Patents by Inventor Stephan G. Laforge

Stephan G. Laforge has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8561801
    Abstract: A packaging system and method for packaging a piece of machinery are provided. A first corner bracket is extended from a first exterior edge of the machinery. The first corner bracket comprises a first baseplate positioned along a bottom plane of the machinery, and a first plurality of side plates. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to the first baseplate at a first angle. Each of the first plurality of side plates extends upwardly from the baseplate. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to at least one other of the first plurality of side plates. The first plurality of side plates form a first interior edge that mates to the first exterior edge of the machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Grenchus, Jr., Stephane G. Laforge
  • Publication number: 20130032506
    Abstract: A packaging system and method for packaging a piece of machinery are provided. A first corner bracket is extended from a first exterior edge of the machinery. The first corner bracket comprises a first baseplate positioned along a bottom plane of the machinery, and a first plurality of side plates. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to the first baseplate at a first angle. Each of the first plurality of side plates extends upwardly from the baseplate. Each of the first plurality of side plates is integrally attached to at least one other of the first plurality of side plates. The first plurality of side plates form a first interior edge that mates to the first exterior edge of the machinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward J. Grenchus, JR., Stephane G. Laforge
  • Publication number: 20120103864
    Abstract: Various techniques and designs for integrating protective packaging and shipping material within large objects such as computer systems are disclosed herein. This protective material, when exposed, allows the object it is coupled with to be safely transported and shipped. In one embodiment applicable to large machines such as computer mainframes, a protective shock-absorbent material such as foam is affixed to a first face of a reversible machine cover. The machine cover may be oriented to insert and hide the protective material within the machine and expose a cover on the second face. The cover then may be placed in a reverse orientation to expose the protective material on the first face. In this way, the protective material does not need to be separately stored or provided to the customer before transport. Further, the protective material is kept in a convenient location with the machine, and when deployed will provide shock protection according to original manufacturer specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edward J. Grenchus, JR., Stephan G. Laforge