MODULAR CRATE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods. The present invention also relates to the use of the modular crate assembly for freight logistics, warehousing, transport and/or shipment purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular pallet architectures and crate solutions are known as such in the art.

International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 in the name of the present Applicant, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, disclose such a modular pallet architecture allowing formation of nested pallet assemblies of varying sizes using a set of individual pallet modules of different dimensions, including e.g. a unit-size pallet module, a medium-size pallet module and a large-size pallet module. In one embodiment, all pallet modules may especially exhibit a generally square shape, the medium-size pallet module and large-size pallet module each having a size that is an integer multiple of the size of the unit-size pallet module. Other embodiments are however contemplated.

In accordance with International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , all relevant pallet modules forming part of a given assortment of pallet modules can selectively be assembled one with the other to form a pallet assembly of varying size. The pallet modules disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 share a substantial number of common features, including: a main structural body exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border with first to fourth lateral sides extending between upper and lower sides of the main structural body; first and second lateral flanges extending outwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the first and second lateral sides; first and second lateral grooves extending inwardly from the peripheral border of the main structural body along the third and fourth lateral sides; a foot structure disposed on the lower side of the main structural body; first and second toggle latch components arranged in the vicinity of the first and second lateral sides; and third and fourth toggle latch components arranged in the vicinity of the third and fourth lateral sides.

The first and second lateral flanges form a first part of a mating system that is configured to allow lateral nesting of multiple pallet modules within one another. The first and second lateral flanges are in effect configured to cooperate and mate with the first and second lateral grooves, which form another corresponding part of the relevant mating system.

The first to fourth toggle latch components are provided on the upper side of the main structural body at least partly within corresponding recesses formed below the upper surface of the upper side of the main structural body.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , the main structural bodies of the unit-size pallet module, the medium-size pallet module and the large-size pallet module, respectively, each exhibit a square shape. The length of the main structural body of the medium-size pallet module is preferably twice the length (or “unit length”) of the unit-size pallet module, while the length of the main structural body of the large-size pallet module is preferably four times the unit length. In this context, the number of toggle latch components along each side increases as a function of the increase in dimensions of the pallet module, namely, from one per side for the unit-size pallet module, to two per side for the medium-size pallet module, and four per side for the large-size pallet module. The first and second toggle latch components are each configured to cooperate and interlock with the third and fourth toggle latch components, respectively, of another similar pallet module of the nested pallet assembly, to form releasable toggle latches, allowing each pallet module to be secured to or released from another pallet module of the assortment. More specifically, each of the first and second toggle latch components comprises a spring-loaded latch element with a moveable latch section that extends outwardly to cooperate with the third, respectively fourth toggle latch component of another pallet module, each of the third and fourth toggle latch components consisting here of a catch element comprising a catch section. The spring-loaded latch element is manually actuatable and further comprises a handle section that is mechanically linked to the moveable latch section to allow manual actuation of the latch element. Each releasable toggle latch is thus formed of two connectable or disconnectable sections, one being provided on one pallet module of the pallet assembly, and the other on the other, adjacent pallet module of the pallet assembly.

The foot structure may consist of a fixed foot structure comprising one or more foot elements that are made integral with the main structural body. Advantageously, the main structural bodies are structured to exhibit one or more corresponding depressions on the upper side allowing stacking of multiple pallet modules one on top of the other.

The aforementioned modular pallet architecture provides unprecedented benefits, especially in terms of freight logistics and environmental sustainability. In particular, the underlying structure and concept of the aforementioned modular pallet structure is simple, yet provides substantial flexibility in the pallet assemblies that can be built on the basis of the relevant assortment of pallet modules. The dimensions and structure of the relevant pallet modules can be selected to boost efficiency and ease of use. The pallet modules can be assembled (and disassembled) very easily and quickly, and the dimensions thereof can be optimized to ensure that substantially all of the available shipment space can be exploited, thereby drastically reducing waste as well as packaging and shipment costs. In addition, the pallet modules are designed to be reused many times, thereby ensuring greater sustainability and reducing carbon footprint as a result compared to existing pallet solutions.

By way of preference, as further disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , the pallet modules may advantageously be configured to be compatible with and enable the so-called Physical Internet (PI) global logistics model, which is also referred to as the Physical Internet Initiative (see in particular “Towards a Physical Internet: Meeting the Global Logistics Sustainability Grand Challenge”, Benoit Montreuil, January 2011 , CIRRELT-2011 -03, which publication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). The Physical Internet encapsulates physical objects in physical packets or containers (referred to as “iT-containers”). The aforementioned modular pallet architecture is in effect a functional enabler of this encapsulation principle. “Encapsulation” is one of the three main requirements of the Physical Internet global logistics model; two additional requirements are “Protocols” and “Interfaces”. The aforementioned modular pallet architecture thus acts as an enabler to the implementation of these two additional requirements in that it allows for the standardization of pallet modules for different sizes and load requirements, and provides for added flexibility, enabling reorganization of the entire freight logistics at distribution centres (or nodes). In this context, each pallet module may further include a smart tag (based e.g. on RFID or GPS technology) providing identification and traceability of each pallet module, a further functional enabler of the Physical Internet global logistics model. This smart tag in particular helps ensuring the identification, integrity, routing, conditioning, monitoring, traceability and security of each iT-container and further enables distributed handling, storage and routing automation.

Modular container concepts are also discussed in “Modular Design of Physical Internet Transport, Handling and Packaging Containers”, Benoit Montreuil et al., March 2017, Progress in Material Handling Research: 2014, 13, MHI, 2015, International Material Handling Research Colloquium, 978-1 -882780- 18-3, HAL Id: hal-01487239 (https://hal-mines-paristech.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal- 0 487239), as well as in “Containers for the Physical Internet: requirements and engineering design related to FMCG logistics”, Christian Landschutzer et al., October 29, 2015, Logistics Research 8, 8 (2015)

(https://doi.Org/10.1007/s12159-015-0126-3).

There remains a need to further expand upon the aforementioned modular pallet architectures and modular container concepts, namely, provide a suitable solution to fully encase goods inside a dedicated storage space.

Modular crate assemblies are generally known in the art but the known solutions typically fail to provide sufficient flexibility in terms of the ability to adapt the configuration and size of the relevant crate assembly to the size of the pallet and to the size of the relevant goods.

International (PCT) Publication No. WO 2021/072492 A1 for instance discloses a modular crate assembly that is based on a combination of dedicated panel and base components that can only be assembled in one particular way and therefore lack the desired flexibility.

