Abstract: A machine for packing cigarettes, having a group-forming device for forming a group of cigarettes, and a conveyor for feeding the group along a given path; the group-forming device has a number of seats, each for housing a respective subgroup of cigarettes; the subgroups are pushed, in use, through respective insertion channels tapering towards the conveyor, into a pocket of the conveyor to define the group of cigarettes; and the pocket has a substantially triangular cross section parallel to the path.

Abstract: A machine for packaging groups of products ordered in one or more layers, which includes a magazine for the supply of the group of products; apparatus for supplying a packaging sheet the sheet being set vertically to a front face of the product, a pusher for unloading the product; a first-folding spindle set downstream of the wrapping sheet; a pair of horizontal conveyors, set on top of one another, set downstream of the first-folding spindle; a vertical folder, which operates in the short space between the folding spindle and the pair of conveyors; and apparatus to superimpose on the bottom of the product the last transverse end flaps of the packaging sheet; and apparatus for fixing the bottom flaps.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: To orient groups of products to be packaged in a plastic film the groups (G) are wrapped in lengths of film and fed between two series of opposite conveyor belts (211, 212). Each series of belts comprises several parallel belts controlled at proportionally variable speeds to cause the group (G) to rotate through approximately 90° about an axis orthogonal to the direction of feed.

Abstract: A loading and palletizing device for roll trucks, such as dollies, and the associated method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: In a bulk package system the stack of plates having a height Hplate is contacted and stabilized by an internal packaging structure with a height Hint which is higher than the stack to aid in protection of the plates from forces from above. A separate external packaging structure is provided with a height Hext being equal or larger than Hint. Forces acting upon the external packaging structure caused by e.g., collisions are not transferred to the stack of plates. The external packaging structure is assembled after the internal packaging structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing wasted space and capacity in solar module assemblies. In one embodiment, the method comprises mounting a plurality of modules onto at least one support rail to define a solar assembly segment wherein the solar assembly segment has a length of no more than about half the interior length of the shipping container used to ship the segment. The solar modules each have a weight less than about 20 kg and a length between about 1660 mm and about 1666 mm, and a width between about 700 mm and about 706 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the solar modules is limited by the longest support beam that may fit in a shipping container, which in one example is about 11,720 mm. The modules are also limited so that they can be limited to weighing no more than about 20 kg. In one embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 80 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 90 watts of power at AM 1.5 G.

Abstract: Method for the joint wrapping of bags containing a product in pieces, granules or powder piled inside an elongated laminar wrapping made of termo-adherent plastic and joined at its longitudinal edges forming a sleeve closed at its bottom and at its laminar header wall with weldings, which comprises: a) making the bags laid on a conveyor go forward; b) delivering at least a first bag on a support while welding means close the laminar wrapping determining a bottom; c) partially forming a continuous laminar wrapping closed longitudinally with the shape of a sleeve with its bottom welded according to step b); d) pushing horizontally at least the first bag of the support towards the opening of the tube that forms the sleeve; e) pushing vertically causing the joint descent of the first bag and wrapping while the sleeve is closed with seams in longitudinal sense at one of its sides; f) continuing feeding the support with bags pushing them first horizontally on the opening of the tube that forms the sleeve and then v

Abstract: A method for controlling the transfer of a product stack in a packaging machine is provided, wherein the product stack is built up from a products during a work cycle and is subsequently transferred by means of a transfer apparatus (12) into a cell (18) of a continuously moved conveyor (16) during a transfer cycle. The product stack which is situated in the transfer apparatus and the cell of the conveyor assume a predefined relative position at least at the end of the transfer cycle. There is provision here for the movement speed of the conveyor to be changed in the event of an operationally caused lengthening of the work cycle and a resulting delayed start of the transfer cycle, in such a way that the cell or a following cell of the conveyor assumes the predefined relative position with respect to the product stack at the end of the transfer cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of transporting and packaging a plurality of preformed flower pot covers. Each preformed flower pot cover is formed from a flexible sheet of material which is of a shape and size to receive a flower pot. Each preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot and further having a decorative skirt extending angularly upwardly and outwardly from the upper end of the base. The method of the present invention includes the step of providing a portable platform configured to stabilize, receive, support and protect a plurality of stacked preformed flower pot covers. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers can then be wrapped to further stabilize the stacks of preformed flower pot covers so that the platform can be transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers.

