Patent ID: 6863190
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: B64G,B65D

Abstract:
1. An enclosure for transporting articles upon a spacecraft, comprising: an external enclosure composed of a plurality of interconnected walls coupled via elongated edge connecting members composed of extruded aluminum and corner coupling members to define an internal space shaped and dimensioned for receiving an article to be transported upon a spacecraft, the plurality of interconnected walls including a bottom wall wherein the the bottom wall includes a plurality of holes positioned for attaching the enclosure to a support structure; the corner coupling members are shaped and dimensioned for attachment to respective ends of the edge connecting members and corners of the respective plurality of interconnected walls, the corner coupling members each include a plurality of coupling projections and recesses shaped and dimensioned for selective connection with the plurality of interconnected walls and edge connecting members; a first wall selectively coupled to the plurality of interconnected walls such that the first wall may be moved to open the internal space defined by the plurality of interconnected walls; wherein the plurality of interconnected walls and the first wall are honeycombed aluminum sheets and the edge connecting members are lightweight, high strength members shaped and dimensioned, each of the edge connecting member including a first end and a second end, the first end including a C-shaped recess dimensioned to receive an edge of one of the plurality of interconnected walls and the second end including a C-shaped recess dimensioned to receive an edge of an adjacent one of said plurality of interconnected walls, the plurality of interconnected walls and the edge connecting members solely by adhesive being connected.