There therefore remains a need for a suitable modular crate assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A general aim of the present invention is to provide an improved solution for freight logistics and industrial packaging of goods.

More specifically, an aim of the invention is to provide a modular crate assembly having improved modularity.

Furthermore, an aim of the present invention is to provide such a solution that fully enables the aforementioned Physical Internet (PI) global logistics model, namely, such a solution that adequately enables the encapsulation principle and fulfils the requirement for an interconnected logistic system in a complex multimodel transport environment.

Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution that is costefficient to implement, run and maintain.

A further aim of the invention is to provide such a solution that ensures flexibility in how crate assemblies can be built and assembled.

Yet another aim is to provide such a solution that allows reduction of the environmental footprint by reducing the amount of wood waste and inherent CO2 emissions resulting from the known packaging solutions that follow the traditional linear economy principle or that are based on a suboptimal circular economy principle.

These aims and others are achieved thanks to the solutions defined in the claims.

There is accordingly provided a modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods according to claim 1 , namely, such a modular crate assembly including a bottom pallet part and a sidewall consisting of four side panels that are mounted onto the bottom pallet part. The four side panels are modular and formed of multiple side panel modules that are assembled and mutually joined at comers to form the sidewall.

The invention allows for improved efficiency in that it provides for a fully reusable crate assembly that can be used to replace conventional single-use crate solutions, thereby reducing total cost of ownership from a packaging cost perspective and favouring implementation of a circular economy principle. At the same time, the invention allows for an optimization of the volume and weight of the entire crate solution for a given shipment space, thereby reducing transport costs.

Advantageous and/or preferred embodiments of the modular crate assembly form the subject-matter of dependent claims 2 to 39.

Also claimed is the use of the modular crate assembly of the invention for freight logistics, warehousing, transport and/or shipment purposes.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention as seen from an upper viewing angle;

Figure 1 B is a perspective view of the modular crate assembly of Figure 1 A as seen from an opposite direction and a lower viewing angle;

Figure 1 C is a side view of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1A-B; Figure 1 D is a partial perspective view of one corner of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1 A-C as seen from an upper viewing angle;

Figure 1 E is a partial perspective view of the corner shown in Figure 1 D as seen from a lower viewing angle;

Figure 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1A-E showing a top part thereof being removed from the upper portion of a sidewall of the modular crate assembly;

Figure 3 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a bottom pallet part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1A-E and 2;

Figure 3A is a top view of a pallet module and associated cover element forming part of the bottom pallet part of Figure 3;

Figure 4 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the top part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1 A-E and 2;

Figure 5A is a perspective view of part of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly of Figures 1A-E and 2, namely, of eight side panel modules arranged in a square configuration;

Figure 5B is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in Figure 5A, namely, one corner thereof where two adjacent side panel modules mutually join along two perpendicular planes;

Figure 5C is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in Figure 5A, namely, a middle portion of one of the side panels where two adjacent side panel modules mutually join along the same plane;

Figure 6A is a perspective view of one of the side panel modules depicted in Figures 1A-E, 2 and 5A-C shown in isolation;

Figure 6B is a top view of the side panel module of Figure 6A;

Figure 7A is a perspective view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention as seen from an upper viewing angle;

Figure 7B is a perspective view of the modular crate assembly of Figure 7A as seen from an opposite direction and a lower viewing angle;

Figure 7C is a side view of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-B;

Figure 7D is a partial perspective view of a top part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-C; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bottom pallet part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-D;

Figure 8A is a top view of the bottom pallet part of Figure 8;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the top part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-D;

Figure 10A is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged section of an exterior portion of one of the side panels of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-D where two adjacent side panel modules are joined vertically and secured one to the other by means of locking mechanism;

Figure 10B is a partial perspective view showing an enlarged section of an interior portion of the side panel and locking mechanism depicted in Figure 10A;

Figure 10C is a partial perspective view showing a cross-section of the interior portion of the side panel and locking mechanism depicted in Figure 10B as viewed along a vertical cross-sectional plane passing through a retaining element cooperating with the locking mechanism;

Figure 11 A is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the modular crate assembly of Figures 7A-D as viewed along a horizontal cross-sectional plane passing through an upper portion of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly;

Figure 11 B is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in the crosssection of Figure 11 A, namely, one corner thereof where two adjacent side panel modules mutually join along two perpendicular planes;

Figure 11 C is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in the crosssection of Figure 11 A, namely, a middle portion of one of the side panels where two adjacent side panel modules are joined along the same plane via an intermediate connecting part;

Figure 12A is a schematic side view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention making use of multiple side panel modules of the same size;

Figure 12B is a schematic side view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention making use of multiple side panel modules of different sizes; Figure 12C is a schematic side view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention making use of multiple side panel modules of different sizes;

Figure 13 is a schematic side-by-side comparison of a unit-size side panel module depicted next to the bottom pallet part stacked onto the top part of the modular crate assembly of Figures 12A-C showing that a height of the unit-size side panel module equals a cumulative effective height of the bottom pallet part stacked onto the top part ;

Figure 14 is a schematic side view showing multiple modular crate assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the invention that can further be attached side-by-side in case of need;

Figure 15A is a perspective view of a modular crate assembly in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention as seen from an upper viewing angle;

Figure 15B is a perspective view of the modular crate assembly of Figure 15A as seen from a lower viewing angle;

Figure 15C is a side view of the modular crate assembly of Figures 15A- B;

Figure 16A is a perspective view showing a cross-section of the modular crate assembly of Figures 15A-C as viewed along a horizontal cross-sectional plane passing through a lower portion of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly;

Figure 16B is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in the crosssection of Figure 16A, namely, one corner thereof where two adjacent side panel modules mutually join along two perpendicular planes; and

Figure 16C is an enlarged view of part of the sidewall shown in the crosssection of Figure 16A, namely, a middle portion of one of the side panels where two adjacent side panel modules are joined along the same plane via an intermediate connecting part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments. It shall be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses all combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As described herein, when two or more parts or components are described as being connected, secured or coupled to one another, they can be so connected, secured or coupled directly to each other or through one or more intermediary parts.

