US3792796A

US3792796A - Carrying case

Info

Publication number: US3792796A
Application number: US00016014A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Woodruff; V Rhinehart
Original assignee: Cumberland Corp
Current assignee: Cumberland Corp
Priority date: 1970-03-03
Filing date: 1970-03-03
Publication date: 1974-02-19
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-19

Abstract

The lightweight carrying case comprises wire side walls, a molded plastic floor having an integral depending stacking ring and a wire retainer which joins the plastic floor to the side walls of the case. The wire retainer of one embodiment of the invention is rectangular in form comprising intermediate portions, which engage the lower surface of the floor, and offset portions or loops which pass through slots adjacent the outer edges of the plastic floor. The offset portions are welded or secured in some other equivalent manner to the side wall, thereby forming a reliable connection between the floor and the side walls. In other embodiments, vertical elements of the side walls are secured directly to the plastic floor or are welded to wire members retained in the plastic floor.

Description

United States Patent [191 Woodruff et a1.

451 Feb. 19, 1974 CARRYING CASE [73] Assignee: Cumberland Corporation,

Chattanooga, Tenn.

22 Filed: Mar. 3, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 16,014

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 661,254, Aug. 17, 1967,

Mulcahy 220/4 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 217,889 11/1957 Australia 220/19 Primary ExaminerGeorge E. Lowrance Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cushman, Darby & Cushman [57] ABSTRACT The lightweight carrying case comprises wire side walls, a molded plastic floor having an integral depending stacking ring and a wire retainer which joins the plastic floor to the side walls of the case. The wire retainer of one embodiment of the invention is rectangular in form comprising intermediate portions, which engage the lower surface of the floor, and offset portions or loops which pass through slots adjacent the outer edges of the plastic floor. The offset portions are welded or secured in some other equivalent manner to the side wall, thereby forming a reliable connection between the floor and the side walls. In other embodiments, vertical elements of the side walls are secured directly to the plastic floor or are welded to wire members retained in the plastic floor.

31 Claims, 38 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDFEBIQW 3,792,786

SHEET 1 OF 5 1N Vl-IN TORS lan cz /mamw/ PAIENTED FEB I 91974 SHEET 4 OF 5 flfrolenzxs P remznrww w 3,792,796

' SHEET 5 0F 5 INVENTORS CARRYING CASE This application is a continuation of our copending application Ser. No. 661,254 filed Aug. 17, 1967, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND, THE PRIOR ART AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to carrying cases and, in particular, to an improved lightweight, high-strength carrying case having wire side walls and a molded plastic floor or bottom. Cases of the type contemplated by the instant invention are commonly employed for carrying and transporting milk cartons or containers or the like and are generally referred to as dairy cases or crates.

Heretofore, dairy cases have been constructed of a plurality of relatively heavy gauge metal wires and/or rods which are arranged to form both the side walls and bottom wall of the case. Typical of such prior art wire case constructions are those disclosed in the [1.8. Pat. No. 2,752,062 to Swingle. Other prior art efforts have included case constructions wherein a sheet metal bottom is utilized in combination with wire side wall members. While such prior art wire dairy case constructions have enjoyed widespread trade acceptance and hence considerable commercial success, they suffer from various disadvantages. Thus, in order to withstand the rather rough treatment and severe forces which such dairy cases experience in normal use, it has been necessary to employ relatively heavy gauge metal materials in their construction to provide adequate durability and strength. As a consequence, prior art wire case constructions possessing the requisite strength and durability have been relatively heavy. For example, a 16 quart, or 9 half gallon container capacity wire dairy case of the prior art typically weighs in the neighborhood of 7.75 to 8.5 pounds or more. Such relatively heavy cases not only result in the handling and shipment of considerable dead weight and consequently a reduction in the useful product load which can be transported but also necessitate the utilization of heavier duty conveyor and stacking equipment in the mechanized case filling operations at the dairy than would be required by lighter weight cases. Of course, the considerable manual handling of such relatively heavy weight cases as occurs in normal usage is both burdensome and consumes considerable amounts of human energy.

Another common disadvantage of prior art wire case constructions is their lack of resilience and susceptibility to permanent deformation from the severe loads and impacts to which dairy cases are frequently exposed in use. Permanent distortion or deformation of such cases is undesirable not only because such distortion will interfere with the cases primary function of containing and protectively carrying a plurality of relatively fragile paper type milk containers, but also because such deformation will interfere with, if not prevent, proper utilization of the automated stacking, conveying and filling equipment employed in modern dairies. For example, a misshapened or distorted case will often fail to properly register with the automatic casers employed to deposit or load a plurality or group of filled milk containers into the dairy case for subsequent shipment. Of course, permanent deformation of the cases can also prevent the proper secure stacking of the filled cases upon one another during storage. Such debilitating permanent deformation can occur from severe loads and repeated impacts upon the side walls of the case as well as from forces imposed upon the corners of the case which tend to distort the case from its rectangular shape into a somewhat diamond configuration. In addition, the bottom wall or floor of a dairy case, as well as its connection to the case side walls, must be sufficiently strong to resist permanent deformation or other failure under both normally encountered internal and external loads as well as repeated and severe impacts. Moreover, it is desirable that the bottom wall assembly be sufficiently resilient to soften or cushion the filled milk cartons from the shocks and impacts which occur during handling and shipment. Of course, it is also obviously desirable that the bottom walls of dairy cases present a smooth projection free and relatively soft supporting surface to the relatively fragile milk cartons so as to minimize abrasion and consequent damage to the product containing cartons.

The all metal wire case constructions of the prior art not only lack many of the aforementioned desirable characteristics, but also generate a disquieting relatively high level of noise during handling. Moreover, prior art wire case constructions commonly employ intricate and complex arrangements of a great multiplicity of various wire and rod parts which require involved procedural steps and the use of complicated jigs and other fixtures for manufacture and assembly.

The present invention overcomes the aforedescribed disadvantages of the prior art and provides a lightweight high strength durable carrying case for dairy products and the like that can be readily and economically manufactured.

In its broad aspects a case embodying the present invention comprises wire side walls, a unitary molded plastic floor or bottom wall, and a wire retaining member which securely interconnects the molded plastic floor to the wire side walls of the case. The wire side walls are preferably formed of heat treated alloy steel wire. The wire retaining member of one embodiment is rectangular in form and comprises vertically extending open loop or offset portions and horizontally extending intermediate portions. The intermediate portions are received in grooves on the lower surface of the floor, while the vertically extending open loops extend through elongated apertures located adjacent the edges of the molded plastic floor. The vertically extending loops are secured at their midpoints by welding or other equivalent means to the lower edge of the wire side walls, thereby firmly affixing the floor to the side walls.

