Stackable crate

Abstract

 A stackable crate for the storage and transportation of goods includes a container (4) with a base (6) and upstanding walls (8,10), and one or more stacking bars (16) that are adjustable to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations. At least one of the stacking bars (18) includes an RF identification device (28).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a stackable crate for the storage and transportation of goods, which has a radio frequency (RF) identification device. The invention also relates to a stacking bar for use with a stackable crate.

[0002] One example of a stackable crate is described in GB 1444356. Stacking crates normally include an open-topped container with a base and walls, and one or more stacking bars (or "bale arms"), that are adjustable to allow stacking of the crate with other crates in a plurality of stacking configurations. The walls may be inclined or stepped to allow nesting of similar containers, or they may be upright. In the latter case, nesting is only possible with containers that have a smaller "footprint", allowing them to fit within the open top of the first container. Optionally, the walls may be attached to the base with hinges allowing them to be folded flat for convenient transportation or storage, for example as described in EP 1237791.

[0003] EP 126193 7 relates to returnable items, for example containers, for use in the transportation and storage of commercial goods. The returnable item includes a radio frequency (RF) identification device that is capable of transmitting a data signal to a nearby RF detector. The data signal can be used to track the returnable item or its contents.

[0004] It is known to use such RF identification devices ("RF tags") on a variety of returnable items, including stackable crates. The crate is normally made of a plastics material, by moulding. When a RF identification device is provided, it is normally embedded within the walls or base of the crate during the moulding process.

[0005] Although tagged crates of the type described above have proved to be highly successful, there is a problem in that there are in existence many millions of crates that do not include a RF tag. Efforts have been made to retrofit RF tags to existing crates, for example by attaching the tags to the crates using a suitable adhesive. However, these efforts have not been entirely successful, since the attached tags can easily become detached or damaged in use. There is therefore a need for an improved method of tagging existing stacking crates.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a stackable crate, and a stacking bar for a stackable crate, that mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.

[0007] According to the present invention there is provided a stackable crate for the storage and transportation of goods, the crate including a container with a base and walls, and one or more stacking bars that are adjustable to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations, wherein at least one said stacking bar includes a RF identification device.

[0008] The stacking bars of stackable crates are designed to be removable, so that they can be replaced if they become damaged. Therefore, by replacing at least one of the stacking bars with a stacking bar that includes a RF identification device, RF tags can be attached very easily to existing crates. A user's entire stock of crates can therefore be tagged very easily and at low cost, thus avoiding the need for replacement. Furthermore, because the tags can be permanently attached to the stacking bars during the manufacturing process, the risk of them becoming damaged or detached can be very significantly reduced.

[0009] Preferably, the RF identification device is embedded in the stacking bar. For example, if the stacking bar is a moulded article, the RF identification device may be embedded therein during moulding. By embedding the RF identification device within the moulded stacking bar, the risk of damage or detachment can be virtually eliminated. Alternatively, the RF identification device can be securely attached to the stacking bar.

[0010] Advantageously, the stacking bar is pivotally connected to the container. The stacking bar is preferably removably connected to the container.

[0011] Preferably, the RF identification device includes an antenna and a drive circuit connected to the antenna for transmitting identification data.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a stacking bar for a stackable crate that is suitable for the storage and transportation of goods, the crate including a container with a base and walls, wherein the stacking bar includes a RF identification device and connection means for connecting the stacking bar to the container, such that the stacking bar can be adjusted to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations.

[0013] Advantageously, the stacking bar includes a back portion and two leg portions at the ends thereof. Preferably, each leg portion includes a pivot element.

[0014] Advantageously, the RF identification device is embedded in the stacking bar. The stacking bar is preferably made of a plastics material.

[0015] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stackable crate; and

Figure 2 is perspective view of a stacking bar for a stackable crate.

[0016] The stackable crate 2 shown in Figure 1 is of a known type and is similar for example to the container described in GB 1444356, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The crate includes an open-topped container 4 having a substantially rectangular base 6 and four upstanding walls comprising two long side walls 8 and two shorter end walls 10. The walls 8,10 are inclined and/or stepped outwards, allowing a plurality of similar crates to be stacked in various configurations. For example, the crates can be stacked in a nested condition, in which the base and lower parts of the walls of the upper container are located within the upper parts of the walls of the lower container, so that the spacing between the bases of the adjacent crates is less than the height of an individual crate. Alternatively, the crates can be stacked in a column-stacked configuration, in which the spacing between the bases is substantially equal to the height of the crate, as will be described below.

[0017] The upper parts of the walls are bent over to form a double wall section 12 comprising inner and outer walls. At the ends of the side walls, the upper connecting part is cut away providing a slot between the inner and outer walls, for receiving a stacking bar, as will be described below.

[0018] The container is made of a moulded plastics material, for example by injection moulding.

