Abstract: Respectively disclosed is a method of temporarily protecting a surface of a top coating of a coating finished automobile, which method comprieses (A) adhering a plastic film having a releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to a body surface of the coating finished automobile and/or (B) heating a heat-shrinkable plastic film to be shrinked so as to fit to an intended shape and to cover the body surface of the coating finished automobile; which method comprises applying to the body surface of the coating finished automobile a plastic film prepared by intermittently coating a releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to cover the body of the coating finished automobile; which method comprises covering the body surface of the coating finished automobile with a plastic film having a rough surface on a side contacting with a coating surface, and fixing a terminal of the film and heating, when needed, to cover in conformity with a body shape; and which method comprises subjecting a plastic film to vacuum for

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a moulded container (1) having an applicator handle (6) associated with it comprises moulding as a one piece unit the container (1) an applicator handle (6) and a frangible moulded connection (8) directly between the container (1) and the applicator handle (6).

Abstract: A package assembly and method of loading and unloading said package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly of the present invention includes moving parts to make the loading and unloading steps of a relatively delicate instrument of substantial weight easier and safe. The basic package assembly includes four component parts: an outer carton 10, an inner carton 12, a blocking panel 14, and top tray 16. In several of the embodiments, the top tray 16 is combined as a single unit with either the blocking panel 14 or the inner carton 12, thus reducing the parts count to three. In the unloading of the instrument, blocking panel 14 and tray 16 are first removed, outer carton 10 is rotated about one of its lower edges 30 to bring side 31 to rest on the floor. During the rotation of outer carton 10, inner carton 12 slides within outer carton 10 to bring the bottom of the enclosed instrument to rest on its bottom surface within the outer carton 10 allowing its easy removal by sliding it from the packaging.

Abstract: A protective sheet used for packaging silver halide photographic sensitive sheet films. The protective sheet comprises a low electrification paper material formed of natural pulp paper impregnated with an inorganic salt of alkali metal in an amount of 0.01-40 g/m.sup.2. A method of packaging a stack of a plurality of photosensitive sheet films and a photosensitive sheet film package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposal system for sharp instruments comprises a rectangular container, and a plurality of elongated aligned receptacles therein for receiving sharp instruments. The receptacles each comprise a puncture resistant casing defining an entry opening, a rupturable seal deployed over the entry opening and a curable liquid contained within the casing and seal, said liquid being curable to a hardened state upon rupture of the seal. A lid pivots over the seal prior to use, and one or more of the containers is positionable on a wall bracket. A sharp instrument is inserted through the rupturable seal and immersed in the liquid within the receptacle, whereupon the liquid hardens and encases the instrument. The seal is provided with ascending numbers, respectively positioned over the entry openings, to provide a count of receptacles which have been used.

Abstract: A method of packaging articles and packaged article assemblies disclosed includes inflating a body such as a latex balloon or a bag with a drawstring preferably by evacuating the air in a chamber surrounding the body while the body is supported and sealed at the fill opening. An initial selected quantity of packaging particles are placed inside the inflated body followed by placing the article therein. The body is collapsed around the particles which distributes them in a substantially uniform layer surrounding the article from all sides and applies compressive forces inwardly from all sides to cushion the article in the body. Another method involves expanding an outer body, placing packaging particles in that body, collapsing that outer body and placing a second body in the outer body followed by expansion of the two and putting a fluid and article in the inner body and sealing the bodies closed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a skin packaging film for skin packaging high profile and/or heavy articles. The film comprises linear ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. In one embodiment, the film is antistatic and may be employed for skin packaging of electro-static sensitive items such as circuit boards.

