A crate and crate system for transporting and storing equipment

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a crate (300) for transporting and storing equipment comprising an interior frame (100) substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe, wherein the interior frame (100) defines an interior (101) of the crate (300); a lower panel (250) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100); a upper panel (210) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100) at a face of the interior frame (100) opposite to the lower panel (250); at least two side panels (220,230,240) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100); at least one detachable side panel (260) configured to be releasable secured at a face of the interior frame (100). Upon said detachable side panel (260) being removed from the crate (300), an opening (102) at the interior frame (100) between the outside environment (103) to the crate interior (101) is accessible. Upon the detachable side panel (260) being secured at the interior frame (100), a tight seal is formed between said detachable side panel (260) and the interior frame (100), whereby said opening (102) at the interior frame (100) is closed.

Description

[0001] A crate and crate system for transporting and storing equipment

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of crates for transporting and storing equipment. More specifically, the invention relates to crates that are used to protect their contents during transportation and storage from the environment. Crates are versatile containers that can be used in conjunction with pallet systems and shipping container systems for efficient transportation of equipment.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Crates are vessels that are used to transport and store a wide variety of equipment. They are designed to protect their contents during transportation and storage, and can be stacked or nested to save space. Crates come in many different designs, and can be made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal. Transportation of crates is normally performed in large complex logistic systems where the crates can be stored in larger shipping containers that can be transported on boats, land vehicles or airplanes.

[0006] Historically, wooden crates were used for transporting and storing items. Even to this day wooden crates are commonly used for heavy items, such as machinery and tools, as they are strong and durable, and can be custom-built to fit the specific dimensions of the equipment being transported. Wooden crates can also be treated with chemicals to prevent rot and insect infestation.

[0007] Plastic crates are lightweight and easy to clean, making them ideal for transporting and storing items such as produce and food products. They are resistant to moisture and can be used in environments where hygiene or where separation between interior and exterior is important. Plastic crates come in a wide range of colours and can be easily labelled for identification.

[0008] Metal crates are strong and durable, making them suitable for transporting heavy or bulky items. They are resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for use in harsh environments. Metal crates can be fitted with locking mechanisms to secure their contents during transportation.

[0009] In addition to standalone crates, many industries use pallet systems for transporting and storing goods. Pallets are flat platforms that can be loaded with goods and lifted by a forklift or pallet jack. In order for crates to be compatible with such pallet systems they may need to have matching dimensions and be stackable on top of pallets to facilitate easy loading and unloading. One common pallet system is the EUR-pallet, which is widely used in Europe for transporting goods.

[0010] Crate may be designed for particularly demanding environments, such as being used in disaster relief, field hospitals, or the military. Crate systems are commonly used by the military for transporting and storing equipment such as weapons, ammunition, and tools. Military crates are designed to meet strict specifications for strength, durability, and security. Crates may be fitted with features such as reinforced corners, tamper-evident seals, and locking mechanisms to ensure the safe transportation of sensitive equipment. Typically, crates designed to fulfil strict specifications, such as military crates for use in the field, are not arranged to be assembled or disassembled after production. Crates designed to be transported in unassembled and being assembled under field-like conditions are typically simpler crates that do not match the specifications of factory-assembled crates.

[0011] There is a need for improved solutions that provide easy to assemble crates fulfilling strict performance requirements, such as military specifications and transport specifications.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] For transport and storage of equipment different types of crates are often utilized in order to keep or transport multiple pieces of equipment together, or to protect said equipment from the environment. When utilizing crates in different scenarios, such as military operations or setting up and operating field hospitals, there are typically requirements for crates to be relatively large and easy to transport with existing transport infrastructure and complying to the corresponding standards. In the field, crates may be required to function both as the container in which the equipment is transported and as the equipment storage from which the user may readily retrieve and put back equipment. In addition to the transport, storage and accessibility of equipment, a typically desired property of a crate is to protect the equipment from the environment, or vice versa. The most common environmental exposures being water, particles in the air, and extreme temperatures. A crate should solve the above while itself being a light as possible and as easy as possible to build.

[0014] The invention herein provides a solution to at least one of the above problems by providing a crate comprising an internal frame with panels attached thereon.

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a crate for transporting and storing equipment comprising an interior frame substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe, wherein the interior frame defines an interior of the crate; a lower panel arranged at the outside of the interior frame; a upper panel arranged at the outside of the interior frame at a face of the interior frame opposite to the lower panel; at least two side panels arranged at the outside of the interior frame; at least one detachable side panel configured to be releasable secured at a face of the interior frame. Upon said detachable side panel being removed from the crate, an opening at the interior frame between the outside environment to the crate interior is accessible. Upon the detachable side panel being secured at the interior frame, a tight seal is formed between said detachable side panel and the interior frame, whereby said opening at the interior frame is closed.

[0016] This has the advantage of allowing for simplified design of the crate by attaching panels directly to the interior frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the interior frame comprises an upper frame part comprising the upper face of the interior frame, and a lower frame part comprising the lower face of the interior frame, and wherein each part comprises steel, aluminium, and / or carbon fibre.

[0018] This has the advantage of allowing the upper frame part to be of a stronger material and the lower frame part to be of a lighter material, thereby reducing the weight of the crate. This further allows the same stringer dimensions to be used for the interior frame while meeting performance requirements.

[0019] In some embodiments, the interior frame comprises at least one connecting corner part each being arranged to interface with at least three stringers of the interior frame. In some embodiments, the at least one connecting corner part is arranged to be fixedly attached to stringers in a reversible manner.

[0020] This has the advantage of allowing the interior frame to be designed around utilizing connectors at stringer intersections. This further has the advantage of allowing assembly and disassembly without permanently attaching stringers to each other, such as by welding.

[0021] In some embodiments, the detachable side panel comprises a set of locking devices arranged to secure the detachable side panel against the interior frame.

