US2317044A

US2317044A - Bottle and like crate

Info

Publication number: US2317044A
Application number: US295698A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arnold T Faulkner
Original assignee: United Steel and Wire Co
Current assignee: United Steel and Wire Co
Priority date: 1939-09-20
Filing date: 1939-09-20
Publication date: 1943-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 1960-04-20

Description

April 20, 1943. A. T. FAULKNER BOTTLE AND LIKE CRATE .IIIIII 3 Sheets-Sheet l IIIIIIII m. .w/N Il u 4 ,lll-III Filed Sept. 20. 1939 PI' 20, 1943. A. 'l'.Y FAULKNER I 2,317,044

BOTTLE AND LIKE CRATE Filed Sept. 20, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 20,. 1943. A. T. FAULKNER 2,312,044

BOTTLE AND LIKE CRATE Filed sept@ 2o, 1939 s sheets-sheet s A ORNEYS Patented Apr. 20, 1943 BOTTLE AND LIKE CRATE Arnold T. Faulkner, Battle Creek, Mich., assignor to United Steel and Wire Company, Battle Creek, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application September 20, 1939, Serial No. 295,698

14 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in bottle and like crates.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a bottle or like crate in which the parts most likely to be injured in use are so constructed and assembled with the coacting parts that they may be easily renewed by relatively unskilled workmen.

Second, to provide a crate bottom unit or assembly which may be furnished to the user as a separate element to be installed by the user as a substitute for the bottom with which the crate was originally provided.

Third, to provide a partition unit for bottle crates which may be assembled as a unit and easily installed either at the factory or furnished as a separate unit to be installed in making repairs to a damaged crate.

Fourth, to provide a structure having these advantages in which the parts are economical to produce and assemble and at the same time are strong and rigid when assembled.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a bottle crate embodying the features of my invention,

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the assembled bottom unit.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical section on line 3-3 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on line 4--4 of Fig. 5 illustrating certain of the steps in assembling a bottom unit with the frame and side wall portions of a crate.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View in section on line 5-5 of Fig, 4 illustrating certain steps in the assembling of one of the partition members.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a modified form or embodiment of the invention, the modification being particularly in the matter of anchoring the bottom.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 6.

My improvements are particularly adapted for the type of bottle crate illustrated in Patent 1,690,418 issued November 6, 1928, to L. W. Macomber in which the various parts entering into the crate are formed of wire or stock of suitable gauge and secured together by welding. In commercial use, these crates are subject to severe use and frequently careless handling with a result that the bottoms are broken or rendered useless, sometimes the partition members forming the bottle compartments, In this structure of the Macomber patent, these parts are welded in position and to replace them or repair a crate of this character it is necessary to return the crate to the factory. In view of the fact that the crates are not designed to be nested the expense of returning them to the factory plus the cost of repair is frequently prohibitive.

The main feature of my present invention is to provide a structure in which the bottom and partition members are assembled as units and can be readily removed for purposes of repair and other units substituted, this work being done by unskilled workmen and without necessitating return of the crates to the factory and, further, my improvements provide a structure which permits the very rapid and economical manufacture of the units and their assembly as a factory or manufacturing advantage.

'Ihe embodiment of my invention illustrated comprises a bottom frame l, top frame 2, and vertically spaced

intermediate frames

3, 3. These frames are continuous, being formed of heavy wire or light rod stock of suitable gauge conformed and the ends of the stock being Welded together. Upright slats or side and end wall members 4 are welded preferably to the inner sides of these frame members.

Corner members 5 of somewhat heavier stock are provided, these corner members being arranged in downwardly diverging relation and preferably formed of loops of wire, the bight ends 6 extending above the top frame to provide stacking lugs-that is, these lugs are engageable within the bottom frame of a superimposed crate for holding the crates in stack position or alignment. These corner members 5 preferably have inwardly inclined portions l at their lower ends, these portions being below the bottom intermediate frame member 3, see Fig. 3. This serves two functions-one is that it spaces the top and intermediate members inwardly relative to the bottom frame member so that clearance is provided when the crates are arranged side by side with the bottom frames in Contact, and second, both the downwardly diverging feature and these inclined portions l serve additional functions in the assembling and xedly securing of the bottom in position.

The assembled bottom unit comprises two sets of bottom members designated by the numerals 8 and 9, in the embodiment illustrated the set 8 being the longitudinal members and the set 9 the transverse members. TfIowever, it will be understood that these crates are sometimes square and that the terms longitudinal and transverse are only used as a matter of convenience in describing the parts. These sets of bottom members are arranged in crossed relation :and welded at their crossing points as indicated at Ill, see Fig. 5. The bottom members terminate in eyes II which extend beyond the uprights suiliciently to receive the tie or retaining rods.` I2.

