foam board. In certain embodiments, the backboard 314 comprises a foam core polystyrene board or other material that can provide thermal insulation to prevent rapid temperature fluctuations. In certain embodiments, the backboard 314 may further comprise an aluminum layer (e.g., a layer on or within the foam board) operable to stabilize humidity. As an example, the backboard may comprise a commercial product such as MARVELSEAL®, an aluminized polyethylene film for vapor and moisture proof control. In this manner, the back panel 310 may provide microclimate control by configuring one or more environmental buffers (e.g., humidity control layer 313 and / or back board 314) to provide moisture and / or thermal protection. Microclimate control may refer to environmental buffers within the back panel 310 or within the sealed compartment formed between the back panel 310 and the object 300. Certain embodiments may also provide macroclimate control by configuring additional environmental buffers within the drawer 200. Examples of environmental buffers for macroclimate control include thermal phase change tiles and / or silica gel tiles that may be attached to a wall facing the interior or door of the drawer 200 and / or may be attached on or within the platform 110. An alternative embodiment of load 120 reduces the corner volume in stiffer panel 302, which increases stiffness still further, by reducing the amount of compressible gas in the third sealed air compartment without increasing the likelihood of a collision between front panel 301 and stiffer panel 301 during heavy shock loading of the entire system, such as might occur if load 120 were dropped. That is, reducing the corner volume of stiffer panel 302 in turn reduces the corner volume of the third sealed air compartment between stiffer panel 302 and front panel 301, resulting in a lower volume of compressible gas in the third sealed air compartment which increases the stiffening effect imparted on front panel 301 by stiffer panel 302.This increased stiffness occurs where the volume of entrapped air is reduced while still maintaining the same surface area on the face of the front panel 301. This may be achieved through methods such as producing a concave geometry on the surface of the stiffer panel 302 that extends into the third sealed air compartment to take up space and / or producing a stiffer panel 302 that has a non-uniform thickness. This geometry may be possible without using additive techniques such as three dimensional printing. This may further be achieved by utilizing a non-rectangular geometry for the package 306e, such as an oval shape that would eliminate corners where displacement of a vibrating panel would be minimal. Although FIGURE 9 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of gaskets or seals 306, other embodiments may utilize different arrangements of gaskets 306. As an example, with larger air spaces between the backing panel 310 and the object 300 or between the front panel 301 and the more rigid panel 302 in a relatively large canvas (e.g., 2 meters x 4 meters) the gas spring space may be broken into several smaller gas spring spaces by utilizing gasket placement to divide a large space into several smaller spaces, thereby adding to the rigidity of a smaller panel. The various components described with respect to FIGS. 1-9 may be combined to form a vibration isolation system. The vibration isolation system may utilize any suitable combination of components, such as isolators 130, panels (e.g., front panel 301, rear panel 310, and optional stiffer panel 302), and / or other components. Examples of other components include one or more sensors that may optionally be mounted in or on crate 200, load 120, and / or object 300. The sensors may monitor and record vibrations and shocks occurring during transit, pressurization conditions, ambient conditions, GPS coordinates, survey cameras, and / or other suitable information. Additional examples of other components include moisture absorbers, thermal controls (e.g., insulation materials, heating and cooling units, etc.) or other components selected to maintain optimal environmental conditions within drawer 200. The combination of components can be selected and adjusted based on the object being protected by the vibration isolation system. As an example, a system for protecting a stretched canvas or similar object can include a panel system adjusted to increase the canvas's natural frequency to at least 40 Hz and isolators 130 adapted to produce a tuning ratio greater than or equal to 1.4. The adjustment ratio is determined by dividing the natural frequency of the object 300 being protected by the vibration isolation system by the natural frequency of the vibration isolation system. For the vibration isolation system to work, the natural frequency of the object being isolated (e.g., object 300 within load 120) must be higher than the natural frequency of the isolation system. Over most of the spectrum, the number at which amplification begins to shift to isolation is a ratio of 1.4, which is the square root of 2 rounded to the nearest tenth. If the natural frequency of the object being isolated divided by the natural frequency of the isolation system is less than 1.4, then amplification will occur. Thus, the adjustment ratio to achieve critical damping, true over most of the spectrum, can be expressed according to the following formula: (FPa Fi) > 1.4 In the formula, the fit ratio is expressed as (Fp -e Fi) , where F P refers to the natural frequency of the payload being protected by the vibration isolation system (e.g., object 300), and Fi refers to the natural frequency of the vibration isolation system. As an example, applying the formula to a scenario in which the natural frequency of the payload being protected (Fp) is equal to 14 Hz, the natural frequency of the vibration isolation system (Fi) would be less than or equal to 10 Hz in order to produce a fit ratio greater than or equal to 1.4. As an example, a vibration isolation system can be set up to protect a painting on a canvas. Canvas tends to have the lowest natural frequency and is the most flexible compared to other art media, such as glass, marble, ceramic sculptures, and artifacts. Thus, the vibration isolation system can be built to isolate the lowest frequencies (the frequencies associated with canvas) and can be adjusted according to the natural frequency of the object being isolated (e.g., canvas, glass, marble, or ceramic, etc.). For the purposes of the example, assume the natural frequency of the canvas is 7 Hz. To achieve a fit ratio greater than 1.4 for the canvas, the wire rope insulators 130 would be fitted to a natural frequency less than or equal to 5 Hz (i.e., 7 Hz divided by 1.4). However, configuring a wire thickness, number of loops, loop diameter, loop spacing, number of wires in a cable braid, number of wire rope insulators 130, orientation angle of the wire rope insulators 130 relative to the platform 110, and / or position of the wire rope insulators 130 relative to the platform 110 to achieve a natural frequency of 5 Hz may not be practical.For example, setting wire rope insulators 130 at a frequency as low as 5 Hz may require a relatively large wire thickness which may be difficult to form into a small loop and thus may have a large loop diameter. Wire rope insulators 130 with a wire thickness and loop diameter large enough to isolate low frequencies may take up too much space within the box 200. To address this problem, the panel system described with respect to FIGS. 8-9 may be used to increase the natural frequency of the canvas, which in turn increases the natural frequency at which the wire rope insulators 130 could be set. Continuing with the example, the back panel 310 may be configured to double the natural frequency of the canvas (from 7 Hz to 14 Hz in the example). To achieve a match ratio greater than 1.4 for the canvas and back panel 310 in one configuration, while the wire rope insulators 130 would be matched to a natural frequency less than or equal to 10 Hz (i.e., 14 Hz divided by 1.4). The natural frequency of the canvas or tarp may further be increased with the addition of the front panel 301. The front panel 301 may be configured to increase the natural frequency of the canvas and back panel 301 in the configuration by approximately one-third (from 14 Hz to 21 in the example). To achieve a match ratio greater than 1.4 for the canvas and back panel 310 and front panel 301 as a configuration, the wire rope insulators 130 would be tuned to a natural frequency less than or equal to 15 Hz (i.e., 21 Hz divided by 1.4). The natural frequency of the canvas can further be increased with the addition of the stiffer panel 302. The stiffer panel 302 can be configured to double the natural frequency of the canvas and back panel 301 and the front panel 302 as a configuration (from 21 Hz to 42 Hz in the example). To achieve a tuning ratio greater than 1.4 for the configuration including the canvas, back panel 310, front panel 301, and stiffer panel 302, the wire rope insulators 130 would be tuned to a natural frequency less than or equal to 30 Hz (i.e., 42 Hz divided by 1.4).In certain embodiments, the panel system may be adjusted to achieve a natural frequency in the range of about 40-70 Hz for object 300, and the cable insulators may be adjusted to a natural frequency less than or equal to 50 Hz (i.e., 70 Hz divided by 1.4), such as a natural frequency less than or equal to about 28.6 Hz (i.e., 40 Hz divided by 1.4). Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. Certain embodiments may protect an object from damage due to vibration, displacement, impact, temperature, and / or humidity. As discussed above, any suitable combination of the components described herein may be used to provide the desired protections. Vibration protection may be provided by a combination of a suspension system comprising isolators 130 and / or the panel system. In certain embodiments, a panel system may be adjusted to increase the natural frequency of the scrim or canvas to at least 40 Hz, and the isolators 130 may be adjusted to produce an adjustment ratio greater than or equal to 1.4. Excursion protection can be provided by the panel system. The panel system can impart rigidity to the canvas that protects against excursions. In certain embodiments, the panel system limits excursions at the most flexible point (the middle portion of the canvas) to a value that does not affect the adhesion or cohesion of the paint to the canvas. For example, the panel system can be configured to limit excursions greater than 350 microns. In certain embodiments, the rigidity imparted by the panel system can prevent buckling of the canvas in the event the panel system tilts and can reduce the likelihood of the canvas coming into contact with its glassware, for example, in the event a person inadvertently presses on the stiffer panel. Impact protection may be provided by the suspension system (e.g., wire rope insulators 130), shock absorbing structures, and / or a caisson 200 (e.g., a caisson comprising plastic, a polycarbonate honeycomb, a polypropylene honeycomb, a honeycomb composite, or other material