[0022] This has the advantage of allowing the detachable side panel to be secured against the interior frame with only the interior frame and the set of locking devices, thus reducing the number of critical components in the crate. This further has the advantage of reducing the number of components in the crate against which the detachable side panel needs to be in direct contact with.

[0023] In some embodiments, the locking device is arranged to secure the detachable side panel to the interior frame by at least part of the locking device entering the opening of the interior frame and / or entering the interior frame.

[0024] This has the advantage of allowing the detachable side panel to be locked in placed directly against the interior frame.

[0025] In some embodiments, for each detachable side panel, a tight seal between the environment and the interior of the interior frame is formed by direct contact between said detachable side panel and the interior frame.

[0026] This has the advantage of allowing the seal separating the interior of the crate and the exterior to be at the contact points between the detachable side panel and the interior frame, thus reducing the number of components in the crate against which the detachable side panel needs to be in direct contact with.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lower panel is arranged to interface with the lower frame part of the interior frame to form a substantially flat bottom surface in the interior of the crate.

[0028] This has the advantage of allowing the lower frame part of the interior frame to have different shapes, such as an H-shape, without causing an uneven surface of the interior of the crate. This further has the advantage of avoiding the need to elevate the floor to an obstructing part of an interior frame.

[0029] In some embodiments, the crate comprises at least one shelf arranged at the interior frame, wherein said at least one shelf is arranged inside the interior frame when in a retracted state, and wherein said shelf is arranged to be moved out through said opening formed by removing one of said detachable side panel when in an extended or an outlifted state.

[0030] This has the advantage of allowing the crate or a stack of crates in an opened state to function as a drawer for equipment arranged on shelfs, while being readily changed to a closed state and ready for transport.

[0031] The present disclosure further relates to a crate stacking and transporting system, comprising at least two crates, each comprising;

[0032] - an interior frame substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe with an interior;

[0033] - a lower panel arranged at the outside of the interior frame;

[0034] - a upper panel arranged at the outside of the interior frame at a face of the interior frame opposite to the lower panel;

[0035] - at least two side panels arranged at the outside of the interior frame;

[0036] - at least one detachable side panel configured to be arranged releasable secured at the interior frame, wherein upon said detachable side panel being removed an opening between the environment to the crate interior is formed.

[0037] The outward facing side of the lower panel comprises a pattern with and indentations and at least two protrusions extending normally outwardly from said lower panel, and wherein the upper panel comprises a pattern with indentations and protrusions, and whereby the pattern on one of said crates lower panel are arranged to interface with the pattern on upper panel of another of said crates when stacked.

[0038] In some embodiments, at least two of said lower panel protrusions comprise replaceable downward-facing pads, wherein said pads are arranged to acts as contact points against the ground upon placing the crate on a flat surface.

[0039] This has the advantage of allowing the crate stacking and transporting system with stackable crates with protrusions arranged to function as feet. This further has the advantage of providing crates with feet that also are arranged to interface with the pattern on the upper panel of said crates.

[0040] In some embodiments, wherein said upper panel comprises a grove between two protrusions, and / or an indentation in a pattern of said upper panel, for accepting a tie down strap to run across the surface.

[0041] This has the advantage of allowing crates to have patterns on the upper panel and lower panel arranged to interface such that movement in the plane of the contact between panels is hindered without separating the crates, and said patterns provide groves for tie down strap that help keep the crates from separating during transport.

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and nonlimiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure la-c shows an exploded-view and an assembled view of an example crate storing and transporting system and its use with a shipping container.

[0045] Figure 2 shows an example interior frame of the crate.

[0046] Figure 3 shows an exploded-view of the panels of the crate. Figure 4 shows an exploded-view of the interior frame of the crate, the panels of the crate, and how they are assembled.

[0047] Figure 5a-d shows a detachable panel from a front view, and a cross-sectional view of the detachable panel attaching to the interior frame.

[0048] Figure 6 shows a connecting corner part on an interior frame of a crate. Figure 7 shows a shelf arrangement comprised in a crate and a shelf.

[0049] Figure 8a-b shows the lower panel and the interior frame forming an internal floor in the interior of the crate.

[0050] Figure 9a-b shows a lower crate panel and matching upper crate panels.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0053] Throughout the figures, same reference numerals refer to same parts, concepts, and / or elements. Consequently, what will be said regarding a reference numeral in one figure applies equally well to the same reference numeral in other figures unless not explicitly stated otherwise.

[0054] It is to be understood that the figures are schematic representations aimed at highlighting the novel features of the examples. Shown parts may not be to scale and some parts may not be depicted for readability.

[0055] Figure la-c illustrate an example crate stacking and transporting system 500. Figure la shows how two stacks with five crates 300 each may be arranged on a pallet 600 with crate plates 400. Figure lb shows the system 500 with two stacks of crates 300 on a pallet. Figure lc illustrates how the system comprising a pallet with stacks five crates high may be transported in a standardized shipping container.

[0056] Figure la shows the example crate stacking and transporting system 500. The system is configured to be compatible with the logistics standards of the transportation industry. The system comprises stackable crates 300 that are configured to be stacked onto each other. In some examples, the system is configured to stack at least five crates in one column. In some examples, the crates 300 comprise protrusions and indentations on the bottom and the top of the crates that are configured to be interfaces into each other upon being stacked, such that relative movement in the plane between the crates 300 is limited by said interfacing.

[0057] The crate stacking and transportation system 500 further comprises a bottom crate plate 400 for stacking the first crate 300. The bottom crate plate 400 is configured to be securely mounted onto a EUR-pallet 600, a pallet of other standard, a vehicle, and / or the floor of a shipping container 700. The first crate 300 in the stacked column is stacked onto the bottom crate plate 400, and bottom crate plate 400 comprises corresponding protrusions and / or indentations as the top of the crates 300, and is arranged to interface with the bottom of the first crate 300. In some examples, the crate stacking and transporting system is configured to allow at least two bottom crate plates 400 to be mounted on one standardized pallet 600 and to cover substantially the upper surface of the pallet 600.