In the context of the present invention, the expressions “bottom pallet part”, “pallet module” and “pallet assembly” are understood to refer to self-supporting platforms configured to allow the handling and transportation of goods, as used in particular for freight logistics, warehousing, transport and/or shipment purposes. As discussed below, the bottom pallet part of the crate assembly of the invention may advantageously consist of a pallet assembly built of one or multiple pallet modules which are nested laterally within and interlock with one another to form a platform that is adapted in particular to support and allow transport and shipment of goods or equipment, be it by ground, sea or air transportation.

The invention will be described in relation to various embodiments of a modular crate assembly (or modular crate system) comprising a modular bottom pallet part that advantageously consists of one or more pallet modules that are assembled one with the other to form pallet assemblies of varying configurations and sizes. The bottom pallet part as discussed herein is preferably based on the modular pallet architecture disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , but it will be appreciated that the present invention is in effect applicable to any modular pallet architecture that would provide similar modularity and benefits.

As far as the configuration and physical interconnection of the pallet modules are concerned, one may accordingly refer to the full disclosure of International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , which publications are incorporated herein by reference. Ideally, each pallet module includes, as shown e.g. in Figures 3, 3A, 8 and 8A, (i) a mating system configured to allow lateral nesting of another pallet module to form the nested pallet assembly, and (ii) a securing system configured to allow the pallet module to be secured to or released from another pallet module of the nested pallet assembly. The interconnectable pallet modules may once again be of different sizes.

Figures 1A-E to 6A-B are illustrative of a first embodiment of a modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods in accordance with the invention, which modular crate assembly is generally designated by reference sign CR. Figures 1 A to 1 E show the modular crate assembly CR in a fully assembled state, including a bottom pallet part PL and a sidewall consisting of four side panels SP that are mounted onto the bottom pallet part PL. In the illustrated example, the modular crate assembly CR further comprises a top part TP mounted onto an upper portion of the four side panels SP, thereby forming a closed space around the relevant goods. Figure 2 shows the modular crate assembly CR in a partly disassembled state, with the top part TP being removed from the upper portion of the sidewall. In other embodiments, the top part TP could in effect be omitted to form an open crate assembly.

In the illustrated example, the bottom pallet part PL consists of an assembly of four individual pallet modules PLM, as shown in greater detail in Figures 3 and 3A, that are designed in accordance with the modular pallet architecture disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 . More specifically, each pallet module PLM is a unit-size pallet module and the four pallet modules PLM are assembled in a two-by-two configuration to form the bottom pallet part PL. Each pallet module PLM comprises a main structural body 10 exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 10A with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 11 , 12 extend outwardly from the peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10 along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 10 also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 13, 14 extending inwardly from the peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 13, 14 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges 11 , 12 of another pallet module PLM, so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange 11 , 12 of said other pallet module PLM nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 13, 14, as depicted in Figure 3. On the underside of each pallet module PLM, as shown in Figures 1 B, 1 C and 1 E, there is provided a foot structure FT that advantageously forms an integral part of each pallet module PLM to create clearances between the bottom pallet part PL and the ground to ensure suitable handling of the crate assembly CR by means of forklifts and the like. In other embodiments, the foot structure could consist of individual foot elements removably secured to the underside of each pallet module, as further disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 .

By way of preference, and in accordance with the principle disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , each pallet module PLM further includes a set of releasable connection devices 50A, 50B (see Figures 3 and 3A) configured to selectively secure each pallet module PLM to adjacent pallet modules PLM. In the illustrated example, the releasable connection devices include releasable latch components 50A, 50B and are preferably toggle latch components including pairs of mutually engageable latch elements each comprising a movable latch element 50A and a catch element 50B. In this case, the releasable latch components 50A, 50B are configured to allow manual latching of the pallet modules PLM. In other embodiments, one could however contemplate the use of any other suitable type of releasable connection devices, such as releasable connection devices configured to allow remote securement of the pallet modules PLM using e.g. motorized latch components or any other adequate, remotely actuatable securement mechanism.

Also visible in Figure 3 are four cover elements CM1 that are designed to cover the, otherwise exposed, first and second lateral flanges 11 , 12 that extend along first and second lateral sides of the bottom pallet part PL that coincide with the first and second lateral sides of the pallet modules PLM. These cover elements CM1 are also visible, partly or entirely, in Figures 1A to 1 C and 2. Each of the cover element CM1 is provided with a catch element 50B designed to cooperate with the movable latch element 50A of the associated pallet module PLM. The top part TP likewise includes an assembly of multiple top modules TPM, namely, in the illustrated example, an assembly of four individual top modules TPM, as shown in Figure 4. The top modules TPM are in effect designed along essentially the same principle as the pallet modules PLM. More specifically, each top module TPM is a unit-size module and the four top modules TPM are assembled in a two-by-two configuration to form the top part TP. Each top module TPM comprises a main structural body 20 exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 20A with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 21 , 22 extend outwardly from the peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20 along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 20 also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 23, 24 extending inwardly from the peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 23, 24 is configured to receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges 21 , 22 of another top module TPM, so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange 21 , 22 of said other top module TPM nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 23, 24, as depicted in Figure 4.

Also visible in Figure 4 are four cover elements CM2 that are similar to the cover elements CM1 of the bottom pallet part PL, which cover elements CM2 are likewise designed to cover the, otherwise exposed, first and second lateral flanges 21 , 22 that extend along first and second lateral sides of the top part TP and coincide with the first and second lateral sides of the top modules TPM. These cover elements CM2 are also visible, partly or entirely, in Figures 1A to 1 C and 2. In effect, the dimensions of the bottom pallet part PL and top part TP may advantageously be chosen so as to match one another, thereby allowing for the use of identical cover elements CM1 , CM2 at the bottom and top of the modular crate assembly CR.

While not specifically shown, each of the top modules TPM may advantageously be provided with a set of a releasable connection devices, as previously discussed with respect to the bottom pallet part PL, configured to selectively secure each top module TPM to adjacent top modules TPM. Such releasable connection devices may likewise be releasable latch components such as toggle latch components including pairs of mutually engageable latch elements each comprising a movable latch element 50A and a catch element 50B as shown in Figures 3 and 3A, allowing manual latching of the top modules TPM. In other embodiments, one could however once again contemplate the use of any other suitable type of connection devices, including releasable connecting devices configured to allow remote securement of the top modules TPM using e.g. motorized latch components or any adequate, remotely actuatable securement mechanism. The same applies to the cover elements CM2 which may likewise be provided with a catch element 50B designed to cooperate with the movable latch element 50A of the associated top module TPM.

