Patent ID: 7475526

Claim:
A method for using a knock-down crate to transport produce from a loading location to an unloading location, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a knock-down crate having: (i) a base having a length, a breadth, and an upper surface that includes an elongated recess, said base including a pair of elongated channels extending parallel to said length such that a major part of said recess lies between said elongated channels, each of said channels having at least one open end for receiving tines of a forklift mechanism, and (ii) four sides deployable in a crate configuration wherein a plurality of said sides are engaged with said base and each other to form a four-sided crate, said four sides being further deployable in a knock-down configuration wherein said four sides are received substantially within said elongated recess; (b) deploying said crate in said crate configuration; (c) loading said date at the loading location with produce, at least part of the produce lying within said elongated recess; (d) transporting the produce in said crate to the unloading location; (e) unloading the produce from said crate; and (f) deploying said crate in said knock-down configuration with said plurality of sides located substantially within said elongated recess for transport to a next loading location.