In other embodiments, vertical wires of the side walls are joined as by welding to wire members retained in the plastic floors or are secured-directly to the plastic floors. In the latter method of attachment, the vertical wires extend through apertures in the floors and are provided with enlarged heads which retain the vertical wires in the apertures.

Whereas, as aforementioned, a typical prior art wire milk case, which will hold 16 quart, or 9 half gallon containers, weighs 7.75 to 8.5 pounds, a case embodying the present invention with the same. carrying capacity weighs only 4.5 pounds. Due to this reduction in weight, additional products can be carried on long hauls in carload or truckload quantities without overloading the vehicle. Also, manual handling of the cases, whether filled with-cartons or empty, within adairy or dairy route operation is easier and considerably less energy consuming. Further, with the light-weight case of the present invention, less bulky and lighter duty conveying systems can be utilized along with reduced horsepower driving units in handling the cases at the dairy.

The one-piece plastic bottom is preferably made of a polyolefin material, such as high impact polypropylene, to take advantage of its stiffness, resiliency and impact strength. Of course, other suitable synthetic resin materials such as, polyethylene or polyamids can be employed. This floor construction has a high degree of resiliency to soften or cushion road shock when the products are being transported. Also, the inherently smooth, relatively soft molded plastic surface of this floor lowers abrasion between it and the coated milk cartons and thereby reduces the possibility of leaks forming in the milk cartons. In addition to the inherent benefits resulting from handling a lightweight container with a plastic floor, the molded floor of the present invention, unlike metal floor assemblies, can be easily produced in various colors so as to facilitate customer identification. Further, the apertures in the plastic floor make the case easy to wash in the upstanding position rather than requiring the case to be inverted as is often the case with existing cases. Moreover, since the depending stacking ring element is formed during molding of the plastic bottom, a separate stacking ring element and consequent separate assembly parts and operations are not required.

The wire structure itself is constructed of a heattreatable alloy steel which, in addition to being lightweight, has inherent advantages. Thus, the wire material employed in constructing a case according to the present invention is preferably hardened through a heat treatment to a minimum of 160,000 psi yield strength with ultimate values reaching as high as 200,000 psi. This results in a case structure having a somewhat lower stiffness than the conventional wire cases but of much higher yield and ultimate strength. That is, a case embodying the present invention can be distorted to a much higher degree than standard cases by heavy loads or other abuse, and yet return to its original shape, while similar heavy loads and impacts on a standard case would produce a permanent set or deformation which would make the case unsuitable for use with automatic loading equipment and in the transport of milk or other dairy products.

The open looped wire retaining member firmly affixes the plastic floor to the side walls of the case in such a manner that the case can withstand loads exerted on the floor from either within or without the case. In addition, the vertical open loops allow for dimensional differences between the wire member and the molded plastic floor assembly. Also, due to the cantilever action of the loop, rather severe variations in temperature can be accommodated although the plastic has a considerably greater co-efficient of expansion than the steel. Finally, the present invention also provides a secure, yet simple and economical connection between the plastic bottom and wire side walls, which does not in any way interfere with the milk cartons inside the case or with other cases or foreign bodies outside of the case.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invery light in weight and possesses high strength and great resistance to permanent distortion.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lightweight high-strength dairy case construction which effectively combines, and thus takes optimum advantage of, the desirable qualities of metal and plastic materials.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and the'accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a case embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view partially in section of the lower portion of the wire frame side walls with the plastic floor and the open looped retaining wire of the case shown in FIG. 1;

' FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 33 of FIG. 1 showing the manner in which the molded plastic. floor is secured to the wire side walls;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a center edge portion of the lower surface of the floor of the case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a corner edge portion of the lower surface of the floor of the case shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 77 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 8b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 8a;

FIG. 9a is a fragmentary top plan view showing another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 9b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 9a;

FIG. 10a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a further modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 10b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 10a;

FIG. 11a is a fragmentary top plan view showing a still further modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 11b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 11a;

FIG. 12a is a fragmentary top plan view showing another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 12b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 12a;

FIG. 13a is a fragmentary top plan view of still another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 13b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 13a;

FIG. 14a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 14b is a sectional side view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15a is a fragmentary top plan view of a further modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 15b is a sectional side view taken along the line b- -b of FIG. 15a;

FIG. 16a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 16b is a sectional side view taken along the line b--b of FIG. 16a;

FIG. 17a is a fragmentary top plan view of still another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 17b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 18b is a sectional side view taken along the line FIG. 21b is a sectional side view taken along the line bb of FIG. 21a;

FIG. 22a is a fragmentary top plan view of another modified form of the present invention; and

FIGS. 22b and 22c are sectional side views taken along the lines bb and cc, respectively, of FIG. 22a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is shown a case 28 comprising vertically disposed wire side walls 30, a one-piece molded plastic bottom wall or floor 32 having an integral depending stacking ring 56 and a rectangular wire retaining member 34 which securely interconnects the molded plastic floor 32 to the wire side walls 30. In the preferred embodiments of the invention the wire side walls comprise wire members composed of 8720 alloy steel, a nickelchrome-molybdenum alloy, or some other heat treatable alloy. To provide high strength and enhanced resistance to permanent deformation, the wire side wall alloy is heat treated so as to have a minimum yield strength of about 160,000 psi and preferably a yield strength of l65,000 psi. with an ultimate strength of about 200,000 psi or more. Preferably, the molded plastic bottom wall member 32 is formed of a suitable polyolefin material, such as a high impact polypropylene or other thermoplastic copolymers, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thermosetting polyesters, fiberglass or reinforced polyesters can also be used.

The wire side walls 30 are generally of a somewhat conventional construction and include, in the form of endless rings, a bottom perimeter frame wire 36, intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 and a top frame wire 44. The bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 are preferably of a rectangular configuration in plan and of substantially the same shape having corresponding transverse dimensions substantially equal. The top frame wire 44 has the same general rectangular configuration in plan as the bottom frame wire 36 but can be dimensionally somewhat smaller. That is, the transverse dimensions of the top frame wire 44 can be somewhat less than the corresponding transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36. As shown in the drawings, the frame wires are circular in cross section; however, it will be readily understood that other crosssectional configurations can be utilized.

The bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 are disposed in vertically spaced alignment by a series of laterally spaced vertical panel wires 46 which are outwardly offset as indicated by reference numeral 52 and secured at their upper ends to the outer surface of the top frame wire 44 by welding or the like and at their bottom ends to the inner surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36, also by welding or the like. The vertical panel wires 46 are also secured as by welding or the like to the inner surface of the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 at each intersection therebetween. By securing the vertical panel wires 46, which for example can be No. 11 gauge wire, to the inner surfaces of the bottom and intermediate

perimeter frame wires

36, 38, 40 and 42, respectively, which for example can be No. 6 gauge wire, the perimeter frame wires will be disposed outermost and thereby protect the relatively smaller vertical wires. Instead of utilizing separate wire lengths to form the vertical panel wires 46 as shown in the accompanying drawings, the vertical panel wires can be formed by a series of spaced hairpin wires of the type disclosed in the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 2,752,062 to Swingle. As best seen in FIG. 1, the portions of the vertical panel wires 46 of each side wall extending between the intermediate perimeter frame wires 40 and 42 diverge outwardly of the center line in the plane of their respective side walls toward the corners to provide handle portions 47 on the intermediate perimeter frame wire 42 and the top frame wire 44.

The case 28 also includes four corner posts or angles 48, one at each corner of the case, which extend vertically along the inner surfaces of the corners between the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the uppermost intermediate perimeter frame wire 42. Each corner post 48 is formed of sheet metal and, as best seen in FIG. 3, has a generally L-shaped configuration in cross section. Thus, the longitudinally extending edge portions 49 of each corner post 48 which form the legs of the L-cross section which are of substantially equal lateral extent are disposed substantially normal to one another and merge in a transversely curved juncture so as to generally conform to the configuration of the case corner formed by the intersection of adjacent side walls. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, each corner post also includes outwardly offset portions-50 projecting into the space between the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the next lowest intermediate perimeter frame wire 38 and extending generally in the planes defined by the outer surfaces of these

perimeter frame wires

36 and 38. Each offset portion 50 will be seen to form shoulders 51 at its upper and lower ends which lie adjacent the intermediate perimeter frame wire 38 and the bottom perimeter frame wire 36, respectively. In addition, the leg portions 49 of each corner post 48 can be provided with longitudinally extending outwardly offset strengthening beads 53 which in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. I extend from the intermediate frame wire 38 to the uppermost intermediate frame wire 42. The inner surfaces of the bottom perimeter frame wire and the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 are welded to the outer interengaged surfaces of the corner posts 48. In this regard the outwardly offset strengthening beads 53 on each corner post leg 49 provide convenient welding points at their intersections with the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42. It will be clear that by fastening the vertical panel wires 46 to the outer surface of top frame wire 44 and to the inner surfaces of the intermediate

perimeter frame wires

38, 40 and 42 and the bottom perimeter frame wire 36, in combination with the smooth interior surfaces of corner members 48, loading and unloading of cases 28 is facilitated since the milk cartons will slide easily over the interior surfaces of the case which are thus free of carton snagging projections.

The plasticbottom wall or floor 32 comprises a unitary or one-piece element which, as aforementioned, is preferably formed by molding a suitable plastic or syn thetic resin material, such as high impact polypropylene into the desired size and configuration. As best seen in FIGS. 2-7 of the drawing, the plastic floor element 32 has a generally rectangular peripheral configuration in plan so as to have substantially the same outline shape as the configuration in plan of the bottom perimeter frame 36. While the outermost transverse dimensions of the floor element 32 are preferably substantially the same or equal to the corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36, it will be clear that the floor member 32 can be dimensionally somewhat smaller than the outermost transverse dimensions, but greater than the innermost transverse dimensions, of the bottom perimeter frame wire. in other words, it is preferable that the outermost transverse extent of the floor member 32 substantially correspond to the outermost transverse extent of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36. The floor member 32 includes a marginal edge portion 54 terminating outwardly in a generally vertical peripheral edge 55 and merging inwardly with an integral article supporting lattice portion 58.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the article supporting lattice portion 58 is formed by a plurality of radially extending circumferentially spaced integral web elements 60 which intersect and are integral with concentric, radially spaced annular web elements 61. in the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein the radial elements 60 are spaced at intervals of about fifteen degrees 15) and the annular elements 61 are spaced radially at about I inch intervals from one another and define a plurality of radially and, circumferentially spaced openings 63 throughout the lattice portion v58. While the illustrated configuration of the lattice portion 58 employing radial web elements 60, intersecting concentric annular web elements 61, has been found to be particularlysuitable in providing with minimum material, and hence at a minimum weight, the requisite strength and rigidity for its article supporting function as well as resistance to damage from impacts from both within and without the case 28, it will be clear that other open lattice like configurations, such as a rectangular grid configuration, can be employed for the lattice portion 58.

The marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plastic floor member 32 includes at its lower face a downwardly opening marginal retaining element receiving groove 64 spaced uniformly inwardly of, and extending generally parallel to, the the peripheral edge 55 and a depending integral stacking ring projection 56 spaced inwardly of the groove 64. The retaining element receiving groove 64 extends adjacent each peripheral edge surface 55 of the floor member 52 and is preferably a continuous groove presenting a generally rectangular configuration in plan of substantially-the same shapeas the bottom perimeter framewire36-but dimensioned slightly smaller. That is, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, the outer wall 65 of the retaining element receiving groove 64 will be disposed inwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 when the floor 32 is in its assembled position relative to the bottom perimeter frame wire 36. The downwardly facing top wall 67 of the retaining element receiving groove 64, which extends intermediate the upper and lower surfaces of the marginal edge portion 54, is interrupted at longitudinally spaced intervals by a plurality of elongated apertures or slots 62 which extend through the remaining depth of the marginal edge portion 54 and open at the upper surface thereof.

The depending stacking ring 56 which is integral with the molded plastic floor 32 and disposed inwardly of the retaining element receiving groove 64 is of a generally rectangular configuration in plan and of substantially the same shape in plan as the top frame wire 44 but dimensionally somewhat smaller. That is, the outermost transverse dimensions of the stacking ring 56 are slightly less than the corresponding innermost transverse dimensions of the top frame wire 44 so that the case 28 can be stacked upon a like case with the stacking ring 56 disposed within the inner perimeter of the top frame wire 44' of such like case as shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 so as to prevent lateral displacement of the case from its stacked position. The stacking ring 56, in addition to preventing the lateral shifting of stacked cases, serves also as a case-supporting member when the case is resting on a floor surface. When the case 28 is slid along the floor or other surface, as is frequently the case in normal usage, the plastic stacking ring 56, which is the only part of the case in engagement with such surface, permits the case to slide easily over such surface. Moreover, stacking ring 56, being an integral part or element of the plastic floor member 32, also serves to strengthen the floor 32.

The molded plastic floor is simply, yet very effectively secured to'the side walls 30 of the case 28 by means of a wire retaining member 34. The wire retaining member 34 in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings comprises a wire ring having a rectangular configuration in plan generally corresponding in size and shape to the retaining element receiving groove 64. As was the case with the aforementioned frame wires, the retaining member 34 can be formed from a straight length of wire which is bent to the desired rectangular configuration and the opposing terminal end portions thereof butt welded and forged to form an endless ring.

