Abstract: A process of forming dunnage is disclosed. A chain of interconnected plastic pouches are fed along a path of travel to a fill and seal station. The pouches are sequentially opened as each pouch is positioned in the fill station by directing a flow of air through a pouch fill opening to separate a face from a back of each such pouch and continuing the flow of air through each such opening to completely inflate each opened pouch. Each such inflated pouch is then sealed to create hermetically closed and inflated dunnage units. Novel web and dunnage units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of improving raw stock keeping of silver containing imaging material comprising providing a package of said material and providing in said package a fiber board containing zeolite.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.

Abstract: A protective foam cushion-making apparatus dispenses reactive foam components into an interior space between two panels of plastic film to form protective foam cushions. The apparatus includes a supply of plastic film and a film a driving assembly, such as two pliable rollers. A foam component dispensing assembly is interposed between the film panels and injects reactive foam components into the interior space where they are mixed together to form a mass of expandable foam. The plastic film forms a flexible mixing chamber in the area between the two pliable rollers in which the reactive foam components are mixed together after they are dispensed from the foam dispensing assembly.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously creating a pair of inner packing and then simultaneously placing them into side-by-side cartons by pulling the lead inner packing from two sets of inner packings, moving the pulled inner packings towards each other until they are positioned side by side, gripping the inner packings and opening them and finally, while being gripped, moving the inner packings into the side by side cartons.

Abstract: Method of packing an article in a container in which a quantity of loose fill material is introduced into flexible pouches to form cushions, and the pressure within the pouches is reduced to create a pressure differential which compresses the cushions and molds them to a shape corresponding to the interior of the container. The compressed cushions and the article to be packed are placed in the container, with the article between the cushions, and the pressure differential is then eliminated so that the cushions reexpand and fill container. In one disclosed embodiment, the cushions are molded to the shape of the container by placing the uncompressed cushions in a frame having a side wall with a contour similar to that of the container and a lateral dimension greater than the container, allowing the loose fill material within the pouches to flow to the side wall so that the cushions have a shape similar to the interior of the container, and thereafter reducing the pressure to compress the cushions.

Abstract: A gift wrap article is formed by providing wrapping material which is padded and waterproof. The inner surface of the wrapping material has a cohesive coating, while the outer surface has a layer of gift wrap decorative design. The article is placed on a portion of the inner surface of the wrapping material and the wrapping material is applied over the article so that the article is between and completely surrounded by two layers of the wrapping material. The layers of the wrapping material are squeezed together to cohesively secure the inner surfaces of the two layers together and form a closed package with the article within the package and with the gift wrap outer layer visually exposed.

Abstract: An improved method of and apparatus for manufacturing thin plastic sheet air-inflated shipping or storage cushions or pillows for delicate articles and the like involving the use of novel retractable air-injection straws and plastic blank supporting and sealing techniques.

Abstract: A core panel or box of rigid plastics microporous foam is provided with parallel spaced passages or thin grooves and is placed within an envelope or bag of flexible multi-layer barrier film impervious to the passage of gas. The bag includes an integral evacuation tubular portion which is releasably coupled to an evacuation nozzle connected by a manifold with solenoid valves to a vacuum pump. After air is substantially evacuated from the foam core and the bag to collapse the bag against the foam core and into the grooves, a vacuum sensor operates a computer which controls the valves for checking the vacuum level within the bag and for optionally admitting an additive gas. Closely spaced grooves within opposite sides of the foam panel provide for bending the evacuated panel, and a thin layer of foam is applied to the outer surface of the vacuum insulated panel to provide a protective outer surface.

Abstract: A cushioning dunnage conversion machine for converting sheet-like stock material, such as paper in multiply form, into cut sections of relatively low density pad-like cushioning product, and cutting assembly therefor, is provided. The machine includes a stock supply assembly, a forming assembly, a pulling/connecting assembly and a cutting assembly, all of which are mounted on a machine frame. The machine frame includes a base plate having an upstream end and a downstream end, a first end plate extending generally perpendicular from the upstream end of the end plate and a second end plate extending generally perpendicular from the downstream end of the base plate.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a sleeve. The sleeve is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, a probe for determining the packaging requirements of a particular container, and a controller which controls the feeding and cutting assemblies to produce the required sections of dunnage product for the container as determined by the probe.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine, method and product characterized by a connecting assembly that provides a mechanical interlock between overlapped portions of sheet-like stock material to prevent "unzippering" of a low density cushioning product produced by the cushioning conversion machine. The connecting assembly comprises a pair of rotatable stitching members, a first one having a plurality of radially outwardly extending projections, or teeth, around the circumference thereof, with the projections having at least two axially spaced apart segments defining a recess therebetween. The second stitching member includes at least one axial punch segment which includes a peripheral edge portion dimensioned to be received in the recess in the first stitching member during rotation of the stitching members.

Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing covers to protect picture frame corners from damage during shipment utilizes thin cardboard preforms having symmetric, left and right-side, right-triangular cover flaps joined at vertical sides thereof to opposite vertical sides of a vertically elongated, rectangular spine flap, the left-hand triangular cover flap having depending downwardly from its base a horizontally elongated rectangular side cover flap, and depending downwardly from the lower lateral edge of the side cover flap a trapezoidally-shaped securement flap. The preform is positioned below a picture frame corner, with intersecting side members of the frame vertically aligned with the sides of the left-hand right-triangular cover flap, which serves as a lower face cover flap.

Abstract: A cushioning device for protecting corners and edges of an article when packaged in a box is provided. The device comprises a panel member having a plurality of panel portions with each of the panel portions hingedly connected to at least one adjacent panel portion. Cushioning is secured to at least one of the panel portions for cushioning the article wherein the panel portions fold into a three-dimensional receptacle forming an open corner cushioning device for protecting the corners and sides of an article. A securing mechanism on the panel member secures for securing the panel member within the box wherein the article is securable within the box.

Abstract: A cutting and packaging process for expanded polystyrene foam blocks having an original geometric, as well as a product, is provided. The process internally cuts the expanded polystyrene foam blocks to provide pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks. The pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks are maintained in their original geometric form and are packaged in this original geometric form to prevent disassembly of said pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks.

Abstract: An improved method for bending an oximeter sensor which simplifies the manufacturing. The sensor is manufactured without a bend, but when it is packaged for shipping, it is bent and restrained in the bent position. The sensor is made of a material which has memory so that when the packaging which restrains it is removed for use, the sensor will retain a partially bent shape.

Abstract: A cutting and packaging process for expanded polystyrene foam blocks having an original geometric forms, as well as a product, is provided. The process internally cuts the expanded polystyrene foam blocks to provide pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks. The pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks are maintained in their original geometric form and are packaged in this original geometric form to prevent disassembly of the pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks.

Abstract: Bag sealing apparatus comprises a compressed air source which pumps air through a supply pipe towards an opening in a bag. Bag material is advanced by rollers from a roll. The material is in the form of two layers open at one side. The supply pipe extends between the layers through the open side and the open side is sealed by heat sealing by two side members. Each of the rollers defines a circumferential recess and the two recesses together receive the supply pipe. The apparatus further comprises heat sealing elements for sealing the opening in the bag and spring mounted clamp parts for clamping the bag downstream of the sealing elements to reduce fluid back pressure from the downstream bag.

Abstract: An apparatus, means and system are described for providing a load center container apparatus for use with a load center, in which a container is adapted to receive a load center, wherein the container has a plurality of sides, an open top and a closed bottom, and a cover adapted to cover said open top of the container, wherein the container apparatus has a removable load center protector that is adapted for mounting on a load center. A method is also described for providing a method for protecting a load center using a load center packaging assembly having a load center protector.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A double-sided plastic tray (12) for holding two compact discs. The tray has a disc-receiving surface (35a) on its face and obverse sides and a tray opening (61) is disposed thereon. A hub (50) comprising an array of tabs (51) is disposed on the surface (35a). Proximal ends of the tabs are attached to-the tray opening (61) and distal ends can reciprocate within the tray opening (61). Prongs (54) are disposed on one side of the distal ends and reciprocate with the tab (51) when they are engaged by the internal rim (60) of a disc and grasp the internal rim (60) to detachably and resiliently hold one compact disc. Shoulders (55) are disposed on opposite sides of the tabs (51). Shoulders (55) reciprocate with tabs (51) when prongs (54) are engaged by the internal rim (60) of a second compact disc to inhibit lateral movement of the second compact disc held by prongs on the opposite side of the surface (35a) and inhibit breakage of the tabs (51).

