Abstract: A windshield packaging system that provides effective support for the windshield during substantial vertical drops, protects the windshield against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects windshields of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The windshield packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: A windshield packaging system that provides effective support for the windshield during substantial vertical drops, protects the windshield against side impacts, is simple in design, requires only modest skill to effectively assemble, protects windshields of different size with the same size carton, and minimizes inventory management problems. The windshield packaging system includes jaw components having a synergistic effect, horizontally-running flutes, and pressure-regulated clamps.

Abstract: A packing box for receiving and packing a product (W1; W4) having at least one bent portion is erected from a single sideways-long rectangular base sheet (10; 110). The base sheet includes a plurality of folding lines and slits for initiating the folding of the sheet. The packing box is erected by folding the sheet along the lines and slits. The product can be packed while erecting the box.

Abstract: A rack for the transport of thin wall parts such as automotive body panels stampings has a steel frame with two parallel channels positioned on either side of a planar floor member. Each channel has a series of parallel slots which receive tabs extending downwardly from parallel plastic leaves. The leaves are restricted from removal from the rack by rods which extend through the frame beneath the channels and through rod openings in the tabs. The plastic leaves are of two types having side structures which do not nest. Because the leaves are not hinged to the floor member, they will stay in either position due to gravity. The non-nesting leaf side structures permit a plurality of leaves to be flipped from one position to the other simultaneously.

Abstract: A crate for carrying glass panels comprises a longitudinal body frame consisting of a base, opposite side panels and opposite end panels and including supports extending vertically from the base for holding glass panels in the longitudinal direction of the frame. The supports are pivotally mounted to move between a vertical position to receive and hold the glass panels and a horizontal position in which the supports lie over the base once the glass panels have been removed. The side panels are inwardly foldable to rest over the supports once in their horizontal position. The end panels each include an upper end section inwardly foldable to rest over the side panels when folded over the supports and a fixed lower end section which is constructed to contact the end panels of superposed and underposed similarly constructed crates thereby allowing such crates to be vertically stacked when the glass supports, side panels and upper end sections of the end panels are in their folded position.

Abstract: A rack for the transport of thin wall parts such as automotive body panels stampings has a steel frame with two parallel channels positioned on either side of a planar floor member. Each channel has a series of parallel slots which receive tabs extending downwardly from parallel plastic leaves. The leaves are restricted from removal from the rack by rods which extend through the frame beneath the channels and through rod openings in the tabs. The plastic leaves are of two types having side structures which do not nest. Because the leaves are not hinged to the floor member, they will stay in either position due to gravity. The non-nesting leaf side structures permit a plurality of leaves to be flipped from one position to the other simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system for protecting a detachable motorcycle windshield assembly from damage when said windshield assembly is detached from a motorcycle. A storage system according to the invention includes a rigid base and a plurality of mounting bosses connected to said rigid base. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rigid base is fastened to a wall. In an alternative embodiment, the rigid base is affixed to an inside portion of a hinged protective case.

Abstract: Containers (19) are provided for packaging flexible substrates (13) such as the glass substrates used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays. The containers include arc-shaped grooves (25) which apply an elastic strain to the substrates. The elastic strain stiffens the substrates and thus reduces the likelihood of damage to the substrates as a result of vibration during transport or sagging when held horizontally. Through the use of such grooves, dense packaging of large, thin substrates is achieved.

Abstract: A spacer adapted, in use, to space materials, (for example sheets of glass) comprising a spacer element having on at least one face an adhesive wherein at least a portion of the edge of said adhesive carrying face is adhesive free. The spacer is fabricated from a relatively flexible material so that the portion which does not adhere to the material being spaced (because there is no adhesive on that portion) can be bent from out of the plane of the spacer. Once the unadhered portion is so bent a finger hold is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible container for shipping articles such as automotive transparencies, more particularly automotive windshields and in particular, to a base having a cut out portion. The cut out portion allows a person loading and/or unloading the container to walk on the floor supporting the base for ease of loading/unloading articles on the base at the rear of the container.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the manufacture of lites (glass sheets) which have at least a pair of thin spacers applied thereto which maintain the lites in spaced relationship when stacked upon pallets, wrapped and shipped. The spacers are preferably only partially adhered to the lites, either by weak bonding adhesive or electrostatically, and can be readily removed during end-use applications. The spacers are applied automatically during production runs of the lites, and the spacers are applied from above or from below relative to the path of travel of the lites.