Preferably after being formed into its endless rectangular ring configuration, each side of the wire retaining member 34 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced similar offset loop portions 66. The offset loop portions 66 correspond in number and longitudinal spacing to the number and longitudinal spacing of the elongated apertures 62 in the marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plastic bottom member 32 and are thus registrable therewith. As best seen in FIG. 2, each offset loop portion 66 projects similarly in a direction generally normal to the plane of the wire retaining member 34 and is spaced from adjacent offset loop portions 66 by an intermediate wire portion 68 which extends in the flat plane of the retaining member 34. Each offset loop portion 66 will be seen to comprise a pair of leg elements 70 converging as they extend outwardly from the adjacent ends of adjacent intermediate portions 68 and merging in an arcuate vertex or bight 72. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. l-7, the vertical extent of the offset loop portions 66 is slightly greater than the sum or combined dimension of the diameter of the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the thickness of the plastic material between the top wall 67 of the retaining element receiving groove 64 and the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 54 of the bottom member 32.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, when the case 28 is assembled the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 will overlie and engage the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 54 of the molded plastic bottom 32 outwardly adjacent the elongated apertures 62 and the rectangular wire retaining member 34 will be disposed within the retaining element receiving groove 64 with the intermediate wire portions 68 thereof engaging the top wall 67 of the groove 64 and the offset loop portions 66 projecting through the correspondingly located elongated apertures 62. As most clearly shown in FIG. 7, the bight portions 72 of each offset loop portion 66 are slightly deformed outwardly into engagement with the upper portion of the inner surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire and secured thereto as by welding or the like, as indicated at 77 in FIG. 7.

Thus when assembled, the molded plastic bottom member 32 will be securely suspended from each of the wire side walls 30 of the case 28 by means of the wire retaining member 34 and capable of sustaining considerable loads and impacts imposed on the bottom member 32 from within the case. In addition, since the marginal edge portion 54 of the bottom member is in effect sandwiched between the bottom perimeter frame wire 36 and the intermediate portions 68 of the wire retaining member 34, the bottom member 32 is able to withstand considerable external loads and impacts such as frequently occur when the case 28 is in an inverted position. Of course, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, the offset loop portions 66 will lie generally in the plane of the vertical panel wires 46 and thus will not interfere with milk cartons within the case 28. Moreover, it has been found that the use of the looped wire retaining member 34 to secure the plastic bottom member 32 to the case side walls 30 permits the accommodation of the dimensional differences between the wire case members and the molded plastic bottom as can occur in large scale manufacturing operations, without impairing the ultimate connection of the bottom member to the wire side walls. Furthermore, although the plastic material of the bottom member 32 has a considerably greater coefficient of expansion than the steel wire members, a case 28 embodying the present invention is able to withstand rather severe variations in termperatures because of the resilient cantilever-like suspension of the bottom 32 by the looped wire retaining member 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of a modified form of a case 128 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 128 differs from that of the case 28, just described, in that the wire retaining member 134 is provided with a plurality of pairs of offset loop portions 166 which, in the assembled condition, do not extend beyond the uppermost surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 136 and are secured to the inner surface thereof as by welding or the like. Of course, the number and spacing of each pair of offset loop portions 166 correspond to the number and spacing of the elongated slots 162 in the marginal edge of the molded plastic bottom wall 132. As in the previous embodiment of the invention, the intermediate portions 168 of the wire retaining member engage the top wall of the retaining element receiving groove 162.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a and 9b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 228 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 228 differs from that of the case 128 described by reference to FIGS. 8a and 8b of the drawings, in that the outermost transverse dimensions of the generally rectangular molded plastic bottom member 232 are somewhat greater than the corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 236 so that the retaining element receiving groove 264 provided in the undersurface of the bottom member 232 and the elongated offset loop receiving apertures 262 formed therein will be disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 236. The wire retaining member 234 has a rectangular configuration in plan corresponding in size and shape to the retaining element receiving groove 264 and is provided with a plurality of pairs of vertically extending offset loop portions 266 which are secured to the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 236 by welding or the like. As in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b, each pair of offset loop portions 266 are spaced from adjacent pairs of offset loop portions by intermediate portions 268 which engage the top surface of the retaining element receiving groove 262.

Referring now to FIGS. 10a and 10b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 328 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 328 differs from that of the case 28 described by reference to FIGS. l-7 of the drawings in that the offset loop portions 366 when initially formed have a greater vertical extent than the offset loop portions 66 so that when they are deformed outwardly in assembly of the molded plastic bottom 332 to the case side walls, the bight 372 of each offset loop portion 366 will overlie and engage the top surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 336. Each offset loop portion 366 is secured to the bottom perimeter frame wire 336 as by welding or the like at or adjacent the bight 372.

Referring now to FIGS. 11a and 11b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of a further modified form of a case 428 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 428 is similar to that of the case 228 described heretofore by reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b in that the outermost dimensions of the molded plastic bottom 432 are greater than the corresponding dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 436 and the retaining element receiving groove 434 and elongated apertures 462 are disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 436. The construction of the case 428 differs from that of the case 228 in that the wire retaining member 434 is provided with a plurality of single offset loop portions 466, each of which is registrable with a correspondingly located elongated aperture 462 in the molded plastic bottom 432. Each offset loop portion 466 when initially formed has a greater vertical extent than the loop portions 266 so that when they are deformed inwardly in assembly of the bottom 432 to the case side walls, the bight 472 of each offset loop portion 466 will overlie and engage the top surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 436. As in the previously described embodiments, each offset loop portion 466 is secured to the bottom perimeter frame wire 436 by welding or the like at or adjacent the bight 472.

Referring now to FIGS. 12a and 12b of the drawings, there is illustrated a portion of still another modified form of a case 528 embodying the present invention. The constructionof the case 528 differs from that of the case 28 described by reference to FIGS. I-7 of the drawings in that the offset loop portions 566 are secured as by welding or the like to the bottom or undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire: 536. As best seen in FIG. 12b, when the bottom member 532 is assembled to the side walls of the case 528 each offset loop portion 566 will present a generally L-shaped configuration when viewed in side elevation with the upper horizontally disposed leg of the L-shape which terminates outwardly in the bight 572 being disposed between, and in interengagement with, the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 536 and the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 554 of the plastic bottom member 532. Preferably, as illustrated, the bights 572 do not extend outwardly beyond the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 536. As in the other embodiments of the invention described herein, the intermediate portions 568 of the wire retaining member 534 supportingly engage the top wall of the retaining element receiving groove 564.

