Abstract: The invention discloses a dunnage bag arrangement for securing loads, includes an inflatable dunnage bag having a gastight inflatable bladder; and a hanger member connected to the dunnage bag and adapted to being supported on top of loads and adapted to support the dunnage bag in a void between loads. The dunnage bag includes a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one material ply, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening, and the sleeve being folded and sealed and/or stitched to close off at least one of the openings.

Abstract: A sandwich construction including a core having inner and outer surfaces and comprising a sheet material oriented extending between the inner and outer core surfaces in a configuration providing resistance to crushing in a direction between the inner and outer surfaces. The formable protector further includes an outer facing layer of a sheet material adhered to the outer surface of the core layer; and an inner facing layer adhered to the core inner surface and being sufficiently deformable to conform to a sharp edge of a protected object when the protector is bent therearound, and being substantially more compressible or stretchable than the outer facing layer. The core has sufficient resistance to crushing and the outer facing layer is sufficiently durable for causing the core to partially crush when the protector is bent around the sharp edge while partially retaining crushing resistance for protecting the sharp edge against impact.

Abstract: The dunnage can be used for protecting edges of articles such as wood furniture during shipping and has a honeycomb panel having a first and second opposed faces, and a first and second adjacent panel sections folded relative to each other along a V-groove extending into the first face, a layer of antiskid cohesive material applied on the V-groove and maintaining said first and second adjacent panels in said folded configuration, and also applied on a substantial portion of one of said first and second adjacent panel sections, on the first face. The cohesive on the exposed face of the folded dunnage acts as an antiskid which reduces the likelihood of the dunnage sliding once applied to the edge of the article, and also reduces the abrasiveness of the honeycomb panel. A process of production is also disclosed where the V-groove can be made on line.

Abstract: The present invention is a cargo restraint system for protecting a barrel-contained cargo in a cargo vehicle space during transportation. In one example, the cargo vehicle may contain two sets of stacked barrels with each set having three vertical levels of barrels. In a first embodiment of the invention, the cargo restraint system includes at least one crush cushion placed at either a front end or a back end of the barrel-contained cargo. The crush cushion provides at least five contact points against each barrel and the contact points are arranged along three levels of crush zones. An end-wall system is placed adjacent to the crush cushion. At least one angle member with a plurality of strap separation slots is coupled to the end-wall system. Each strap is threaded through the strap separation slots and is anchored to the cargo vehicle to securely hold the barrel-contained cargo to the crush cushion and the end wall system.

Abstract: A unitary void filling apparatus for use as a lengthwise void spacer which is capable of preventing movement of a load disposed on a pallet, protecting the load from end-to-end forces, and acting as a dust cover. The apparatus consists of a frame folded to make a central area, which fits on top of the load, and two vertical sides, which hangs over opposite ends of the load. Attached to each vertical side are covered void fillers, each adapted to substantially fill any lengthwise underhang and protect the load from end-to-end forces. The central area of the frame supports the vertical sides to which the void fillers are attached, thereby holding the void fillers in the proper position and also preventing dust from accumulating on the cargo.

Abstract: An encapsulated bulkhead for use as a void filler to secure and protect cargo loads during transportation, such as in rail cars or trucks, is described. The encapsulated bulkhead includes a bulkhead member and an encapsulation or coating. In one embodiment, the bulkhead member includes two planar parallel deck sheets, a planar peripheral side member, and a honeycomb cell core, which may be made of corrugated paper or other paper. In another embodiment, the bulkhead member is a uniform expanded polystyrene foam. The coating is a water-resistant material which may be an elastomer, such as a polyurea, polyurethane, or polyurethane/polyurea hybrid. A method for encapsulating a bulkhead member is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a bulkhead member, spraying the bulkhead member with the components of an elastomer to coat or encapsulate the bulkhead, and allowing the components to cure for a period of time sufficient to form the water-resistant elastomer.

Abstract: The load securement apparatus, system, and method includes a pallet onto which freight can be loaded and a shroud for surrounding the freight on the pallet. The system and method can also include a drop down void filler for filling space wherein the drop down void filler can be positioned along a longitudinal plane of the transportation vehicle between two pallets loaded with freight. Panels, such as, for example, honeycomb panels, can be positioned both along a transverse plane of the transportation vehicle as well as a longitudinal plane of the transportation vehicle. Bulkhead panels can also be positioned along a transverse plane of the transportation vehicle between two pallets loaded with freight and can fill space and further secure the freight. Additionally, an airbag can be positioned along a transverse plane of the transportation vehicle between two bulkhead panels and can also fill space and secure the freight.