Abstract: The invention is a method of forming large-volume foam cushions for packaging purposes wherein each cushion comprises a closed bag formed from respective first and second superposed sheets of plastic material and filled with foam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method. It also relates to a packaging bolster and to a packaging line employing the method of the invention. The bolster of the invention, adapted particularly to the method of the invention, includes at least one flexible base material or support of elongated shape and indefinite length, intended to be trimmed to the dimension required at the packaging site, the base material carrying spacer elements for spacing apart the product to be packaged at predetermined positions. The bolster is remarkable in that the base material includes at least two films weldable in such a way as to make cushions or bulges filled with a swelling agent.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of protecting the finished surfaces of a sanitary fixture against damage during installation and construction at an installation site. In general, the method involves installing a removable protective covering over substantially all the finished surfaces of a sanitary fixture, prior to delivering the sanitary fixture to the installation site. Thereafter, the sanitary fixture and the installed protective covering, as a single unit, are delivered to the installation site. After, completion of installation and construction, and removal of the protective covering from the finished surfaces of the sanitary fixture, the finished surfaces thereof are free from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for cushioning and maintaining an object by a device having a quantity of granular material that is located in a retaining element. The retaining element is divided into compartments which contain the quantity of granular material. The retaining element and the granular material are located within an inner volume of a sealed housing. The retaining element is made from a material that is permeable to gas, but impermedable to the granular materials, while the sealed housing is made from a material that is impermeable to gas the effect of such compartmenting is to keep the granular material in place within the retaining elements, even when the housing is at atmospheric pressure in order to preserve a constant thickness of the device.

Abstract: A packing of small components, in which at least one small component (9) is packed by means of a packing body (1) having a multilayer construction and comprising a relatively non-deformable base plate (3) and a thermoplastically deformable elastic carrier layer (5) fixedly connected to the base plate, the small component (9) being depressed into the heated carrier layer (5) thereby forming a nest by thermoplastic deformation of the carrier layer.

Abstract: New and improved foam cushions for packaging purposes of the type including a cushion envelope partially filled with an expandable cushioning foam material are provided. The cushion envelope includes a foam-receiving cavity and is defined by a unitary web of material folded over itself to provide a folded side. An intermittent labyrinth side seam is provided along the side opposite the folded side and transverse top and bottom seams are provided to complete formation of the cushion envelope. A cushioning foam is disposed in the foam-receiving cavity. A method for making the foam cushions and an automated apparatus for making a continuous supply of the packaging cushions are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical fluid-filled plastic container which includes (a) a sealed inner envelope of plastic material filled with a medical fluid containing a component subject to deterioration by oxygen, (b) a deoxidizer, and (c) a sealed outer envelope of plastic material enclosing both the medical fluid-filled inner envelope and the deoxidizer, as well as several methods of making such a medical fluid-filled plastic container. This medical fluid-filled plastic container will prevent the medical fluid therein from being deteriorated even if it is subjected to steam sterilization or is stored for a long period of time.

Abstract: A detonating cord transport system is disclosed wherein detonating cord is windingly disposed on a plurality of separator-support members in such a manner that the cord is wholly accessible from a front face surface and is thus disposed without having to manipulate the separator-support members. For each separator-support member, the detonating cord is windingly disposed on a plurality of winding support devices such that there are a plurality of severing locations at frequent intervals at which severing locations there is incorporated means for stopping any detonation that occurs, with the result that such detonation will be confined to a relatively short length of detonating cord and will also be confined to the detonating cord transport system container.

Abstract: Packaging of the type comprising an outer rectangular box (100) of rigid cardboard or the like, and a flexible inflatable structure (200, 300) situated inside the box and comprising, overlying each of the inside faces of the box, an inflatable cushion for coming into close contact with the article to be packaged. The box includes a bottom closure (120) and a top closure (130) each having self-locking flaps. The inflatable structure comprises two unit assemblies (200, 300) each comprising a central cushion (220, 330) overlying a respective one of the closures (120, 130) of the box, and two side cushions (211, 213; 312, 314) overlying respective side walls (111, 113; 112, 114) of the box, with each assembly further including means (270-274; 370-374; 500) for simultaneously inflating its three cushions, with at least one of the assemblies being inflatable from outside the box.

