Abstract: A tool for opening and closing a boot buckle that has a latching lever including a base portion and a longitudinally extending first working head with an opening sized to engage the latching lever. A tongue portion projects from the base portion into the opening, and this opening may be formed as an annulus. Teeth may be provided on the internal sidewall of the opening. A second working head may be provided with a socket portion thereon to mount a tool piece. A lidded compartment may be formed in the base portion. A cord may mount to the base portion.

Abstract: A tool for opening and closing a boot buckle that has a latching lever including a base portion and a longitudinally extending first working head with an opening sized to engage the latching lever. A tongue portion projects from the base portion into the opening, and this opening may be formed as an annulus. Teeth may be provided on the internal sidewall of the opening. A second working head may be provided with a socket portion thereon to mount a tool piece. A lidded compartment may be formed in the base portion. A cord may mount to the base portion.

Abstract: A collapsible stool provides a seat for a user and can be erected for use or folded into a collapsed state. The stool includes first and second side panels that confront one another when collapsed but expand to create a longitudinally extending support post. First and second seat panels are hingedly disposed on the respective top edges of the first and second side panels, and the seat panels terminate in edge margins that interlock to form a seat for the user. The seat is preferably saddle-shaped and has a central peak. The first and second side panels and the first and second seat panels are each preferably constructed of multi-panel sections, and the stool may be an integral piece of corrugated material, such as fiberboard. A holder, such as for a beverage container, is preferably disposed on one of the side panels and is movable between an open position and a closed position alongside the side panel.

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

Abstract: A space filling unit for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panel's end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases. A plurality of x-shaped structures may be utilized in the present invention, with a corresponding plurality of bearing panels interposed between the x-shaped structures.

Abstract: A space filling device for use in a container for cargo shipment to prohibit shifting of the cargo is formed by flat first and second panels, with first and second slots formed in each so that, when assembled, an x-shaped structure is formed. When placed in the container, respective end edges of the panels are supported on the bed of the cargo container while the other of the panels' end edges engage the container's sidewalls. The panel side edges form a pair of x-shaped bases which serve to support the cargo against movement toward the end wall of the container. An anti-slip element may be included on the respective end edges, braces may engage the panels proximate respective end edges, and panel side edge guards may be included to prevent undue wear on the cargo. An auxiliary bearing penal may also be used adjacent at least one of the x-shaped bases.

Abstract: A spool comprising flanges fabricated from corrugated material connected by a central core and reinforced using metal plates. The flanges consist of at least two pieces of corrugated material fixed together in an orientation such that the corrugations angularly cross each other. For two pieces of corrugated material, a 90.degree. angle of cross has been found particularly beneficial.