WO2023150152A2

WO2023150152A2 - Transport container

Info

Publication number: WO2023150152A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/012096
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Kottwitz
Original assignee: Pvpallet, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-02-01
Filing date: 2023-02-01
Publication date: 2023-08-10
Also published as: WO2023150152A3

Abstract

A transport container for carrying objects includes a base for supporting the objects. Opposing first and second walls are operatively connected to the base. The first and second walls are also movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The transport container has a first height when the walls are in the deployed position and a second height different than the first height when the walls are in the collapsed position. Spacers are selectively combined with different portions of the walls to change the height of the walls or to help secure two transport containers together. Spacers may also be used to separate and secure the objects when they are loaded on the container.

Description

Patent Application

TRANSPORT CONTAINER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon United States Provisional Application Serial Number 63/305,425 filed February 1, 2022, the complete disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by this reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to transport containers and, more particularly, to transport containers for planar objects, such as solar or photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Planar objects, like solar panels, may be stored or shipped in various transport containers. For example, such objects may be stacked together, strapped on a shipping pallet, and shipped to an installation site in a semi-truck or cargo shipping container. It is desirable to have a transport container of certain dimensions in order to fit as many as possible within the semi-truck or cargo shipping container. One problem with known transport containers is that they are inefficiently shaped and therefore do not maximize the volume of the semi-truck or cargo shipping container. Further, at least some known transport containers do not adequately protect solar panels during storage or transit. As a result, the solar panels may become scratched, bent, or broken, causing additional costs and delays in installation while replacement solar panels are sent to the job site. It is therefore desirable to use a transport container having upstanding walls which are at least as tall as the solar panels to protect the top edges of the panels and at least as wide as the solar panels to protect the side edges of the panels.

Another problem with some existing transport containers is that they are not configured to fold down to a compact size when they are not in use. As mentioned above, it is beneficial to have a transport container with walls tall enough to protect the top edges of the panels, however, walls that are too tall do not lay compactly on the base because the opposing walls overlap with each other when they are collapsed. The overlap prevents the pallets from being neatly stackable.

There is therefore a need for an improved shipping pallet which overcomes these other problems in the art.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a transport container for carrying one or more generally planar objects comprises a base configured to support the one or more generally planar objects. Opposing first and second walls are connected to the base. The first and second walls are movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the first and second walls are generally upright. In the collapsed position, the first and second walls lay generally flat on the base. The first and second walls are each configured to be combined with a spacer to increase the height of each wall when the walls are in the deployed position. In one embodiment the distal edges of the walls have wall recesses and/ or wall projections and the spacers have spacer projections and/ or spacer recesses. The respective projections are configured to be received into the respective recesses when the walls are in the deployed position to combine the spacers with the walls and increase the height of the walls. The spacer projections may also be received into the spacer recesses of another (second) spacer for storage or for combining multiple spacers into a wall to make the wall taller. In some embodiments the length of the spacer is about the same as the length of the wall so that the spacer extends generally along the length of each wall. The spacers are removed from the first and second walls when the walls are in the collapsed position. In one embodiment the height of each of the first and second walls (without the spacer) is about half of the width of the base such that the edges of the walls meet in about the center of the base when in the collapsed position without overlapping. In addition to being used to increase the height of the walls in the deployed position, spacers may be combined with the top edges of the generally planar objects to help space and secure the generally planar objects to the pallet. The spacers have a plurality of channels, each channel is configured to receive a portion of a planer object to provide a predetermined distance between adjacent planar objects. The spacers may be secured to the pallet by a strap or any other suitable means. Note, a single spacer is not combined with the planar objects and the top edges of the walls at the same time. However, a first spacer may be combined with the walls and a second spacer may be combined with top edges of the planar objects when the pallet is loaded with planar objects in the deployed position. In the collapsed position a spacer may be secured to an exterior surface of one of the walls to store the spacer and help secure multiple transport containers in a stacked configuration. In another aspect, a transport container kit for carrying one or more generally planar objects. The kit includes a base configured to support the one or more generally planar objects, opposing first and second walls connected to the base, and one or more spacers configured to be combined with the walls. In one embodiment the kit includes a base, opposing first and second walls, and four spacers. The first and second walls are movable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the first and second walls are generally upright. In the collapsed position, the first and second walls lay generally flat on the base. The first and second walls are each configured to be combined with a spacer to increase the height of the walls when the walls are in the deployed position. In one embodiment the distal edges of the walls have wall recesses and/ or wall projections and the spacers have spacer projections and/ or spacer recesses. The respective projections are configured to be received into the respective recesses when the walls are in the deployed position to combined the spacers with the walls and increase the height of the walls. The spacer projections may also be received into the spacer recesses of another (second) spacer for storage or for combining multiple spacers into a wall to make the wall taller. In some embodiments the length of the spacer is about the same as the length of the wall so that the spacer expends generally along the length of each wall. The spacers are removed from the first and second walls when the walls are in the collapsed position. In one embodiment the height of each of the first and second walls (without the spacer) is about half of the width of the base such that the edges of the walls meet in about the center of the base when in the collapsed position without overlapping. In addition to increasing the height of the walls in the deployed position, spacers may be combined with the top edges of the generally planar objects to help space and secure the generally planar objects to the pallet. The spacers have a plurality of channels, each channel configured to receive an upper edge of a planer member to provide a predetermined distance between adjacent planar objects. The spacers may be secured to the pallet by a strap or any other suitable means. Note, a single spacer is not combined with the planar objects and the top edges of the walls at the same time. However, a first spacer may be combined with the walls and a second spacer may be combined with top edges of the planar objects when the pallet is loaded with planar objects in the deployed position. In the collapsed position a spacer may be secured to an exterior surface of one of the walls to store the spacer and help secure multiple transport containers in a stacked configuration.

