Adjustable, reusable packing crate

摘要

An adjustable reusable modular packaging crate and assembly kit is purposed for safe transportation of preferably mostly two-dimensional items. Several latching corner subassemblies each hold two perpendicular frame extensions that may be locked into adjustable lengths to make crate frame sides. Sets of adjustable clamps interact with the item to be shipped and the crate frame, to assist in securing the item to be shipped. Extendable frame components allow for a frame that adjusts precisely to the size of the item to be shipped. Frame locks securely fix the dimensions of the packaging crate. Gusset subassemblies and cross-corner struts add rigidity to the crate. Corner, frame, strut, and gusset components interlock to create a rigid packaging crate. Frame links enable crate frame sides to be connected side-by-side, adding to the depth of the crate frame. The modular crate may be easily disassembled for low-space storage between uses, and easily reassembled for reuse.

主权项

1. An adjustable, resusable, modular packaging crate for containing and transporting a mostly-two-dimensional item, the crate comprising:
a rectangular frame having a front, a back, and an interior space surrounded and defined by the frame for receiving the item, the frame comprising a plurality of corner subassemblies each including a corner and two extension frame members extending from each end of the corner, and a plurality of elongated locking frame members each slidably connecting and latching to two of the extension frame members, wherein, when unlatched, each locking frame member is slidable longitudinally relative to said two extension frame members for adjusting distance between the corner subassemblies to change the shape and size of the frame; and the crate further comprising: at least one rigidifying, elongated cross-frame gusset extending diagonally between two of the locking frame members in front of said interior space, and at least one rigidifying, elongated cross-frame gusset extending diagonally between two of the locking frame members in back of the said interior space; wherein each of the gussets is longitudinally slidably extendable and retractable in length and has ends rotatably attached to the locking frame members, so that, when the locking frame members are unlatched and slid to change said distance between corners subassemblies, each gusset extends or retracts in length and the ends of each gusset rotate relative to the locking frame members, to allow the change in size and/or shape of the frame; and wherein each gusset comprises a lock for preventing the gusset from extending or retracting in length, and locks for preventing the ends from rotating relative to the locking frame members, for rigidifying the frame after said adjusting the distance between the corner subassemblies.