Abstract: A precision holding system for a vehicle hood includes a frame extending vertically and at least one pair of arms spaced transversely and extending horizontally from the frame. Each arms includes a master control pin disposed within a portion of a vehicle hood to locate the vehicle hood relative to the frame and a plurality of master control surfaces to hold the vehicle hood in a horizontal, design position while an adhesive between components of the vehicle hood cures.

Abstract: A spacer clip allows sheet products such as panes of glass to be handled and transported. The upper part (2) of the spacer clip, which rests on at least one part of the edge face of a sheet product, is in contact with at least one other spacer clip positioned on a sheet product next to the product. Contact between the upper part (2) of the clip and the upper part (2) of each of the other neighboring spacer clips is along a generatrix (15).

Abstract: A folding rack (10) for holding glass panels, particularly automobile glass panels (93), includes a pair of horizontal, spaced-apart rails (20). Holders (60) for holding glass (93) are connected by hinges (40) to the ends of rails (20) by a horizontal hinge axis (45) and are rotatable between an erect position and a folded position. Right posts (70R) are of length such that in the folded position their upper ends (72R) are near the left hinge axis (45L). In the upright position, bottom ends (71L) of left posts (70L) being disposed to the left of the left hinge axis (45L) such that in the folded position they are higher than in the upright position such that left holder (60L) folds over right holder (60R).

Abstract: A shipping rack is provided for storing and transporting vehicle sliding door upper trim frames which must be adequately supported to prevent movement thereof during shipment which movement could cause damage to finished surfaces. The vehicle sliding door upper trim frames include an elongated central portion having end portions extending therefrom. The shipping rack includes an elongated lower frame end portion receiver structure for receiving one of the frame end portions and an elongated upper frame end portion frame holder structure for holding the other end portion. This arrangement results in supporting vehicle sliding door upper trim frames without contact with each other and in such fashion as to prevent any substantial movement during shipment.

Abstract: A windshield divider and support assembly for supporting two or more motor vehicles windshields spaced apart in a container, as disclosed. The divider support assembly consists of two pairs of support spacer members which are formed of cardboard material, and each member comprised of a reinforced hollow honeycomb paperboard membrane and opposed paperboard sheets. A plurality of spaced apart slots extend from an elongated edge of each of the spacer members and define shock absorbing ribs which are capable of flexing sideways in a lateral plane and twisting in torsion to receive straight or angled portions of motor vehicle windshields thereacross to support a plurality of windshields in a container and spaced from opposed side walls, bottom wall and top wall thereof. The entire support assembly is of light weight, low cost, very flexible and repulpable.

Abstract: A pallet having a base frame and an upright rear frame to stand glass plates, which may include curved glass plates, on the base frame against the rear frame is disclosed. To keep the glass plate in the rearmost position apart from the rear frame the pallet has stoppers projecting from the rear frame. For each stopper, an upright support member defining therein a cross-sectionally rectangular channel is fixed to the rear frame, and a vertical slit is formed in the front wall of the support member. The stopper is attached to the support member by using a receptacle having an elongate main part and a perpendicularly projecting part both of which are cross-sectionally rectangular and either of which is fittable in the channel in the support member. The receptacle is formed with three receptive holes, which are of the same shape and size, at different locations. Each stopper has a holder to which a stopper head is attached, and the holder is fitted in one of the receptive holes of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling sheet metal stampings such as automotive body panels. A rack is disclosed in which a plurality of runner assemblies are positioned proximate the floor of the rack with each runner assembly including a galvanized steel base member secured to the floor structure of the rack and a top member secured to the base member. The top member includes a galvanized steel substrate and a cladding applied to the upper face of the substrate. The cladding comprises a lubricous material such, for example, as a polypropylene so that the cladding not only provides a mar-resistant surface to protect the finish of the sheet metal stamping but further provides a low friction lubricous surface to facilitate the sliding movement of the stamping along the runner as the stamping is moved into and out of the associated rack structure.