Referring now to FIGS. 13a and 13b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of an additional modified form of a case 628 embodying the present invention. The construction of the case 628 is generally identical to that of the case 428 aforedescribed by reference to FIGS. Ila and 11b of the drawings except that the offset loop portions 666 of the wire retaining member 634 when initially formed have a somewhat lesser vertical extent than the offset loop portions 466 and are secured as by welding or the like to the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 636. As most clearly illustrated in FIG. 13b, when the bottom member 632 is assembled to the side walls of the case 628, each offset loop portion 666 will present a generally L-shaped configuration when viewed in side elevation with the lower vertically extending portion of the L-shape extending through the elongated aperture 662 and the upper horizontally disposed leg of the L-shape which terminates inwardly in a bight 672 being disposed between and interengaged with the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 636 and the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 654 of the plastic bottom member 632. In order to avoid interference with milk cartons placed within the case 628, the bight portions 672 do not extend inwardly beyond the inner surface of the vertical panel wires 646 and preferably, as illustrated, do not extend inwardly beyond the innermost surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 636. As in the other embodiments of the invention, the intermediate portions 668 of the wire retaining member 634 supportingly engage the top wall of the retaining element receiving groove 664. I

Referring now to FIGS. 14a and 14b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 728 embodying the invention. The construction of I the case 728 differs from that of the case 28 described heretofore by reference to FIGS. 1-7 in that the outermost transverse dimensions of the rectangular molded plastic bottom member 732 are somewhat greater than the corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736 and the inner wall surfaces of the retaining element receiving groove 764 and the elongated apertures 762 in the bottom member 732 underlie at least the outer portion of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736. In addition, the offset loop portions 766 of the wire retaining member 734 which are relatively small, having a substantially lesser vertical extent when initially formed than the offset loop portions 66, extend angularly outwardly as they emerge from the elongated apertures 762 and are secured as by welding or the like at or adjacent their bights 772 to outer underside surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 736. When operatively assembled, the intermediate portions 768 of the wire retaining member 734 supportingly engage the top wall surface of the retaining element receiving groove 764 and the bottom perimeter frame wire will engage the upper surface of the bottom member 732 inwardly of the elongated apertures 762.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a and 15b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 828 embodying the present invention. The construction of the case 828 is similar to that of case 728 just described with the exception that the outer wall surfaces of the retaining element receiving groove 864 and the elongated apertures 862 in the bottom member 832 underlie at least the inner portion of the bottom perimeter frame wire 836 and the relatively small offset loop portions 866 of the wire retaining member 834 extend angularly inwardly as they emerge from the elongated apertures 862 and are secured as by welding or the like at or adjacent their bights 872 to the inner underside surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 836. Preferably, as best seen in FIG. 15b, the bights 872 of the offset loop portions 866 do not extend inwardly beyond the innermost surfaces of the vertical panel wires 846 and thus will not interfere with milk cartons placed within the case 828. When assembled, the intermediate portions 868 of the wire retaining member 834 supportingly engage the top wall surface of the retain ing element receiving groove 864 and the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 836 will engage the upper surface of the marginal edge portion of the bottom member 832 outwardly of the elongated apertures 862.

Referring now to FIGS. 16a and 16b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of a further modified form of a case 928 embodying the present invention. The construction of the case 928 differs from that of the case 28, described by reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, in that the outermost transverse dimensions of the generally rectangular molded plastic bottom member 932 are somewhat larger than the corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936 and the retaining element receiving groove 964 provided in the upper surface of the bottom member 932 as well as the elongated loop receiving apertures 962 therein are vertically aligned with the bottom perimeter frame wire 936. The wire retaining member 934 has a rectangular configuration in plan corresponding in size and shape to the retaining element receiving groove 964 and is provided with a plurality of spaced pairs of relatively short vertically extending offset loop portions 966 which project through the'apertures 962 and are secured at their bights'972 to the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936 by welding or the like. The intermediate portions 968 of the wire retaining member 934 between the pairs of offset loops 966 will supportingly engage the top wall surface of the retaining element receiving groove 964 and the underside of the bottom perimeter frame wire 936 will over lie and either lightly engage or be engageable with the upper surface portions of the bottom member 932 lying between the elongated apertures 962.

Referring now to FIGS. 17a and 17b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of a still further modified form of a case 1028 embodying the present invention. The construction of the case 1028 differs from that of the case 28 described heretofore by reference to FIGS. l7 of the drawings in that the upper or terminal end portions 1074 of the offset loopportions 1066 of the wire retaining element 1034 are bent or formed outwardly and downwardly into a generally inverted hook-shaped configuration, as viewed in side elevation, interengaging the upper surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036. In order that each offset loop portion 1066 be of a sufficient size to form the inverted hook-shaped portion 1074, the vertical extent of each offset loop portion 1066 when initially formed will be greater than the initially formed vertical extent of the offset loop portions 66 of the case 28. While the offset loop portions 1066 can, of course, be secured to the bottom perimeter frame wire by welding or the like, it has been found that the mechanical interconnection of the plastic bottom member 1032 to the side walls of the case 28 provided by the wire retaining element 1034 with the offset loop portions interengaging the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036 by means of the hook-shaped terminal end portions 1074 is adequate without welding or other fastening means. When so assembled, without a welded or similar connection between the wire retaining element 1034 and the wire side walls, the interengagement of the hook-shaped terminal and portions 1074 with the upper surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036 and the interengagement of the intermediate portions 1063 of the wire retaining element 1034 with the top .wall of the retaining element reeeiving'groove 1064 support the molded plastic bottom wall under internal case loads. As in previously described embodiments of the invention, the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036 engages the upper surface of the marginal edge portion 1054 of the plastic bottom member 1032 and thereby supports the bottom member under externally imposed loads.

Referring now to FIGS. 18a and 18b of the drawings, there is illustrated a portion of another modified form of a case 1128 embodying the present invention. The construction of the case 1128 differs from that of the case 1028 just described by reference to FIGS. 17a and 17b of the drawings in that the outermost transverse dimensions of the generally rectangular molded plastic bottom member 1132 are somewhat larger than the corresponding outermost transverse dimensions of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036 and the retaining element receiving groove 1164 in the undersurface of the bottom member 1132 as well as the elongated apertures 1162 are disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1 136. The upper or free terminal end portions 1174 of each offset loop portion 1166 of the wire retaining element 1134 are bent or formed inwardly and thence downwardly into a. generally inverted hook-shaped configuration, as viewed in side elevation, interengaging the upper surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1036. As in the embodiment of the invention illustrated by the case 1028, the offset loop portion 1166 need not be welded to the case side walls because of the secure connection provided by the mechanical interlocking of the hook-shaped terminal end portion 1174 of each offset loop portion 1 166 with the bottom perimeter frame wire 1136.