In accordance with the invention, the four side panels SP are modular and formed of multiple side panel modules SPM that are assembled and mutually jointed at corners to form the sidewall. In the illustrated example, each side panel SP consists of an assembly of four adjacent, unit-size side panel modules SPM assembled in a two-by-two configuration, namely, adjacent side panel modules SPM that are arranged side by side as well as one on top of the other in a same plane. In other words, in the illustrated example, a total of sixteen side panel modules SPM are used to form the sidewall of the depicted modular crate assembly CR. One will however appreciate that, depending on the size of the goods, the sizes of the bottom pallet part PL, top part TP, and sidewall could vary, and that each side panel SP could especially include more than two adjacent side panel modules SPM distributed horizontally and/or vertically.

As shown in the partially exploded view of Figure 2, the top part TP is secured to the upper portion of the sidewall by means of a set of securing elements including, in the illustrated example, a set of sixteen screws 30 (also partly visible in Figures 1 C to 1 E) and associated bolts 35. More specifically, the screws 30 are inserted through corresponding mounting holes 25-29 (see Figure 4) provided in the top modules TPM and associated cover elements CM2, as well as corresponding mounting holes 151 , 152 (see Figures 5A, 6A and 6B) provided in the upper portion of each side panel module SPM.

In the illustrated example (see especially Figure 4), each top module TPM includes four pairs of mounting holes 25, 26, 27, 28, namely, first and second pairs of mounting holes 25, 26 extending vertically through the first and second lateral flanges 21 , 22, along the first and second lateral sides, and third and fourth pairs of mounting holes 27, 28 extending vertically through the main structural body 20, across the first and second lateral grooves 23, 24, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each cover element CM2 includes a corresponding pair of mounting holes 29 that match the location of the associated pair of mounting holes 25, respectively 26 when the cover element CM2 is positioned on the relevant lateral flange 21 , 22.

In the illustrated example, as shown especially in Figures 5A, 6A and 6B, the upper portion of each side panel module SPM is provided with first and second pairs of mounting holes 151 , 152 that are distributed to match the location of the mounting holes 25-29 when assembled to the top part TP. More specifically, the position of the first pair of mounting holes 151 is selected to match that of mounting holes 25, resp. 28, while the position of the second pair of mounting holes 152 is selected to match that of mounting holes 26, resp. 27. Corresponding mounting holes 153, 154 are also provided on the lower portion of each side panel module SPM, as shown e.g. in Figures 5A and 6A, to allow each side panel module SPM to be secured to another side panel module SPM located immediately below or to the bottom pallet part PL. Attachment of adjacent side panel modules SPM in the vertical direction is likewise ensured by a set of screws 30, inserted through matching pairs of mounting holes 151/153, resp. 152/154, and bolts 35, visible in Figures 1 C to 1 E, similar to those used for securing the top part TP to the upper portion of the sidewall.

Attachment of a bottom portion of the sidewall to the bottom pallet part PL is also ensured by a set of screws 30 and bolts 35 as shown in Figures 1 C to 1 E. More specifically, the screws 30 are inserted through mounting holes 153, resp. 154, and corresponding mountings holes provided on the bottom pallet part PL. More specifically, the screws 30 are inserted through corresponding mounting holes 15-19 provided in the pallet modules PLM and associated cover elements CM1 , as shown in Figure 3A, that match the position of the mounting holes 153, 154 provided on the lower portion of the relevant side panel modules SPM. In the illustrated example, each pallet module PLM includes four pairs of mounting holes 15, 16, 17, 18, namely, first and second pairs of mounting holes 15, 16 extending vertically through the first and second lateral flanges 11 , 12, along the first and second lateral sides, and third and fourth pairs of mounting holes 17, 18 extending vertically through the main structural body 10, across the first and second lateral grooves 13, 14, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each cover element CM1 includes a corresponding pair of mounting holes 19 that match the location of the associated pair of mounting holes 15, respectively 16 when the cover element CM1 is positioned on the relevant lateral flange 11 , 12.

One will appreciate that, in the example illustrated in Figures 1A-E to 6A- B, the side panel modules SPM are dimensioned such that the sidewall extends over a surface of the bottom pallet part PL, including the first and second lateral flanges 11 , 12 that extend outwardly along the first and second sides of the bottom pallet part PL where the cover elements CM1 are provided.

As shown in Figures 5A-5C, each stage of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly CR consists of eight side panel modules SPM arranged in a square configuration. In the illustrated example, each side panel module SPM comprises first and second lateral mating interfaces 100, 200 that are configured to allow direct joining of adjacent side panel modules SPM both along two perpendicular planes to form the corners of the sidewall (as shown in Figures 5A and 5B) and along a same plane to form each side panel SP (as shown in Figures 5A and 5C).

More specifically, the first lateral mating interface 100 includes a first mating surface 100A and a second mating surface 100B oriented at 90 degrees with respect to the first mating surface 100A, while the second lateral mating interface 200 includes a third mating surface 200A. The third mating surface 200A is configured, on the one hand, to cooperate with the first mating surface 100A of another adjacent side panel module SPM to provide the direct joining of two adjacent side panel modules SPM at the comers of the sidewall, i.e. along two perpendicular planes as shown e.g. in Figure 5B. The third mating surface 200A is further configured, on the other hand, to cooperate with the second mating surface 100B of another adjacent side panel module SPM to provide the direct joining of two adjacent side panel modules SPM along the same plane as shown e.g. in Figure 5C, thereby allowing the formation of the side panels SP.

While other angles could be contemplated, the first, second and third mating surfaces 100A, 100B, 200A are preferably oriented at substantially 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal plane of the side panel module SPM.

By way of preference, the first and second mating surfaces 100A, 100B are each provided with a male (or female) connecting structure 110, resp. 120 configured to mate with a corresponding female (or male) connecting structure 210, resp. 220 provided on the third mating surface 200A. In this way, adequate direct joining of the side panel modules SPM can be reliably ensured and maintained.

Figures 7A-D to 11A-C are illustrative of a second embodiment of a modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods in accordance with the invention, which modular crate assembly is generally designated by reference sign CR*. Figures 7A to 7D show the modular crate assembly CR* in a fully assembled state, including a bottom pallet part PL* and a sidewall consisting of four side panels SP* that are mounted onto the bottom pallet part PL* In the illustrated example, the modular crate assembly CR* further comprises a top part TP* mounted onto an upper portion of the four side panels SP*, thereby forming a closed space around the relevant goods. In other embodiments, the top part TP* could once again be omitted to form an open crate assembly.