[0019] Two stacking bars 18 are pivotally attached to the side walls. Both stacking bars are similar, one of the bars being shown in detail in Figure 2. Each stacking bar 18 includes a straight back portion 20 and two leg portions 22, attached to opposite ends of the back portion. Each end portion 22 carries at its distal end an outwardly extending pivot pin 24. This pin is located in a hole 26 in the outer side wall, allowing pivoting movement of the stacking bar 18.

[0020] The stacking bars 18 may be pivotally adjusted between different positions to enable stacking in various configurations. For example, when the bars are in a first position as shown in Figure 1, the back portions 20 are spaced from the end walls 10 and overlie the base 6 of the container. This position allows for column stacking, the base of an upper crate being supported by the stacking bars. Alternatively, the stacking bars 18 can be pivoted to a second position (not shown), in which the back portions are located above the upper edges of the end walls 10 and therefore do not overlie the base. In this position, a plurality of crates can be stacked in a nested condition, in which the spacing of the bases is less than the height of a crate.

[0021] The features of the crate described above are all conventional and apply to a stackable crate of the general type described in GB1444356. The present invention is also applicable to stackable crates of other types, for example as described in EP0553540, EP0557002 or EP1237791.

[0022] Where the present invention differs from the prior art is in the provision of a RF identification tag 28, which is incorporated into one or both of the stacking bars 18. For example, the RF identification device 28 may be embedded within one leg 22 of the stacking bar, as represented in broken lines in Figure 2. Where the stacking bar is made of a plastics material, the RF identification device may be embedded within the stacking bar during moulding. Alternatively, the RF identification device 28 may be securely attached to the stacking bar, for example with an external fixture (not shown).

[0023] The RF identification device 28 may for example be of the type described in WO 01/67384, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein. The RF identification device generally comprises an antenna 30 for radio frequency (RF) use, and a drive circuit 32 that is connected to the antenna. The drive circuit is operable to communicate by means of the antenna with an external RF receiving device (not shown), allowing it to transmit data identifying the crate and/or its contents.

[0024] The drive circuit 32 may be passive and arranged to respond in a predetermined manner to a signal received via the antenna 30 from an external source. Alternatively, the drive circuit may be active and arranged to initiate transmission using the antenna. In the latter case, a power supply such as a battery will be required and may be incorporated within the circuit.

[0025] It is envisaged that in use, the circuit, whether passive or active, will be able to report data relating to the container, either when interrogated (in the case of a passive circuit) or spontaneously. In a simple arrangement, the circuit may report its identity, from which the identity of the container in which it is installed may be obtained from appropriate records, and thus the contents of the container identified. Alternatively, the circuit may identify the container or the contents of that container. In the latter case, some form of re-writable memory could be used, together with a facility to change stored data. It is envisaged that the drive circuit would be loaded with appropriate data at the time the container is loaded with produce, the circuit being loaded with corresponding data to identify the produce.

[0026] The stacking bars 18 of stackable crates are generally designed to be removable, so that they can be replaced in the event of damage. It is therefore a simple matter to retrofit an existing untagged crate with a RF identification tag, simply by replacing one of the stacking bars with a new stacking bar that includes a RF identification tag. The owner of a large number of untagged crates can therefore easily apply tags to those crates, allowing their movement to be tracked.

[0027] Various modifications of the invention are of course possible. For example, the RF identification device may include more than one antenna, and the antennas can be oriented in different directions, so that the ability of the device to communication with an external RF device does not depend on their relative orientation. The antennas may for example be located within one or both legs of the stacking bar, and/or within the back portion of the bar.

[0028] The walls of the container may be inclined or stepped to allow nesting of similar containers, or they may be upright. In the latter case, nesting is only possible with containers that have a smaller "footprint", allowing them to fit within the open top of the container. Optionally, the walls may be attached to the base with hinges, for example as described in EP 1237791, allowing them to be folded flat for convenient transportation or storage.

Claims

1. A stackable crate for the storage and transportation of goods, the crate including a container with a base and walls, and one or more stacking bars that are adjustable to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations, wherein at least one said stacking bar includes a RF identification device.

2. A stackable crate according to claim 1, wherein the RF identification device is embedded in the stacking bar.

3. A stackable crate according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the stacking bar is pivotally connected to the container.

4. A stackable crate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking bar is removably connected to the container.

5. A stackable crate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the RF identification device includes an antenna and a drive circuit connected to the antenna for transmitting identification data.

6. A stacking bar for a stackable crate that is suitable for the storage and transportation of goods, the crate including a container with a base and walls, wherein the stacking bar includes a RF identification device and connection means for connecting the stacking bar to the container, such that the stacking bar can be adjusted to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in a plurality of stacking configurations.

7. A stacking bar according to claim 6, including a back portion and two leg portions at the ends thereof.

8. A stacking bar according to claim 7, wherein each leg portion includes a pivot element.

9. A stacking bar according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the RF identification device is embedded in the stacking bar.

10. A stacking bar according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the stacking bar is made of a plastics material.

11. A stacking bar according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the RF identification device includes an antenna and a drive circuit connected to the antenna for transmitting identification data.

Drawing