Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has a pallet bottom frame, a latticework enclosure connected to the bottom frame, and an inner container received in the enclosure. The vertical rods of the latticework enclosure are connected to upper and lower peripheral profiled edge sections. The vertical rods are hollow and have flattened upper ends shaped to a wave profile with welding projections. The upper profiled edge section is a hollow profiled section formed to a double bar that extends peripherally and transversely to the vertical rods and is shaped to have inner and outer wave profiles engaging one another. The outer wave profile has grooves, and the inner wave profile forms welding projections. The upper ends of the vertical rods and the double bar are connected by projection welding. The upper profiled edge section has a flat upper rim for supporting legs of a container stacked on top.

Abstract: A grid casing for a container having a tendency to become electrostatically charged has a basic grid made of basic grid bars forming a basic grid mesh structure. The basic grid is primarily responsible for the strength of the grid casing. Additional grid bars are provided for forming a tighter grid mesh structure relative to the basic grid mesh structure of the basic grid.

Abstract: A bulk bag with integral pallets includes a flexible bag body having a bottom and sidewalls. Two elongate pallet members are provided having axially extending openings adapted to receive fork tines from a fork lift. Each of the two elongate pallet members has at least one underlying wear pad. The two elongate pallet members are secured to the bottom of the bag body with the least one underlying wear pad exposed. The securing straps, laces or elasticized sleeves are protected from wear by the underlying wear pad which provides an underlying wear surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pressurized gas canister transport apparatus and a method of use. The apparatus includes a frame that is specially configured to carry a plurality of generally cylindrically shaped pressurized gas canisters. The frame features upper and lower panels that are connected to a central panel, the central panel providing structural reinforcement and also separating selected canisters from one another, such as oxygen canisters from canisters containing combustible materials. A clamping arrangement is provided for safely holding the canisters in position. In addition, should the canisters become dislodged from their clamps, an additional safety arrangement is provided in the form of railings that are transversely extending and which span between corner columns of the frame to prevent escape of canisters even if they become dislodged from their clamps.

Abstract: A container for storing material, such as welding wire. The container is adapted to be lifted by inserting a fork, or other lifting member, of a lifting device into the container. The container may comprise a fiber drum having one or more openings, or recesses, adapted to receive a fork of a lifting device. The container may be cylindrical. The container may be comprised of a cellulosic material. The container may house welding wire. A method of manufacturing a container adapted to be lifted by inserting a member of a lifting device into the container also is featured.

Abstract: A molded display tray and lid includes a generally planar base from which a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls extend generally perpendicularly. A downwardly extending lip extends about the periphery of the upper edge of the side walls and end walls. The side walls each include an upper edge that curves downwardly towards its center, such that the center of each side wall is the lowest point of the side wall. The base includes a plurality of integrally molded, downwardly extending feet. In use, the display tray and lid is first used as a lid on a box of produce, such as bananas. At its destination, the box and lid are inverted, and the box removed, such that the contents are left remaining on the display tray and lid.

Abstract: A leakage containment system for storage batteries supported on a rack. Plural, generally rectangular pans are interconnected to each other and are each provided with at least one end wall having a recessed portion so that excess liquid in one pan may spillover into an adjacent pan before spilling over onto a floor supporting the leakage containment system. The pans may be fabricated of coated carbon steel or stainless steel. The battery rack may be constructed to allow access to remove batteries therefrom intermediate the opposite ends of the rack and selected pans may be removed from the leakage containment system to permit access to the rack for insertion of and removal of batteries with respect to the rack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling produce contained in ventilated trays arranged in a five-down configuration on a pallet. The ventilated trays according to the present invention have openings that correspond to fluid passageways in contained clamshells in order to efficiently and effectively channel cooling air into the clamshells and over the contained produce. The present invention creates direct airflow channels to the produce that cause an optimal amount of the forced air to enter and flow over the produce within the produce carrying containers and not around the produce carrying containers as can occur with conventional six-down configurations. As a result, more air enters the produce carrying containers, more passes over the produce and more produce is effectively cooled.

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying vertically stacked product containers. The system comprises a top cap, a plurality of corrugated trays with openings formed therein for receiving the bottoms of the product containers and restricting their movement, a bottom tray, a pallet, and vertical support posts that key inside the bottom tray and top cap and through the middle trays to help lock the system together. The entire assembly may be held together with banding and wrapped in a transparent plastic film to protect the product from dust and damage during shipment.

Abstract: A pallet container includes a bottle, an enclosure for the bottle as well as a plastic pallet. The enclosure is a grid connected to a plastic pallet by having a lower horizontal circumferential rod received in a laterally opening circumferential groove in the plastic pallet. The rod can be locked through the use of a side plate.