The bottom assembled unit is inserted with its members above and resting upon the bottom frame and preferably in a somewhat elevated position as indicated by dotted lines at I3 in Fig. 3. The retaining rods I2 are then inserted through the eyes. These retaining rods I2 are formed with loops Ill at one end and they are inserted to bring their loops into engagement with one ofthe upright corner members, the other end I5 of the retainingY member projecting beyond the other corner member for that side of the crate. By reference to Fig. 3, it will be noted that in this elevated position at I3 the retaining rod does no-t contact the upright members so that the rod may be easily inserted. After they are inserted, they are pushed downwardly as shown by full lines in Fig. 3 which brings the retaining rods into en gagement with the uprights thereby nrmly anchoring the bottom unit against lateral movement. In this position, the second hook or lo-op indicated at I5 in Fig. 4 is bent around the adjacent corner upright, thus locking the rods in position. The upwardly inclined relation of the corner members prevents these hooks or loops of the retaining rods from sliding upward on the members with which they are engaged and the bottom is thus eiectively anchored in position.

The partition members comprise sets of parallel spaced members I'I and I8 disposed in crossed relation and welded toV each other at their crossing points as indicated at Iii. These members terminate in downwardly facing loops 20 adapted to be hooked over the intermediate frame members as shown by full lines in Fig. 5 and clamped therearound as shown by dotted lines at' The longitudinal members 8 of the bottom are.

preferably disposed in spaced pairs positioned centrally relative to the compartment-that. is, a row of compartments so that a bottle arranged in the compartment is evenly supported by a pair of the bottom members.

These bottom members and partitionunits mayV be very economicallyv manufactured, the welding operations being simple and they can be rapidly assembled with the wall or body portion of the crate. In the event of damage to the bottom or partition unit such as to render repair necessary or advisable, the units ma1,7 be readily disassembled and replaced by new units. In the event it is desired to repair a cratel of the typeV shown in the Macomber patent in which the partition and bottom members are welded in place, these members can be pried or knocked ofi` at their welding points and the bottom and partition described assembled with the body portion of the crate and this may be done, as pointed out by persons of little mechanical skill or experience.

In the embodiment o my invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the outer longitudinal members of the bottom designated 8i are provided with outturned arms or end portions 82 terminating in eyes II. This arrangement leaves the corners of the crate free from obstruction to receive the positioning lugs Ii when the crates are stacked. In this embodiment, the retaining rods IRI corresponding to the rods I2 of the embodiment heretofore described terminate at at least one end in upwardly turned arms I22 having downwardly facing loops |23 at the ends thereof engaging the intermediate frame member 3. The bottom is positioned and the retaining rods inserted and the loops |23 engaged over or formed around the intermediateframe members, thus not only locking the bottoms inY position but preventing upward movement thereof.

I have illustrated and described my improvements-as embodiedv in a milk bottle crate. I have not illustrated my improvements in other embodiments or adaptations which I contemplate as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l.. In a bottle crate, the combination of bottom, top andY vertically spaced intermediate frame members, upright side and end members welded to the inner sides of said frameV members, including downwardly diverging corner members disposed at the corners oi the crate and welded to the inner sides of said frame members, the portions of saidcorner members below the bot.- tom intermediate frame member being inclined outwardly, a botto-m unit fiXedly associated with said frame and upright' members comprising-sets of-y spaced parallel` members disposed in crossed' relation and welded together at theirY crossing points and disposed above and resting upon said bottom frame member, said bottom members extending from the interior oi the crate outwardly and` terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members', individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having reta-iningmembers at the ends thereof engageable with certain of said upright members, the diverging relation of said corner members acting to prevent upward movementY ofV said retaining rods engaged therewith, and vertically spaced partition units disposed interiorlyA oiV the crate, each comprising setsof spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and' welded together at their crossing points, the ends oi?V said partition members terminating in loops engaged with andgclosed upon the intermediate frame. members, said partition units coacting` toA .provide a plurality of bottle receiving compartments.

2. Iny a bottle'crate, the combination of bottom,` top and vertically spaced intermediate frame mem-bers, upright sideV and end. members welded` to the inner sides of said frame members, includingV corner members disposedat the `corners of the crate and welded to the inner sides of said. frame members, a botto-m. unit xedly associated with said frame' and upright members compris,- ing sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and resting upon said bottom frame member, said bottom members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having retaining members at the ends thereof engageable with certain of said upright members, and vertically spaced partition units disposed interiorly of the crate, each comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points, the ends of said partition members terminating in loops engaged with and closed upon the intermediate frame members, said partition units coacting to provide a plurality of bottle receiving compartments.