Referring now to FIGS. 19a and 19b of the drawings,

there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 1228 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 1228 differs from that of the case 28, previously described by reference to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawings, in that the wire retaining element 1234 is embedded in the marginal edge portion 1254 of the molded plastic bottom member 1232 and is secured, as by welding, at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations 1266 along its inner surface to the outer surfaces of the lower terminal end portions of a corresponding plurality of wire members 1246 depending vertically from the case side walls. The wire retaining element 1234 which can comprise a unitary rectangular ring or, alternatively, a plurality of separate wire or rod-like elements or inserts is preferably embedded in the marginal edge 1254 of bottom member 1232 intermediate the upper and lower surfaces thereof during the formation thereof by molding. In addition, the plurality of spaced cut-out or open portions 1272 which expose the portions 1266 of the retaining element 1234 and receive the terminal end portions of the vertical wire members 1246, which are connected to the retaining element 1234, are also preferably formed during molding of the plastic bottom member. Preferably, the vertically depending wire members 1246 comprise integral extensions of vertical panel wires of the side wall of the case 1228. Of course, it will be clear that separate vertically depending wire elements can be utilized to connect the embedded retaining member 1234 to the wire side walls of the case. As best seen in FIG. 19b, when operatively assembled, the undersurface of the bottom perimeter frame wire 1236 will overlie the outer portion of the marginal edge portion 1254 of the plastic bottom member.

It will also be apparent that rather than being embedded in the molded plastic bottom 1232, the retaining element 1234 can be disposed in a retaining element receiving groove formed in the undersurface of the marginal edge portion 1254 of the plastic bottom 1232 (similar to the retaining element receiving grooves of the previously described embodiments) and intersecting the cut-out portions 1262, so as to expose portions 1266 for attachment to the terminal ends of the vertical panel wires 1246. In addition, it will be appreciated in view of the disclosure herein that the wire retaining element 1234 may be disposed inwardly of the vertical panel wires 1246 so that the outer surface of the portions 1266 of the retaining element 1234 will be secured to the inner surface of the vertical panel wires 1246.

Referring now to FIGS. 20a and 20b of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 1328 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 1328 differs from that of the case 1228 just described in that the inner periphery of rectangular wire retaining element 1334 is disposed within, and interengages, a laterally outwardly opening retaining element receiving groove or recess 1364 formed in the molded plastic bottom member 1332. The retaining element 1334 is secured, as by welding, at a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations 1366 along its outer surface to the inner surfaces of a corresponding plurality of wire members 1346 depending vertically from the side walls of the case 1328. The wire retaining element 1334, which is preferably in the form of an endless flat rectangular ring, can be retained in the retaining element receiving groove 1364 with a snap fit. In order to permit access to the retaining element receiving recess 1364 for operative disposition of the wire retaining element1334 therein, a continuous downwardly opening rectangular groove 1335, which communicates with the recess 1334, is formed in the undersurface of the bottom member 1332. As was the case with the modification illustrated in FIGS. 19a and 19b, the depending wires 1346 can comprise integral extensions of vertical panel wires of the side walls of the case 1328 which extend through apertures 1362 in the marginal edge portion 1354 of the plastic bottom member 1332 for their interconnection to the retaining element 1334. As in previous embodiments of the invention, the bottom perimeter frame wire 1336 will be seen to overlie, and preferably engage, the upper surface of the molded plastic bottom member 1332.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 21a and 21b of the drawings wherein there is shown a portion of a further modified form ofa case 1428 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 1428 differs from that of the case 28, previously described, in that the wire side walls 1430 are connected directly to molded plastic bottom 1432 by means of the vertically depending portions 1447 which extend through vertically aligned, preformed apertures 1462 in the marginal edge 1454 of the bottom 1432 and terminate in an integral enlarged retaining head portion 1449 engaging the underside of the case bottom. Preferably, each preformed aperture 1462 includes a concentric, enlarged counterbore portion 1463 adapted to receive an enlarged retaining head 1449 extending vertically from the undersurface of the bottom member and terminating in an annular shoulder 1465 intermediate the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic bottom member 1432. Thus when assembled, the enlarged retaining heads 1449 will be disposed within the enlarged counter bores 1463 and abut the annular shoulders 1465, as clearly illustrated in FIG. 21b. As in the embodiments ofthe invention described by reference to FIGS. 19a, 19b, a and 20b, the depending headed portions 1447 can conveniently comprise integral. extensions of vertical panel wires 1446 of the case side walls 1430. The enlarged retaining head portions 1449 can be formed by suitable metal forming techniques such as upsetting or spinning either before or after the insertion of the vertically depending portions 1447 through the apertures 1462 in the plastic bottom 1432. In the event the enlarged retaining heads 1449 are preformed, i.e. formed before insertion of the depending portions 1447 through the apertures 1462, it is desirable that the leading end of the retaining head have a pointed or tapered configuration such as is provided by the conically shaped retaining head 1449 illustrated herein. In addition, in order to eliminate or at least minimize, cold flow of the plastic material of the bottom adjacent the apertures 1462, it is necessary that the head portions 1449 be rapidly inserted through eratively assembled and retained in position by the enthe apertures 1462 such as by a suddenquick impact. 4

larged heads 1449, the bottom perimeter frame wire 1436 will engage the upper surface of the marginal edge 1454 of the plastic bottom.

Referring now to FIGS. 22a, 22b, and 22c of the drawings, there is shown a portion of another modified form of a case 1528 embodying the invention. The construction of the case 1528 differs from that of the case 1328 previously described by reference to FIGS. 20a and 20b of the drawings in that the retaining element 1534 is retained with a snap fit in an enclosed endless groove 1564 formed within the marginal edge portion 1554 of the molded plastic bottom 1532 intermediate the upper and lower surfaces thereof and communicat ing with the upper surface through a normally closed continuous slit portion 1535. The retaining element 1534 is secured by welding or the like at a plurality of spaced locations 1566 along its outer surface to the inner surface of the depending terminal end portions 1547 of vertical panel wires 1546. The continuous slit 1535 formed in the molded plastic bottom 1532 conforms in plan to, and overlies, the retaining element re-' ceiving groove 1564 and extends from the upper surface of the bottom 1532 to its continuous intersection with the top of the retaining element receiving groove 1564. As shown by broken lines in FIG. 220, the opposed faces of the slit 1535 which are normally urged by the resiliency of the plastic material of the bottom into mutual engagement, can be spread or forced apart to permit entry of the wire retaining element into the retaining element receiving groove 1564. When the retaining element 1534 has passed between the opposed faces of the slit 1535 and is operatively disposed in the groove 1564, the slit will return to its normally closed position with the opposed faces thereof once again adjacent, as illustrated by the solid lines in FIG. 220, so that the retaining-element 1534 will be operatively retained within the groove 1564. The depending terminal end portions 1547 of the panel wires 1546 extend to their connection with the retaining element 1534 through suitably located apertures 1562 which communicate with the retaining element receiving groove 1564. While in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2211-220, the rectangular retaining element serves also as the bottom frame wire of the case side walls, it will be apparent that a separate bottom perimeter frame wire, similar to the bottom perimeter frame wire 1336 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 20a and 201: may also be employed.