In another aspect, a method of using a transport container for carrying one or more generally planar objects comprises moving first and second walls of the transport container from a collapsed position in which the first and second walls lie on a base of the transport container to a deployed position in which the first and second walls are generally upright. The first and second walls may be secured to the base by inserting projections from one of the components into recesses in the other component to create an interference or friction fit between the components. When the walls are in the deployed position, one or more spacers are combined with the top portion of each wall to increase the height of the walls. The transport container is then loaded with planar objects. One or more brace arms are secured between the walls and the base to help stabilize the components and protect the planar objects. Additional spacers are combined with the top edges of the planar objects to help separate and secure the objects to the transport container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport container with the walls in the deployed position carrying one or more generally planar objects.

FIG. 1A is perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the walls detached from the base and the spacers removed from the top portion of the walls.

FIG. IB is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1A showing the recesses in the lower portion of the walls configured to receive the projections extending from the base.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport container with the walls in the deployed position without spacers in either wall.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a pivotal connection between the brace arm and the wall.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the transport container with the walls in the deployed position with a spacer in the top of one wall but not the other wall.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transport container with the walls in the deployed position and the spacers combined with the tops of both of the walls.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transport container with the walls in the deployed position showing one of the brace arms pivoted outward. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transport container with the walls in the deployed position showing one of the brace arms pivoted inward.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transport container with the walls in the collapsed position showing spacers combined with the outer surface of both walls.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the transport container in the collapsed position showing spacers combined with the outer surface of both walls.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the transport container in the collapsed position showing spacers combined with one of the walls but not the other wall.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a spacer.

FIG. 10A is a bottom view of a spacer.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a spacer separating a plurality of planar objects.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two spacers combined together.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of two transport containers stacked on top of each other in the deployed position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of two transport containers stacked on top of each other in the collapsed position.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a transport container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to transport containers 20 and, more particularly, to transport containers 20 for transporting and storing planar objects 4, such as solar or photovoltaic (PV) panels. The transport containers 20 described herein include a base 26 configured to be combined with side walls 22, 24 which can be moved between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the collapsed position the walls 22, 24 lay flat on the base 26. In the deployed position the walls 22, 24 are combined with opposing end portions of the base 28. Spacers 28 may serve several functions. Spacers 28 may be combined with the top portion of the walls 22, 24 to increase the height of each wall 22, 24, which may be desirable to adequately protect the solar panels 4 in the deployed position. Spacers 28 may also be combined with the top portion of the planar objects 4 (when the transport container 20 is loaded with planar objects 4) to help separate the planar objects 4 and secure the planar objects 4 to the transport container 20. Spacers 28 may also be combined with an outer surface of the walls 22, 24 in the collapsed position to help secure a first transport container 20 to another transport container 20A stacked on top of the first transport container 20.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, and specifically FIG. 1, the reference numeral 20 generally refers to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transport container, a transport container kit, and a method for using the transport container. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, the transport container 20 made from plastic, metal or wood with a first wall 22 separated from a second wall 24 by a base 26. The walls 22, 24 may be identical such that either wall 22, 24 may be combined with either side of the base 26. As discussed in the Background section of this disclosure, it is desirable to have a transport container that efficiently uses the volume of a semi-trailer or cargo container. Therefore, it is desirable for the base 26 be a predetermined length and width. In one embodiment, the width (the long axis shown in the figures) of the base 26 approximates the width of a semi-trailer. The width of the base 26 may be slightly less than the width of the semi-trailer to allow positioning of the container 20 along the length of the semi-trailer without contacting the sides.