[0058] In some examples, the bottom crate plate 400 can be attached direct on a surface or floor of a concrete floor, a container floor and / or the floor of a transport area in a vehicle.

[0059] In some examples, the system 500 comprises at least one crate, and at least one bottom crate plate 400 arranged to be mounted on a pallet 600, a shipping container floor and / or a vehicle. In some examples, the system 500 has room for two columns of crates 300 on the pallet 600. In some examples, at least some crates 300 can changed between a closed state and an opened state, as shown on the top crates 300 in figure la-b.

[0060] Typically, crates 300 stacked either on each other, or on a bottom crate plate 400, are held down by securing means, such as a tie down strap. In some examples, the crates 300 are configured to be secured with a tie down strap, such as having indentations configured to accept a strap.

[0061] Figure lb shows an example system 500 in an assembled state. The crates 300 are stacked and sideways movement is restricted by the said protrusions and indentations on the crates lower part 250 and crate top part 210. The height of a pallet 600 and the example system 500 of five crates 300 stacked onto each other is configured to fit inside a standardized shipping container 700 as shown in figure lc. The example system 500 of five stacked crates 300 in figure lc is shown arranged on a pallet 600, alternatively bottom crate plates 400 may be mounted to the floor of the standardized shipping container 700 allowing stacks of crates 300 to be placed on top.

[0062] The invention relates to crates for transportation and storage. At least some of those crates may be usable in systems of the type illustrated in figure la-c.

[0063] Figure 2 shows an example interior frame 100 of a crate 300. The interior frame 100 is illustrated as a cuboid wireframe with five stringers 150 forming an upper rectangular frame part with one supporting stringer 150 in the middle of the structure. The figure further shows another five stringers 150 forming a lower rectangular frame part and five stringers 150 with one supporting stringer 150 in the middle of the structure. Between the upper frame part 110 and the lower frame part 120 there are four vertical stringers 150, together forming the interior frame 100 with the outline of a cuboid wireframe. Typically, the interior frame 100 has six faces, with all six faces being covered by panels when the crate is in a closed state.

[0064] Typically, the upper frame part 110 is or comprises the stringers 150 of the upper face of the interior frame, and the lower frame part 120 is or comprises the stringers 150 of the lower face of the interior frame.

[0065] The term stringer relates to a beam of the frame. Typically, each stringer contributes to the structural integrity and load sharing of the frame. In some examples, the stringer comprises a beam.

[0066] In some examples, the frame 100 outer shape corresponds to the edges of a cuboid.

[0067] In some examples, the interior frame 100 has at least one inner stringer 150 between the outer stringers 150 of the upper frame part 110 and / or between the outer stringers 150 of the lower frame part 120. The inner stringer 150 may be arranged to strengthen the frame structure, by forming an "H"-structure. In some examples, the interior frame 100 comprises a metal. In some of these examples, the interior frame 100 comprises steel, aluminium, and / or carbon fibre. In some of these examples, the interior frame 100 consists of metal. In some of these examples, the interior frame 100 consists of steel and / or aluminium.

[0068] In some examples, the interior frame 100 is divided between an upper frame part 110 and a lower frame part 120 by a dividing line 130 as show in figure 2. The divided parts of the interior frame 100 may be of different materials. In some examples, the upper frame part 110 composed of steel to make the upper part of the structure more stable, and the lower frame part 120 is aluminium to make the structure more lightweight.

[0069] In some examples, the interior frame 100 is divided in an upper frame part, a lower frame part and at least four vertical stringers 150 connecting the upper and lower frame part 110,120, wherein the upper frame part 110 comprised the stringers in a plane at an upper side of the interior frame 100, and wherein the low frame comprised the stringers in a plane on a lower side of the interior frame. In some of these examples, the upper frame part, the lower frame part and / or the at least four vertical stringers 150 may comprise stringers of different material and geometry.

[0070] It is to be understood that the interior frame 100 may comprise additional stringers 150 connecting the upper frame part 110, the lower frame part 120 and / or the at least four vertical stringers 150. Depending on the performance requirements to be met an interior frame 100, such as shown in figure 2, may be reinforced and / or adapted.

[0071] Typically, a high priority is to keep the weight of the crate as low as possible to make transportation and handling of the crates as easy as possible, especially for manual handling. In some examples the interior frame structure is divided into multiple parts with different materials, thus allowing the structure to be made lighter while still meeting any performance requirements.

[0072] In some examples, at least some stringers 150 are pipes with hollow insides. In some examples, at least some stringers 150 are solid structures. In some examples, the cross-section of at least some stringers is rectangular and / or circular.

[0073] In some examples, at least some stringers 150 comprise light metal, such as aluminium or titanium. In some of these examples, at least some stringers 150 in the lower frame part 120 comprise light metal. In some of these examples, all stringers in the lower frame part 120 comprise light metal.

[0074] In some examples, at least some stringers 150 comprise light metal. In some of these examples, at least some stringers 150 in the upper frame part 110 comprise steel. In some of these examples, all stringers in the upper frame part 110 comprise steel. In some of these examples, all stringers in the upper frame part 110 consist of steel.

