| 摘要 |
An improved method and apparatus for interconnecting a plurality of storage containers of a type having rectangularly shaped recesses formed therein. In one embodiment hereof, the present invention provides a support block which includes four integral side walls which are connected to one another to define a substantially rectangular block shape. The side walls of the block are preferably made to taper, so as to be progressively thinner as they extend further away from a center line which bisects the block. The block also includes a support boss, which is located in between all four side walls and which is connected to at least two side walls. The support boss is connected to the walls of the block by an integral connector, which may take different forms. The support boss has a central bore formed therethrough to receive and support a shaft of a fastener therein. The central bore in the support boss may be also be made to taper, in order to facilitate alignment of the block with a threaded fastener which may be passed therethrough. In a method of interconnecting storage crates according to the present invention, a section of wall is removed from one side of a first crate, and a section of wall is also removed from one side of a second crate. Then, holes are drilled through the first and second crates, at the back of recesses formed at the bottom of the open walls thereof. The first and second crates are then aligned so that the drilled holes line up. Support blocks, in accordance with the present invention, are placed into recesses in between the first and second crates, adjacent the drilled holes thereof. A fastener, such as a bolt or threaded rod, is also placed through the central bore of each support block used, and through the drilled holes of the crates. At least one end of the fastener extends past an inner surface of a crate wall. Then, a corresponding fastener is placed on the end of the rod which extends past the inner crate surface.
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