FIG. 1 illustrates the improved transport container 20 in receipt of a plurality of planar objects 4, such as solar panels, extending between the first wall 22 and the second wall 24. The first and second walls 22, 24 are movable relative to the base 26 allowing for movement of the walls 22, 24 from a generally vertical deployed position (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4) to a generally horizontal collapsed position (FIGS. 7-9) as desired. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, each wall 22, 24 is removably combined with the base 26. Posts or projections 16 extending from either the base 26 or the walls 22, 24 are received into recesses 18 in the other of the base 26 and the walls 22, 24 to provide a friction or interference fit between the components 22, 24, 26. The weight of the walls 22, 24 along with any additional containers 20A stacked on top of the first container 20 (described below in more detail) helps secure the walls 22, 24 to the base 26. A locking mechanism 34 may additionally be used to help secure the components 22, 24, 26 together. In another embodiment the walls 22, 24 are pivotally connected to the base 26 by a hinge or other suitable mechanism allowing for rotation of the walls 22, 24 about a pivot axis from the generally vertical deployed orientation to the generally horizontal collapsed orientation, as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, one or more brace arms 30 are combined with each of the first and second walls 22, 24 and extend toward the center of the base 26. As shown, each wall 22, 24 includes a first rotatable brace arm 30 on one side and a second rotatable brace arm 30 on another opposite side to help secure the planar objects 4 therebetween during transport and storage. Each brace arm 30 generally provides lateral support to the received objects 4 to limit lateral movement during shipping, storage, or while in use. Each brace arm 30 generally rotates between a locked position (FIGS. 2-4), an open position (FIG. 5), and a stored position (FIGS. 6 and 7). Generally, each brace arm 30 is pivotally combined with its respective wall 22, 24 about a rod or hinge 35 as shown in FIG. 2A, however, the brace arms 30 may be separated from the walls 22, 24 and the base 26 in some embodiments. In some embodiments the brace arms 30 are able to pivot at least 270° between the open position and the stored position as shown by comparing FIG. 5 with FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 5, the open position allows the brace arm 30 to be pivoted outward away from the base 26 to allow easier loading and unloading of the planar objects 4. FIGS. 6 shows the brace arm 30 moved to the stored position wherein it is adjacent to the inner surface of the wall 22 so that the brace arm 30 nests under the wall 22 when the wall 22 is moved to its collapsed position (FIG. 7). A mechanical fastener 34 may also be used to secure the brace arm 30 to its respective wall 22, 24 in the stored position. The locked position is used when the container 20 is loaded with planar objects 4. In the locked position a portion of the brace arm 30 extends toward the opposing wall 22, 24 and is secured to the base 26 to help contain and support the planar objects 4 on the base 26 and between the walls 22, 24. Projections 14 extending from the base 26 may be received by recesses in a lower portion of the brace arm 30 to create a friction or interference fit between the components 26, 30. A locking mechanism 34 may also be used to secure the brace arm

30 to the base 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 34 is a mechanical fastener which secures the brace arm 30 to the base 26 at a predetermined distance outward from the wall 22, 24. The brace arm 30 may be any suitable shape, including triangular.