Abstract: A unitary void filling apparatus for use as a lengthwise void spacer which is capable of preventing movement of a load disposed on a pallet, protecting the load from end-to-end forces, and acting as a dust cover. The apparatus consists of a frame folded to make a central area, which fits on top of the load, and two vertical sides, which hangs over opposite ends of the load. Attached to each vertical side are covered void fillers, each adapted to substantially fill any lengthwise underhang and protect the load from end-to-end forces. The central area of the frame supports the vertical sides to which the void fillers are attached, thereby holding the void fillers in the proper position and also preventing dust from accumulating on the cargo.

Abstract: A unitary void filling apparatus for use as a lengthwise void spacer which is capable of preventing movement of a load disposed on a pallet, protecting the load from end-to-end forces, and acting as a dust cover. The apparatus consists of a frame folded to make a central area, which fits on top of the load, and two vertical sides, which hangs over opposite ends of the load. Attached to each vertical side are covered void fillers, each adapted to substantially fill any lengthwise underhang and protect the load from end-to-end forces. The central area of the frame supports the vertical sides to which the void fillers are attached, thereby holding the void fillers in the proper position and also preventing dust from accumulating on the cargo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing cargo within a transport container is presented. First and second tubular elements are provided having generally cylindrical bodies and bases at a terminal end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo. A method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container includes providing an extensible load stabilizer having first and second tubular elements, each having a base, positioning the load stabilizer between opposing surfaces within the transport container, and extending the tubular members with respect to each other, and stabilizing a surface of cargo against an opposing surface.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a craft according to one embodiment includes a first portion for forming a first loop around a handlebar, the first portion having a free end; a second portion for forming a second loop around the handlebar, the second portion having a free end; and a cross member extending between the first and second portions, wherein a length of the cross member is selectively adjustable. Tension exerted on the free end of the first portion causes the first loop to exert a wrapping force on the handlebar when wrapped therearound. Tension exerted on the free end of the second portion causes the second loop to exert a wrapping force on the handlebar when wrapped therearound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for stabilizing cargo within a transport container. An apparatus includes first and second tubular elements having generally cylindrical bodies and bases at one end which can react against opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize cargo within the container. One base of one tubular member can react against a surface of cargo and the other base of the other tubular member can react against an opposing surface of other cargo or an internal wall of the transport container. An extension mechanism allows for the extension and selective translation between the first and second tubular members allowing the apparatus to extend and fill the space between opposing surfaces within the transport container and stabilize the cargo.

Abstract: Honeycomb forms can be held in an expanded or compressed state by the use of a lengthwise device such as a cord or similar lengthwise material threaded through holes in the honeycomb plies. This cord has a frictional surface to hold the honeycomb from unintended movement. Additionally, a semi rigid lengthwise device, such as a twisted, stranded wire may be used with the separated strands preventing the return of the end plies.

Abstract: A shipping assembly for securing and stabilizing a load for truck transportation using recyclable components. The shipping assembly includes multiple support structures positioned about the load with oppositely disposed end cap assemblies to stabilize and protect the load which is comprised of multiple elongated semi-rigid containers.

Abstract: A shipping assembly for securing and stabilizing a load for truck transportation using recyclable components. The shipping assembly includes multiple support structures positioned about the load with oppositely disposed end cap assemblies to stabilize and protect the load which is comprised of multiple elongated semi-rigid containers.

Abstract: A shipping container assembly for securing and stabilizing a load for truck transportation using recyclable components. The container assembly includes multiple support structures positioned about the load with oppositely disposed end cap assemblies to stabilize and protect the load which is comprises of multiple elongated units.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and cushioning objects during shipment. The apparatus comprises an inflatable member and a pad. The pad has a honeycomb core, a front face and a rear face. The rear face of the pad has a rear recess adapted to hold the inflatable member. The pad may further include a front recess in the front face for cooperatively receiving the surface of the object. The front recess may be defined by a portion of the pad in which the honeycomb core has been compressively deformed to a predetermined depth and a predetermined width to cushion the object received in the front recess.