Abstract: A system is provided for palletizing articles including a stacking area for stacking palletized article layers. Each palletized article layer is constructed from a plurality of arranged articles. The stacking area includes a structural member for structurally carrying a stabilizer over the stacking area. The stabilizer provides substantially continuous lateral support along the periphery of arranged articles of the article layer being constructed to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of arranged articles.

Abstract: Method and device for producing packs 7 of a food that comes in slices, in particular individually packaged processed cheese slices, whereby a pack 7 is put together from two uniform product stacks 2, 4 of slices, whereby the first product stack 2 is transported via a first feed segment 1 and the second product stack 4 is transported via a second feed segment 3 in each case horizontally by means of a transport means at transport speed, whereby the feed segments 1, 3 are guided over one another in parallel in a collection area 10, and the upper feed segment 1 ends at a sliding edge 6 that defines a collection point 10, whereby means for synchronization are adjusted such that a product stack 2 that arrives via the sliding edge 6 is neatly placed onto the product stack 4 that is transported to the lower feed segment.

Abstract: A multi-unit package includes a plurality of layers of pads stack one on top of another to form a stack of pads and a retainer coupling the stack of pads together for shipment.

Abstract: A bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale bundle. The bale stacker includes a compression chamber at least partially defined by a floor, sidewalls, and a ceiling. The compression chamber extends between an upstream opening and a downstream opening thereof. The bales are receivable in the compression chamber via the upstream opening and the bale bundle is configured to exit the compression chamber via the downstream opening. The compression chamber ceiling includes a substantially planar rear portion positioned substantially parallel to the floor. The compression chamber ceiling also includes a front portion positioned upstream from the rear portion, and located in a non-parallel relationship relative to the floor for engaging the bales as they are moved past the front portion in a downstream direction of travel toward the downstream opening, so that the bales are compressed between the front portion and the floor.

Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. The invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2). Forming the row (4) directly on the packaging material web (2) eliminates additional conveying steps thereby shortening the entire required conveyor lines and rendering stabilizing means for stabilizing the objects (1) during conveyance unnecessary.

Abstract: An automated supply system stacks and releases a selected number of products. The products are deposited from a conveyor into an arranging member and formed into a stack of a selected number of products. The stack of products is released into packaging. A product discharged from the conveyor is supported by a sliding base, which lowers when the next product on the conveyor is detected by a sensor. Once the sensor detects a selected number of products deposited onto the sliding base, the sliding base is retracted, dropping the stack of products into packaging. A retractable member is extended to collect products subsequently released from the conveyor while the sliding base is in the retracted position. The retractable member is retracted when the sliding base has extended and returned to an initial position.

Abstract: A retail or advertising display contains visual cues which convey the area of use and the method of use of a novel vertical pump-up dispenser to the consumer. Having a sponge or other substrate on top of the dispenser conveys the area of use of the dispenser. The dispenser has a large actuator surface designed to convey that it can deliver a composition to a broad substrate area, such as a sponge, in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. Having a hand over the substrate and dispenser conveys the one-handed method of cleaning that the dispenser allows. There may be additional indicia of use, such as arrows pointing down. The retail display may contain the dispenser and the substrate packaged together.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to articles that are packaged in a compressed state relative to an uncompressed fully articulated state and methods of making and using same. In a specific embodiment, but not to be considered as limiting, the articles so packaged in a compressed state are plant covers that are either substantially rigid and/or substantially flexible.

Abstract: A single use disposable spreading device to be used with pre-attached edible spreadable compounds such as butter, cream cheese, peanut butter and the like. Compounds are attached to spreader and have a protective cover over them to protect them until they are ready to be spread. The device has a snap out handle to grip with fingers for more control when spreading. One or more sides of the device may have a knifelike edge and/or serration to cut food and help spread compounds. The device may be flat or a shape other than flat to conform to the products it is being used on.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a product to a conveyor and/or carton includes a wheel and a plurality of carriers arranged in rows. A distance between each carrier in the plurality of carriers is adjustable as the product is transferred around a circumference of the wheel. Optionally, a height of each product relative to an adjacent product is likewise adjustable.

