Abstract: Cushioning-type suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels.

Abstract: Suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels. Suspension systems, cushioning panels, and methods of packaging products are also described.

Abstract: Cushioning-type suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels.

Abstract: Suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels. Suspension systems, cushioning panels, and methods of packaging products are also described.

Abstract: Cushioning-type suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels.

Abstract: Suspension packages are described that include (a) a product-supporting platform having first and second opposed faces; (b) two end panels, each pivotally connected to a respective end of the product-supporting platform; (c) two side panels, each pivotally connected to a respective side of the product-supporting platform; and (d) an elastomeric enclosure mounted between the two end panels and extending over the first face of the product-supporting platform. The two side panels are configured to pivot towards the first face of the product-supporting platform, such that the two side panels may be configured substantially perpendicular thereto. The two end panels are configured to pivot towards the second face of the product-supporting platform, thereby tensioning the elastomeric enclosure, such that acute angles may be formed between the second face of the product-supporting platform and each of the end panels. Suspension systems, cushioning panels, and methods of packaging products are also described.

Abstract: A suspension package includes end panels that are pivotably mounted to a base at opposite ends of the base. A product restraint such as a hammock is stretched across the end panels, and side panels are pivoted to the base on respective sides of the product restraint. At least one of the side panels includes an upper panel that can be moved into position between the end panels to hold the end panels substantially at right angles with respect to the base and to maintain the product restraint in tension, thereby suspending a packaged product contained in the product restraint above the base and between the end panels. The side panels can be configured to perform this holding function, either along with the upper panel or instead of the upper panel. Alternatively, braces can be hinged to the end panels to extend perpendicularly to the end panels and the base and to contact the base to brace the end panels in the desired position.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a platform having a product support surface and first and second end portions on opposite ends of the product support surface. A flexible product retainer sheet has a first part secured to the first end portion and a second part secured to an anchor panel. The product retainer sheet is dimensioned to retain a product on the product support surface when the panel is held against the second end portion, as for example by an outer container or by a releasable attachment.

Abstract: A suspension package includes end panels that are pivotably mounted to a base at opposite ends of the base. A product restraint such as a hammock is stretched across the end panels, and side panels are pivoted to the base on respective sides of the product restraint. At least one of the side panels includes an upper panel that can be moved into position between the end panels to hold the end panels substantially at right angles with respect to the base and to maintain the product restraint in tension, thereby suspending a packaged product contained in the product restraint above the base and between the end panels. The side panels can be configured to perform this holding function, either along with the upper panel or instead of the upper panel.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having two sides and two ends positioned around a central opening. Two end panels are hinged at respective ends of the frame, and two side panels are hinged at respective sides of the frame. A product restraining hammock is mounted to extend between the end panels over the opening. In use the end panels are pivoted downwardly to tension the hammock and to suspend a product in the opening. The side panels are pivoted upwardly to space the frame array away from an outer container into which the suspension package is placed. The end panels may be shaped as tubular beams to provide increased bending resistance. Additionally, a brace panel can be formed as an integral extension of an end panel. Further, an extension flap can be positioned within the central opening to reduce the prospect that a package held in the product restraint will strike the end beam or an outside wall of a container housing the suspension package.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having two sides and two ends positioned around a central opening. Two end panels are hinged at respective ends of the frame, and two side panels are hinged at respective sides of the frame. A product restraining hammock is mounted to extend between the end panels over the opening. In use the end panels are pivoted downwardly to tension the hammock and to suspend a product in the opening. The side panels are pivoted upwardly to space the frame array away from an outer container into which the suspension package is placed. The end panels may be shaped as tubular beams to provide increased bending resistance.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having first and second opposed ends. Two C-shaped product restraints are mounted to pivotable flaps at respective ends of the frame. The product restraints extend around three sides of a product being packaged, and outward rotation of the flaps shortens the effective length of the product restraints, thereby tensioning the product restraints and suspending the product in place in the frame. A simple mechanism is provided for allowing a user to adjust the effective length of the product restraints. Another suspension package applies suspension forces only to two opposed lateral sides of the product, avoiding contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the product. Tensioning flaps can be oriented to pivot along a line in a plane parallel either to the end or to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame and a hammock. The hammock is tensioned by tensioning panels at each end of the frame. The lower edges of the frame include bottom panels that are secured together at two opposing corners such that the bottom panels automatically move to a side wall bracing position when the frame is squared. The tensioning panel 42 is sufficiently long to overlap each of the side walls in order to apply a substantial portion of loads from the hammock directly to the side walls and thereby reduce creasing at the end walls. The hammock is C-shaped in cross section and includes welded product-retention regions between the upper and lower portions of the hammock to prevent the product from sliding into contact with the end walls. Accessories are held in the hammock by a tubular accessory holder which is held in place on an end wall of the frame by an outer box. The suspension package is moved into and out of the outer box along a direction perpendicular to one of the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a base and first and second end panels. A hammock is stretched between the end panels, each of which is held in an operational position by a triangulating brace which extends from each end panel to the base and is removably secured to the base. Side panels are connected to the base to fold between a coplanar position and an operational position. When the side panels are in the coplanar position, the side panels and the base can be folded along a center fold to reduce tension on the hammock. Once a product is placed in the hammock, the side panels are moved to the operational position, perpendicular to the base. In the operational position the side panels prevent the base from folding along the center fold and thereby tension the hammock. The entire suspension package can be formed from a single piece of a suitable material such as corrugated paperboard.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame and a hammock. The hammock is tensioned by tensioning panels at each end of the frame. The lower edges of the frame include bottom panels that are secured together at two opposing corners such that the bottom panels automatically move to a side wall bracing position when the frame is squared. The tensioning panel 42 is sufficiently long to overlap each of the side walls in order to apply a substantial portion of loads from the hammock directly to the side walls and thereby reduce creasing at the end walls. The hammock is C-shaped in cross section and includes welded product-retention regions between the upper and lower portions of the hammock to prevent the product from sliding into contact with the end walls. Accessories are held in the hammock by a tubular accessory holder which is held in place on an end wall of the frame by an outer box. The suspension package is moved into and out of the outer box along a direction perpendicular to one of the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having an upper part and lower part. The lower part has four corner posts and at least one bay defining element that is hinged to the corner posts to move between an operational position and a storage position. The bay defining element includes at least one flexible suspension sheet that extends across bays defined by the element. The upper part includes at least one upper flexible suspension sheet, and is mounted to move between an open position, in which the bays are exposed to allow a product to be inserted into and removed from the bay, and the closed position, in which the suspension sheets suspend the product within the frame. A tensioning device releasably holds the upper part in the closed position and tensions the suspension sheets. The package is preferably used with a collapsible enclosure.

Abstract: An improved surgical drape adapted to cover a patient extremity such as an arm or a leg during a surgical procedure. The drape is tubular in construction having one end closed and means for adhesively attaching it to the patient along a slit adjacent to the open end. For disposability it is fabricated from a nonwoven fabric on the surface contacting the patient and, bonded thereto, a liquid-proof film forming the outside surface. Preferred embodiments are described wherein the drape is formed from a flat sheet and has a reinforced side seam and end. A preferred method of telescope folding the drape for improved safety and speed of applicaton is also disclosed.