[0075] In some examples, the stringers 150 in the lower frame part 120 are made of light metal and the stringers 150 in the upper frame part 110 are made of steel. In some examples, the stringers 150 in the lower frame part 120 are made of aluminium and the remaining stringers 150 are made of steel. In another example the upper and lower frame parts 110,120 are made of steel and the vertical stringers 150 are steel. The variety of how to distribute different material to the stringers 150 in the interior frame structure 100 is not limited to the examples explained herein. Figure 3 shows panels making up the exterior of an example crate 300 and how they are arranged in relation to each other. An upper panel 210 forms the top of the crate 300 and opposite to the lower panel 250 forms the bottom of the crate 300. Three side panels 220,230,240 are placed between the upper panel 210 and the lower panel 250 with right angles at the intersections forming sides of the crate 300. The panels 210,220,230,240,250 are arranged at each other and together form the exterior of the crate 300. In figure 3 one side of the example crate exterior is shown as open with one panel missing, being shown this way in part for readability and in part to represent a detachable side panel (not shown) in a removed state.

[0076] In some examples, the crate 300 has three side panels 220,230,240 whereby the crate 300 has one opening. Figure la-b shows several crates stacked on each other with the crate 300 at the fifth level having an open side and the remaining visible crates 300 being closed by a detachable side panel. Figure lb shows an example of crates 300 with three side panels 220,230,240 and one opening, which may be closed by a detachable side panel.

[0077] In some examples, the crate 300 comprises two side panels 220,230 arranged at opposite sides. This means the crate have two openings opposite to each other. In some examples, the crate 300 comprises two open sides each arranged to be closed by a detachable side panel. In some of these examples, the crate comprises two side panels 220,230,240 arranged at the outside of the interior frame.

[0078] In some examples, the crate 300 consists of the interior frame 100, the upper, lower, and three side panels 210,220,230,240,250 securely fixed at five faces of the interior frame 100, and the detachable side panel (not shown) releasably arranged at the sixth face of the interior frame 100.

[0079] In some examples, the panels 210,220,230,240,250 comprises a polymeric material. The use of polymer material in the crate panels enables for the structure to be lightweight and have a sturdy and stable structure that are good for impact. The usage of polymer material in the crate 300 also protects the inside of the crate by providing a water- and dust proof shell protecting the interior of the crate 300. Figure 4 shows an exploded-view of the interior frame 100, the top panel 210, the lower panel 250 and the side panels 220,230,240. The panels 210,220,230,240,250 are arranged at the interior frame 100 to together form the body of the crate 300. The crate 300 has an interior 101 within a cuboid corresponding to the interior frame 100. In figure 4 the interior 101 is accessible from the outside environment 103 via the opening 102 at the open side facing the viewer. Figure 4 represents a crate 300 with its detachable side panel absent from the opening 102, corresponding to the crate shown on the fifth level in figure lb.

[0080] In some examples, each panel 210,220,230,240,250 is arranged at the interior frame 100 and covers a face of the interior frame 100. In some examples, at least two side panels 220,230,240 have edges arranged along both the lower panel 250 and the upper panel 210.

[0081] In some examples, at least one panel 210, 220,230,240,250 comprises a handle arranged for a person carrying the crate 300.

[0082] In some examples, the crate 300 has a footprint area of at least 20% of the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet, corresponding to EUR1, EUR2 and GMA pallets. In some of these examples, the crate 300 has a footprint area of at least a 40% of the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet. In some examples, the crate 300 has a footprint of at most twice of the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet.

[0083] In some examples, at least one panel 210, 220,230,240,250 is permanently attached to the interior frame 100, such as being attached utilizing blind rivets. In some of these examples, each panel 210, 220,230,240,250, except releasable side panel(s), is permanently attached to the interior frame 100.

[0084] In some examples, at least one panel 210, 220,230,240,250 is fixedly attached to the interior frame 100 in a reversible manner, such as being held together by screws. In some examples, each panel 210, 220,230,240,250, except releasable side panel(s), is fixedly attached to the interior frame 100 in a reversible manner. The expression "fixedly attached to the interior frame 100 in a reversible manner" does not relate to removal of a detachable side panel during normal use of the crate 300, but instead relates to allowing for removal of the means securing panels that are not readily detachable to the interior frame without damaging parts of the crate 300. It is to be understood that the expression "permanently attached" relates to not being able to disassemble and reassemble a panel from the interior frame with both intact or destroying any securing means, whereas "fixedly attached in a reversible manner" relates to utilizing securing means allowing for disassembly and reassembly.

[0085] Figure 5a-d illustrates an example detachable side panel 260 configured to be arranged releasable secured at the interior frame 100. The example detachable side panel 260 may be arranged to be inserted into the opening 102 of the crate 300 depicted in figure 4. Figure 5a shows a frontal view of the detachable side panel 260 as it would be seen from outside when attached to the crate. Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view line A-A corresponding to the cross-sectional view in figure 5b-d.

[0086] Figure 5a shows the detachable side panel 260 from a front view with two locking devices 270 arranged to secure the detachable side panel 260 to the frame 100. The example detachable side panel 260 is arranged to be releasably attached to an open side of a crate. When the detachable side panel 260 is removed from the crate an opening 102 is formed between the outside environment 103 and to the crate interior 101, as shown in figure 5b.

[0087] In some examples, the opening 102 in the interior frame 100 with the detachable side panel 260 in a removed state covers an area of at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the area of the corresponding side view of the crate. Typically, the opening 102 in the interior frame 100 formed by removing the detachable side panel 260 is designed to be as large as possible to improve access to the interior 101 of the crate.

[0088] Figure 5b-d shows the detachable side panel 260 from figure 5a from the cross section view A- A. Figure 5b-d shows a sequence representing the detachable side panel 260 being moved towards the frame 100 and then being secured against the frame 100.

[0089] Figure 5b shows the cross-section of an upper horizontal stringer and a lower horizontal stringer of the frame 100, wherein said horizontal stringers together with two horizontal stringers (not shown) form the opening 102 leading to the interior of the crate, as seen at the face of the interior frame 100 facing the viewer in figure 4. Figure 5b further shows a cross- sectional of the detachable side panel 260 and one locking device 270 in an open state. In figure 5b, the lower end of the detachable side panel 260 is being moved towards a lower contact point 303 of the frame 100 and the upper end of the detachable side panel 260 is being moved towards an upper contact point 301 of the frame 100.