Abstract: The invention is related to a device and to a method for packaging flat articles (10) conveyed in a conveying stream, in particular printed products, with a packaging material. The device includes a conveying device (24) for conveying the flat articles in a conveying direction (F), as well as a processing means (16) for producing an at least partially closed envelope (20) out of packaging material. Apart from this, an onward conveying device (26) for conveying onwards articles (10) enveloped with envelopes (20) out of packaging material is present. Because as a result of errors in feeding-in, in particular gaps in the incoming conveying stream, it is possible that empty envelopes are produced, in accordance with the invention a transfer device (28) is arranged downstream of the processing means (16). This is capable of removing from the conveying stream empty envelopes (22) produced without the inclusion of an article (10).

Abstract: Method of packaging an arrangement of containers including producing containers on first and second manufacturing lines. The first and second manufacturing lines produce containers with first and second sets of depictions associated with a common theme using first and second series of color combinations, respectively. The first and second series of color combinations include first and second pluralities of colors wherein the first plurality of colors is different than the second plurality of colors. The containers from the first and second manufacturing lines are accumulated at a common location, where containers including depictions from the first manufacturing line with the first series of color combinations and containers including depictions from the second manufacturing line with the second series of color combinations are selected to form a group of containers that is packaged for commercial distribution.

Abstract: Examples of a robotic de-palletizer and a robotic magazine loader are described herein. The robotic de-palletizer is configured to remove cases (e.g. HSC (half slotted cases) filled with product (e.g. disassembled cartons)) and to place the HSC on one or more conveyors. The conveyor(s) move the full HSC from the “de-palletizing” area to a magazine-loading area for processing by a robotic magazine loader. In one example of the robotic magazine loader, HSC containing unassembled cartons are removed from the conveyor. The contents of the HSC are added to a magazine feeding a carton assembling and filling machinery and the empty HSC is conveyed to a discard location.

Abstract: A packing unit includes a pallet, a structural base, and a fixing device. The pallet mounts an article thereon. The structural base has a fixed portion and is detachably attached to the article. The fixing device fixes the article to the pallet and includes an article fixing member slidably supported by the pallet. The article fixing member is movable between a fix position at which the article fixing member is engaged with the fixed portion of the structural base of the article to fix the article to the pallet and a release position at which the engagement of the article fixing member and the fixed portion is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing packs (23) from at least two partial packs (25, 26) to form one groups of packs (21, 22) each of especially cuboid (cigarette) packs (20), a one-piece blank (24) being folded along (embossed) fold lines (46, 47) around the groups of packs (21, 22) in such a way that mutually facing inner walls (27) of the partial packs (25, 26) are folded in between the groups of packs (21, 22) in a V shape. According to the invention, the substantially flat blank (24) is conveyed along a blank path (36) and, during the transport, is at least partially upset in such a way that the inner walls (27) are folded in a V shape along fold lines (46) arranged transversely with respect to the transport direction. The invention also relates to a corresponding device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the invention packs a plurality of image prints in a bag as finished prints corresponding to an order a user made and outputting the bag containing the plurality of image prints. At first, the apparatus records each of the plurality of images on a recording medium based on image data which is reproduced corresponding to each of the plurality of images, thereby to produce the image prints on an image-by-image basis. Next, it judges whether the bag needs to be sealed or not when the plurality of image prints thus produced are packed in the bag as the finished prints corresponding to the order. Next, it packs the plurality of image prints in the bag as the finished prints corresponding to the order and seals the bag containing the plurality of image prints based on a result of the judging. Thereby it outputs the plurality of image prints contained in the sealed bag.

Abstract: A mailpiece fabrication system including a source for providing sheet material having mailpiece data printed thereon. The mailpiece fabrication system further includes at least one spatial positioning device adapted to direct the sheet material along one of two fabrication paths. Each fabrication path includes a fabrication assembly for producing one of at least two mailpiece configurations. In one embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes an orbiting nip roller for changing the elevation of the sheet material while, furthermore, providing an accurate and controlled mechanism for stacking and aligning sheet material to produce a flats mailpiece. In another embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes a routing roller in combination with the orbit nip roller to change the orientation of the sheet material. The routing roller is employed to change the direction of the sheet material relative to the feed path.

Abstract: A method and machine for packing packets, whereby, as two packets are fed singly and successively along a path from an input station to an output station, respective sheets of packing material are folded about the two packets to form respective wrappings; the two packets, enclosed in the respective wrappings, are brought into contact with each other to form a group of packets, and are again fed from the input station to the output station, while a further sheet of packing material is folded about the group of packets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing patterns of product holders, more in particular placing stacks of layers of the holders, into boxes or crates, using a supporting band, cords or strips, whereby the use of complex gripper heads is avoided. Thus, a considerably cheaper packing process is obtained.