The first and second walls 22, 24 are each configured to be removably combined with a spacer 28 (described below in more detail) to selectively increase the height of each wall 22, 24 when the walls 22, 24 are in the deployed position. The spacer 28 can be removed from each wall 22, 24 when the walls 22, 24 are in the collapsed position to allow better nesting and staking of the collapsed containers 20. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the walls 22, 24 having a distance or height DI when they are not combined with the spacers 28. FIG. 4 shows each spacer 28 has a distance or height of D2 that extends above DI. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the walls 22, 24 combined with the spacers 28 have a distance or height of D3, which is the about the sum of DI and D2 and is greater than height DI. In some cases, the planar objects 4 have a height which is greater than DI but less than D3. The additional height D2 provided by the spacers 28 allows the walls 22, 24 to be at least as tall as the planar objects 4 so that the walls 22, 24 (plus spacers 28) help protect the upper edges of the planar objects 4 during transport. The base 26 has a distance or width D4 (along the long axis) which is at least twice as long as height DI of each individual wall 22, 24 such that the walls 22, 24 can be moved to the collapsed position without having their distal ends contact or overlap with each other as they lay flat on the base 26. However, in some embodiments the base 26 has a width D4 that is less than twice the height D3 of the walls 22, 24 plus the spacer 28 so the width D4 of the base 26 is too small to accommodate the walls 22, 24 plus the spacers 28 in the collapsed position without having the components overlap with each other. In other words, the walls 22, 24 without the spacers 28 are a size which provides compact stacking and storage of the transport containers 20 in the collapsed position (FIGS. 7-9), however, the walls 22, 24 are too short to protect the planar objects 4 in the deployed position without the addition of the spacers 28. The spacers 28 provide additional wall height when necessary and less wall height when desired for stacking and nesting. In some embodiments the width D4 of the base 26 is about twice as long as the height DI of the walls 22, 24 without the spacers 28. In some embodiments the width D4 of the base 26 is greater than twice as long as the height DI of the walls 22, 24 without the spacers 28. In some embodiments the width D4 of the base 26 is about as long as the combined height of both walls 22, 24, even if one of the walls 22, 24 is longer than the other wall 22, 24.

An exemplary spacer 28 is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The spacer 28 has spacer projections 28A and spacer recesses 28B. In one embodiment the spacer 28 has spacer projections 28A extending from two opposing sides of the spacer 28 with corresponding spacer recesses 28B between the spacer projections 28A on each side. In the embodiment shown, the spacer 28 includes a repeating pattern of two spacer projections 28A followed by two spacer recesses 28B extending along the length of two opposing sides the spacer 28. In one embodiment the upper portion of the walls 22, 24 have wall recesses 21B configured to receive the spacer projections 28A. The upper portion of the walls 22, 24 may also have wall projections 21 A configured to be received by the spacer recesses 28B. By inserting the respective projections 28A, 21A into the respective recesses 21B, 28B the components can be secured together to form a friction or interference fit to selectively increase the height of the walls 22, 24 when the walls 22, 24 are in the deployed position.

In addition to attaching a first spacer 28 to a top portion of the walls 22, 24, one or more additional (second, third, ect...) spacers 28 may also be combined with the first spacer 28. As shown in FIG. 12, spacer projections 28A from a first spacer 28w are received into the spacer recesses 28B of another (second) spacer 28x for storing the one or more spacers 28 or for combining multiple spacers 28w, 28x into the top portion of the walls 22, 24 to make the walls 22, 24 taller. In some embodiments the length of the spacer 28 is about the same as the length of the wall 22, 24 so that each spacer 28 expends generally the entire length of each wall 22, 24.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, in addition to increasing the height of the walls 22, 24 in the deployed position as described above, one or more spacers 28 may be combined with the top edges of the generally planar objects 4 to help separate adjacent objects 4 and secure the objects 4 to the container 20. The spacers 28 have a plurality of channels 29 (FIGS. 10 and 10A) with a predetermined distance between each channel 29. Each channel 29 is configured to receive an upper edge of a planer object 4 to separate the objects 4 by the predetermined distance. The channels 29 may approximate (or by slightly smaller than) the width of the planar object 4 to create a friction or interference fit between the object 4 and the spacer 28. In one embodiment the channels 29 are created between two adjacent projections 28A as best shown in FIG. 10A. In the embodiment shown, the spacer 28 has two projections 28A extending from a first side of the spacer 28 with a channel 29 therebetween and two projections 28A extending from another side of the spacer 28 having a channel 29 therebetween. The pattern continues along the length of the spacer 28. In addition to the interference fit, the spacers 28 may be secured to the container 20 by other suitable means. In one embodiment the spacers 28 are secured by a strap 32 extending around the objects 4 and the transport container 20. The strap 32 extends along the length of the spacer 28 and through openings 28C in both ends the spacer 28. The strap 32 may be secured to the base 26 or another portion of the container 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the strap 32 is received by a channel 40 in the underside of the base 26.