In the illustrated example, the bottom pallet part PL* consists by way of illustration of a single pallet module PLM* as shown in greater detail in Figures 8 and 8A. This pallet module PLM* is likewise designed in accordance with the modular pallet architecture disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 . More specifically, the pallet module PLM* is a medium-size pallet module exhibiting twice the size of the unitsize pallet module PLM depicted in Figures 3 and 3A. The pallet module PLM* likewise comprises a main structural body 10* exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 10A* with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 11 *, 12* similarly extend outwardly from the peripheral border 10A* of the main structural body 10* along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 10* also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 13* 14* extending inwardly from the peripheral border 10A* of the main structural body 10* along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 13* 14* is likewise configured to possibly receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges of another similar pallet module, so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange of said other pallet module nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 13*, 14*.

On the underside of the pallet module PLM* as shown in Figures 7B and 7C, there is provided a foot structure FT* that advantageously forms an integral part of the pallet module PLM* to create clearances between the bottom pallet part PL* and the ground to ensure suitable handling of the crate assembly CR* by means of forklifts and the like. In other embodiments, the foot structure could once again consist of individual foot elements removably secured to the underside of each pallet module, as further disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

By way of preference, and in accordance with the principle disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , the pallet module PLM* further includes a set of releasable latch components 50A, 50B, as shown in Figures 8 and 8A, configured to selectively allow latching of the pallet module PLM* to adjacent pallet modules, if needed. The comments made hereinabove with regard to the releasable latch components 50A, 50B of the first embodiment of Figures 1A-E to 6A-B are equally applicable in the context of this second embodiment of the invention, and any other adequate connection devices could be contemplated to ensure securement of the pallet module PLM* to other pallet modules.

The top part TP* of the modular crate assembly CR* includes, much like the first embodiment, an assembly of multiple top modules TPM* namely, in the illustrated example, an assembly of four individual top modules TPM* as shown in Figures 7D and 9. The top modules TPM* are in effect designed along essentially the same principle as previously described in connection with the top modules TPM of the first embodiment. More specifically, each top module TPM* is a unit-size module and the four top modules TPM* are assembled in a two-by- two configuration to form the top part TP* Each top module TPM* comprises a main structural body 20* exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 20A* with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 21 * 22* likewise extend outwardly from the peripheral border 20A* of the main structural body 20* along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 20* also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 23* 24* extending inwardly from the peripheral border 20A* of the main structural body 20* along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 23* 24* is configured to receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges 21 * 22* of another top module TPM* so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange 21 *, 22* of said other top module TPM* nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 23*, 24*, as depicted in Figures 7D and 9.

As shown in Figures 7D and 9, each of the top modules TPM* is advantageously provided with a set of a releasable latch components 50A, 50B configured to selectively secure each top module TPM* to adjacent top modules TPM* Such releasable latch components 50A, 50B may likewise be toggle latch components including pairs of mutually engageable latch elements each comprising a movable latch element 50A and a catch element 50B as shown, allowing manual latching of the top modules TPM* In other embodiments, one could once again contemplate the use of any other suitable type of releasable connection devices, such as releasable connection devices configured to allow remote securement of the top modules TPM* using e.g. motorized latch components or any adequate, remotely actuatable securement mechanism.

In accordance with the invention, the four side panels SP* are modular and formed of multiple side panel modules SPM* that are assembled and mutually jointed at corners to form the sidewall. In the illustrated example, each side panel SP* consists of an assembly of four adjacent side panel modules SPM* assembled in a two-by-two configuration, namely, adjacent side panel modules SPM* that are arranged side by side as well as one on top of the other in a same plane. In other words, in the illustrated example, a total of sixteen side panel modules SPM* are once again used to form the sidewall of the depicted modular crate assembly CR* One will again understand that, depending on the size of the goods, the sizes of the bottom pallet part PL* top part TP* and sidewall could vary, and that each side panel SP* could especially include more than two adjacent side panel modules SPM* distributed horizontally and/or vertically.

The top part TP* may be secured to the upper portion of the sidewall by any appropriate means, including a set of screws and bolts as discussed in the context of the first embodiment. The same is true with regard to attachment of the lower portion of the sidewall to the bottom pallet part PL*

In the illustrated example, attachment of the side panel modules SPM* in the vertical direction is advantageously ensured by means of a releasable locking mechanism LK that is provided in a lower portion of each side panel module SPM* as shown in Figures 7C and 10A, and configured to interact with and selectively lock onto a retaining element 600 (shown in Figures 10B and 10C) that is provided on an upper portion of each side panel module SPM* In this way, each side panel module SPM* can selectively be locked onto another side panel module SPM* located immediately below.

More specifically, as shown in Figures 10B and 10C, the retaining element 600 protrudes from the upper portion of the side panel module SPM* and exhibits a lateral opening 600A (visible in Figure 10C) that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a locking element 650 of the locking mechanism LK. The locking element 650 can be moved laterally into engagement with the lateral opening 600A, as shown, to lock onto the retaining element 600 or moved out of engagement with the lateral opening 600A to release the retaining element 600. Lateral movement of the locking element 650 is controlled by a slider 60 that can be moved between a locking position, as shown in Figure 10A, or an unlocking position.

One will appreciate that, in the example illustrated in Figures 7A-D to 11 A- C, and in contrast to the first embodiment, the side panel modules SPM* are dimensioned such that the sidewall extends over a surface of the bottom pallet part PL* excluding the first and second lateral flanges 11 *, 12* that extend outwardly along the first and second sides of the bottom pallet part PL*

As shown in Figures 11 A to 11 C, each stage of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly CR* consists of eight side panel modules SPM* arranged in a square configuration. In the illustrated example, each side panel module SPM* comprises first and second lateral mating interfaces 300, 400 that are configured to allow direct joining of adjacent side panel modules SPM* along two perpendicular planes to form the comers of the sidewall (as shown in Figures 11 A and 11 B). In contrast to the first embodiment, the first and second lateral mating interfaces 300, 400 are not configured to allow direct joining of adjacent side panel modules SPM* along a same plane to form each side panel SP*, but rather indirect joining via an intermediate connecting part 500 (as shown in Figures 11A and 11 C).

