Interchangeable molded fiberglass shells are locked together to form storage units of various depths. These units can hold components weighing 1500 pounds, are easily transportable, and protect contents from contamination

Kraus, H. M.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Latches 
June 1966	 Brief 66-10217 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Fiberglass Container Shells Form Contamination-Free Storage Units 
The problem: 
To provide a set of container halves which can 
be joined to form storage units of various depths. 
The units should be easily transportable and protect 
contents from contamination. 
The solution: 
A series of interchangeable molded fiberglass shells 
which lock together to form contamination-proof 
storage units.
How it's done: 
The rectangular shells are manufactured in four 
basic sizes ranging from 26 by 32 inches to 50 by 50 
inches and varying in depth from 4 to 32 inches in 
4-inch increments. Shells of the same size may be 
paired to form a container of the depth desired. There 
is no top or bottom component. Latches, of the over-
center type, are inverted alternately so that all shells 
of a given size are interchangeable. A neoprene seal 
(continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000216 2020-03-11T17:31:09+00:00Z
between the shells keeps the contents free of dirt, 
dust, water, and vapor. All shells have external 
configurations to accommodate forklift trucks, elimi-
nating the need for separate lift pallets. The interior 
surfaces are smoothly finished and have contoured 
corners to permit thorough cleaning. 
Notes: 
1. The containers comply with clean room require-
ments and the materials from which they are built 
are compatible with clean room procedures. 
2. Versions of this container could be used in hospi-
tals to store or transport sterile equipment, 
clothing, or bedding. 
3. The containers are capable of holding components 
weighing up to 1,500 pounds.
4. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Western Operations Office 
150 Pico Boulevard 
Santa Monica, California, 90406 
Reference: B66-10217 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Henry M. Kraus

of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to

Western Operations Office

(WOO-275) 
Brief 66-10217	 Category 05


Fiberglass container shells form contamination-free storage units

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