Abstract: A drinking cup and a method for supporting tapered, disposable beverage cups on a variety of surfaces and means for making such cups more stable and less susceptible to accidental upset.

Abstract: A modular panel that can be used for multiple purposes and one that can be interconnected with other articles and with similar modular panels by means of a versatile fastening system. The modular panel includes a flexible planar body having spaced-apart edges, reusable fastening components positioned along at least one of the spaced-apart edges of the flexible planar body and a plurality of reusable fastening components positioned intermediate the spaced-apart edges of the flexible planar body.

Abstract: A unitary protective envelope device for packaging fragile articles has an outer wall and a conformable inner wall. A mass of compressed resilient open-celled cellular material is enclosed in the space between the walls and held in compressed condition under vacuum. The material upon exposure to atmospheric pressure expands, forcing the inner wall conformingly against articles in the envelope and converting the envelope into an impact-absorbing pod embracing and conforming closely to its contents. In one preferred embodiment a compressed slab of open-celled foam held in compressed condition in a vacuum-sealed sack positioned between the walls expands to embrace the contents of the envelope when the sack is punctured.

Abstract: This unitary package is double-walled, the inner wall being capable of conforming to articles within the package, and the space between the walls being occupied by expandable polystyrene. After contents are sealed within the package the entire package is radio-frequency-irradiated, causing the polystyrene to expand into an impact-absorbing foam. During expansion the polystyrene forces the inner wall conformingly against the contents, and the outer wall to become generally convex outward or if constrained to assume the shape of its constraints. The result is a stiff, impact-absorbing pod whose interior surfaces closely conform to the contents.Multilayer walls of various specified materials, and certain additives to the styrene, are provided to facilitate use of the invention.