Abstract: A bag comprises a sheath which includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion joined longitudinally by gusseted sidewalls portions which define the bag volume. The sheath has gusseted regions having a first sheath thickness and a non-gusseted region between the gusseted regions having a second different sheath thickness. The bag also includes a first handle disposed on the exterior surface of the first wall portion at the first end of the bag and a second handle disposed on the exterior surface of the first wall portion at the second end of the bag. The first handle and second handle have outer regions having a first sheet thickness and an inner region having a second different sheet thickness. The sum of the first sheath thickness and the first sheet thickness is equal to the sum of the second sheath thickness and the second sheet thickness.

Abstract: A wire guiding device includes a base and a guide portion for streamlining the flow of coiled wire from a storage container. Side walls may be included to bridge the distance between the device and the storage container to prevent wire from rising upward around the outside of the wire guiding device. As the amount of wire in the bin decreases, the wire guiding device will float downward maintaining constant downward pressure on the coil of wire. Wire in the storage container will therefore be drawn out in a smooth manner limiting or substantially preventing tangles. Protrusions may also be formed around the peripheral edge of the wire guiding device for preventing the wire from rising up and over the wire guiding device.

Abstract: A spool or reel for retaining continuously wound material may include a central barrel and spaced apart flange members extending from the central barrel. I he central barrel has an outer face for receiving the continuously wound wire, wherein both ends of the barrel are castellated. The inner face of a first and second flange include an interrupted groove comprised of a series of slots that are sized to receive the castellated first end of the barrel and the flanges are secured to the barrel by a plurality of through-bolts extending from the first flange to the second flange, securing the first flange to the first end of the barrel and the second flange to the second end of the barrel. The castellated ends of the barrel and the portions of the interrupted groove between the slots form a crisscrossed pattern that prevents the wire from entering the slots or entering the barrel and tangling during payoff of the wire, even when the spool is heated.

Abstract: An overwrap provides cushioning and protection for an object, stored in a bag or other container, during transport and/or storage. The overwrap has a generally smooth exterior surface and textured interior surface that is pliable for conforming to bumps or other raised portions of the object thereby providing a generally smooth exterior covering that minimizes frictional forces with the bag. The overwrap may include one or more folding scores that allow the body of the overwrap to bend into a channel. A plurality of material discontinuities may also be included that allow the overwrap of conform to the object without bunching.

Abstract: A carton includes scores that create pleats fashioned in the walls of the carton. As weight from subsequently stacked materials impinge on the carton, the side walls collapse in a substantially uniform manner leaving the carton top in tact and substantially level with the bottom of the carton.

Abstract: A sealed container includes a reinforcing member for protecting the container walls from exposure to damage caused by impact or other forces. The reinforcing member may be a generally concave and rigid member configured to match the end of the container. The reinforcing member may cover the seal of the container and may be removed and replaced with a re-sealing cap. When installed, the reinforcing member may function to strengthen the container by the absorbing shock.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.

Abstract: A container for storing welding electrodes includes a container body and a container cap constructed via thermoplastic injection molding. The container is constructed with walls that define an interior region and complementary upper and lower surfaces. When multiple containers are stacked together, the upper surface of one container engages the lower surface of an adjacent container thereby restraining lateral movement between the containers. However, the configuration of the upper and lower surfaces allows for longitudinal movement between the containers.

Abstract: A spool or reel for retaining continuously wound material may include a central barrel and spaced apart flange members extending from the central barrel. The flange members may incorporate a retaining member comprising the curved channel terminating at the first and second holes fashioned in an inner face of the flange members. The flange members may also incorporate one or more holes or apertures for use with associated sensors where the holes or apertures include a rim to circumference for easy detection by the associated sensors. The flange members may further comprise label platforms that securely receive labels that are to be affixed to the spool or reel.

Abstract: A wire guiding device includes a base and a guide portion for streamlining the flow of coiled wire from a storage container. Side walls may be included to bridge the distance between the device and the storage container to prevent wire from rising upward around the outside of the wire guiding device. As the amount of wire in the bin decreases, the wire guiding device will float downward maintaining constant downward pressure on the coil of wire. Wire in the storage container will therefore be drawn out in a smooth manner limiting or substantially preventing tangles. Protrusions may also be formed around the peripheral edge of the wire guiding device for preventing the wire from rising up and over the wire guiding device.

Abstract: A unitized package of a plurality of drums filled with coiled welding wire, each drum comprising a cylindrical body, a top rim, a bottom rim and a bottom circular wall fixed to the bottom rim and having a peripheral shape. The package comprises: a spacer between the cylindrical bodies, a first band stretched around the plurality of drums adjacent the top rim, and a second band stretched around the plurality of drums adjacent the bottom rim wherein each drum has a riser network permanently fixed to the bottom wall and formed from thin elongated elements with a given height greater than about two inches. A lower support plate is permanently attached to the riser network and is parallel to the bottom wall of the drum to provide an integral pallet on each drum.

Abstract: A unitized package of a plurality of drums filled with coiled welding wire, each drum comprising a cylindrical body, a top rim, a bottom rim and a bottom circular wall fixed to the bottom rim and having a peripheral shape. The package comprises: a spacer between the cylindrical bodies, a first band stretched around the plurality of drums adjacent the top rim, and a second band stretched around the plurality of drums adjacent the bottom rim wherein each drum has a riser network permanently fixed to the bottom wall and formed from thin elongated elements with a given height greater than about two inches. A lower support plate is permanently attached to the riser network and is parallel to the bottom wall of the drum to provide an integral pallet on each drum.

Abstract: A welding electrode wire coil and a method of making the same comprises embedding the inner end of the electrode wire between adhesively bonded convolutions of a wound core made of paper to secure the wire end thereto. The coil is completed by winding the wire about the core and then lacing a cord about the core and the coiled wire thereon in a diamond stitch lacing pattern to retain the coiled wire on the core prior to use. The lacing is provided with a slip knot to facilitate its release relative to the coiled wire and core.

Abstract: A welding electrode wire coil and a method of making the same comprises embedding the inner end of the electrode wire between adhesively bonded convolutions of a wound core made of paper to secure the wire end thereto. The coil is completed by winding the wire about the core and then lacing a cord about the core and the coiled wire thereon in a diamond stitch lacing pattern to retain the coiled wire on the core prior to use. The lacing is provided with a slip knot to facilitate its release relative to the coiled wire and core.