Abstract: A container including a rigid plastic pallet having a platform portion defining a central discharge port, a tubular cardboard sleeve supported at a lower edge thereof on the pallet, and a flexible plastic liner positioned within the sleeve. The liner includes an upper portion of uniform cross-sectional configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of the sleeve and a lower portion of downwardly and inwardly tapering configuration terminating in a bottom liner opening positioned proximate the pallet discharge port.

Abstract: A top and end frame assembly (10) attachable to a pallet (12) for packing, shipping, and storing heavy articles, with a pair of stringers (20) made with open-sided U-shaped channels and connected together by transverse members (22, 24). Two pairs of opposing corner posts (50) each formed of an open-sided U-shaped channel pivotally attach at respective opposing distal ends of the stringers (20). Each corner post (50) moves between a folded position with the corner posts received in the respective stringer for shipping in a knocked-down position and an extended position for attaching to a pallet for a frame container. Two pairs of opposing side diagonal members (36) pivotally attach to a respective one of the stringers and move between a received position within the stringer and a diagonal position for pinning at an opposing end to a respective one of the corner posts. The corner posts being pivoted to the extended position attach at distal ends to the pallet (12) for containing heavy equipment.

Abstract: A container for welding wire comprises a box-like body having a bottom and a side wall, the side wall having a polygonal cross section with corners, and stabilizing elements arranged at at least some of the corners. The stabilizing elements extend upwardly from the bottom and have an outer shell portion comprising a corner portion facing the adjacent side wall and an inner portion facing an interior of the container for housing welding wire. The corner portion has a shape adapted to the shape of the adjacent corner. The inner portion defines a continuous inner wall.

Abstract: An improved fabric bulk bag with pallet combination, of the type having wall portions, a top portion, and a floor portion, all defining a space for storing bulk therein, and in a first embodiment providing a pair of channels, substantially parallel in relation, secured along the outer surface of the floor portion, each channel having two open ends; a substantially elongated rigid support member insertable into each channel, for receiving the tines of a forklift, while providing a stable pallet foundation for the bag when the bag is positioned atop another filled bag. A bulk containing portion of the floor of the bag extending between the two support members when the bag has sufficient bulk, so that the portion filled with bulk defines a continuous support surface between the two support members and together define a continuous support across the floor of the bag.

Abstract: An improved fabric bulk bag, of the type having wall portions, a top portion, and a floor portion, all defining a space for storing bulk therein, and further providing a pair of channels, substantially parallel in relation, secured along the outer surface of the floor portion, each channel having two open ends; a substantially elongated rigid U-shaped support member insertable into each channel, the upper wall of the member contacting the outer surface of the bulk bag, and the two arms of the U-shaped member providing a travel space through the channel for receiving the tynes of a forklift, and allowing the tynes to contact the upper wall of the member when the bag is lifted; the two arms of the member also providing a stable pallet-like foundation for the bag when the bag is positioned atop another filled bag.

Abstract: An edge protector (1) for protecting the edge of an article includes a pair of interconnected, non-parallel, first arms (2, 4) which, in use, do not contact any part of the article, and a pair of second arms (10, 12) for contacting or a least being situated adjacent the article in use, one of each of the second arms (10, 12) being connected to one of each of the first arms (2, 4) each first arm (2, 4) and the respective second arm (10, 12) may be arranged in non-parallel relations. Further, the edge protector (1) may be resiliently deformable to absorb the energy of an impact therewith.

Abstract: A pallet and storage container combination for retail sale is provided. The combination includes a pallet having a body including an outer surface for supporting a load and an inner surface. The pallet has a plurality of feet integral with the body and disposed below the inner surface for seating on a ground surface and supporting the pallet body. Each foot has a lower ground contacting edge. The combination also includes a plurality of boxes disposed on top of one another to form a stack. The stack is disposed within a pallet space defined between the feet and the pallet body. A retaining member is disposed around the pallet body and the stack so that the stack is securely held within the pallet space regardless of whether the pallet body is in a vertical standing position or a horizontal position.

Abstract: A divider for use in handling quantities of yarn spools arranged in layers. The divider includes a main body generally planar polygonal portion and a skirt portion extending around the periphery of the main body portion and formed into a series of circumferentially spaced, arcuate, inwardly opening scallops with each scallop having a curvature substantially matching the curvature of the yarn spools so that, with a layer of spools positioned on the main body portion and the skirt upstanding from the main body portion, each scallop may compliantly engage the outer periphery of an individual outer spool of the spool layer. Each scallop is connected to the main body portion by a strap extending from the main body portion to the scallop and the scallops are connected together to form a continuous circumferential band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pallet container with a thin-walled inner receptacle preferably made from thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or free-flowing goods, wherein the plastic container is closely surrounded by an outer cage jacket of crossed hollow bars which are configured with dimples by means of which bending points in the cage jacket are established so that when the pallet container is subjected to drops from certain heights, the cage jacket incurs a plastic deformation, thereby preventing fracturing or tearing of the hollow bars from the cage jacket.