Abstract: A crating method wherein the bottom member of an open, metal, switching equipment frame is placed upon a horizontal, rectangular, wooden base, within an opening provided by framing members on the base, and preferably bolted thereto. A side framing assembly is then placed outwardly adjacent each side of the metal frame, the lower ends of each assembly being fixedly attached to the base and a horizontal member extending across the top of each framing assembly having an inwardly facing notch snugly receiving the adjacent side member of the metal frame. The side frame assemblies are then attached to the top member of the metal frame. The metal frame and the side framing assemblies are then enclosed in a flexible covering material.

Abstract: A packaging system includes an outer bag having an inner bag suspended therein to define an expandable chamber between the bags and one either side of the inner bag. When the chamber is charged with a filler medium, such as pressurized air, the outer bag will inflate to suspend the inner bag at a fixed position therein. The inner bag defines a pocket adapted to receive and retain an article, prepackaged therein.

Abstract: The package (10) for shipping and storing articles such as cut flower arrangements (14) includes a flower container (12) lower portion is provided with a water-containing absorbent foam block (18) receiving the flower stems (38) in pierced relation and a block (20) of non-absorbent, relatively rigid foam, above the absorbent block sealing said block and said flower stems in place. A plastic film vented shell (16) is disposed about the flowers and connected to the container in shrink-wrap relation. The package includes U-shaped insert (22) which holds the container firmly in place in the shipping carton (24) and refrigerated gel envelopes to ensure freshness of the flowers on arrival at their destination.

Abstract: The invention is a method of protectively packaging one or more articles in a container utilizing a foam cushion as a protective medium for the article or articles within the container. The method comprises providing a foam cushion forming station wherein cushions are successively formed from plastic film material formed into bags which are moved vertically downwardly with a predetermined amount of a foamable composition deposited in the bags for thereafter substantially filling the bag as the composition foams. Open-topped containers with one or more articles present therein are successively moved in a predetermined pat of travel to and beneath the foam cushion forming station.

Abstract: A container for the components of an unassembled ceiling fan includes a first casing of expanded polystyrene foam. The first casing includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive a first component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. A second casing of expanded polystyrene foam includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive at least a second component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. The first and second casings have comparable cross-sectional areas and include structure integral therewith for interlocking the casings to restrict relative movement of the casings. At least the first casing provides sufficient protection to its contents to protect them from damage when the first casing is shipped without the second casing. A box or the like of suitable size receives the first and second interlocked casings to form a package.

Abstract: A device and method for filling open boxes, containing such products as electronic equipment, with loose fill. The boxes are fed one at a time to a conveyor in random order. A bar code applied to each box, giving the box size, is scanned. The boxes are longitudinally centered by electric eyes actuating a brake at a centering station along the conveyor. The boxes are then widthwise centered by a pair of successively actuated cylinders. A pump-up cylinder at the centering station is actuated to lift a centered box to a predetermined height set by said bar code. A fill valve for loose fill has a supply of loose fill at its upper end fed to it through a feed pipe by gravity, the loose fill flowing by gravity, once the valve is opened, until its feed pipe is plugged, and then it is shut off. The pump-up cylinder then lowers the box to the conveyor. A series of air-blasts, sent to the box further along the conveyor, levels any mountain of loose fill that forms during the feeding of the loose-fill.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a first bag portion defining an inflated first chamber and a second bag portion defining an inflated second chamber with the bag portions overlying each other to define a pocket therebetween having an article compressed and retained therein. The bag portions are pivotally connected together at a rearward side of the system and overlying edge portions of the bag portions are heat-sealed together at opposite lateral sides of the packaging system. The frontal side of the packaging system is open to permit insertion of the article into the pocket whereafter the packaging system is preferably inflated with a pressurized fluid, such as air, to compress superimposed panels of the bag portions against the article to retain it within the pocket.