More specifically, the first lateral mating interface 300 includes a first mating surface 300A and the second lateral mating interface 400 includes a second mating surface 400A that is configured to cooperate with the first mating surface 300A of another adjacent side panel module SPM* to provide the direct joining of two adjacent side panel modules SPM* at the comers of the sidewall, i.e. along two perpendicular planes as shown e.g. in Figure 11 B. The intermediate connecting part 500, which is used in this case to allow connection of adjacent side panel modules SPM* in the same plane, includes third and fourth mating surfaces 500A, 500B that are configured to cooperate, respectively, with the first mating surface 300A of a first adjacent side panel module SPM* and with the second mating surface 400A of a second adjacent side panel module SPM* to provide the indirect joining of the first and second adjacent side panel modules SPM* along the same plane as shown e.g. in Figure 11 C.

While intermediate connecting parts 500 are necessary in this case to allow formation of the relevant side panels SP*, one will appreciate that cover elements CM1 , CM2 as discussed in the context of the first embodiment are not necessary.

While other angles could potentially be contemplated, the first, second, third and fourth mating surfaces 300A, 400A, 500A, 500B are preferably oriented at substantially 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal plane of the side panel module SPM*

By way of preference, the first mating surface 300A is provided with a male (or female) connecting structure 310 configured to mate with a corresponding female (or male) connecting structure 410 provided on the second mating surface 400A. Likewise, the third and fourth mating surfaces 500A, 500B are each provided with a female or male connecting structure 510, resp. 520 configured to mate with the corresponding male or female connecting structure 310, resp. 410 provided on the first and second mating surfaces 300A, 400A. In this way, adequate joining of the side panel modules SPM* can be reliably ensured and maintained.

Figures 12A to 12C are schematic illustrations of further embodiments of a modular crate assembly CR’ in accordance with the invention. The modular crate assembly CR’ shown in Figure 12A is in essence configured in a manner similar to the second embodiment of Figures 7A-C to 11A-C, the depicted side panel SP’ consisting of an assembly of four side panel modules SPM’ that are joined laterally via intermediate connecting parts 500’. Figure 12B shows a possible variant in which the vertical arrangement of two side panel modules SPM’ on the right-hand side is replaced by a single panel module SPM” having twice the size of the side panel module SPM’. Figure 12C shows yet another possible variant in which the horizontal arrangement of two side panel modules SPM’ on the lower side, inclusive intermediate connecting part 500’, is replaced by a single panel module SPM’” of a corresponding size. Other variants could be contemplated, including variants where the two-by-two arrangement of side panel modules SPM’ shown in Figure 12A, inclusive connecting parts 500’, is replaced by a single side panel module of a corresponding size.

Figure 13 is illustrative of a further embodiment of the invention, wherein a height of each side panel module is equal to an integer multiple of a cumulative effective height of the bottom pallet part PL’ stacked onto the top part TP’. More specifically, Figure 13 shows that the height HSPM of the unit-size side panel module SPM’ is here equal to the said cumulative effective height. By adopting such a design rule, it is potentially possible to allow multiple modular crate assemblies to be connected together side by side, thereby achieving even greater modularity and flexibility in the packaging of goods. Such a possibility is schematically illustrated by Figure 14 which shows three modular crate assemblies CR’ that can be connected together, namely, two crate assemblies CR’ stacked one on top of the other, as shown on the right-hand side in Figure 14, and a third crate assembly CR’ of larger size, as shown on the left-hand side in Figure 14.

Figures 15A-C and 16A-C are illustrative of a further embodiment of a modular crate assembly for the handling and transportation of goods in accordance with the invention, which modular crate assembly is generally designated by reference sign CR** Figures 15A to 15C show the modular crate assembly CR** in a fully assembled state, including a bottom pallet part PL** and a sidewall consisting of four side panels SP** that are mounted onto the bottom pallet part PL** In the illustrated example, the modular crate assembly CR** further comprises a top part TP** mounted onto an upper portion of the four side panels SP**, thereby forming a closed space around the relevant goods. In other embodiments, the top part TP** could once again be omitted to form an open crate assembly.

In the illustrated example, the bottom pallet part PL** consists by way of illustration of a single pallet module PLM**, much like the bottom pallet part PL* of the second embodiment. This pallet module PLM** is likewise designed in accordance with the modular pallet architecture disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 . More specifically, the pallet module PLM** is a medium-size pallet module exhibiting twice the size of the unit-size pallet module PLM depicted in Figures 3 and 3A. The pallet module PLM** likewise comprises a main structural body 10** exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 10A** with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 11**, 12** similarly extend outwardly from the peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10** along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 10** also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 13**, 14** extending inwardly from the peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10**, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 13**, 14** is likewise configured to possibly receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges of another similar pallet module, so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange of said other pallet module nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 13**, 14**.

On the underside of the pallet module PLM**, as shown in Figures 15B and 15C, there is provided a foot structure FT** that advantageously forms an integral part of the pallet module PLM** to create clearances between the bottom pallet part PL** and the ground to ensure suitable handling of the crate assembly CR** by means of forklifts and the like. In other embodiments, the foot structure could once again consist of individual foot elements removably secured to the underside of each pallet module, as further disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1.

By way of preference, and in accordance with the principle disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 , the pallet module PLM** further includes a set of releasable latch components configured to selectively allow latching of the pallet module PLM** to adjacent pallet modules, if needed. The comments made hereinabove with regard to the releasable latch components 50A, 50B of the first and second embodiments of Figures 1 A-E to 11 A-C are equally applicable in the context of this other embodiment of the invention, and any other adequate connection devices could be contemplated to ensure securement of the pallet module PLM** to other pallet modules.

The top part TP** of the modular crate assembly CR** includes, much like the first and second embodiments, an assembly of multiple top modules TPM**, namely, in the illustrated example, an assembly of four individual top modules TPM**, as shown in Figure 15A. The top modules TPM** are in effect designed along essentially the same principle as previously described in connection with the top modules TPM, resp. TPM* of the first and second embodiments. More specifically, each top module TPM** is a unit-size module and the four top modules TPM** are assembled in a two-by-two configuration to form the top part TP** Each top module TPM** comprises a main structural body 20** exhibiting a generally quadrilateral peripheral border 20A** with first to fourth lateral sides. First and second lateral flanges 21 **, 22** likewise extend outwardly from the peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20** along the first and second lateral sides. The main structural body 20** also exhibits first and second lateral grooves 23**, 24** extending inwardly from the peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20**, along the third and fourth lateral sides. Each of the first and second lateral grooves 23**, 24** is configured to receive a corresponding one of the first and second lateral flanges 21 **, 22** of another top module TPM**, so that the first, respectively, second lateral flange 21 **, 22** of said other top module TPM** nests laterally within the first, respectively second lateral groove 23**, 24**, as depicted in Figures 15A.