Abstract: Modular shooting rests and associated assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the disclosure, for example, is directed to a shooting rest assembly for supporting a firearm. The shooting rest assembly can include a first base portion and a second base portion. The first base portion has an exterior surface, an inner surface, and a bottom surface defining a bottom surface plane. The first base portion also includes an inner volume defined, at least in part, by the inner surface and the bottom surface plane. The second base portion is engaged with the first base portion in a configuration selected from (a) a first shooting rest arrangement, and (b) a second shooting rest arrangement. In the first shooting rest arrangement, the second base portion is received at least approximately completely within the inner volume of the first base portion in a nested configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting and packaging vinyl siding panels. The apparatus comprises a panel receiving section for positioning in line with a panel extrusion line, pins for inverting and stacking the panels atop each other with the pins being coupled to a frame supporting the panel receiving section and situated below the panel receiving section, a panel accumulation section situated below the panel receiving section and the pins, and a mechanism means, preferably a ram mechanism, situated at a first end of the panel accumulation section for pushing the panels from the panel accumulation section and into a container, such as a pre-made carton, situated at a second end of the panel accumulation section that is opposite the first end. The apparatus substantially reduces ergonomic issues associated with the current apparatus for packaging vinyl siding panels and substantially increases the vinyl siding panel extrusion rate. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cotton wool cleansing pad includes a panel of hydroentangled cotton material having a dry weight in the range 170-250 g per square meter impregnated with a cleansing liquid or the like. Preferably a number of the pads are formed in a interlinked strip of pads joined edge to edge by tear-away links and mounted in a dispensing pack.

Abstract: A collating apparatus and method to merge different types of document sets into a single collated packet prior to a mail processing insertion operation. The collating device utilizes a synchronous conveyor pathway for conveying different types of document sets serially down the pathway and merging them into a single collated packet. The document sets are delivered downstream with a combination of pivotable and fixed position pusher members and are combined into a single collated packet in any desired order.

Abstract: A unit and method for feeding containers, whereby the containers, arranged in two superimposed rows, are fed along a horizontal path and through a reject station; upstream from the reject station, two superimposed containers are parted, by translation in a vertical direction, so as to travel, separately and facing each other, along the next portion of the path; immediately downstream from the reject station, two facing containers are brought back into contact with each other so as to travel, superimposed, along the next portion of the path; and the reject station has a first reject device for expelling only one container in a bottom row from the path, and a second reject device for expelling only one container in a top row from the path.

Abstract: An arrangement of envelope packages, the arrangement including a plurality of discreet envelope packages, each package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes which are compressed together. The plurality of envelope packages are arranged in a first row and a second row located above the first row in a vertical direction thereof. At least one envelope package of the first row is oriented generally perpendicular to at least one envelope package of the second row.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: Packaging unit (17) for absorbent articles (1) including a number of folded articles (1), the folded parts (11) of the articles being arranged towards one of the sides (18) of the packaging unit, but at different distances from the side (18).

Abstract: A unit and method for feeding containers, whereby the containers, arranged in two superimposed rows, are fed along a horizontal path and through a reject station; upstream from the reject station, two superimposed containers are parted, by translation in a vertical direction, so as to travel, separately and facing each other, along the next portion of the path; immediately downstream from the reject station, two facing containers are brought back into contact with each other so as to travel, superimposed, along the next portion of the path; and the reject station has a first reject device for expelling only one container in a bottom row from the path, and a second reject device for expelling only one container in a top row from the path.

Abstract: A system for packaging a flat panel product includes a dispensing device for dispensing a length of inner protective packaging material, a folding table for wrapping the inner protective packaging material around the product and folding an outer protective packaging material around the product, and a binding device for binding the outer packaging material, inner packaging material, and product together, suspending the product relative to at least one of the walls of the sidewall and supporting the product laterally. A data entry device provides data related to the length of inner protective packaging material required, and this data is fed to a controller, which controls the dispensing device to provide an appropriate length of material. The data entry device can also provide shipping information, fed to a printer for printing a shipping label.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: Products (2) presenting bevelled or rounded corner edges (35) are advanced singly and in succession along a predetermined path (P), each enveloped in a wrapper (11) of parallelepiped box-like shape, and directed ultimately into a station (15) where each product (2) is subjected to a finishing step that consists in deforming at least one part of the wrapper (11) and causing it thus to adhere to the surface of the relative product (2), in particular at the bevelled or rounded corner edges (35); thereafter, the finished products (2) are stacked and wrapped in respective stick packs (36) of which the longitudinal corner edges (38) will hug the corner edges (35) of the stacked products (2), adapting to the contours of the bevelled or rounded profile.