Abstract: A method for handling semiconductor components by utilizing a removable filler strip for temporarily securing or clinching longitudinally arrangeable individual components in a tube, rod or hollow magazine. The filler strip is generally flat, but has surface features that serve to press the components against the top, bottom or side of the tube. Partial removal of the filler strip will result in the dispensing of some of the components while the remainder are retained by the filler strip in the tube.

Abstract: A process or method for packaging an edible food product, particularly one having at least one bag puncturing surface such as a sharp protrusion, for cushioning the bag puncturing surface during packaging and shipping. The process includes the steps of selectively applying a foamed composition to the bag puncturing surface of the product to be packaged and encasing the product in an outer package or bag. The foamed material can be applied in liquid or semiliquid form at a point-of contact temperature less than about 130.degree. F. and solidifies substantially on contact. The foamed material contains a chemical substrate which includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and mixtures thereof having a molecular weight between about 1,800 and 25,000 molecular weight units, a resin and a stabilizer. A suitable gas is encapsulated within the chemical substrate. The process has particular utility in the meat-packing industry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical bottle having a neck region with an open end, pills therein, a fibrous hygroscope member, such as a cotton wad, in the neck region of said bottle and a closure cap sealing the bottle opening. The neck region has on its inner surface a leaflet retaining ring which serves to hold the leaflet in place within the bottle immediately after the insertion. The tendency of the leaflet to unfold or open, causes the edges of the leaflet to engage the retaining ring and to be held in place at least until the bottle is sealed. The leaflet is in compression engagement with the fibrous hygroscope member, such that the pills are substantially prevented from moving relative to one another.

Abstract: A non-metallic and non-magnetic case for storing and/or transporting at least 200 and preferably over 300 floppy disks. The case is provided with a tray that contains filler blocks of foam that are configured so that individual blocks may be selectively removed and replaced with a quantity of floppy disks.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of packaging vials containing diagnostic specimens for purposes of transport. The method is comprised of the steps of: firstly, wrapping a vial in shock absorbing material; secondly, inserting the vial wrapped in shock absorbing material in a pressure vessel, the pressure vessel having moisture absorbing material lining the bottom; thirdly, wrapping the sides of the pressure vessel with a plurality of layers of cardboard; fourthly, shielding the top and bottom of the pressure vessel with a plurality of layers of cardboard; and fifthly, sealing the pressure vessel with cardboard wrap and shielding in a cardboard box.

Abstract: Packaging of series of relatively small articles between long webs of wide packaging laminates having faces of resilient heat sealable foam. One web is fed foam-face-up across a table, the articles to be packaged placed on it in spaced locations, heated melting shoes applied to web edges to melt the foam surfaces there, and a second web applied foam-face-down over the spaced articles and heat sealed to the lower web at its melted edges. Melting shoes can have their surfaces treated to make them essentially non-wetable by the melted foam. Transverse heat sealing and severings are effected between successive articles. The heat sealings can be set by cold pressings. Web backings can be made relatively non-porous to minimize bleed-through of melted foam. Before sealing, sandwiched articles and be pressed between upper and lower resilient fingers to urge articles to level at which they project up as much as they project down, from plane of web edges.

Abstract: A thermally insulated container is provided, mainly intended for storing and transporting material such as vaccine, biological material or the like, which requires storing at a constant temperature during several months. The container comprises an outer and an inner vessel each of which is hermetically sealed and defining an outer and an inner space respectively. The material to be kept at said temperature is arranged in the inner space. A solid-to-liquid phase transforming material is arranged in the inner space completely surrounding said material. A composite insulation fills out the outer space and comprises layers of a porous material under vacuum alternating with layers of a heat reflecting material. The insulation encloses the inner vessel on all sides and the outer space is free from structural connections extending between the inner and outer vessels, so that thermal bridges between the inner and outer vessels are effectively prevented.

Abstract: A method of packing small components, in which at least one small component (9) is packed by means of a packing body (1) having a multilayer construction and comprising a non-deformable base plate (3) and a thermoplastically deformable elastic carrier layer (5) fixedly connected to the base plate, the small component (9) being depressed into the heated carrier layer (5) thereby forming a nest by thermoplastic deformation of the carrier layer.