Abstract: A void filler (10) has intersecting cellular or prismatic members (16, 34) that are disposed inside of an exterior housing (14). Sides (46, 44; 64, 66) of the prismatic members are disposed to be perpendicular to the substantially vertical sides (20, 22; 26, 28) of the outer housing (14), and are disposed at angles to each other. The sides (44, 46) are superimposed on sides (64, 66) in elevational section, so that they coact to provide resistance against compressive forces. Despite the increase in compressive strength thus provided, the void filler (10) occupies only four thicknesses of cardboard in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: In a void filler wherein the members are connected and coupled by means of a complementary slot, the slot is reinforced by sandwiching a reinforcing strip between the laminations of the void filler members so as to surround the area of the slot and prevent the member from folding and collapsing in this area. One or more reinforcing strips can be sandwiched between the laminations or sheets making up the void filler member with the grain of the reinforcing strip positioned perpendicular to the parallel flutes of the corrugated material forming the laminated sheets. The reinforcing strip can vary in size from surrounding the immediate area of the slot itself to having the same size as the laminated sheets. An embossed groove can be provided which is slightly larger then the reinforcement strip so that the thickness of the reinforcing strip will be absorbed between the laminations to prevent added thickness in the void filler member.

Abstract: A spacer is provided for supporting and cushioning a roll of web material during shipment comprising a pad including a honeycomb core sandwiched between opposite face sheets. The pad includes a curved recess formed therein which is conformed to receive and cushion the rolls of web material. The recess is defined by a portion of the pad in which the honeycomb core and one of the face sheets has been compressively deformed to a predetermined depth. The face sheet which is compressively deformed includes an elongate slit located in the region overlying the recess for preventing the tearing of the face sheet when the pad is compressively deformed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to bracing systems for bracing especially massive objects while the objects are being shipped, typically in a rail car. The invention is directed to packing arrangements where first and second end arrays of rolls of product are disposed in first and second ends of the rail car, with sets of rolls proximate but spaced from each other at the central doorway. Each pair of side-by-side rolls in a set includes a cavity therebetween, facing the opposing set. Wedges are placed in the cavities such that each set of rolls, with wedges in the cavities, presents a generally planar composite surface between the rolls at the loci of closest approach to the opposing rolls. Thus, with the wedges in place, the rolls, in combination, present two generally planar, typically parallel, and more-or-less continuous composite surfaces facing each other across the space separating the two sets of rolls.

Abstract: A collapsible void filler is provided which, when in an expanded state, prevents relative movement between cargo during transit. The void filler is formed as a pair of side panels, a pair of bases secured to the side panels, and at least one beam structure located in the interior defined by the side panels and the two bases. The side panels include side panel portions which fold about a longitudinal axis when the void filler is collapsed. The bases, which may be formed from one or more base panels, extend transversely between the side panels and move toward and way from one another when the void filler is collapsed and expanded. The beam structures may have several different configurations, each of which has a pair of beam panels hingedly connected to the bases and foldable with respect to one another. The beam structures operate to support the side panels against transverse compression when the void filler is expanded. The void filler is preferably made from a unitary piece of material.

Abstract: A void filler device for use in staggering paper rolls during shipment includes a housing member which generally surrounds an inner core. The housing member has a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls which are attached to the core, and is octagonally shaped. The top and bottom walls of the housing include fold lines around which the walls are folded to collapse the void filler device. The inner core member includes a plurality of flat boards made of laminated paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic or other like suitable material. Each of the boards has spaced notches along its length and the boards are interconnected with each other along the notches to form an open cell construction that is expandable and collapsible. The top and bottom walls can include apertures therein for ensuring that the paper rolls are properly aligned.

Abstract: A method for leveling a pallet load includes providing at least two pallets and a predetermined combination of containers and void fillers. The combination of containers and void fillers are placed upon a first pallet that has generally flat, horizontal top and bottom surfaces. The combination of containers and void fillers defines a horizontal plane upon which a second pallet, which has generally flat top and bottom surfaces, is stacked.

Abstract: A roll riser for use such as in staggering paper rolls during shipment generally includes first and second deck sheets each having inner and outer sides, a fold line along the edge of the core and a fold line along its midpoint, and are connected together by an open-celled core. The roll riser is collapsible along the fold lines for shipment to the user or for storage so as to occupy a relatively small amount of space and then expanded by the user for use. In a first embodiment, pressure sensitive tape is secured to the inner sides of the sheets and when the roll riser is in an expanded configuration, the tape adheres to the core. In a second embodiment, pressure sensitive tape is secured to the outer side of the first sheet and when the roll riser is in an expanded configuration, the tape is adhered to the outer sides of the first and second sheets. In each embodiment, the tape causes the roll riser to remain in the expanded configuration so as to prevent the roll riser from collapsing.