Abstract: A hanger which includes two depending strips of resilient material interconnected at their upper margins by a flexible link which enables the hanger at its link to be placed over the upper marinal edge of a sheet of material with the strips straddling of the sheet material and thus acting as a spacer preventing contact between adjacent sheets of material stacked in an upright orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shipping container utilizing flexible divider panels each formed with one or more flaps attachable to a surrounding frame structure in a way to vary the panel curvature to accommodate variously contoured parts for shipping.

Abstract: A shipping rack with a rack latch assembly capable of holding a plurality of vehicle parts, such as door panels, in separated arrangement during shipping and which allows easy removable of the parts and is reusable. The shipping rack is also adaptable to ship parts having slight dimensional variations in height. The door panels are supported in a vertical direction by engagement of the underside of the upper overturned flange of the door panel. Dunnage bars restrain movement of the door panel in a lateral direction and a holding bar is used to secure the lower portion of the door panel against longitudinal movement. A latching assembly is provided for securing the lower horizontally extending flange against movement in an upward direction. The latching assembly includes latching elements with a pair of vertically spaced horizontally extending arms for engaging the lower flange of door panels having slightly different vertical lengths.

Abstract: A stand-up label or sign holder for use in supermarkets or bakeries is made of plastic sheet material and has a base panel at one end, a label or sign holder panel at its opposite end and an elongate stem connecting the panels. The base panel can be used to support the holder by folding the base panel at right angles to the stem so that the holder stands on the base panel with the stem extending upwardly toward the holder panel. The holder panel can be bent back toward the base panel to stabilize the holder. Also, the stem has lengthwise ribbing which promotes transverse bowing of the stem so as to resist lengthwise twisting or bending. The label or sign holder panel has tabs for retaining a sign or label. If the holder is made of transparent plastic, the sign or label is visible from both sides of the holder panel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a storage rack for storing glass sheets in a substantially upright position spaced at a small distance from each other. Intermediate supports (2), together with a lever arm (4), form a bell crank whose angular point is linked to a carrier beam (8) by means of a pivot (9). The free end of each lever (4) carries a roller or a sliding surface (5), positioned at a location between intermediate supports (2). As the glass sheets are placed on the rack in a manner that the lower edge of glass sheet (7) is set upon rollers (5), the dead weight of a glass sheet lifts up the intermediate supports (2) for separating the glass sheets from each other.

Abstract: A packaging separator adapted to be disposed in load bearing engagement between a pair of articles, such as windshields. The separator includes a sheet-like supporting element constructed of a generally nonresilient plastic foam and having enlarged opposed side surfaces for respectively contacting opposed surfaces associated with a pair of adjacent windshields. The supporting member has one or more shallow recesses formed inwardly from one of said side surfaces, and each recess contains therein a sheet-like gripping pad constructed of a resilient foam. The gripping pad, in a resiliently nondeformed condition, has a thickness which is significantly greater than the depth of the recess to define an outer gripping surface which extend generally parallel with but is normally spaced outwardly from the respectively adjacent side surface of the supporting element.

Abstract: A shipping rack for vehicle air dams is provided. The air dams are of the type fabricated of a flexible plastic material and have an elongated central portion with relatively short end portions. The shipping rack includes air dam support members which support the end portions of the air dams and have interlocking structure to prevent flopping of the end portions of the air dams when the air dams are loading onto the shipping rack.

Abstract: A shipping log for supporting a plurality of sheet members such as automotive lites. The shipping log has a plurality of vertical slots to maintain the sheet members in a spaced apart vertical alignment and a resilient formable strip extending across a plurality of grooves and deformable into the grooves under the weight of the sheet members to prevent longitudinal displacement of the sheet members.