Abstract: A method for filling a package for compressible flat articles. The method includes the steps of arranging a stack of articles to be received inside the package, compressing the stack, opening and tenting the bottom of the package, and charging the package with the stack by pushing the stack through the open bottom of the package.

Abstract: A method provides a self-learning mechanism for developing a database of information to be used in guiding selection of parts for temporary removal from a product, in order to reduce product dimensions for shipping and delivery or the like. In one embodiment a product is of a specified type, such as a specified computer product, and comprises a configuration of parts. A procedure is first carried out to select parts for removal from the product, in order to reduce one or more dimensions by pre-specified corresponding amounts. The selected parts are removed, and also listed in a Reduction History Record constructed to indicate the parts removed from successive orders of the specified product type. A work reduction unit is created that comprises the selected parts, and a routing is generated for the work unit, for use in guiding delivery and re-installation of the selected parts back into the product.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing folder sheets with reinforce holes, which comprises unwinding a spindled paper band; printing predetermined graphics on the paper band; causing the paper band to go through corona treatment; applying a reinforcement strip of thermoplastic material to selected areas of the paper band; cutting the printed and partially reinforced paper band in a direction substantially perpendicular to one edge of the paper band in such a fashion as to form a plurality of paper strips each having an elongated reinforced edge area; layering and counting the paper strips until they reach a predetermined number; punching the paper strips in the reinforced edge area in accordance with a predetermined pattern; cutting the punched paper strips in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first cutting to form a plurality of folder sheets; counting and piling the folder sheets to form a block until they reach a predetermined number; and packaging and boxing the folder sheet blocks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for method and system in which a heat-shrinkable plastic cover is placed over an individual conventional medicine container. The cover is heat shrunk around the container to form a tight-fitting seal which covers the majority of the original medication container. The seal must be opened in order to gain entry into an individual medication container just prior to the use or the administration of the product in the container. The seal includes an easy-open mechanism, such as a pull-tab or perforated tear strip. The purpose of the seal is to distinguish high-alert medications and requires an additional safety step in the medication administration process by requiring the removal of an additional cover which entirely encloses the container. The non-adhesive nature of the seal is significant in that the removal of the seal does not damage the original product labeling or leave unwanted residue on the medication container.

Abstract: A method of packing packets (2) of cigarettes, in particular an orderly group (1) of packets (2) of cigarettes, wherein the orderly group (1) is packed solely in a sheet (11) of transparent heat-seal plastic packing material, which is folded about the orderly group (1) to form a tubular wrapping having two tubular portions (21) projecting with respect to the orderly group (1), each tubular portion (21) being defined by four flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) facing in pairs; the flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) are folded squarely onto the orderly group (1) in a given sequence, so as to at least partly superimpose the flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f); and the superimposed flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) are then sealed.

Abstract: In order to be able to prepare a postman's walk containing both letters (L) and “large format” flat postal objects (P) in a single pass: the letters and the large format objects are moved in series using a conveyor (3) over the bins of a bin carrousel (4) that is stationary, with the successive bins of the carrousel corresponding to different successive delivery points in the postman's walk; each letter or large format object on the conveyor is directed towards that one of the bins of the carrousel which corresponds to the delivery point for the letter or large format object; and when all of the letters and large format objects of the postman's walk have been grouped together by delivery points in the bins of carrousel, the bin carrousel is set into motion in order to bring each bin in succession to a location (5) where the bin is emptied into a receptacle.

Abstract: A method of packaging and shipping compressible structural panels is disclosed. Compressible structural panels are provided, typically with first and second sheets separated by compressible or collapsible dividers. The structural panels are stacked and thereafter compressed thereby causing the dividers to compress and the thickness of the panels to become substantially less. In this compressed and stacked configuration, the structural panels are packaged and shipped. At the point of installation of the structural panels, the structural panels are unpackaged, unstacked and allowed to regain the expanded configuration, either by way of natural resiliency or heat setting. The structural panels, once expanded, are ready for installation.