Abstract: A roll riser for use, such as in staggering paper rolls, during shipment generally includes a rigid sheet and a core attached by its ends to the sheet along the length of the sheet. The core is collapsible and expandable so as to transform the roll riser from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. First and second end portions of the sheet are folded against a side of the core around fold lines, and lie generally adjacent to the core to cause the roll riser to remain in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An inverted V-shaped bulkhead void filler for filling empty spaces in a cargo area during shipping includes a novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, interlocking structure. The bulkhead void filler includes first and second rigid panels of a sandwich-type construction attached by the interlocking structure at an upper end of each of the panels. To form the novel non-pivotable, but disengagable, interlocking structure, the second panel includes a side clip and end clips attached to its upper end. The clips define a gap substantially equal to the width or thickness of a leg of the core. The leg of the core of the first panel is slid into the gap and held securely therein.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable void filler for separating cargo during transit in trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and the like includes an outer tubular housing having a diamond-shaped tubular core. The housing and core are collapsible into a generally flat configuration along score indentations. In one embodiment, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a plurality of collapsible wall portions along the outer housing that collapse inwardly from the periphery of the housing and engage the core. In other embodiments, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a cord or elastomeric bands which are tightly stretched around the periphery of the housing and is held in a series of aligned notches.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable void filler for separating cargo during transit in trucks, railroad cars, airplanes and the like includes an outer tubular housing having a diamond-shaped tubular core. The housing and core are collapsible into a generally flat configuration along score indentations. In one embodiment, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a plurality of collapsible wall portions along the outer housing that collapse inwardly from the periphery of the housing and engage the core. In other embodiments, the void filler is held in an expanded configuration by a cord or elastomeric bands which are tightly stretched around the periphery of the housing and is held in a series of aligned notches.

Abstract: A collapsible void filling apparatus (10) with at least one multiple elongate hollow rectilinear member (14, 16, 74 80) arranged in side by side relationship to form a body (21) for insertion into a void (24) between stacks of cargo (12) in a freight vehicle to prevent shifting of the cargo with overlapping, reinforced, cross support walls (23, 30, 31), a locking member (50) insertable from the end of one of the hollow members to a locking position which prevents collapse of the void filler body (21) during handling while allowing a clear view through the hollow member and which also functions as a handle for use in inserting the void filling apparatus (10, 10', 10", 10'") into the void (24) and tab members (56, 58) for holding the locking member (50) in the locking position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A void filler including a casing with opposed vertical side walls and opposed face walls. The casing confines an expandable and collapsible core formed of centrally folded strips with the opposed ends of each strip secured to the opposed side walls. The strips are formed in two facing groups, each of a general chevron pattern with the strips collapsing entirely within the casing upon an inward movement of the opposed side walls into parallel overlying engagement, the strips folding between the side walls and defining a minimal layering of panels between the side walls.

Abstract: An expandable void filler which includes a plurality of expandable hollow, elongated, box-like tubes which can be stacked one on the other and joined together along their common surfaces. Separate interface panels can be sandwiched between the individual tubular members to provide additional lateral compressive strength. The individual tubes are held in the expanded position by individual folding panels which extend inwardly across the interior opening within and have sufficient size to wedge against the opposite sidewall as well as the top and bottom of the structure. These panels alternate from one side of the tube to the other and are staggered so as to not be vertically aligned between the stacked tubular members. A flange member can be attached to the uppermost tube to support the void filler in proper position between the cargo loaded within a transporting vehicle.

Abstract: An expandable load spacer having a suspension strip fixedly attached to a generally honeycomb, cellular void filler is disclosed for use between stacks of articles of freight in, for example, rail cars and other shipping vehicles or containers. The load spacer substantially eliminates the hour glass effect generally experienced in suspended dunnage devices, while at the same time significantly reducing the amount of sheet material required in the manufacture of those load spacers.

Abstract: A unitary dunnage device for use with a "singled out" pallet unit being transported within a van, trailer or container. The device includes a pair of void fillers, each being dimensioned and configured to fit within a respective lateral void, existing between the pallet and the container's sidewalls. The void fillers are structurally united and supported in spaced horizontal relation by a suspension structure. The suspension structure has a median portion overlying the pallet unit, and end portions extending from the sides of the pallet unit to the container's sidewalls. The void fillers are attached to and depend from the underside of a respective end portion.