As shown in Figure 15A, each of the top modules TPM** is advantageously provided with a set of a releasable connection devices, namely, releasable latch components, configured to selectively secure each top module TPM** to adjacent top modules TPM** Such releasable latch components may in particular be toggle latch components as already discussed in connection with the first and second embodiments. In other embodiments, one could once again contemplate the use of any other suitable type of releasable connection devices, such as releasable connection devices configured to allow remote securement of the top modules TPM** using e.g. motorized latch components or any adequate, remotely actuatable securement mechanism.

In accordance with the invention, the four side panels SP** are modular and formed of multiple side panel modules SPM** that are assembled and mutually jointed at comers to form the sidewall. In the illustrated example, each side panel SP** consists of an assembly of four adjacent side panel modules SPM** assembled in a two-by-two configuration, namely, adjacent side panel modules SPM** that are arranged side by side as well as one on top of the other in a same plane. In other words, in the illustrated example, a total of sixteen side panel modules SPM** are once again used to form the sidewall of the depicted modular crate assembly CR**. One will again understand that, depending on the size of the goods, the sizes of the bottom pallet part PL**, top part TP**, and sidewall could vary, and that each side panel SP** could especially include more than two adjacent side panel modules SPM** distributed horizontally and/or vertically. The top part TP** may be secured to the upper portion of the sidewall by any appropriate means, including a set of screws and bolts as discussed in the context of the first and second embodiments. The same is true with regard to attachment of the lower portion of the sidewall to the bottom pallet part PL**

In the illustrated example, attachment of the side panel modules SPM** in the vertical direction is advantageously ensured by means of a releasable locking mechanism LK that is provided in a lower portion of each side panel module SPM**, which releasable locking mechanism LK is similar to the locking mechanism LK already discussed in connection with the second embodiment.

In a manner similar to the second embodiment of Figures 7A-D to 11 A-C, the side panel modules SPM** are dimensioned such that the sidewall extends over a surface of the bottom pallet part PL**, excluding the first and second lateral flanges 11 **, 12** that extend outwardly along the first and second sides of the bottom pallet part PL**.

As shown in Figures 16A to 16C, each stage of the sidewall of the modular crate assembly CR** consists of eight side panel modules SPM** arranged in a square configuration. In the illustrated example, each side panel module SPM** likewise comprises first and second lateral mating interfaces 300*, 400* that are configured to allow direct joining of adjacent side panel modules SPM** along two perpendicular planes to form the comers of the sidewall (as shown in Figures 16A and 16B). Furthermore, the first and second lateral mating interfaces 300*, 400* are likewise configured to allow indirect joining of adjacent side panel modules SPM** along a same plane via an intermediate connecting part 500* to form each side panel SP** (as shown in Figures 16A and 16C).

More specifically, and in a manner similar to the second embodiment, the first lateral mating interface 300* includes a first mating surface 300A* and the second lateral mating interface 400* includes a second mating surface 400A*that is configured to cooperate with the first mating surface 300A* of another adjacent side panel module SPM** to provide the direct joining of two adjacent side panel modules SPM** at the corners of the sidewall, i.e. along two perpendicular planes as shown e.g. in Figure 16B. The intermediate connecting part 500*, which is used in this case to allow connection of adjacent side panel modules SPM** in the same plane, likewise includes third and fourth mating surfaces 500A* 500B* that are configured to cooperate, respectively, with the first mating surface 300A* of a first adjacent side panel module SPM** and with the second mating surface 400A* of a second adjacent side panel module SPM** to provide the indirect joining of the first and second adjacent side panel modules SPM** along the same plane as shown e.g. in Figure 16C.

While intermediate connecting parts 500* are necessary in this case to allow formation of the relevant side panels SP**, one will once again appreciate that cover elements CM1 , CM2 as discussed in the context of the first embodiment are not necessary.

While other angles could potentially be contemplated, the first, second, third and fourth mating surfaces 300A* 400A* 500A* 500B* are preferably oriented at substantially 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal plane of the side panel module SPM**

By way of preference, the first mating surface 300A* is provided with a male (or female) connecting structure 310* configured to mate with a corresponding female (or male) connecting structure 410* provided on the second mating surface 400A* Likewise, the third and fourth mating surfaces 500A* 500B* are each provided with a female or male connecting structure 510*, resp. 520* configured to mate with the corresponding male or female connecting structure 310*, resp. 410* provided on the first and second mating surfaces 300A* 400A* In this way, adequate joining of the side panel modules SPM** can be reliably ensured and maintained.

In contrast to the second embodiment where the intermediate connecting part 500 exhibits a substantial trapezoidal cross-sectional profile, as visible in Figures 11A and 11 C, the intermediate connecting part 500* here exhibits a substantially triangular cross-sectional profile as shown in Figures 16A and 16C. This allows maximum usage of the available space immediately above the main structural body 10** of the underlying pallet module PLM** In the second embodiment of Figures 7A-D to 11A-C (see also Figures 12A-C and 14), the trapezoidal cross-sectional profile of the intermediate connecting part 500 implies that the side panels SP* are offset slightly inward from the peripheral border 10A* of the main structural body 10* of the underlying pallet module PLM*

Also visible in Figures 15A-C and 16A-C are a plurality of mounting holes, designated by reference sign 350* in Figures 15C, 16B and 16C, that are provided on each side panel module SPM**forthe optional provision of additional structural elements, including in particular structural reinforcements to increase the structural strength of the crate assembly CR**. Such structural reinforcements could for instance take the shape of longitudinal beams or rods secured to the relevant side panels SP** or crossbars extending inside the storage space formed by the sidewall, namely, crossbars extending transversely between opposite side panels SP**

Various modifications and/or improvements may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In other embodiment, multiple side panel modules could be replaced by side panel modules of greater dimensions. For instance, the two-by-two arrangement of side panel modules SPM shown in Figures 1A-E and 2 could perfectly be replaced by a single panel module of a corresponding size. The same is true with respect to the arrangement of side panel modules SPM* resp. SPM**, inclusive intermediate connecting parts 500, resp. 500*, shown in Figures 7A-D and Figures 15A-C, which could likewise be replaced by a single panel module of a corresponding size. In effect, an assortment of side panel modules of varying sizes could be contemplated, in a manner similar to the principle disclosed in International (PCT) Publications Nos. WO 2020/141492 A1 and WO 2020/141494 A1 with regard to the pallet modules.

