In this present study we explore the mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) resulting from the combination of the BBIM(bis-benzimidazolium)-alkane systems with DB30C10 (Dibenzo-30-crown-10) in solvent acetonitrile. The (BBIM-alkane)DB30C10 systems chosen for the study are (BBIM)DB30C10, (BBIM-methane)DB30C10, (BBIM-ethane)DB30C10, (BBIM-propane)DB30C10 and (BBIM-butane)DB30C10. 1H NMR, 2D-NMR (COSY and NOESY), Monte Carlo calculations and HRMS have been done on the studied assemblies. Even though (BBIM)DB30C10 and (BBIM-methane)DB30C10 form normal threaded structures, in (BBIM-ethane)DB30C10, (BBIM-propane)DB30C10 and (BBIM-butane)DB30C10 systems the respective axles are cradled inside the crown ether. That is, the axles BBIM-ethane, BBIM-propane and BBIM-butane are cradled inside the boat-like cavity of DB30C10. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.