that deforms upon impact and absorbs some of the impact energy). In certain embodiments, the impact protection components are configured to limit the total G-force in an impact resulting from a drop from above to one meter. For example, the impact protection components may be configured to reduce the total impact shock to below 20G.As discussed above, a foam structure, such as a smart foam mass, may be positioned within a wire rope insulator 130 to act as a safety stop that prevents the wire rope insulator 130 from folding in the event of an impact. Temperature protection may be provided by macroclimate controls within the box 200 and / or microclimate controls within the rear panel 310 of the panel system. As an example, the macroclimate control may utilize thermal phase change materials (e.g., tiles embedded within the platform 110 and / or tiles that are snap-fit ​​inside and outside of the box 200) to maintain an internal temperature within the box 200. For example, the temperature may be maintained at 22°C, plus or minus 4°C, given an exterior fluctuation of 22°C, plus or minus 10°C. In other words, for exterior temperatures in the range of 12°C to 32°C, the temperature within the box 200 may be maintained in the range of 18°C ​​to 26°C. Humidity protection may be provided by macroclimate controls within the drawer 200 and / or microclimate controls within the rear panel 310 of the panel system. As an example, the macroclimate control may utilize silica gel felt within the drawer 200 to maintain humidity within the range of 40% to 60% humidity given an internal temperature in the range of 18°C ​​to 26°C. As a more specific example of the combination of the various components described herein, one embodiment for transporting a stretched canvas or similar object comprises a crate 200 configured with thermal phase change material, moisture control material, wire rope insulators 130, and a panel system comprising front panel 301, stiffer panel 302, and rear panel 310, wherein rear panel 310 is configured to provide microclimate control. The thermal phase change material provides lightweight insulation that absorbs and releases thermal energy in order to prevent significant temperature fluctuations within crate 200. In certain embodiments, the thermal phase change material is implemented using tiles (e.g., tiles fitted within platform 110 and / or tiles that are press-fit inside and outside of crate 200).The moisture control material c LOznn / frznz / e / YiAi may be implemented using silica gel tiles that may be bonded within the doors of drawer 200. Wire rope isolators 130, such as those discussed with respect to FIGS. 2-6 , isolate platform 110 and load 120 from damaging vibration frequencies. For example, the wire rope isolators may be tuned to produce a tuning ratio greater than or equal to 1.4, the tuning ratio divided by dividing a natural frequency of an object being protected by the vibration isolation system by a natural frequency of the vibration isolation system. Drawer 200 may be configured with shock absorbing structures, such as an XPS core, polypropylene honeycomb structures, or other shock absorbing structures to absorb shock impact in the event drawer 200 is dropped.The panel system stabilizes the canvas against high displacement excursions, such as excursions greater than 350 microns. For example, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 8-9, a stiffer panel 302 in combination with the front panel 301 and the rear panel 310 provides stiffness to the load 120. The rear panel 310 is further configured to provide microclimate control. For example, the rear panel 310 comprises the backboard 314 (e.g., insulating foam core board that may include a vapor barrier, such as an aluminized polyethylene film) and / or moisture control layer 313 (e.g., silica gel felt). Certain modalities may have all, some, or none of the advantages identified above. Other advantages will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatus described herein without departing from the scope of the description. The components of the systems and apparatus may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatus may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods described herein without departing from the scope of the description. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, the steps may be performed in any suitable order. Although this description has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments does not restrict this description. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A vibration isolation system, characterized in that it comprises: one or more loads; a platform adapted to carry the one or more loads, the platform suspended within a support structure such that a load-bearing surface of the platform is suspended in a vertical orientation relative to the ground when the support structure is upward, the platform suspended by a plurality of isolators adjusted to prevent vibrations in a predetermined frequency range for a payload having a predetermined mass; and an adjustable load positioning system adapted to facilitate positioning the one or more loads such that the payload having the predetermined mass is centered at the center of gravity of the platform; wherein at least one of the loads comprises a unit mass having a specific mass adapted to adjust a combined mass of the platform, the adjustable load positioning system and the one or more loads to satisfy the predetermined mass of the payload to which the plurality of isolators are adjusted.

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