Likewise, in other embodiments, multiple top modules could be replaced by top modules of greater dimensions. For instance, the two-by-two arrangement of top modules TPM, TPM* resp. TPM** used in connection with the aforementioned embodiments could perfectly be replaced by a single top module of a corresponding size or by any other suitable assembly of top modules. Furthermore, rather than being arranged on the top side of the top modules (as shown e.g. in Figures 7A, 7D, 9 and 15A), the relevant connection devices 50A, 50B could alternatively be arranged on the underside of the top modules.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

CR modular crate assembly (first embodiment)

PL bottom pallet part of modular crate assembly CR

PLM (unit-size) pallet module(s)

FT foot structure

SP side panels forming sidewall of modular crate assembly CR

SPM (unit-size) side panel module(s)

TP top part of modular crate assembly CR

TPM (unit-size) top module(s)

10 main structural body of pallet module PLM

10A generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 10 with first to fourth lateral sides

11 first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10 along first lateral side

12 second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10 along second lateral side

13 first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10 along third lateral side

14 second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 10A of the main structural body 10 along fourth lateral side

15-19 mounting holes

CM1 cover element(s) designed to cover first or second lateral flange 11 , 12

20 main structural body of top module TPM

20A generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 20 with first to fourth lateral sides

21 first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20 along first lateral side 22 second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20 along second lateral side

23 first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20 along third lateral side

24 second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 20A of the main structural body 20 along fourth lateral side

25-29 mounting holes

CM2 cover element(s) designed to cover first or second lateral flange 21 , 22

30 screws

35 bolts

50A releasable connection device(s), e.g. releasable latch component(s) I toggle latch component (movable latch element)

50B releasable connection device(s), e.g. releasable latch component(s) I toggle latch component (catch element)

100 first lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM

100A first mating surface provided at first lateral mating interface 100

100B second mating surface provided at first lateral mating interface 100

110 (male) connecting structure provided on first mating surface 100A for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 210

120 (male) connecting structure provided on second mating surface 100B for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 220

200 second lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM

200A third mating surface provided at second lateral mating interface 200

210 (female) connecting structure provided on third mating surface 200A for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 110

220 (female) connecting structure provided on third mating surface 200A for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 120

151-154 mounting holes

CR* modular crate assembly (second embodiment)

PL* bottom pallet part of modular crate assembly CR*

PLM* (medium-size) pallet module FT* foot structure

SP* side panels forming sidewall of modular crate assembly CR*

SPM* (unit-size) side panel module(s)

TP* top part of modular crate assembly CR*

TPM* (unit-size) top module(s)

10* main structural body of pallet module PLM*

10A* generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 10* with first to fourth lateral sides

11* first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 10A* of the main structural body 10* along first lateral side

12* second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border

10A* of the main structural body 10* along second lateral side

13* first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 10A* of the main structural body 10* along third lateral side

14* second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border

10A* of the main structural body 10* along fourth lateral side

20* main structural body of top module TPM*

20A* generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 20* with first to fourth lateral sides

21* first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 20A* of the main structural body 20* along first lateral side

22* second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border

20A* of the main structural body 20* along second lateral side

23* first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 20A* of the main structural body 20* along third lateral side

24* second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border

20A* of the main structural body 20* along fourth lateral side

300 first lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM*

300A first mating surface provided at first lateral mating interface 300

310 (male) connecting structure provided on first mating surface 300A for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 410 or 510

400 second lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM* 400A second mating surface provided at second lateral mating interface 400

410 (female) connecting structure provided on second mating surface 400A for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 310 or 520

500 intermediate connecting part

500A third mating surface provided on intermediate connecting part 500

510 (female) connecting structure provided on third mating surface 500A for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 310

500B fourth mating surface provided on intermediate connecting part 500

520 (male) connecting structure provided on fourth mating surface 500B for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 410

LK releasable locking mechanism

60 slider for lateral actuation of locking element 650

600 retaining element provided on upper portion of side panel module SPM*

600A lateral opening of retaining element 600

650 laterally-movable locking element of locking mechanism LK

CR’ modular crate assembly (further embodiments)

PL’ bottom pallet part of modular crate assembly CR’

PLM’ (medium-size) pallet module

FT’ foot structure

SP’ side panels forming sidewall of modular crate assembly CR

SPM’ (unit-size) side panel module(s)

SPM” (double-size) side panel module

SPM’” (double-size) side panel module

500’ intermediate connecting part(s)

TP’ top part of modular crate assembly CR’

TPM’ (unit-size) top module(s)

HSPM height of (unit-size) side panel module SPM’

CR** modular crate assembly (further embodiment)

PL** bottom pallet part of modular crate assembly CR**

PLM** (medium-size) pallet module FT** foot structure

SP** side panels forming sidewall of modular crate assembly CR**

SPM** (unit-size) side panel module(s)

TP** top part of modular crate assembly CR**

TPM** (unit-size) top module(s)

10** main structural body of pallet module PLM**

10A** generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 10** with first to fourth lateral sides

11 ** first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10** along first lateral side

12** second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10** along second lateral side

13** first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10** along third lateral side

14** second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 10A** of the main structural body 10** along fourth lateral side

20** main structural body of top module TPM**

20A** generally quadrilateral peripheral border of main structural body 20** with first to fourth lateral sides

21** first lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20** along first lateral side

22** second lateral flange extending outwardly from peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20** along second lateral side

23** first lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20** along third lateral side

24** second lateral groove extending inwardly from peripheral border 20A** of the main structural body 20** along fourth lateral side

300* first lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM**

300A* first mating surface provided at first lateral mating interface 300*

310* (male) connecting structure provided on first mating surface 300A* for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 410* or 510* 350* mounting holes provided on side panel module SPM** for the provision of e.g. structural reinforcements

400* second lateral mating interface of side panel module SPM**

400A* second mating surface provided at second lateral mating interface 400*

410* (female) connecting structure provided on second mating surface

400A* for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 310* or 520*

500* intermediate connecting part

500A* third mating surface provided on intermediate connecting part 500* 510* (female) connecting structure provided on third mating surface 500A* for cooperation with (male) connecting structure 310*

500B* fourth mating surface provided on intermediate connecting part 500*

520* (male) connecting structure provided on fourth mating surface 500B* for cooperation with (female) connecting structure 410*