Abstract: An engine storage and transportation rack is provided for shipping and storage of internal combustion engines. The rack includes a frame upon which is transversely mounted a plurality of pairs of engine support pods. Each pair of pods is designed to accept one engine. The pods include downwardly angled guide surfaces to direct engines being loaded thereon into contact with horizontal support surfaces which accept discrete structure on the underside of the engine for support of the engine on the pod. The remaining portions of the engine are spaced slightly from the pods so as not to be in contact with the pods. However, the pods do restrain longitudinal and transverse movement of the engines.

Abstract: A collapsible bin comprising a generally rectangular bottom wall and four side walls is provided. The bottom wall has an upstanding U-shaped support element at each corner thereof. The side walls are arranged into first and second pairs. Each pair of side walls is pivotally mounted and supported by the U-shaped support elements. The side walls are collapsible from an upright position to a position on the bottom wall to provide a storage configuration of relatively small size. Latch means are provided to secure the side walls in an upright position.

Abstract: A shipping rack is provided which protects easily damaged articles of manufacture during transit. The shipping rack comprises one or more of tiers of vertically spaced apart shelves which are fabricated of a pliable stretchable cloth. The vertical distance between each pair of vertically adjacent shelves is slightly greater than the thickness of the article of manufacture to be loaded thereon to result in stretching of the shelves when an article of manufacture is loaded thereon into contact with an article of manufacture located onto a lower shelf to steady the load on the rack and prevent damage to the articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A collapsible/expandable shipping rack is provided. The rack has a generally rectangular bottom wall. A pair of oppositely disposed end walls are hingedly secured to the bottom wall. The end walls may be pivoted from an upright position to a collapsed position over the bottom wall for storage of the rack. Removable side rails are provided. The side walls extend between the end walls and are removable and storable on the bottom wall for storage of the rack. The end wall walls have width expanding sections which are movable on track means to alter the width of the rack. The end walls also have a height expanding section which are movable on track means to alter the height of the rack.

Abstract: A shipping rack is provided which is convertible to a first rack length for snug lengthwise loading across the interior width of a semi-trailer and convertible to a second rack length for snug loading lengthwise across the interior width of a railroad boxcar. This is accomplished by providing pivotable extensions on one end wall of the rack which may be pivoted into the end wall to form a short rack length and out of the end wall to form a longer rack length.

Abstract: A shipping unit is provided which protects easily damaged articles of manufacture during transit. The shipping unit includes a rack which comprises one or more of tiers of vertically spaced apart shelves which are fabricated of a pliable stretchable cloth. The vertical distance between each pair of vertically adjacent shelves in the unloaded condition is slightly greater than the thickness of the article of manufacture to be loaded thereon. Articles of manufacture are loaded thereon whereby the upper shelves stretch into contact with an article of manufacture loaded onto a lower shelf to steady the load on the rack and prevent damage to the articles of manufacture.