[0090] The contact points 301,303 represent the surfaces where the interior frame 100 is in contact with the detachable side panel 260 when the detachable side panel 260 is fully inserted into the opening 102. Typically, these contact points 301,303 will encircle the opening 102. In some examples, the interior frame 100 and / or the releasable panel 260 comprise sealing means arranged at the contact points, such as a polymer gasket arranged to encircle the opening 102 in a closed state. In some examples, the sealing means are arranged to form a gastight seal between the interior frame 100 and the detachable side panel 260.

[0091] It is to be understood that the shape of the lower horizontal stringer of the frame 100 in the example in figure 5b-d is for illustrative purposes. The interior frame 100 does not need to hold up the detachable side panel 260 with a flange, and the detachable side panel 260 may be held in place by the panels of the crate, other parts of the crate 300, or a plurality of locking device 270 comprised in the detachable side panel 260. The detachable side panel 260 is arranged to be secured at the interior frame 100 such that a seal is formed between said detachable side panel 260 and the interior frame 100, whereby said opening 102 at the interior frame 100 is closed.

[0092] In figure 5c, the detachable side panel 260 is positioned against the frame 100. In figure 5d the detachable side panel 260 is locked into place against the frame 100 by the locking device 270 adopting a closed state that secures the detachable side panel 260 against the backside of the frame 100 at a locking contact point 302. In this example, the lower part of the detachable side panel 260 is held in place by being sterica I ly restricted upon securing the upper part of the detachable side panel 260. In some examples, the detachable side panel 260 comprises a set of locking devices 270 arranged to secure the detachable side panel 260 to the frame 100 at the upper part and / or the lower part of the interior frame 100. In some examples, the detachable side panel 260 comprises a set of locking devices 270 arranged to secure the detachable side panel 260 to a plurality of positions of the frame 100.

[0093] It is to be understood that the sequence of figure 5b-d aims to illustrate an example of the detachable side panel 260 being secured directly towards the frame 100. The illustrations do not aim to show all parts that would be required to secure the detachable side panel 260 from moving in any of its six degrees of freedom relative to the frame 100. Typically, the contact points between the detachable side panel 260 and the frame 100 forms a closed path corresponding to the opening 102 such that a separation is formed between the crate interior and the outside environment.

[0094] In some embodiments, the interior frame 100 comprises one or more sealing means at the contact points 301,302,303 to form a seal between the detachable side panel 260 and the interior frame 100. In some examples, corresponding one or more sealings means are arranged on the detachable side panel 260 at corresponding positions. Typically, the contact points 301,303 between the detachable side panel 260 and the interior frame 100 form a closed path that runs along the perimeter of the face of the interior frame 100 at the opening 102, such that a seal along the contact points 301,303 may form a seal at the opening 102 separating the interior 101 and outside environment 103. In some examples, said sealing means are arranged to form a tight seal at the opening 102, whereby the interior 101 and outside environment 103 are separated. In some of these examples, the tight seal at the opening is a gastight seal.

[0095] It is to be understood that the expression "tight seal at the opening" relates the frame and the panel forming a seal that causes the opening to be closed for macroscopic objects attempting to enter the opening along the tight seal. Typically, a tight seal at an opening relates to a continuous path of direct contact between sealing means of the detachable side panel and the frame, such as a path of direct contact encircling the whole opening.

[0096] Typically, the sealing means consist of a thin layer of elastic material comprised in the detachable side panel 260 and / or the interior frame 100 arranged to be at the contact points between the detachable side panel 260 and the interior frame 100 in a closed state, such as a rubber gasket. In some examples the seal between the detachable side panel 260 and the interior frame 100 may be a hermetic seal. In some examples, the sealing means comprise a rubber gasket or a gasket of another polymer such as epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, or polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE. In some examples, the sealing means comprise rubber, epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, or PTFE.

[0097] In some examples, the locking device 270 comprises a lever 271 that secures the detachable side panel 260 to the interior frame 100, as shown in figure 5b-d. In some of these examples, the locking device 270 is arranged to secure the detachable side panel 260 to the interior frame 100 by at least part of the locking device 270 entering the opening 102 of the interior frame 100, as shown in figure 5c-5d.

[0098] In some examples, the locking device 270 is arranged to secure the detachable side panel 260 to the interior frame 100 by at least part of the locking device 270 entering into the interior frame 100. In some of these examples, said at least part of the locking device 270 enters into the interior frame 100 at the side of the open face of the interior frame 100, such as a part of the locking device 270 interfacing with a stringer.

[0099] Figure 6 shows an interior frame 100 with a close up at the corner of the interior frame 100. The close up shows a connecting corner part 140 which is a separate part of the interior frame 100. The connecting corner part 140 is arranged to interface with at least three stringers 150, wherein the connecting corner part 140 holds the corresponding ends of said stringers 150 in place relative to each other. In some examples, the interior frame 100 comprises at least one connecting corner part 140. In some of these examples, the interior frame 100 comprises at least two, at least four, at least six, or at least eight connecting corner parts 140. In some examples, the connecting corner parts 140 are arranged at each corner of the cuboid shape of the interior frame 100. In some examples, the interior frame 100 comprises four connecting corner parts 140 arranged in the lower four corners of the interior frame 100, and / or comprises four connecting corner parts 140 arranged in the upper four corners of the interior frame 100.

[0100] In some examples, the connecting corner part 140 comprises metal. In some of these examples, the connecting corner part 140 consists of at least one metal. In some examples, the connecting corner part 140 comprises a polymer material. In some of these examples, the connecting corner part 140 consists of at least one polymer material.