Abstract: A piggy back shipping/storage package, a bracket for use in building the package, and method for building the package. The bracket has an article attachment lug for being attached to the top of a lower article mounted on a lower pallet, and a pallet supporting platform for supporting the bottom of an upper pallet on which an upper article is supported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for a locking unit of a container spreader having at least a pair of telescopic beams (20) comprising a housing (23), a twistlock head (1) partially inside the housing and partially protruding out from the housing (23), an elastic impact absorption element (4) and a toothed coupling (5) to transmit the necessary engagement torque to the twistlock head (1). The locking unit is equipped with a coupling (2) that has been arranged to allow the movement of the twistlock head (1) in all directions on a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the twistlock head (1).

Abstract: A transport and storage container for liquids has an inner plastic container having an upper bottom with a fill socket, two sidewalls, a front wall with an outlet socket at the lower edge, a back wall, and a lower drainage bottom slanted toward the outlet socket. A pallet-shaped underframe has a support bottom for receiving the lower bottom of the inner container. The front wall of the inner container has a dome-shaped bulge where the outlet socket is arranged. Two bottom portions are arranged on opposed sides of the bulge and ascend from the lower bottom toward the front wall and the corner areas adjoining the front wall or toward the front wall and the sidewalls and the corner areas adjoining the front wall and the sidewalls. They form drainage surfaces for residual liquid to be drained from the forward bottom area into the outlet socket when removing residual liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pallet assembly having a lid and a pallet, either or both of which can include one or more cam lock assemblies. A sleeve can be placed between the lid and pallet with the lid and pallet cam lock assemblies engaging the sleeve to secure the pallet for shipping things. Alternatively, the sleeve can be folded and placed between the lid and pallet with the lid cam lock assemblies engaging the pallet to secure the pallet assembly for empty return and later reuse.

Abstract: A shipping package for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, compact ice makers and air conditioners for movement by clamp lift trucks. The appliance can be mounted on recycled high density polyethylene skids attached to the bottom of the appliance. The shipping package can include four elongated expanded polystyrene blocks positioned at the corners of the appliance extending vertically from the skids to the top of the appliance. The shipping package can include expanded polystyrene top pads on the top of the appliance and can include a fiberboard top cap covering the top pads and the top the appliance. Shrink wrap film can enclose the top cap, elongated blocks and engage the skids for holding the elongated blocks and top cap securely in position on the appliance.

Abstract: A polyethylene garment protector, extensively used by garment manufacturers to protect garments in transport to and from various facilities such as, factories, distribution centers, and retail establishments. The garment protector is also commonly used by garment pressers or cleaners for the delivery or storage of pressed or cleaned garments mounted on conventional garment hangers. Furthermore, the polyethylene garment protector can also be used to enclose other textiles or goods that may be stored, shipped and/or sold in hanging form. The polyethylene garment protector is provided with at least one zone of weakness on either the front side, back side or both sides of such garment protectors, along which the garment protector may be severed to facilitate its removal so that the enclosed garment is not wrinkled or mussed. Essentially, the zone of weakness provides tear lines upon which the envelope may be opened to facilitate separating the protector and the enclosed garment.

Abstract: Arrangement for packaging articles which are to be transported, including at least one sheet-like packaging part by means of which at least one article which is to be transported can be enclosed at least in certain sections, wherein the packaging arrangement further includes at least one roller, which can make it easier to transport the packaging arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting and storing of a powder or liquid medium, comprising (a) a structurally stable outer container having an electrically conducting inner surface, a top side that is open and capable of receiving an inner container, and a bottom section comprising a plurality of recesses wherein each recess can receive a pronged platform of a cargo moving device; and (b) an inner container capable of holding said medium having a top section, an opening in said top section for filing and discharging said medium, and one or more walls. These walls are made of a plastic material, are adjacent to said inner surface of said outer container, and have an outer surface. The outer surface has at least one electrically conductive layer that is in electrical contact with the outer container's inner surface. Moreover, invention could optionally include a plastic pallet having an electrically conductive layer that is in contact with the outer container.

Abstract: A package unit of product and packaging structure wherein the product is stacked in layers and wherein a divider of fairly rigid heavy corrugated paper board is interposed between each layer, wherein each divider is provided at each of its side edges with at least two tabs projecting laterally outwardly therefrom, each tab having an aperture formed therethrough, wherein the apertures of stacked (superimposed) dividers are vertically aligned, wherein posts are inserted frictionally thru the aligned apertures, and wherein the stack of layered product and dividers is laterally banded.