3. In a bottle crate, the combination of bottom, top and vertically spaced intermediate frame members, upright side and end members welded to the inner sides of said frame members, including corner members disposed at the corners of the crate and welded to the inner sides of said frame members, a bottom unit iixedly associated with said frame and upright members comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and resting upon said bottom frame member, said bottom members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having retaining members at the ends thereof engageable with certain of said upright members, and vertically spaced partition units disposed interiorly of the crate, each comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their cro-ssing points, the ends of said partition members terminating in loops engaged with and closed upon the intermediate frame members, said partition units coacting to provide a plurality of bottle receiving compartments, the upper set of bottom members being arranged in pairs positioned centrally relative to said compartments.

4. In a crate, the combination of frame members, upright side and end members welded to the inner sides of said frame members, including downwardly diverging corner members disposed at the corners of the crate and welded to the inner sides of said frame members, the portions of said corner members below the intermediate frame member being inclined outwardly, a horizontal unit fixedly associated with said frame and upright members comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and supported by a frame member, said horizontal unit members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having loo-ps at the ends thereof engaging said corner members, the diverging relation of said corner members acting to prevent upward movement of said retaining rods engaged therewith.

5. In a crate, the combination of frame members, upright side and end members welded to the inner sides of said frame members, including downwardly diverging members'welded to the inner sides of said frame members, a horizontal unit xedly associated with said frame and upright members comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and supported by a frame member, said horizontal unit members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having retaining loops at the ends thereof engageable with said downwardly diverging members, the diverging relation of said members acting to prevent upward movement of said retaining rods engaged therewith.

6. In a crate, the combination of frame mem bers, upright side and end members welded to said frame members including corner members disposed at the corners of the crate and welded to said frame members, a horizontal unit iixedly associated with said frame and upright members comprising sets oi spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and supported by a frame member, said horizontal unit members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having loops at the ends thereof engaging certain of said upright members.

7. In a crate, the combination of frame members, upright side and end members welded to said frame members, including corner members disposed at the corners of the crate and welded to said frame members, the portions of said corner members below the intermediate frame member being inclined inwardly, a horizontal unit fixedly associated with said frame and upright members comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points and disposed above and supported by a frame member, said horizontal unit members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having loops at the ends thereof engaging certain of said upright members.

8. In a bottle crate, the combination of bottom, top and vertically spaced intermediate frame members, upright members welded to said frame members, a bottom unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said bottom members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed out- Wardly beyond said upright members, individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having retaining loops at the ends thereof, and vertically spaced partition units disposed interiorly of the crate, each comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and welded together at their crossing points, the ends of said partition members terminating in downwardly facing upwardly offset loops engaged with and closed upon the intermediate frame members, said partition units coacting to provide a plu.- rality of bottle receiving compartments, the upper set of bottom members being arranged in pairs positioned centrally to said compartments.

9. In a bottle crate, the combination of bottom, top and intermediate frame members, upright members welded to said frame members, a bottom unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at 'their crossing points, said bottom members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, individua retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having loops at the ends thereof engaged with certain of the upright members, and a partition unit disposed interiorly of the crate comprising sets of spaced parallel members disposed in crossed relation and Welded together at their crossing points, the ends of said partition members terminating in loops engaged with and closed upon the intermediate irame member.

10. In a bottle crate, the combination oi bottom and top frame members, upright members Welded to said frame members, a horizontal unit comprising sets ci spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and having loops at the ends thereof engaged with certain of the upright members.

11. In a bottle crate, the combination of bottom and top frame members, upright members secured to said -trame members, a horizontal unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminait` ing in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and individual retaining rods ar ranged through said eyes on the outer sides of said upright members and in contact therewith and having retaining loops at the ends thereof.

12. A crate comprising top, bottom, and an intermediate frame member, uprights secured thereto, a bottom unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said bottom members extending from the interior of the crate outwardly and terminating in eyes disposed outwardly beyond said upright members, and retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer side of said upright members and in Contact therewith and having upwardly oiset ends terminating in loops engaged with said intermediate frame member.

13. A crate comprising top, bottom, and an intermediate frame member, uprights secured thereto, a bottom unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said bottom members terminating in eyes extending outwardly beyond said upright members, and retaining rods arranged through said eyes on the outer side of said upright members and in contact therewith and having retaining engagement with said intermediate frame member.

i4. A crate comprising top, bottom, and an intermediate frame, uprights secured thereto, a bottom unit comprising sets of spaced members disposed in crossed relation and secured together at their crossing points, said bottom members terminating in eyes, and retaining rods arranged through said eyes and having retaining engagement with said intermediate frame.

ARNOLD T. FAULKNER.