Abstract: A lens-carrying device is adapted to receive and contain a plurality of optical lenses in side-by-side non-contacting relation. The device is constructed of a first tray and a second tray, adapted to be releasably engaged, with either tray serving as the base or cover of the device. Each tray contains at least one row of longitudinally-spaced side-by-side annular cavities. When the trays are engaged with each other, the annular cavities of each tray are juxtaposed in mirror relation to each other to form a plurality of side-by-side lens-carrying annular chambers for receiving and supporting optical lenses therein.

Abstract: A stacking container to receive shaped parts (2), in particular stamped sheet metal parts, consists of a frame stand (3) with upper and lower holding ledges (6, 7) between which the shaped parts (2) are being held in the upright position. The holding edges (6, 7) comprise profile notches (9, 8) for the edges of the shaped parts (2). Adjacent to every upper holding ledge (10) a height adjustable safety ledge (10) is mounted; it also is equipped with profile notches (12). In their lower position the safety ledges (10) are holding the edges of the shaped parts (2) received, when the stacking container is being transported.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting and masking a portion of a window assembly during a painting operation includes a lower cover pivotally attached to an upper cover for movement between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a window assembly can be inserted between the covers and in the closed position the covers mask a glass sheet and expose a gasket of the window assembly for painting. The upper and lower covers can be formed with a generally planar floor surrounded by upstanding walls having recessed portions formed in the sidewalls dimensioned to retain and seal the glass sheet. The lower cover can be hingedly connected to a mounting block for approximately 180.degree. of rotation to expose both sides of the extending gasket to a paint spray apparatus. A latching mechanism can be provided to maintain the upper and lower portions in the closed position during the painting operation.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting and masking an encapsulated window assembly includes a generally planar floor having a periphery surrounded by generally upstanding walls. An upper edge of the walls engages an inner surface of a gasket formed on a periphery of the window assembly whereby the fixture masks the inside surfaces of the gasket and a glass sheet forming the window assembly. At least one aperture is formed in the fixture for receiving a reference pin utilized to locate the fixture with respect to a painting apparatus. A sensor is provided for generating a signal representing the engagement of the aperture by the reference pin and a control unit is responsive to the sensor signal for controlling a robot painting apparatus to spray paint an outer surface of the gasket. The fixture further is used to support the window assembly during curing of the paint and subsequent manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A reusable shipping container for frangible sheets and the like having a three part telescoping base adjustable in length and a pair of three part telescoping transverse sheet support frames adjustable in height removably attached to the ends of the base wherein the container is unitized using flexible banding straps having load bearing loops for lifting the container. The container also provides removable caster wheels and sheet edge contacting separator strips. The container is particularly adapted for shipping, storing and unloading large multiple glazed window units of the type used in large commercial buildings. A method of unloading a container in which one of the transverse sheet support frames is moved from an end position on the base to a position nearer the other transverse support frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: The device for handling articles in the form of sheets such as windshields comprises a floor of trapezoidal shape for receiving a stack of sheets, a bearing member and two side-panels which are outwardly divergent from a rear framework. Empty containers can therefore form a nested assembly for return transportation. In order to facilitate nesting, the metallic lining plates of the side-panels are upwardly divergent. A recess is formed in the floor in order to house the bearing member of the empty container to be nested therein.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for handling sheet material including a peg conveyor for supporting and advancing a plurality of spaced, generally upright sheet articles in combination with a rack having spaced pegs and carried on a mobile lift apparatus for stripping the articles from said conveyor onto said rack or for depositing sheet-like articles from a loaded rack onto a conveyor or other article support system.

