Black Crate
Name: C1
Nickname: Black Crate
Designed by: Bogdanov and Bogdanov
Date: 2003
Designed to carry 4 milk crates and to be easily replicated, the rugged C1 is a key component of Disorient infrastructure.
Wood
Easy to fabricate and repair, it can be constructed with basic 3/4" plywood. CDX plywood works fine although better plywood such as AC is preferable. Top cover should be cut 1/8" smaller than bottom in both dimensions so it can close and open easily. Cover is held in place preferably with one or two ratchet strap(s) but it can also be screwed into the sides from the top.
Paint
Crate is painted flat black inside and outside. Description of content can be written with chalk on narrow sides under handles and washed-off and updated when necessary. Disorient logo is spray painted on long side.
Handles
Any handles can be used but those black sprung surface handles are recommended. Two handles on each narrow side (top of handle plate is 2" from top of crate body, side of handle against corner protector). Early version had only 1 handle per narrow side.
Casters
We use 3 in. Semi-Elastic Rubber Swivel Caster from Home Depot. Don't use cheaper casters as they break and/or stopped working properly. Early C1 model had one caster with brake but users unaware of brake would push crate with brake on which caused wheel to scrape in one place and no longer work properly. Casters are screwed in place at each corner. They used to be bolted through bottom of crate but screws are strong enough and allow casters to be closer to the corner of crate bottom which helps with stability.
Special use
In 2009 The Eye and KC designed and fabricated the D9 Sign. It is roughly the same dimensions as other Black Crates but opens in half to reveal the artwork with black lights eliminating the need to pack/unpack and making install/deinstall a simple process. Open, plug and play.
In 2012 Jay M. and John D. fabricated a series of Black Crates at the Dock. One of them was designed with special compartments to carry Disorient's LED black lights. The outside dimensions were the same as other Black Crates.