While in the accompanying drawings the wire retaining element has been shown as being of a generally circular cross section, it will be readily understood that other non-circular cross-sectional configurations can be utilized. For example, the wire retaining element may have elliptical, rectangular, or other polygonal cross-sectional shapes.

It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing specific embodiments have been shown and described only for the purpose of illustrating the principles of this invention and are subject to extensive change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

- Whatv is claimedis;

1. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising in combination:

vertical vwire side walls including top and bottom frame wire means;

a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing transversely extending article supporting surface engaging said bottom frame wire means and having along its side edges a plurality of spaced apertures cornmunicating with elongated recess means having a normally downwardly facing retaining means engaging surface extending generally parallel to the side edge of said bottom member with which it is associated; Y

i and wire-like retaining means connected at spaced locations through said apertures to said vertical wire side walls and having portions'intermediate said spaced locations extending between adjacent apertures and .within said recess means beneath and in engagement with said normally downwardly facing retaining means engaging surface to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

2. The structure defined in claim 1 wherein the retaining means comprises a wire ring having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls and a plurality of spaced vertically offset portions integral with said wire ring which extend through the apertures in the bottom wall member and are connected to the bottom frame wire means.

3. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions are secured to the inner surface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

4. The structure defined in claim 3 wherein the offset portions comprise spaced pairs of downwardly opening loop portions.

5. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacent the inner surface of the bottom frame wire and outwardly over a portion of the upper surface of the bottom frame wire and are secured thereto by welding.

6. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically 7 adjacent the inner surface of the bottom frame wire and terminate in outwardly extending generally hookshaped portions engaging the upper surface of the bottom frame wire.

7. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and ring member are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the vertical offset portions terminate in outwardly extending portions secured to the undersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

8. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions are secured to the outer surface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

9. The structure defined in claim 8 wherein the offset portions comprise spaced pairs of downwardly opening loop portions.

10. The structure defined in'claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacent the outer surface of the bottom frame wire and inwardly over a portion of the upper surface of the bottom frame wire and are secured thereto by welding.

11. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wireand the vertical offset portions terminate in inwardly extending portions secured to the undersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

12. In a material handling crate including a bottom panel portion, a separately formed upwardly extending body portion, and means rigidly securing said portions together at spaced points adjacent the outer periphery of said bottom panel, the improvement wherein one of said portions is molded from a plastic material and the other being formed from a plurality of elongated rodlike metal members rigidly secured in fixed relation,

- and wherein said means rigidly securing said portions together comprises a plurality of apertures formed in said one portion adjacent the outer periphery of said bottom panel portion, elongated metal bar means extending beneath said apertures and in engagement with said one portion, and welding lug means positioned within said apertures and rigidly connecting said elongated metal bar means and said other portion, said welding lug means and said elongated metal bar means cooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portion and said body portion.

13. In a material handling crate according to claim 12, the further improvement wherein said other of said portion includes means engaging an upwardly directed surface of said one portion.

14. In a material handling crate according to claim 13, the further improvement comprising an upwardly directed channel formed in said one portion, said apertures extending through said one portion from spaced points within said channel and said elongated metal bar means being positioned within said channel.

15. In a'material handling crate according to claim 14, the further improvement comprising a stacking ring integrally molded with said one portion and projecting downwardly from said bottom panel adjacent the outer periphery thereof.

16. In a material handling crate according to claim 12, the further improvement wherein said welding lugs are integrally formed with one of said rigidly connected members.

17. In a material handling crate having a bottom panel portion and an upwardly extending body portion, one of said portions being molded from a plastic material and the other of said portions being formed from a plurality of elongated rod-like metal members rigidly secured in fixed relation, said one portion including a stacking ring integrally formed therewith and projecting downwardly from said bottom panel portion adjacent the outer periphery thereof, an upwardly extending channel formed in the bottom surface of said one portion adjacent the outer periphery thereof, an elongated metallic insert positioned in said channel, means defining a plurality of apertures extending through said one portion from spaced points within said channel, and welding lug means extending through said apertures and rigidly joining said other of said portions to said elongated metallic insert, said welding lug means being integrally formed on one of the joined elements, said lug means and said elongated metallic insert cooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portion and said upwardly extending body portion together to define said crate.

18. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising vertical wire side walls including top and bottom-frame wires having substantially the same general rectangular configuration in plan and a plurality of vertical panel wires connecting said top and bottom frame wires; a one-piece bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material, said bottom wall member including an upper surface defining a transversely extending article supporting surface, a lower surface defining an integral depending stacking ring and an outwardly opening groove along the marginal edge thereof, said stacking ring having a generally rectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in plan of said top frame wire but having outer transverse dimensions smaller than the corresponding inner transverse dimensions of said top frame wire so as to be receivable within the top frame wire ofa like case when stacked thereupon, a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the marginal side edges of said bottom wall member extending from the upper surface thereof into communication with said groove; metal retaining means extending within said groove engaging the upper wall surface thereof intermediate said apertures and connected to the vertical wire side walls by means extending through each of said apertures.

19. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the groove in the bottom wall member comprises an endless groove having a rectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in plan of the bottom frame wire and the metal retaining means comprises a wire ring having substantially the same rectangular shape in plan as said endless groove and including a plurality of integral similar offset portions spaced apart by intermediate portions extending in a generally common plane, said offset portions extending through the apertures in said bottom wall member and being connected to said bottom frame wire and said intermediate portions engaging the upper wall portions of said endless groove intermediate said apertures. i

20. The structure defined in claim 19 wherein the bottom frame wire engages the upper surface of the marginal edge portion of the bottom wall member.

21. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the vertical wire side walls comprise a heat treated steel alloy and the synthetic resin material of which the bottom wall member is formed comprises high density polyethylene.

22. The structure defined in claim 19 wherein the endless groove and the wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions are connected to the inner surface of the bottom perimeter frame wire by welding.

23. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying at least a portion of the inner surface of the bottom frame wire'and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member and inwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lower inner surface of said bottom frame wire.

24. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying at least a portion of the outer surface of the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member and outwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lower outer surface of the bottom frame wire.

25. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member, and said offset portions being welded to the overlying undersurface of said bottom frame wire.

the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and a wire ring having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire ring being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall memher, and said wire ring having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member, adjacent the outer surface of said bottom frame wire and terminating in inwardly extending generally hook-shaped portions engaging the upper surface of said bottom frame wire.

27. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls; a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface; and retaining means comprising Wire means embedded in and extending laterally in a marginal edge portion of the bottom wall member intermediate upper and lower surfaces thereof; the marginal edge portion of the bottom wall member including a plurality of apertures communicating with said embedded wire means; and wire elements connected to the wire side walls extending through said apertures and being connected to said embedded wire means to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

28. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with the underlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wire side walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integral depending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some vertical panel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member; and retaining means comprising a wire ring connected to the terminal end portions of said extended vertical panel wires by welding, said wire ring being received within said recess, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

29. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall member formed of a resilient synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with the underlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wire side walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integral depending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some vertical panel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member; and retaining means comprising a wire ring connected to the terminal end portions of said extended vertical panel wires by welding, said wire ring being received within said recess means and extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface, said recess means comprising an enclosed endless groove disposed intermediate the upper and lower surfaces of the marginal edge portion of the bottom wall member and a normally closed endless slit overlying and intersecting said groove whereby after the opposed faces of the bottom wall material defining said slit are urged apart to permit the wire ring to be disposed within said groove, said opposed faces will be resiliently urged toward one another to close the slit and retain the wire ring within said groove in interengagement with said bottom wall member to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

30. A carrying case comprising in combination: a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material and defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface, said bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface and said bottom wall member including a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with the underlying recess means; vertical wire side walls, said vertical wire side walls including a plurality of vertical panel wires with integral depending extensions of the lower end portions of at least some vertical panel wires extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member; and retaining means, said retaining means comprising enlarged portions at the terminal end portions of each of said extended vertical panel wires, said enlarged portions extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

31. The structure defined in claim 30 wherein the enlarged portions comprise enlarged heads integral with the extended vertical panel wires.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE v CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,792,796 Dated February 19, 197A Inventor(s)William W. Woodruff and Vance E. Rhinehart It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 12, line 58, before "surface" delete "upper" and insert therefor --under---.

Signed and sealed this 3rd day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. 0 MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents I R po'wso USCOMM 0c 6051; was I U S. covnhnm "mu e onlci n" ogsa-u1

Claims

1. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including top and bottom frame wire means; a bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing transversely extending article supporting surface engaging said bottom frame wire means and having along its side edges a plurality of spaced apertures communicating with elongated recess means having a normally downwardly facing retaining means engaging surface extending generally parallel to the side edge of said bottom member with which it is associated; and wire-like retaining means connected at spaced locations through said apertures to said vertical wire side walls and having portions intermediate said spaced locations extending between adjacent apertures and within said recess means beneath and in engagement with said normally downwardly facing retaining means engaging surface to effect and maintain assembly of said bottom wall member to said wire side walls.

6. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed inwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacent the inner surface of the bottom frame wire and terminate in outwardly extending generally hook-shaped portions engaging the upper surface of the bottom Frame wire.

10. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the offset portions extend vertically adjacent the outer surface of the bottom frame wire and inwardly over a portion of the upper surface of the bottom frame wire and are secured thereto by welding.

11. The structure defined in claim 2 wherein the recess means and wire ring are disposed outwardly of the bottom frame wire and the vertical offset portions terminate in inwardly extending portions secured to the undersurface of the bottom frame wire by welding.

12. In a material handling crate including a bottom panel portion, a separately formed upwardly extending body portion, and means rigidly securing said portions together at spaced points adjacent the outer periphery of said bottom panel, the improvement wherein one of said portions is molded from a plastic material and the other being formed from a plurality of elongated rod-like metal members rigidly secured in fixed relation, and wherein said means rigidly securing said portions together comprises a plurality of apertures formed in said one portion adjacent the outer periphery of said bottom panel portion, elongated metal bar means extending beneath said apertures and in engagement with said one portion, and welding lug means positioned within said apertures and rigidly connecting said elongated metal bar means and said other portion, said welding lug means and said elongated metal bar means cooperating to rigidly secure said bottom panel portion and said body portion.

15. In a material handling crate according to claim 14, the further improvement comprising a stacking ring integrally molded with said one portion and projecting downwardly from said bottom panel adjacent the outer periphery thereof.

18. A lightweight high strength carrying case comprising vertical wire side walls including top and bottom frame wires having substantially the same general rectangular configuration in plan and a plurality of vertical panel wires connecting said top and bottom frame wires; a one-piece bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material, said bottom wall member including an upper surface defining a transversely extending article supporting surface, a lower surface defining an integral depending stacking ring and an outwardly opening groove along the marginal edge thereof, said stacking ring having a generally rectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in plan of said top frame wire but having outer transverse dimensions smaller than the corresponding inner transverse dimensions of said top frame wire so as to be receivable within the top frame wire of a like case when stacked thereupon, a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the marginal side edges of said bottom wall member extending from the upper surface thereof into communication with said groove; metal retaining means extending within said groove engaging the upper wall surface thereof intermediate said apertures and connected to the vertical wire side walls by means extending through each of said apertures.

19. The structure defined in claim 18 wherein the groove in the bottom wall member comprises an endless groove having a rectangular configuration in plan similar to the configuration in plan of the bottom frame wire and the metal retaining means comprises a wire ring having substantially the same rectangular shape in plan as said endless groove and including a plurality of integral similar offset portions spaced apart by intermediate portions extending in a generally common plane, said offset portions extending through the apertures in said bottom wall member and being connected to said bottom frame wire and said intermediate portions engaging the upper wall portions of said endless groove intermediate said apertures.

23. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface underlying at least a portion of the inner surface of the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and wire retaining means having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire retaining means being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire retaining means having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member and inwardly, and said offset portions being welded to the lower inner surface of said bottom frame wire.

26. A carrying case comprising in combination: vertical wire side walls including a perimetrically extending bottom frame wire; a unitary bottom wall member formed of a synthetic resin material defining a normally upwardly facing article supporting surface adjacent said bottom frame wire, said unitary bottom wall member including recess means disposed below the upwardly facing article supporting surface outwardly of the bottom frame wire and a plurality of spaced apertures along its marginal edge portion communicating with said recess means; and a wire ring having a configuration in plan corresponding generally to the configuration in plan of the wire side walls, said wire ring being received within said recess means of said bottom wall member, extending laterally beneath said article supporting surface and engaging said bottom wall member, and said wire ring having integral, spaced, vertically offset portions extending through each of said apertures in said bottom wall member, adjacent the outer surface of said bottom frame wire and terminating in inwardly extending generally hook-shaped portions engaging the upper surface of said bottom frame wire.