Abstract: A container for shipping automotive windshields in a generally vertical position has a pair of spaced logs mounted on the base. Each of the logs has an elongated member having an adhesive strip on a longitudinally extending sheet edge supporting surface and a row of recesses on each side of the strip. The windshields are urged toward the adhesive strip and held in continuous contact therewith by a spacer assembly and strap to prevent longitudinal and lateral motion of the windshields during shipment of the loaded container. The spacer assembly includes a plurality of spacers each having a recess for receiving upper edge portions of the loaded windshield and a tab portion or second recess for aligning each of the spacers by an elongated member. The windshields are secured in the container and continuously biased against the adhesive strip by the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus having a horizontally disposed manually rockable frame for supporting and tilting a shipping container from its normal upright transporting attitude through an angle of less than 90.degree. to an attitude included from the horizontal for packing glass sheets therein. The glass sheets are manually placed in the shipping container when it is supported in the inclined packing attitude with sheets of separating material interleaved therebetween and, when packed, the container is returned to its upright transporting attitude.

Abstract: A shipping carton assembly for automobile taillight assemblies. The assemblies are enclosed in cartons and two cartons are stacked on a pallet. There are two tiers of assemblies in each carton and each tier may support, for example, eight taillight assemblies. The assemblies are arranged parallel to each other with each of the ends of the assemblies resting on two parallel laterally-spaced boards; two second boards rest on top of the ends of the assemblies and the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies rest on the second boards. Two third boards rest on the top of the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies and the entire arrangement of the first tier and second tier are disposed in the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus having a flat pivotal member for carrying and rotating a shipping container from its normal upright transporting attitude through an angle of less than 90.degree. to an attitude inclined from the horizontal for packing glass sheets therein. The glass sheets are placed in the shipping container when it is in the inclined packing attitude with sheets of paper interleaved therebetween and, when packed, the container is rotated to its upright transporting attitude.

Abstract: A composite package for shipping and storing a stack of individual sheets of glass or the like and particularly curved automotive glass articles. The package includes a rigid outer male member and a removable female closure member, each fabricated from a resilient, shock-absorbing material. The sheets of glass are supported on edge by a pair of spaced apart rigid members projecting from the male member into the female closure member and are immobilized therewithin by resiliently contacting pairs of inner braces integrally formed on each of the members. The glass sheets are secured within the package by banding straps threaded through the male and female members and around the glass sheets. The male and female closure members are provided with mating and interfitting joining devices and may be secured together with bandings such as, for example, heat-shrinkable strech wraps, banding straps or the like. The shipping packages are stackable when assembled.

Abstract: Automotive lites, e.g., windshields are secured in a shipping container by positioning a foamed polyethylene pad on edge portion of a windshield and urging the pad and windshield edge portion into corresponding slot of spaced logs mounted on the container.

Abstract: A rack for supporting curved or flat glass, such as multi-curved automobile windshields, utilizes upstanding support members in combination with pneumatically inflatable hose to support the windshields in a vertical position. The hose is arranged in a serpentine fashion over the exterior surface of each of the upstanding members, so that a hose segment is facing each major surface of the windshield. With no pressure in the hose, the glass is arranged in the rack and the hose is inflated causing the hose to expand and contact the glass, thereby supporting and cushioning the glass.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement which prevents damage to fragile articles such as automobile windshields and the like. Upper and lower slotted braces extend in pairs between opposite side walls of an outer shipping crate. The windshields are held in slots formed in the braces. A bracket plate having sharp teeth projecting in opposite directions therefrom is interposed between end flaps of the braces and the corresponding side walls of the crate. The teeth bite into the end flaps and side walls in order to anchor the braces in place relative to the crate. A tightly held strap extends along both braces in each pair and along the outside surfaces of both side walls of the crate in order to press the walls inwardly against the bracket plate. An alternative form of the bracket includes a horizontal flange having additional teeth which bite into the brace, along with a boss which resists twisting of the bracket.

