Abstract: Two or more packing spacers support an object within its shipping container in a floating arrangement that absorbs shocks, and flexion and torsion of the container due to shipping and handling loads. Each spacer is a structure with a frame-window covered with a flexible membrane of high tensile strength. The object is frictionally held between the membranes. The spacers are shaped and dimensioned to match the internal geometry of the container and to determine the space between the membranes occupied by the object. Spacers with large contact areas between their membranes and the object can hold and cushion objects of very high densities.

Abstract: Two or more packing spacers support an object within its shipping container in a floating arrangement that absorbs shocks, and flexion and torsion of the container due to shipping and handling loads. Each spacer is a structure with a frame-window covered with a flexible membrane of high tensile strength. The object is frictionally held between the membranes. The spacers are shaped and dimensioned to match the internal geometry of the container and to determine the space between the membranes occupied by the object. Spacers with large contact areas between their membranes and the object can hold and cushion objects of very high densities.

Abstract: A pair of rigid frames having central openings are each covered with a pliable material which is forced in intimate contact with a fragile article to be packaged. Central openings allow passage of the fragile article which is suspended between the two pliable materials. Pliable material and friction limits the handling shock-type loads which may be transmitted to the fragile article in one direction, and cushions loads in other directions. Frames can be positioned within an enclosure package so that motion of the fragile article during handling can be tolerated. A single pair of pliable covered frames can serve as packing for a wide variety of solid materials, including multiple items or irregular shapes and heavy articles, with no further protection required.

Abstract: A pair of rigid frames having central openings are each covered with a pliable and stretchable material which is forced in intimate contact with a fragile article to be handled. Central openings allow passage of the fragile article which is suspended between the two pliable materials, Stretchable material and friction limits the handling shock loads which may be transmitted to the fragile article in one direction, and cushions loads in other directions. Frames can be positioned within an enclosure package so that motion of the fragile article during handling can be tolerated. A single pair of pliable covered frames can serve as packing for a wide variety of solid materials, including multiple items, with no further protection required.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing rigid articles having a resiliently deformable cushioned surface in a vacuum forming operation wherein a drapable sheet of resiliently deformable cushioning material is vacuum formed into a desired shape on the shaping surface of a vacuum forming mold, and wherein vacuum is maintained on the mold to retain the sheet in dimensionally fixed configuration on the shaping surface while the exposed surface of the sheet is intimately bonded to a rigid support layer to provide a rigid cushioned article. The apparatus used comprises an assembly line including a portable vacuum forming mold which is transported between spaced treating stations on the assembly line while at all times maintaining vacuum on the mold to retain the cushioning material in dimensionally fixed configuration until intimately bonded to and rigidized by a layer of supporting material.

Abstract: A tub having a shock-absorbing shell constructed from a rigid cellular material and an outer cushioning layer laminated on inner concavity-forming surfaces of the shell. The latter is constructed from a soft, flexible, closed-cell cellular material having a durable, fluid-tight, traction providing, integral skin forming the outer surface of the concavity in the tub.