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material which may be a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A foam-in-place packaging system is disclosed that comprises a bag foamed of two sheets of flexible plastic film material sealed on all four sides by respective edge seals. A plurality of frangible seals are between the two sheets and define three separate interior cells in the bag. The frangible seals extend between the edge seals or between an edge seal and another frangible seal to thereby define a single cell bag when the frangible seals are broken. The cells separately contain a first and second foam precursor composition, and the bag includes means for permitting gases to vent from the bag as the foam precursors form foam while preventing foam or foam precursors from escaping from the bag.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting a sheet-like stock material into a dunnage product includes a frame having an upstream end and a downstream end, conversion assemblies, mounted on the frame, which convert the sheet-like stock material into a continuous strip of a dunnage product, a feeding assembly, mounted on the frame, for feeding the stock material through the conversion assemblies, a cutting assembly, mounted on the frame downstream of the conversion assemblies, which cuts the continuous strip of dunnage into a section of a desired length, a probe for determining the packaging requirements of a particular container, and a controller which controls the feeding and cutting assemblies to produce the required sections of dunnage product for the container as determined by the probe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a deformable foam layer with a bonding material thereon wherin the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.

Abstract: An automated cushioning producing and filling system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into cut pads of a selected length and transports the pads to a staging location, a pad sensor for sensing the presence of a pad in the staging location, a box transporting system for transporting a box from a remote location to a filling location, a box sensor for sensing the presence of a box in the filling location, a bar code reader for reading a bar code from the box indicative of the packaging requirements of the box when the box sensor has sensed the presence of a box in the filling location, a pad transferring apparatus for transferring a pad from the staging location to the box when the pad sensor has sensed the presence of a pad in the staging area, and a system controller for determining the box packaging requirements from the code read by the bar code reader and instructing the cushioning conversion machine to produce pads in accordance with the packaging requirements for the bo

Abstract: A process (100) for transporting goods between a component manufacturer (102), a product manufacturer (104), and a purchaser (106) includes the steps of:(a) providing a tray (200, 300) having a plurality of compartments (208) which retain securely components (402, 404) manufactured by the component manufacturer (102), and further which retain securely product (502) manufactured by a product manufacturer (104);(b) shipping the tray (200, 300) with components (402, 404) securely retained to the product manufacturer (104);(c) utilizing the components (402, 404) in the manufacture of the product (502);(e) shipping the tray (200, 300) with the product (502) securely retained to the purchaser (106);(f) returning the tray (200, 300) to the component manufacturer (102) after the product (502) has been removed from the tray (200, 300). The process (100) can be managed by a resource manger (108) who tracks the inventory and distribution of trays.

Abstract: System and method for packing loose fill materials in bags to form cushions for use in protecting articles in shipping cartons. The bags are produced from a length of flexible plastic tubing which is folded and gathered to form a coil which is disposed about the outlet of a loose fill dispenser. A section of the tubing is pulled from the coil, and its lower end is closed to form a bag which is then filled with loose fill material dispensed through the outlet. Another section of tubing is then pulled from the coil, and the tubing is drawn together to close the upper end of the first section and the lower end of the second section. The closed ends are secured with tape, and the tubing is severed to separate the first section from the second. The cushions thus formed are placed in the shipping cartons with the articles, and in some embodiments are compressed and reexpanded in conformance with the contour of the articles.

Abstract: A packing structure for a container for containing semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The packing structure comprises a polypropylene box, and upper and lower pressing members for sandwiching the container for containing semiconductor wafers, wherein both the upper and lower pressing members comprise an olefinic resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for making a polymer foam cushioning element. The method comprises advancing a pair of sheets of plastic film material in parallel face-to-face relationship; injecting foam precursors between the advancing plastic sheets; sealing the sheets together to form a plastic bag containing the foam precursors; forming the bag into the shape of a panel; and thereafter maintaining the bag in the panel shape until the foam precursors have substantially finished expanding into foam to thereby form a foam cushion panel.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.

Abstract: A redundant automated cushioning producing and dispensing system includes a plurality of spaced cushioning conversion machines which convert stock paper into pads of a selected length, each cushioning conversion machine including a controller for controlling operation of the machine and communicating with another machine, a pad dispenser, and a sensor for determining when the amount of stock paper is less than a predetermined amount, a conveyor extending between the plurality of cushioning conversion machines for conveying a container into which a pad is to be dispensed, and at least one container sensor for providing information to at least one controller from which the controller can determine whether a pad has been dispensed into a container whereby the controllers cooperate to selectively switch operation of the cushioning conversion machine from an active state to an inactive state in accordance with information received from the stock supply sensors.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for protecting fragile objects from breakage which utilizes a case formed from upper and lower portions having dimensions somewhat smaller than the fragile object to be protected which is used to encase that object and provide cushioning for the fragile object should it be dropped or jostled.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method of using an assembly line and shipping container including the step of first providing the container. The container has an outer shell, a first pad element and a second pad element. The pad elements have an inside surface and an outside surface. Compressible elements are coupled to the outside surfaces of the pad elements. The inside surfaces of the pad elements are oppositely aligned with respect to each other inside the outer shell. The first and second pad elements include a first and a second longitudinal slot respectively, the slots aligned opposite each other. During use, the container is placed on an assembly line having at least one work station. A board component is inserted into the container along the longitudinal slots. The board component is removed from the container at the work station. Work then is performed on the board component. The board component is placed back into the container after performing the work and the board component is shipped inside the container.

