Abstract: An outer support in the form of a rigid outer container has resilient cushioning material, such as resilient foam, at each end. A smaller inner container is supported solely on the cushioning material and carries a fragile article to be shipped. Shock absorbing motion of the inner container is allowed by reciprocal deformation of the cushioning material at the opposite ends.

Abstract: A fragile article is enclosed in the central portion of an elongated shock-absorbing cradle supported only at its ends by connection or attachment to the ends of an outer rigid box or framework. The opposite sides of the cradle extend along but are spaced inward of the sides of the box or framework to allow shock-absorbing flexing of the cradle if the box or framework is jolted or jostled during shipment or handling. The cradle can be formed of substantially rigid plastic material and have integral shock-absorbing corrugations, or it can be a sheet or tube of flexible material having its opposite end portions secured to the opposite ends of the box or framework. A box used in the invention can have telescoping base and lid sections, or it can be of one piece construction being formed from a foldable flat paperboard or cardboard blank.

Abstract: A fragile article is enclosed in the central portion of an elongated shock-absorbing cradle supported only at its ends by connection of tabs which, in turn, are swingably connected to the opposite ends of a rectangular insert ring. The tabs are swingable or bendable relative to such insert ends, first outward and then toward the outer sides of such ends, so as to place the central portion of the cradle under tension. The insert is fitted closely inside a rigid outer box for shipment, such box being of a size to retain the tabs in their positions tensioning the central portion of the cradle.