Abstract: An inflatable corner cushion for protecting a corner of an object is disclosed. The inflatable corner cushion may have two triangular, inflatable cushions. Each cushion may have two edges meeting to form a V-shape. The two edges may be sealed together along the V-shaped edges such that, when the chambers are at least partially inflated, a combination of the chambers forms a pocket for enclosing a corner of an object. An inflatable coner cushion may be placed on each corner of an object. The objects and cushion may then be placed in a shipping box. In such a condition, the pocket surrounds each corner such that they are protected from impacts from all directions.

Abstract: An inflatable air packaging device includes a tubular, inflatable member surrounding an object receiving pocket. The pocket is configured in a shape and size to receive, retain, and suspend an object. The inner and outer surfaces of the member are secured to one another to form a plurality of apertures. Each aperture is configured to receive a portion of the object to suspend the object within the pocket. In one embodiment, there are four apertures which each receive a corner of a rectangular object. The device provides a circular air cushion chamber which is disposed around a perimeter of the object. Forces applied to the device are uniformly distributed around the device to minimize the effect on the object.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging device has an outer bag having a pair of overlying outer panels. The outer panels have outer peripheral edges which are sealed together along at least a portion of the outer peripheral edges to define a chamber between the outer panels. The device also has an inner bag disposed within the chamber. The inner bag has a pair of overlying inner panels which define a pocket. The pocket is configured to retain an article. The inner panels have inner peripheral edges which are secured to adjacent outer peripheral edges along at least a portion of the outer peripheral edges. The securement of the inner panels to the outer panels suspends the inner bag within the chamber. The inner bag separates the chamber into upper and lower sub chambers which are in communication with one another through a passage between the inner panels. Adjacent inner and outer panels are further sealed together at a plurality of locations to form quilt seals traversing the surfaces of the outer and inner panels.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of a plasticizer-containing dry flowable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin blend capable of thermoplastic processing. The method provides for the incorporation of plasticizers in intimate contact with the PVA resin without heating, cooling, or extended drying steps. Specifically, PVA resin granules having an appropriately small particle size distribution are spray-coated with a liquid plasticizer medium, and then mixed with a dry, fine powder coating medium to produce a flowable, dry plasticized PVA blend. Additional components, such as antioxidants, dyes, and antiblocking agents, may also be incorporated into the finished product.

Abstract: A grand piano lift comprising a dolly on which the piano is placed and having a hydraulic cylinder fixed in vertical disposition to the dolly in the vicinity of each of the three legs of the piano. A piston is slidably disposed in each of the cylinders and has a piston rod extending from the piston fixed to a pedestal that contacts the floor or platform from which the piano is to be supported. An operator operated UP switch is electrically connected with a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure so that the operator can cause fluid to be applied to the cylinders from the source and so that the cylinders are effective to raise the dolly and piano. A similar DOWN switch causes this fluid to be drained from the cylinders to cause the piano to be lowered.