Abstract: A protective foam cushion-making apparatus dispenses reactive foam components into an interior space between two panels of plastic film to form protective foam cushions. The apparatus includes a supply of plastic film and a film a driving assembly, such as two pliable rollers. A foam component dispensing assembly is interposed between the film panels and injects reactive foam components into the interior space where they are mixed together to form a mass of expandable foam. The plastic film forms a flexible mixing chamber in the area between the two pliable rollers in which the reactive foam components are mixed together after they are dispensed from the foam dispensing assembly.

Abstract: A method of the invention enables the production of a tubular package open at both ends and comprising a double- or multi-layered film. The film layers can be of one and the same or different materials. A package is formed around a mould (10), which is easily replaceable and determines the eventual size of the package (29). The method, which can be automated, includes producing the package (29), wrapping an article (25) and placing the article (25) in the package (29). The sections of said mould (10) are withdrawn from the package and the space in between the layered film is filled (23, 24) with air or some other gas, whereby the article attaches to the package.

Abstract: The disclosure is of portable apparatus for packaging articles, and cushioning the packages with biodegradable, starch based materials. The materials, packed as loose nuggets within the package, are converted to a single, unitary cushion in-situ to protect the article.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in web form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the open edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. A plurality of sealed inflated bags is separated from the web and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. The bags have a slip resistant outer surface which causes the bags to interlock in the carton and better protect objects therein from shock.

Abstract: A packaging system for clutch sets. The system includes a box provided with several packing sheets of compressible foam which can be custom fitted to the clutch set components. The packaging system allows several sizes of clutch sets to be securely packaged in the same size box, and the compressible foam provides a lightweight means for stabilizing the components during shipping or storage. The outside of the box is unmarked except for a label on one side for a bar code or other information. The system includes a sleeve like wrapper with a hole in the side to reveal the label on the side on the box. The outside of the sleeve is imprinted with a brand name and other trade dress. This allows a bearing manufacturer to maintain an inventory of various sizes of pre-packaged clutch sets, along with an inventory of preprinted sleeves. Then, upon receipt of an order from a retail customer, the time necessary to complete the private label packaging of the clutch sets is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A package of expandable wrapping material, and a method of using that package. The package comprises a folder and a supply of sheets of expandable paper material connected to the folder. To use a sheet, the folder is opened, and a user grips the bottom edge of one of the sheets and stretches that sheet. As it is stretched, the sheet expands into a three-dimensional shape. The desired amount of expanded material is formed, and then that expanded material may be cut or torn from the folder. The expanded material may be used to wrap an article, either while that expanded material is still attached to the folder, or after that material is torn from the folder. Also, the expanded material may be used to fill voids or cavities in a box or container. Preferably, the package is secured to a fixed location, such as a work surface or a holder, while a sheet is stretched and cut or torn from the folder, and the package may be provided with means to facilitate attaching the folder to this fixed location.

Abstract: A weather, dust, and impact protective shielding device which includes a flexible shielding plate made of flat, rectangular shape having a plurality of mounting holes for fastening to respective screw holes on the top or bottom side of an air conditioner by screws, four corner notches in the four corners thereof, and four tracks at four sides between each two corner notches, the tracks being bendable so that they can be bent inwards and covered over a part of the periphery of the air conditioner when the flexible shielding plate is fixed; and four sealing blocks for fastening to the shield plate to seal up the corner notches respectively.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in rolled form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the fourth edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. At least one sealed inflated bag is separated from the roll and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. In an alternate embodiment, the stock material is provided in a continuous tubular form, and an air inflation needle is used to puncture a surface of the tube for inflation purposes.

Abstract: A method for producing inflated dunnage on the site of use, comprising providing, in web form, a plurality of preformed plastic bags, each of the bags comprising two plastic sheets in facing relationship and sealed along three edges with one edge remaining open. Air is blown toward each of the open edges in sequence, causing each bag to inflate, and the open edge of each inflated bag is sealed, the bag being empty except for the air. A plurality of sealed inflated bags is separated from the web and placed in a carton to serve as dunnage. The bags have a slip resistant outer surface which causes the bags to interlock in the carton and better protect object therein from shock.