[0101] In some examples, the connecting corner part 140 is arranged to receive at least one hollow stringer end 151,152,153 fitted over a corresponding part of the connecting corner part 140, whereby the part of the connecting corner part 140 is attach inside the stringer end. In some examples, at least one part of the connecting corner part 140 is hollow and arranged to receive the stringer end 151,152,153 inside the corresponding part, whereby the stringer end is attached inside the connecting corner part 140. In some examples, the connecting corner part 140 and corresponding stringers 150 are permanently attached to each other, such as by blind rivets.

[0102] In some examples, the connecting corner part 140 and corresponding stringers 150 are fixedly attached to each other in a reversible manner, such as being held together by friction, pins or screws.

[0103] In some examples, the lower frame part 120 may be welded in a H-shape comprising three stringers 150, and the upper frame part 110 may be welded in a H-shape comprising three stringers 150, see figure 4. In some of these examples, the remaining stringers 150 may be assembled utilizing said connecting corner parts 140 to fixedly attached to stringers 150 in a reversible manner. Hence, in this example the parts for the crate assembly could be packaged in a flat state and made easy to transport. This may allow crates to be disassembled into flat parts, then stored and / or transported in a flat state, and then reassembled for use.

[0104] In some examples, interior frame 100 comprises at least two stringers 150 held together by at least one connecting corner part 140, and at least two stringers 150 are permanently attached to each other. In some of these examples, the at least two stringers 150 permanently attached to each other are attached by welding. In some of these examples, the interior frame 100 comprises at least six stringers 150 held together by at least one connecting corner part 140, and at least six stringers 150 are permanently attached to each other.

[0105] In some examples, the interior frame 100 comprises the lower frame part 120 welded in a H- shape with three stringers 150, and / or the upper frame part 110 welded in a H-shape with three stringers 150.

[0106] Figure 7 shows an example crate 300 in an open state without the detachable side panel 260. The example crate 300 may be the crate 300 shown in figure la-b or figure 4. The interior of the crate 300 comprises at least one shelf arrangement 330 comprising a shelf 310 and / or being arranged to receive a shelf 310, and being arranged to slide said shelf 310 in and out on a shelf track 320. Typically, the shelf arrangement is configured to allow a shelf to be slid out at least partially from the interior of the crate 300 and be kept in a slid-out state, whereby items on the shelf 310 are made accessible. The use of shelf arrangements 330 allows for a plurality of stacked crates 300 with equipment arranged on said shelves 310 to be readily accessed by a user. Typically, the shelves 310 are manually moved outward and inward by a user.

[0107] It is to be understood that the shelf arrangement 330 may be arranged for the shelf to be moved inwards and outwards in discrete position steps along the shelf track 320, and the term shelf arrangement 330 is not limited to the example solutions with continuous sliding shelves.

[0108] In some examples, the crate 300 comprises a shelf arrangement 330 with two or more shelves 310. In some of these examples, the shelf arrangement 330 comprises three or more shelves 310.

[0109] In some examples, the crate 300 comprises at least one shelf arrangement 330 attached to the interior frame (not shown) of the crate 300.

[0110] Figure 8a-b shows the lower panel 250 of the crate 300 arranged against the lower part 120 of the interior frame 100. Figure 8a shows a top view of the arrangement shown in 8b. In some examples, the crate 300 has a lower panel 250 with indentations on the side facing the interior of the crate 300. The indentations of the lower panel 250 are designed to fit the lower part 120 of the interior frame 100, whereby the lower panel 250 when arranged against the lower part 120 of the interior frame forms a substantially flat floor facing the interior of the crate 300.

[0111] In figure 8a the gaps between the interior frame 100 and the lower panel 250 have been exaggerated for readability. Typically, there is a tight fit between the two parts creating a smoother and more even surface than what figure 8a may indicate.

[0112] By having a face of the interior frame 100 at least partially sink into the indentations of the lower panel 250 the interior frame may allow the dimensions of the interior frame 100, such a stringer 150 thickness or orientation, to be selected more freely without making the interior surfaces uneven. In some examples, the panels and interior frame are designed to, upon assembly, form a substantially cuboid interior volume.

[0113] In some examples, the crate 300 comprises a floor layer (not shown) arranged on top of the floor formed by the interior frame 100 and the lower panel 250, such as a thin mat covering the interior crate floor. In some of these examples, the floor layer comprises a polymer material. The floor layer may provide a protective layer arranged to stop small objects and dust from gathering in any gaps between the interior frame 100 and the lower panel 250.

[0114] In some examples, at least one lower, upper, and / or side panel of the crate 300 is designed to allow the interior frame 100 to at least partially sink into the indentations of said panel during assembly. In some examples, said panel is designed to allow the stringers 150 of the corresponding face of the interior frame 100 to be arranged in indentations of said panel. In some of these examples, said stringers 150 of the interior frame 100 and said panel form a substantially flat surface facing the crate interior.

[0115] Figure 9a shows the bottom side 252 of the lower panel 250 of an example crate 300, and figure 9b shows the top side 211 of the upper panel 210 of the crate 300. The upper panel top side 211 has a pattern with protrusions 255 and indentations 253,254. The lower panel bottom side 252 has a pattern with protrusions 212,214,215 and indentations 213.

[0116] It is to be understood that in figure 9a and 9b only two height levels are shown, thus what is being called protrusions and indentations, shown as patterned and white areas, in relation to some starting level (not shown) is somewhat subjective. That is to say, the shown patterns may be obtained by adding protrusions to the starting level, or obtained by creating indentations into the starting level. In the examples in figures 9a-b all non-protrusion areas are called indentations for readability.

[0117] In some examples, the pattern of protrusions and indentation of the upper panel top side 211 matches the pattern of the lower panel bottom side 252. This allows the crate 300 of the same type to be stacked onto each other in a system whereby the crates 300 lower panel 250 and upper panel 210 interface, making the stacking of crates 300 reliable and stable as movement in the plane of interfacing is limited without vertically separating the crates from each other.