FIGS. 7-9 show the container 20 in the collapsed position wherein the first and second walls 22, 24 lay generally flat on the base 26. In this position one or more spacers 28 may be secured to the outer surface of the collapsed walls 22, 24. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, first spacer 28w and second spacer 28x are secured to an outer surface of first wall 22 and third spacer 28y and fourth spacer 28z are secured to an outer surface of second wall 24. Each spacer pair may be nested together as described above (FIG. 12) by inserting the spacer projections 28A from the one spacer 28 into the spacer recesses 28B of another spacer 28. The spacers 28 are secured to the outer portion of the walls 22, 24 by any suitable means. In one embodiment the spacers 28 are secured to the outer surface of the walls 22, 24 by a friction or interference fit between the components 22, 24, 28 so that pressing the spacers 28 against a portion of the walls 22, 24 secures the spacers 28 to the walls 22, 24. In the embodiment shown, the walls 22 have a contoured surface with a plurality of recesses 36 configured to receive a portion of the spacers 28, such as a portion of the spacer projections 28A. In some embodiments the channel 29 of each spacer 28 is configured to receive a portion of the wall 22, 24 (in the same manner that it receives an upper portion of the planar object 4 described above) to help create the friction fit and secure the components 22, 24, 28 together.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 15, the base 26 includes a pair of support channels 27 extending laterally through the central body of the base 26. The support channels 27 provide a receiver which can be used for lifting or carrying the container 20 from a first location to a second location with, for example, a fork-lift. Each support channel 27 may include an aluminum C-channel which serves to strengthen and provide durability for the support channels 27. Each support channel 27 has a first opening on one side of the base 26 and a second opening on another side of the base 26. A replaceable wear plate 33 is positioned around one or more of the support channel 27 openings. The wear plate 33 helps protect the base 26 in the event forks from a fork-lift inadvertently contact the base 26 instead of sliding into the support channels 27. The wear plate 33 may be made of any suitable material, however, in one embodiment it is made from the same plastic as the base 26 to double the thickness of the plastic material at the location of the wear plate 33.

In some embodiments multiple containers 20 may be stacked on top of each other. FIG. 13 shows two containers 20, 20A stacked on top of each other in the deployed configuration and FIG. 14 shows two containers 20, 20A stacked on top of each other in the collapsed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the spacer projections 28A extending from the top portion of each wall 22, 24 are received into openings 31 (FIG. 15) in the underside of a second transport container 20A.

As described above, one or more spacers 28 may be removably combined with the outer surface of the collapsed walls 22, 24 by inserting a portion of each spacer 28 into recesses 36 in the outer surfaces of the walls 22, 24 as shown in FIG. 8 and 14. Similarly, the underside of the base 26 has channel 40 with contoured members having recesses 38 configured to receive a portion of the spacers 28, such as a portion of the spacer projections 28A. The spacers 28 combined with the outer surfaces of the walls 22, 24 of a first collapsed transport container 20 as shown in FIG. 7 and described above are configured to be received into the channel 40 and recesses 38 on the underside of a second collapsed transport container 20A stacked on top of the first collapsed transport container 20. The spacers 28 function as a locking member for the stacked containers 20, 20A. The spacers 28 fit snugly into the outer portion of the walls 22, 24 of the lower transport container 20 and also into the channel 40 and recesses 38 of the upper transport container 20A to help keep the two containers 20 properly positioned and nested together.

Having thus described the invention in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various revisions can be made to the preferred embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is my intention, however, that all such revisions and modifications that are evident to those skilled in the art will be included with in the scope of the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is as follows:

1. A transport container for carrying one or more generally planar objects, the transport container comprising: a base configured to support the one or more generally planar objects, the base having a width; opposing first and second side walls removably connected to the base, each of the first and second side walls movable between a deployed position wherein the walls extend generally upwardly from the base and a collapsed position wherein the walls lay generally flat on the base, wherein each of the first and second side walls have a length, a height, and a top portion; and a first spacer configured to be removably combined with the top portion of the first side wall and a second spacer configured to be removably combined with the top portion of the second side wall, the first and second spacers configured to increase the height of each wall when the walls are in the deployed position and be removed from the first and second side walls when the walls are in the collapsed position.

2. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the first and second spacers each have a length, and the length of the first and second spacers is generally the same as the length of the first and second side walls.

3. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the top portion of the first side wall includes wall recesses configured to receive spacer projections extending from the first spacer and the top portion of the second side wall includes wall recesses configured to receive spacer projections extending from the second spacer.

4. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the first spacer is configured to be combined with a third spacer to further increase the height of the first side wall when the first side wall is in the deployed position, wherein the third spacer has spacer projections. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the first side wall has an outer surface with a plurality of wall surface projections and the first spacer has a plurality of spacer channels, the spacer channels configured to receive the wall surface projections to removably combine the first spacer with the outer surface of the first side wall when in the collapsed position. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the first spacer includes: a. spacer projections configured to be inserted into wall recesses in the top portion of the first wall; b. spacer recesses configured to receive spacer projections of a third spacer; c. channels between the spacer projections, the channels configured to receive surface features extending from an outer surface of the first wall; and d. an end portion having an opening configured to receive a strap. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the height of the first side wall without the first spacer attached to the top portion is about half of the width of the base, and the height of the second side wall without the second spacer attached to the top portion is about half of the width of the base, such that the first side wall and the second side wall lay flat against the base when in the collapsed position without overlapping. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the first spacer has a plurality of channels configured to receive a portion of one of the generally planar objects to provide a predetermined spacing between adjacent planar objects. The transport container of claim 1 further comprising posts extending from either the base or a lower portion of the first and second side walls, the posts configured to be received by recesses in the other of the base and the first and second side walls to provide an interference fit when the first and second side walls are in the deployed position.

10. The transport container of claim 1 further comprising a brace arm pivotally combined with the first side wall, the brace arm having recesses configured to receive projections extending from the base to provide an interference fit.

11. The transport container of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a pair of support channels extending from an opening in a side of the base, the support channels providing a receiver which can be used for lifting the transport container from a first location to a second location.

12. The transport container of claim 11 wherein at least one support channel of the pair of support channels includes an aluminum C-channel positioned therein to strengthen the at least one support channel.

13. The transport container of claim 12 wherein at least one support channel of the pair of support channels includes a replaceable wear plate positioned around the opening of the at least one support channel to help protect the base.

14. A transport container kit for carrying one or more generally planar objects, the transport container kit comprising: a base configured to support the one or more generally planar objects; opposing first and second side walls removably connected to the base, each of the first and second side walls movable between a deployed position wherein the walls extend generally upwardly from the base and a collapsed position wherein the walls lay generally flat on the base, wherein each of the first and second side walls have a length, a height, and a top portion; and a first spacer configured to be removably combined with the top portion of the first side wall and a second spacer configured to be removably combined with the top portion of the second side wall, the first and second spacers configured to increase the height of each wall when the walls are in the deployed position and be removed from the first and second side walls when the walls are in the collapsed position.

15. The transport container kit of claim 14 wherein the top portion of the first side wall includes wall recesses configured to receive spacer projections extending from the first spacer and the top portion of the second side wall includes wall recesses configured to receive spacer projections extending from the second spacer. The transport container kit of claim 14 wherein the first spacer is configured to be combined with a third spacer to further increase the height of the first side wall when the first side wall is in the deployed position and the second spacer is configured to be combined with a fourth spacer to further increase the height of the second side wall when the second side wall is in the deployed position, wherein the third spacer and the fourth spacer each has spacer projections. The transport container kit of claim 14 wherein the first spacer includes: a. spacer projections configured to be inserted into wall recesses in the top portion of the first wall; b. spacer recesses configured to receive spacer projections of a third spacer; c. channels between the spacer projections, the channels configured to receive surface features extending from an outer surface of the first wall; and d. an end portion having an opening configured to receive a strap. The transport container kit of claim 14 wherein the height of the first side wall without the first spacer attached to the top portion is about half of the width of the base, and the height of the second side wall without the second spacer attached to the top portion is about half of the width of the base, such that the first side wall and the second side wall lay flat against the base when in the collapsed position without overlapping. The transport container kit of claim 14 further comprising posts extending from either the base or a lower portion of the first and second side walls, the posts configured to be received by recesses in the other of the base and the first and second side walls to provide an interference fit when the first and second side walls are in the deployed position.

20. A spacer for use with a transport container for carrying one or more generally planar objects, the transport container having a base, a first side wall, and a second side wall, said spacer comprising: spacer projections having a first end and a second end, the first end configured to be inserted into wall recesses in a top portion of the first wall or the second wall, and the second end having spacer recesses configured to receive spacer projections of a second spacer; and a channel between adjacent pairs of the spacer projections, each channel configured to receive a surface feature extending from an outer surface of the first wall when the first wall is in a collapsed position.

21. The spacer of claim 20 further comprising an end portion having an opening configured to receive a strap.

22. The spacer of claim 20 wherein each channel is further configured to receive a portion of one of the generally planar objects to secure and provide a predetermined spacing between adjacent planar objects when the first wall is in the deployed position and the transport contains is carrying generally planar objects.