Abstract: A folding crate for holding packages includes a base having a substantially planar support surface for supporting packages and a plurality of side walls positioned along the sides of the base. A hinge pin member having a generally oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape is located along each side of the base. The hinge pin member is oriented in such a manner that the major axis of the cross-section is positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane of the support surface while the minor axis of the cross-section is located substantially parallel to the plane of the support surface. The bottom end of each of the side walls is provided with a knuckle for mounting the side walls on the base and a through hole is formed in each knuckle for loosely receiving one of the hinge pin members. The knuckle on each side wall also includes a slotted opening for allowing the side wall to be mounted on the hinge pin member.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling crates with packages is disclosed. The crates have hinged sides. The apparatus unfolds the sides of a crate and places the packages in the crate between the upright sides. The filled crates are transported on a conveyor to a bander. In the bander, a flexible band is applied around the outside of the upright sides. The banded crates are stacked by the apparatus with the bottom of the upper crate resting on the top edge of the upright sides of the lower crate. The banded and stacked crates may be transported horizontally while stacked.

Abstract: A folding crate includes a bottom having a substantially planar support surface for receiving packages, a first side wall and a second side wall. A first hinge arrangement is provided for hingedly connecting the first side wall to the bottom and a second hinge arrangement is provided for hingedly connecting the second side wall to the bottom. The hinge arrangements permit the first and second side walls to be folded inwardly toward the bottom when packages are not located in the crate. The hinge axis of the first and second hinge arrangements are positioned at elevationally different positions to that the first and second side walls can be folded inwardly toward the bottom and positioned substantially parallel to one another.

Abstract: A machine for loading articles such as milk cartons in a crate and stacking the crates for transport is described. The crate has folding sides. A supply of crates stacked in folded condition is introduced into the machine. The crates are removed individually from the stack by the machine, the sides are raised, and the crates are arranged vertically on a conveyor in preparation to receive the filled cartons. Cartons are inserted into a crate, which is then banded by a plastic strip, and the crate is placed in a stack with other crates that have been filled with cartons. The stack of filled crates is then unloaded from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a packing or shipping container which is adapted to receive a plurality of individual units of material to be shipped within the packing or shipping container. The container is adapted to be stackable, one upon the other, with a plurality of other containers when in its filled or packed condition and when in a unfolded or empty condition. The assembly permits ease of construction of the packing container for receiving the individual packing units and the ease of shipment of filled containers and return of disassembled or unfolded containers.