Abstract: A divider for insertion in a box or like container for dividing the container into sections. The divider is formed of a paper product and includes a double thickness primary portion formed of a pair of divider panels joined together along a longitudinal connection with there being an end panel connected to each divider panel at each end thereof and the end panels extending normal to the divider panels. The divider panels in turn have end portions defined by transverse fold lines and the longitudinal connection between the end portions of the divider panels is rupturable, whereby the extent of the divider panels may be reduced and the extent of the end panels may be increased. Thus, a single divider may extend either longitudinally or transversely of a rectangular container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a front restraint device for article shipping bins. The articles, e.g., automotive backlites are positioned on an edge and tilted to rest on an adjustable back support for packing stability. The articles are secured in the bin by a pneumatic front restraint device or a mechanical front restraint device incorporating features of the invention and mounted at the ingress end of the bin. The pneumatic front restraint device includes an inflatable member which when inflated moves a rigid pad into engagement with the articles. The mechanical front restraint device includes a rigid pad which is moved into engagement with the articles and biased toward the articles. The front restraint devices act on the articles to (1) secure the articles in the bin as a unitized pack; (2) limit oscillatory and lateral motions of the articles; and (3) dampen oscillatory and lateral forces acting on the articles during transit.

Abstract: A clip is provided for spacing a stack of flanged reflective insulation sheets along an edge of the stack. The clip has a first series of tab members which fit between each sheet of the stack to space the stack and a second series of tab members which bend over a flanged end of each sheet of the stack to support the stack and prevent the shifting of individual sheets of the stack within the stack.

Abstract: A nestable article shipping rack of the type having a backwall secured to a base includes back supports pivotally mounted on the backwall for movement into and out of the backwall, end restraints pivotally mounted on the base for movement into and out of the base, article edge supports slideably mounted on the base for movement toward and away from the backwall; and front standards pivotally mounted to the base for vertical and horizontal displacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a front restraint device for article shipping bins. The articles, e.g., automotive backlites are positioned on an edge and tilted to rest on an adjustable back support for packing stability. The articles are secured in the bin by a pneumatic front restraint device or a mechanical front restraint device incorporating features of the invention and mounted at the ingress end of the bin. The pneumatic front restraint device includes an inflatable member which when inflated moves a rigid pad into engagement with the articles. The mechanical front restraint device includes a rigid pad which is moved into engagement with the articles and biased toward the articles. The front restraint devices act on the articles to (1) secure the articles in the bin as a unitized pack; (2) limit oscillatory and lateral motions of the articles; and (3) dampen oscillatory and lateral forces acting on the articles during transit.

Abstract: A rack for shipping articles, e.g., automotive windshields has a pair of bottom edge supports pivotally mounted in spaced relation on the base to support the articles on an edge.

Abstract: A method of and device for restraining rotational motion of articles, for example, glass sheets, automotive backlites or automotive windshields, during transit are disclosed. The articles are positioned on an edge and tilted to rest on back support members. A first force is applied to a top portion of the articles and a second force is applied to a bottom portion of the articles to urge the articles against the back support members. During transit, the articles tend to rotate about the edge but are restrained by the first force which is approximately equal to or greater than the resultant moment of force acting on the top portion of the articles and the second force which is approximately equal to or greater than the resultant moment of force acting on the bottom portion of the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and storing frangible material, such as glass plates and the like and including a storage console including two generally vertically disposed frames spaced longitudinally away from one another, each of the frames defining a pair of vertically spaced channel-like guideways, with each of the guideways being provided with a compressible deformable element defining a series of plate edge receiving recesses, a pair of elongated upright stanchion members movable to and from a position causing the compressible elements to compressingly engage the edges of a series of plates received within the recesses, whereby to support, constrain and suspend the plates in a unified mass, and a pallet-like base and optional shroud for enclosing the constrained plates and providing for convenient transport and storage thereof.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus including1. a plurality of separate pairs of top and bottom bearing half means positioned at strategic points on a material to be packaged, the top bearing half means being for bearing against a top portion of the material to be packaged, the bottom bearing half means being for bearing against a bottom portion of the material to be packaged,2. tightenable connecting means, extending between each pair of the top and bottom bearing half means at each of said points, for holding the top and bottom bearing half means at each point in bearing relationship against respectively a top portion and a bottom portion of the material to be packaged, and3. line means extending between each of said points and tied to the bearing half means for securing them in position on the material to be packaged.