Abstract: A dunnage device expandable from a compact flat stack into a vertically extending cellular slab. A plurality of elongated strips is stacked and assembled in co-extensive relation. Each strip has a median portion, opposing end portions, and opposing outer end extremities. A transverse fold line is provided between the median portion and each end portion, across each strip. The strips are attached to each other at their outer end extremities to form pairs; the pairs are attached to each other along adjacent median portions. When the stack of attached strips is expanded, a plurality of serially connected, horizontally oriented, rectangular cells is formed. Means for suspending the cellular slab is disclosed. A foldable, integral backing board, in combination with the cellular slab, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A void filler (14, 16) especially suited for filling large volumes is made from first and second panels (18, 20), each panel having a core (26) sandwiched between face sheets (22, 24). The core is typically a corrugated honeycomb core so that the panel is stiff, strong and yet lightweight. The panels each have generally horizontal upper and lower edges (30, 32) and generally vertical first and second (34, 36) edges. The panels are connected at a hinge (44) along their upper edges. A limiter (50), attached at or near the lower edges, limits the movement of the lower edges away from one another so the panels can move from a flat, storage condition to a use condition, exhibiting a generally inverted V-shape. Two void fillers can be hingedly connected to form an M-shaped void filler assembly (2).

Abstract: An expandable void filler which includes a plurality of expandable hollow, elongated, box-like tubes which can be stacked one on the other and joined together along their common surfaces. Separate interface panels can be sandwiched between the individual tubular members to provide additional lateral compressive strength. The individual tubes are held in the expanded position by individual folding panels which extend inwardly across the interior opening within and have sufficient size to wedge against the opposite sidewall as well as the top and bottom of the structure. These panels alternate from one side of the tube to the other and are staggered so as to not be vertically aligned between the stacked tubular members. A flange member can be attached to the uppermost tube to support the void filler in proper position between the cargo loaded within a transporting vehicle.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive void filler includes alternately stacked and laminated sheets of V-shaped and W-shaped panels of corrugated board glued together along the center and sides.

Abstract: A device for intercepting and retaining of cargo that may have become loose in a transport or baggage compartment or cabin of an aircraft, is located between a freight compartment and a passenger compartment of an aircraft. The device forms an additional protective screen or wall connected to a mounting structure by connection flanges, e.g. the air frame or cabin structures such as the floor and ceiling. The protective screen has at least two wall sections arranged one behind the other with a spacing between the wall sections. The wall sections are joined to each other by energy absorbing elements inserted in the spacing to form a composite, laminated structure. Each wall section has an external covering. The passenger cabin facing wall section may have a decorated surface. The baggage compartment facing wall has a tough material covering to take up impacts, when a piece of cargo should hit the wall surface.

Abstract: A collapsible, open cell void filler (2) is made by stacking a series of paper core sheets (58) and gluing the core sheets to one another at appropriate points (56) to create a generally hexagonal open cell core structure when expanded. The stack (60) of core sheets is cut along a series of cutting planes (62) to create rows of independently expandable hexagonal cells (16). The end cells (20) of each row are connected to one another by an outer sheet (18) to create a core slab (68). When the outer sheets are separated, the rows of cells expand from their collapsed, reduced volume condition to their expanded, increased volume condition. As the cells expand they separate laterally from one another along the cutting planes. This eliminates deformation of the cells and permits the full extension of the rows of cells. Deck sheets (6) can be fastened to the outer sheets so that when the core slab is expanded, the deck sheets lie adjacent the open cell ends (28).

Abstract: Disclosed is a barrier for use in a vehicle to restrain equipment and cargo in the event of a sudden deceleration of the vehicle. The barrier includes a honeycomb panel provided with thin face sheets on its forward and aft surfaces. A channeled frame surrounds the perimeter of the panel and is provided with attachment fittings for securing the assembly to the vehicle. A pair of vertically disposed, spaced-apart straps are located on the forward surface of the panel in line with, and attached to, the attachment fittings. In the event of sudden vehicle deceleration, equipment or cargo may be thrown forward into the barrier, applying a load thereto. The honeycomb panel withstands the load developed normal to the barrier. The components of the load that are developed "in-plane" with the barrier are transferred to the straps by the particular configuration of straps and attachment fittings.

Abstract: An expansible honeycomb-type void filler formed of stacked strips secured together at spaced and staggered positions to define cell walls which vary in length to provide vertically aligned shortened stretch-limiting walls which reduce hourglass-type distortion, has suspension means consisting of a supporting top strip of the stack and a suspension structural element, said suspension means also including parts movable in a direction lengthwise of the strips to provide openable cells between the suspension structural element and the supporting top strip of the stack. The void filler is also disclosed as having widened adhesive connections in an upper region, and as being formed of corrugated paperboard which is partially crushed.