Abstract: A system and a method for the isolation from the environment of chemically or biologically contaminated objects are disclosed. The method includes inserting a contaminated object into a disposal container and then contacting the object with one or more reactive agents which react to immobilize and protectively encapsulate the object. The use of reactive agents which are members of room temperature reacting polyurethane foam systems is particularly preferred.

Abstract: A biological product shipping tube comprising a first tubular section having a closed end, a second tubular section integrally connected to the first tubular section, a collar formed at the end of the second tubular section opposite the first tubular section, and a cap-closure arrangement formed at the other side of the collar from the second tubular section. The first tubular section defines the bottom portion of the shipping tube. The second tubular portion has a non-tapered exterior. The interior of the first tubular section communicates and is aligned with the interior of the second tubular section. The collar has a greater outer diameter than the second tubular section. The second tubular section has identification information integrally imprinted onto the exterior surface. The collar has a flat chordal edge along its outer diameter. The identification information is printed adjacent to this flat chordal edge.

Abstract: A packaged medical device comprising a medical device; a gas-permeable sterile bag containing the medical device therein; a wrapping member made of oxygen-impermeable material and wherein said medical device-containing bag, previously subjected to radiation-sterilization, is sealed; and a deoxidizing agent contained in the wrapping member together with the medical device-containing bag. The packaged medical device does not give off an odor upon unsealing and is free from decrease in strength of plastic parts thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for successively forming foam filled bags or cushions of the type wherein a foamable composition is deposited in a plastic bag. The formed bags are adapted to be placed in containers with articles being packaged, and so that when the foam expands, the bags and resulting foam are conformed to the configuration of the articles. The method and apparatus includes advancing a pair of plastic webs through the nip of a pair of drive rollers, while heat sealing the opposing longitudinal side edges of the webs together. Periodically, a predetermined amount of the foamable composition is deposited between the advancing webs immediately above the nip, and the heat sealing along the side edges is periodically and momentarily interrupted to form side edge openings for the subsequent escapement of gases generated during foaming.

Abstract: A packaging system comprises a rolled-up bag generally assuming a spiraled configuration and defining an inflatable chamber therein adapted to be at least partially filled with a filler medium, such as pressurized air. A pouch is secured on the bag for retaining an article within the confines thereof. The bag is adapted to be pre-placed within a closeable box and the article then placed in the pouch, or, alternatively, the article can be placed in the bag, the bag rolled-up and then placed in the box. The bag is then inflated to at least substantially encapsulate and support the pouch and article within rolled-up portions of the bag.

Abstract: A method of shrink film packaging an assembled aircraft or portion thereof for transport, storage or the like comprises the steps of covering exposed jagged or sharp edges and discontinuities, exposed irregularly shaped areas, and exposed heat-sensitive components of the aircraft with a foam material. The aircraft is then wrapped with a plurality of separate sections of heat-shrinkable polymer film with adjoining sections partially overlapping to provide a generally continuous covering. Heat is then applied to the heat-shrinkable film sections to shrink the film to tightly conform to the aircraft, to fuse together overlapping film sections and to fuse portions of the film to adjoining foam material. Elongated strips of heat-shrinkable material are then applied along seams formed by the fusing together of the overlapping film sections. Finally, heat is applied to the elongated strips to shrink and fuse the strips to the film sections on both sides of the seams to seal and reinforce the seams.

Abstract: An open-topped casting mold and a mating cover are electrostatically coated with a powder screen and casting material is poured into the mold without disturbing the powder by holding the powder in position with static electricity. The casting material is permitted to harden and a screen of powdery or fatty material placed on the upper surface of the hardened material and protective film applied over the screen.

Abstract: A package insert between two layers of articles comprises a rigid plate formed with openings spanned by at least one and preferably two flexible and advantageously elastic films which are deformed when upper articles are stacked on lower articles through the openings to nest the articles in place.

