[lukevanoort]

Originally Posted by mtaman02

Although I have not read this thread through all the way, chances are this suggestion has been made already. FIRST now has that guidline that says Teams MUST put a non-spillable battery sign on all 4 sides of their crates if they intend to ship batteries to the events. Why not also have a Fragile Sign as well, Even though you just can't toss around a 400 - 500 lb crate with ease. Accidents do happen and many teams are lucky that more times than not even though the crate falls to pieces the robot magically stays in one piece. I have seen many crates over the past 6 years and I can honestly say many teams have improved their design of the crate so that A) it can be broken down into a pit work area B) space and storage solution for off season storage C) durability. Many teams have built a complete alumnium crate and sealed it with caulking and sarran wrapped it so that it doesn't rust or leak, others have made their crates with layers of wood so that it doesn't flex and come apart.

While Sponsorship is a hardship for many teams the standard for a Crate should be as follows:

1) I don't know how heavy the crate is suppose to be but increase it by 50 - 100 lbs so that teams have the option to build it out of metal (This crate will last along time if taken care of properly)
2) Size of the crate can stay the same
3) The crate cannot be converted to a mobile pit station - I know i'll get hammered on this one.
4) Decals on all 4 sides must state:
Non Spillable Battery Enclosed - If shipping Batteries (which FIRST already enforces)
Fragile handle with care - Espicially if the team doesn't strap down their robot securely to the crate.
5) Must have their Team Number & Name on all 4 sides of the crate (which FIRST already enforces)
6) Crate Destination Sign - Where the crate is being shipped to (which FIRST already enforces)
7) A Reliable Locking mechanism which will prevent tampering of the crate or the contents of it. Most Teams just screw the door on and unscrew it at the competition - Not good b/c you just may end up with your robot already uncrated since the crate fell apart. A Lock on the crate would be a bit better.

These crates contain 6 weeks hard work, hundred of hours of blood, sweat, and dedication. Shipping the robot is just as important as building the robot itself. Teams should be split into two so that the crate could be built and made sure that it meets FIRSTs' contracted shippers standards with the added ability of peace of mind, durabilty, security and reliablity.

FIRST Entry & KOP Fee - $8,000 - Guessing
Regional Entry Fee - $4,000
6 Weeks of Hard Work - Hundreds of hours
Knowing your Hard work made it to its destination safely b/c of a sturday crate thats been re-used 8 times - priceless

I really like this idea, it makes sense and seems pretty workable. (Although FedEx might be a bit touchy about the additional weight) It would also give a team a good bit of experience making larger durable items, and would look better on the tele than a sea of plywood. (Plus it would remove the treated wood concerns for crossing the border) I can see some really cool, durable crates coming out of a rule like this. (Imagine how many rivets would be in the 1501 crate.... that'd be a sight)