[0118] In some examples the pattern of the lower panel bottom side 252 and the pattern of the upper panel top side 211 follows the pattern of the figures 9a and 9b. The pattern is however not explicit the pattern showed in the figure 9a and 9b but could also have other patterns that allows for similar feature.

[0119] In some examples, pattern with protrusions and indentations of the lower panel bottom side 252 comprises two or more feet 253,255 of the crate, wherein said feet 253,255 are arranged to, upon the crate being on a flat surface, be in contact with the flat surface. In some of these examples, said feet 253,255 comprise at least one indentation 253 and the pattern of the upper panel top side comprises protrusions 212 arranged to interface into said at least one indentation 253 of the feet 253,255. Figure 9a shows four protrusions 255,253 serving as feet that each have an indentation 253 arranged to accept the corresponding four protrusions 212 of the upper panel top side 211 shown in figure 9b.

[0120] In some examples, pattern with protrusions and indentations of the upper panel top side 211 comprises a protrusion following the perimeter of the top side 211, wherein said protrusion following the perimeter is arranged to accept the perimeter of the lower panel bottom side 252.

[0121] In some examples, at least some of said lower panel protrusions extend at least 3 mm outwards. In some of these examples, said protrusions extend at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm outwards. In some examples, at least some of said lower panel indentations are at least 3 mm deep. In some of these examples, said indentations are at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm deep.

[0122] In some examples, at least some of said upper panel protrusions extend at least 3 mm outwards. In some of these examples, said protrusions extend at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm outwards. In some examples, at least some of said upper panel indentations are at least 3 mm deep. In some of these examples, said indentations are at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm deep.

[0123] In some examples, said pattern with protrusions and indentations of the lower panel bottom side 252 and / or the upper panel top side 211 provide groves for at least one tie down strap to run across said top side 252 and / or said bottom side 211.

[0124] Returning to figure la-c and figure 9a-b, use of multiple crates 300 in a system 500 will be described.

[0125] An example crate stacking and transporting system 500, comprising at least two crates 300, each comprising;

[0126] - an interior frame substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe with an interior and an outside 103; - a lower panel 250 arranged at the outside of the interior frame 100;

[0127] - a upper panel 210 arranged at the outside of the interior frame 100 at a face of the interior frame 100 opposite to the lower panel 250;

[0128] - at least two side panels 220, 230, 240 arranged at the outside of the interior frame 100 and with edges in contact with both the lower panel 250 and the upper panel 210;

[0129] - at least one detachable side panel 260 configured to be arranged releasable secured at the interior frame 100, wherein upon said detachable side panel 260 being removed an opening 102 between the environment 103 to the crate interior 101 is formed;

[0130] - the crate 300 comprises at least one shelf arrangement 310 arranged at the interior frame 100 and in a retracted state arranged inside the interior frame (100), wherein the shelf arrangement 310 is arranged to be slid out through said opening formed by removing one of said detachable side panel 260; wherein the exterior of the lower panel 250 comprises at least four rectangular protrusions 255 extending normally outwardly from said lower panel 250, and wherein the upper panel 210 comprises at least four rectangular indentations and protrusions arranged to interface with the at least four rectangular protrusions 255 of the lower panel 250, and wherein the protrusions on the lower panel 250 of at last one of said crates 300 are arranged to be placed onto the indentations on the upper panel 210 of another of said crates 300.

[0131] In some examples, the crate comprises three side panels 220, 230, 240 arranged at the outside of the interior frame 100 and with edges in contact with both the lower panel 250 and the upper panel 210.

[0132] In some examples, the lower panel 250 has a footprint area at least the size of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet, corresponding to EUR1, EUR2 and GMA pallets

[0133] In some examples, said lower panel 250 has a footprint matching EUR1, EUR2, or GMA pallet, or matching half of a EUR1, EUR2, or GMA pallet. In some examples, the crate system footprint is equal with a quarter of a EUR1, EUR2, or GMA pallet.

[0134] In some examples, the crates 300 have a footprint of at least a fifth of the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet. In some of these examples, the crates 300 have a footprint of at least a third of the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet. In some examples, the crates 300 have a footprint of at most twice the area of an 80 x 120 cm, 100 x 120 cm, or 40" x 48" pallet.

[0135] It is to be understood that the term footprint area is to be understood as the area covered by the crate when viewed from above. Any added protrusions lifting a crate, thereby separating parts of the lower panel from a surface, would typically not change the footprint area.

[0136] In some examples, said lower panel protrusions each comprise replaceable downward-facing pads, wherein said pads are arranged to acts as contact points against the ground upon placing the crate on a flat surface or against the upper panel of another crate.

[0137] In some examples, said upper panel 210 comprises a grove between two edges, and / or an indentation in a pattern of said upper panel 210, for a ratchet strap to run along an area, wherein said area corresponds to the area between the feet of said lower panel 250 interfaced with said upper panel 210.

[0138] In some examples, the crate stacking and transportation system 500 further comprises a bottom crate plate 400 for stacking the first crate 300 of a stack. The bottom crate plate 400 is a substantially planar structure arranged to serve as the first layer for a stack of crates 300, thereby providing interfacing and improved stability for the first crate 300 compared to a flat surface. The bottom crate plate 400 is configured to be securely mounted onto a EUR-pallet 600, a pallet of other standard, a vehicle, and / or the floor of a shipping container 700. The first crate 300 in the stacked column is stacked onto the bottom crate plate 400, and bottom crate plate 400 comprises the corresponding relevant protrusions and / or indentations as the top side 211 of the upper panel 210 of the crates 300, and is arranged to interface with the bottom side 252 of the lower panel 250 of the first crate 300.

