Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compacting a sheet article, for example an article of underwear, to produce a stable, substantially rigid, compacted article. This reduces space required for storage and distribution and facilitates packaging of the article. Compaction is effected by placing the article, or a plurality of articles, in a mold cavity, and subjecting them to elevated pressure for a certain time. The pressure and time are selected to compact the article sufficiently for form the stable, rigid body, but simultaneously not being so great as to either damage the article or compact it so much that water or other liquid is required to recover the article from its compacted state to its original state.

Abstract: A carrier having a carrier body to handle and protect electronic components which have a body portion. The carrier body having a bottom member with a flat upper surface portion with a smaller component supporting surface. The bottom member also having locator ridges which surround the component supporting surfaces. The carrier body also having a restraint structure which extends over at least a part of the component supporting surface. The restraint structure releasing a component individually from a single carrier or simultaneously or successively from all carriers when components are transferred in bulk. The body portion of the component restrained during handling within the area defined by the component supporting surface, the locator ridges, and the restraint structure.