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Crate facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Perspective Wooden Crate
A wooden crate is a strong container.

A crate is a super strong container used to move things safely. You often see them used for shipping items around the world. Crates can be made from different materials. Many are made of wood, but some are plastic, especially for carrying bottles. You can also find crates made from tough metals like steel and aluminium.

A Look Back: Crate History

The word "crate" comes from the old Latin word Latin: cratis. This word meant a woven framework or hurdle.

Long ago, people needed ways to carry their food and goods. The very first containers were often baskets or hampers. These were made from natural materials found nearby. People would weave twigs, strips of wood, roots, and reeds together. These early baskets helped transport food and other items. Later, people used baskets to protect fragile things like glass and ceramic jugs.

In the United States, one of the first official mentions of a shipping crate was in 1930. A handbook called Technical Bulletin No. 171 talked about them. This book was written by C. A. Plaskett for the US Department of Agriculture. His writing showed that crates were already a known way to ship things even before 1930. Plaskett was famous for testing and defining many parts of transport packaging.

How Crates Are Built

Even though both are used for shipping, a crate is different from a box. The main difference is that a crate has a strong frame. A box usually does not have this inner frame.

Crates are built to be very rigid and tough. Their main job is to protect the contents inside. They can be made from wood, plastic, metal, or other materials. Crates are often designed to fit the item they are protecting perfectly. This is important because a crate that is too big can waste space. It might also allow the item inside to move around and get damaged.

Images for kids

  • Plantação de banana 11

    Shipment of bananas in wooden crates

  • US Navy 030830-N-6187M-001 Sailors remove a hoisting sling from an ammo crate carrying 2000-pound Mark 84 general purpose bombs

    A crate used to transport ordnance

  • Crate (PSF)

    An open frame style crate used for a bicycle

  • Method of crating enameled sanitary ware

    An early open style crate for heavy cast iron

  • Plywood Mil-C-104 crate with front panel removed (model)

    A sheathed (closed) plywood crate

  • HLI-002

    A sheathed (closed) lumber crate

  • Wood crate sample picture

    Wooden crate with cleating

  • Plywood sheathed crate 2014-03-25

    A plywood sheathed crate with a pallet-like bottom.

  • Woda.mineralna.w.skrzynkach

    Reusable mineral water bottles in crates

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Crate Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.