[0139] It is to be understood that since the bottom crate plate 400 is always positioned at the bottom of any stack the bottom crate plate 400 may not need all the protrusions and / or indentations as the top side 211 of the upper panel 210 of the crates 300, such as parts of the pattern providing a grove for a tie down strap arranged to hold a crate 300 down.

[0140] In some examples, the crate stacking and transporting system is configured to allow one or two bottom crate plates 400 to be mounted on one standardized pallet 600 and to cover substantially the upper surface of the pallet 600. In some examples, one bottom crate plate 400 is arranged to have two or more crates interface with the crate plate 400, such as the crate plate 400 having at least twice the footprint of the crates 300.

[0141] In some examples, the bottom crate plate 400 can be attached directly on a surface or floor of a storage or transport system, such as a concrete floor, a container floor or the floor of a transport area in a vehicle.

[0142] In some examples, at least some of said bottom crate plate 400 protrusions extend at least 3 mm outwards. In some of these examples, said protrusions extend at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm outwards. In some examples, at least some of said bottom crate plate 400 indentations are at least 3 mm deep. In some of these examples, said indentations are at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm deep.

[0143] In some examples, the crates 300 can be stacked either on each other, or on the bottom crate plate 400, thereafter the crates 300 are held down by securing means, such as a tie down strap. In some examples, the crates 300 comprise indentations configured to accept a strap and / or are configured to be secured with a tie down strap. In some examples, the bottom crate plate 400 is configured to accept a strap and / or is configured to secure the above placed crates 300 with a tie down strap.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A crate (300) for transporting and storing equipment comprising;- an interior frame (100) substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe, wherein the interior frame (100) defines an interior (101) of the crate (300);- a lower panel (250) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100);- a upper panel (210) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100) at a face of the interior frame (100) opposite to the lower panel (250);- at least two side panels (220,230,240) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100);- at least one detachable side panel (260) configured to be releasable secured at a face of the interior frame (100), wherein upon said detachable side panel (260) being removed from the crate (300), an opening (102) at the interior frame (100) between the outside environment (103) to the crate interior (101) is accessible; characterised in that;- upon the detachable side panel (260) being secured at the interior frame (100), a tight seal is formed between said detachable side panel (260) and the interior frame (100), whereby said opening (102) at the interior frame (100) is closed.

2. The crate for transporting and storing equipment to claim 1, wherein the interior frame (100) comprises an upper frame part (110) comprising the upper face of the interior frame (100), and a lower frame part (120) comprising the lower face of the interior frame (100), and wherein each part comprises steel, aluminium, and / or carbon fibre.

3. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interior frame (100) comprises at least one connecting corner part (140) each being arranged to interface with at least three stringers (150) of the interior frame (100).

4. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to claim 3, wherein the at least one connecting corner part (140) comprises a polymer material.

5. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least one connecting corner part (140) is arranged to be fixedly attached to stringers (150) in a reversible manner.

6. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detachable side panel (260) comprises a set of locking devices (270) arranged to secure the detachable side panel (260) against the interior frame (100).

7. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to claim 6, wherein the locking device (270) is arranged to secure the detachable side panel (260) to the interior frame (100) by at least part of the locking device (270) entering the opening (102) of the interior frame (100) and / or entering the interior frame (100).

8. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein for each detachable side panel (260), a tight seal between the environment (103) and the interior (101) of the interior frame (100) is formed by direct contact between said detachable side panel (260) and the interior frame (100).

9. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lower panel (250) is arranged to interface with the lower frame part (120) of the interior frame (100) to form a substantially flat bottom surface in the interior (101) of the crate (300).

10. The crate for transporting and storing equipment according to any of the preceding claim, wherein the crate (300) comprises at least one shelf (310) arranged at the interior frame (100), wherein said at least one shelf (310) is arranged inside the interior frame (100) when in a retracted state, and wherein said shelf (310) is arranged to be moved out through said opening (102) formed by removing one of said detachable side panel (260) when in an extended or an outlifted state.

11. A crate stacking and transporting system (500), comprising; at least two crates (300), each comprising;- an interior frame (100) substantially corresponding to a cuboid wireframe with an interior (101);- a lower panel (250) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100);- a upper panel (210) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100) at a face of the interior frame (100) opposite to the lower panel (250);- at least two side panels (220, 230, 240) arranged at the outside of the interior frame (100);- at least one detachable side panel (260) configured to be arranged releasable secured at the interior frame (100), wherein upon said detachable side panel (260) being removed an opening (102) between the environment (103) to the crate interior (101) is formed; wherein the outward facing side of the lower panel (250) comprises a pattern with and indentations (253) and at least two protrusions (255) extending normally outwardly from said lower panel (250), and wherein the upper panel (210) comprises a pattern with indentations (213) and protrusions (212), and whereby the pattern on one of said crates lower panel (250) are arranged to interface with the pattern on upper panel (210) of another of said crates when stacked.

12. The crate stacking and transporting system (500) according to claim 11, wherein the lower panel (250) has a footprint area of at least the 40% of the area of a EURl-pallet (600).

13. The crate stacking and transporting system (500) according to any of claim 11 to 12, wherein at least one crate (300) comprises at least one shelf arrangement (310) arranged at the interior frame (100) and in a retracted state arranged inside the interior frame (100), wherein the shelf arrangement (310) is arranged to be slid out through said opening (102) formed by removing one of said detachable side panel (260).

14. The crate stacking and transporting system (500) according to any of claim 11 to 13, wherein at least two of said lower panel protrusions comprise replaceable downward-facing pads, wherein said pads are arranged to acts as contact points against the ground upon placing the crate on a flat surface.

15. The crate stacking and transporting system (500) according to any of claim 11 to 14, wherein said upper panel (210) comprises a grove between two protrusions, and / or anindentation in a pattern of said upper panel (210), for accepting a tie down strap to run across the surface.

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