Abstract: An expansible cellular void filler for dunnage uses is formed of a stack of flat, bendable strips, each except the top and bottom of which is secured at alternating longitudinally spaced positions to an overlying strip and to a subjacent strip, the secured positions being aligned in rows in a direction perpendicular to the planes of the flat strips, the spacing between at least two such rows being less than the spacing between other rows, so that when the strips are moved apart and bend to form cells, the cell sidewalls formed by the portions of the strips which extend between said two rows move toward a straight planar relationship prior to the sidewalls of other cells, and limit the expansion of the filler.

Abstract: A collapsible, corrugated damage prevention device for separating freight in transit in railroad cars, trucks, and the like is provided and includes an outer tube like member and a collapsible spreader core inside the outer tube and at right angles to the sides of the outer tube. One version provides an outer tube like member and a second tube like member inside and at right angles to the outer tube. Another version provides a U-shaped outer section with outwardly extending flanges covered with a cap sheet to provide a hollow interior. The sides of the void filler are scored to allow each side to be easily folded outwardly from the core member thus disposing the entire device in a flat configuration which can be easily stored when not in use.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed for filling the void between containers or articles in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container and the sides thereof to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is an expandable, collapsible honeycomb structure which includes a generally planar suspension member laminated to the top of the honeycomb structure. The suspension member includes side portions extending laterally beyond either side of the honeycomb structure and is provided with a score line permitting one side portion to be bent to a position generally perpendicular to the top surface of the suspension member. This side portion includes a pair of flaps which are bendable inwardly over the top surface of the suspension member to prevent the one side portion from being bent beyond the perpendicular. In use, the other side portion rests on the top of the article of freight while the side portion bent into the perpendicular relationship lies against the vertical side wall of the container.

Abstract: An expandable honeycomb slab constructed from sheet material of corrugated paperboard, for filling load voids within a container carrying articles of freight. A plurality of horizontal cell rows, each containing a central diamond-shaped cell straddled by a pair of square-shaped cells, is stacked in vertical relation. Vertically adjacent corners and apexes of the cells are interconnected so as to allow vertical expansion of the suspended cellular array under its own weight. The vertically aligned, centrally positioned diamond-shaped cells provide vertical support and horizontal rigidity for the array, effectively preventing the honeycomb slab from assuming an hourglass configuration.

Abstract: A method and product provide a highly portable, corrugated void filler for preventing damage to unitized loads has a body or core formed into an accordian shape to provide a number of aligned slots adapted to receive portions of associated cap sheets which are fitted in place to produce a rigid, lightweight product. Each cap sheet has a top flange with reversely bent layers of cardboard which provide a locking effect urging the layers apart in a spring-like fashion to retain the cap sheets securely in position after each is inserted into slots of the body member. The top flange of each cap sheet has outwardly extending portions adapted for mounting the void filler in position by suspending between loads or by fastening only when necessary to a vehicle sidewall.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed having an improved suspension system for suspending the load spacer between containers or articles in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is a collapsible honeycomb structure and includes spaced, elongated, rigid suspension members which are woven through the upper two layers of the structure. The ends of the suspension members project laterally past the planar sides of the structure and are adapted to rest on the tops of articles of freight on opposite sides of the space filled by the load spacer. The suspension members support the spacer from above over a relatively wide area and are held in position by a relatively high frictional force to provide a strong, reliable suspension system.

Abstract: A load spacer is disclosed having an improved support system allowing the spacer to stand between containers or articles of freight in a railway boxcar or other freight shipping vehicle or container and between the load and the walls of the shipping vehicle to prevent shifting of the load. The load spacer is an expandable-collapsible honeycomb structure and includes spaced elongated, rigid supporting members which extend through the structure from top to bottom. The ends of the rigid supporting members bear against the top and bottom strips of the structure to support the structure in an expanded condition and to prevent its collapse in a vertical direction when in place. The load spacer is particularly adapted for use at the ends and along the sides of the shipping vehicle.

Abstract: A free standing cargo spacer which is adapted to be assembled in situ from a honeycomb body and an initially flat panel. The honeycomb body is shipped collapsed and is expanded during assembly. The panel is bent during assembly to extend partially around the expanded honeycomb, and is interengaged therewith by means of interfittable tabs and slots to support and maintain the expanded form of the honeycomb and hold the panel in bent form.