Abstract: Pneumatic synthetic resinous foams are used as dunnage. Foams are added to a package under fluid pressure; the package closed, the pressure reduced to atmospheric, and particulate pneumatic foam expands to fill container.

Abstract: Conductive container for electronic devices, constructed of paperboard having a conductive coating or layer or impregnant extending from the inside to the outside of the container, with a sandwiched thin metal foil in effective contact with the conductive material.

Abstract: Substantially round bales of agricultural products are formed so that they have a bale core composed of agricultural products, and a wrapping including a shape-retaining wrapping web material completely surrounding the circumference of the bale core, and a water-impermeable wrapping web material extending over at least a portion of the circumference of the bale core and protecting the same from rains and/or soil moisture.

Abstract: Sealing of elongated packaging laminates of backed antistatic foam around spaced articles being packaged, using edge seals made by first applying heated melting shoes against foam edges of both laminates, then joining the melted foam edges and subjecting the assembly to rollers that press together the joined laminates. Preferably the backing has aluminum layer secured to the foam by pressure-sensitive adhesive. Edge seals can be further subjected to pressure sustained for at least about a second, as while similar pressure is used to apply transverse heat seals to the edge-jointed laminates.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam packing unit formed in desired cross-sectional configuration and having a relatively low density. A block which may also be formed of polyurethane or the like is disposed within the unit, and possesses a higher density than that of the mass. A polyurethane flexible liner encompasses the mass and the block embedded therein. The invention further incorporates the method of producing such a unit.

Abstract: Loose fill packing material comprising a plurality of expanded, resilient, thermoplastic dunnage particles, which particles are rendered more effective by coating an outer surface thereof with an additive which additive results in the packing material having improved cushioning properties and reduces the tendency of articles to migrate through the dunnage particles, wherein the particles have an average maximum cross-sectional dimension of at least 0.5 inch.

Abstract: A process to form a generally rigid cushion package from loose fill dunnage material. The loose fill dunnage material is particles of cellular thermoplastic or thermosetting material. The process involves surrounding, within a second packaging enclosure, the article to be packaged with an amount of loose fill dunnage material. The second packaging enclosure is placed in a first packaging enclosure. The second packaging enclosure has an original volume greater than internal volume of the first packaging enclosure. An internal vacuum is created in the second packaging enclosure causing the original volume of material therein to decrease below the internal volume of the first packaging enclosure. The first packaging enclosure is sealed and the vacuum within the second packaging enclosure released.

Abstract: A light weight, shipping package for small glass vials and the like and providing an expanded polystyrene package having a plurality of chambers aligned opposite one another and including thin outer walls formed by first producing the package as a large billet and thereafter simultaneously cutting the billet into individual packages and thus achieving an objective of having a thin wall package without the attendant high production costs normally encountered in thin wall package construction.

Abstract: A cushion packing material for use in protecting objects from shock and vibrational loads. The cushion packing comprises a dimensionally stable thermoformed shell forming a chamber therein of a predetermined configuration and having a foam material disposed therewithin so as to provide a molded density of less than or equal to 1.5 pounds per cubic foot. Preferably, the foam comprises a low density polyurethane foam. The dimensionally stable shell is thermoformed in a mold and is removed therefrom for filling with the low density foam. The cushion packing provides substantially equivalent or improved cushioning benefits in terms of dissipating dynamic forces at higher static stresses or loadings.

Abstract: Method and box for conditioning products which must be stored under determined temperature conditions, generally different from the conditions of the environment. The method consists in placing within an open, thermally insulated enclosure (1), some removable reserve elements (26 to 30), placing the products within the volume delimited by the reserve elements (26 to 30) inside the enclosure (1), removing the reserve elements (26 to 30), replacing them by heat or cold accumulating elements brought to the required predetermined temperature and having shapes and dimensions similar to those of the reserve elements (26 to 30), and closing the enclosure (1). Application to the conditioning of products sensitive to temperature, especially such as vaccines, serums, etc.