Abstract: A pallet for storing rolls of material wound on a core which extends past the ends of the rolls, with the pallet being symmetrical and having openings in the top and bottom to accommodate the core ends.

Abstract: A fully collapsible pallet is provided with easily adjustable rear stops, lower rear stops, and side restraints. A telescoping member is provided to allow shipment of partial pallets of windshields. Extensions allow the pallet to be used with windshields of various heights. The pallet is stackable in a folded condition as well as a loaded condition, even when extensions are used. A latch is provided to prevent leaning of the pallet even when the load is not centered in the pallet.

Abstract: An octagonal bulk bin of corrugated paperboard has opposed parallel side walls spaced a predetermined distance apart and opposed parallel end walls spaced a predetermined distance apart. The side and end walls are joined by diagonal corner panels. The diagonal corner panels are made wider than the corner panels in a conventional bin, and the side and end walls are narrower, with the corner panels and the end walls having approximately the same width, while maintaining the predetermined spacing. This configuration reduces the bulge experienced when product is loaded into the bin. In addition to the wider corner panels, or in lieu thereof, scores may be placed in at least one of the side and end panels to define a line along which controlled and predetermined buckling will take place, if buckling occurs.

Abstract: A bulk bag having side walls; and a bottom wallis provided wherein a pair of laterally spaced generally flexible sleeves are associated with the bottom wall with each sleeve operatively receiving a generally rigid tubular element adapted to receive a tine of a forklift truck, in use. Each tubular element preferably has, at one end thereof, outwardly directed flange formations for preventing movement of the said end into the sleeve, in use, and means at the other end for inhibiting movement of said other end into the sleeve, in use. The tubular element is preferably made to a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration from a flat sheet of material bent along the corners to define said tubular element.

Abstract: A novel, collapsible container is provided which features container side walls and end walls that have a closed, multi-paneled element forming at least a portion of the wall. The closed wall element is formed from an exterior panel and an interior panel that are joined along top, side and bottom seams of the panel, preferably by hot plate welding, to form a closed, multi-paneled side or end wall element. In more detailed aspects of the invention, the side or end walls incorporate a windowed construction, which includes a window having a seam surrounding a single panel window area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pallet container assembly with a thin-walled rigid inner container of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or flowable contents, including a cage-like bar frame closely surrounding as support jacket the inner plastic container, and a bottom pallet for placement of the inner plastic container and secure attachment of the support jacket, wherein there are provided, within the support area of the inner plastic container on the surface of the bottom pallet optionally on the surface of an intermediate plate, respective means (form-fitting means/frictional connection means) which—as viewed in the direction of the horizontal plane—result in a substantial increase of the slip resistance between the downwardly pointing outer surface of the bottom pallet or the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A pallet-like support base for a shipping and storage container for liquids has a bottom for supporting the inner container of the storage container and corner and middle feet. The feet are mounted on a base frame. The bottom of the support base and the outer jacket of the inner container are mounted on the base frame. The corner feet and middle feet of the support base have inwardly or outwardly directed formations for reinforcement.

Abstract: A pallet and storage container combination for retail sale is provided. The combination includes a pallet having a body including an outer surface for supporting a load and an inner surface. The pallet has a plurality of feet integral with the body and disposed below the inner surface for seating on a ground surface and supporting the pallet body. Each foot has a lower ground contacting edge. The combination also includes a plurality of boxes disposed on top of one another to form a stack. The stack is disposed within a pallet space defined between the feet and the pallet body. A retaining member is disposed around the pallet body and the stack so that the stack is securely held within the pallet space regardless of whether the pallet body is in a vertical standing position or a horizontal position.

Abstract: A pallet and an associated method are provided for supporting an item mounted upon casters. The pallet includes a pallet deck having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The movable portion moves between a first position in which the movable portion is displaced, such as by being rotated downwardly, from the fixed portion and a second position in which the movable and fixed portions cooperate to define a support surface. The movable portion is in the second position while the item is loaded, but is moved to the first position during shipment. The pallet also includes a support for supporting the item once the movable portion is in the first position. Prior thereto, however, the item is typically spaced from the support. Each support can include a stationary portion and a movable portion that moves between a retracted position to facilitate loading and an extended position during shipment.

Abstract: A container including a rigid plastic pallet having a platform portion defining a central discharge port, a tubular cardboard sleeve supported at a lower edge thereof on the pallet, and a flexible plastic liner positioned within the sleeve. The liner includes an upper portion of uniform cross-sectional configuration conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of the sleeve and a lower portion of downwardly and inwardly tapering configuration terminating in a bottom liner opening positioned proximate the pallet discharge port.

Abstract: The container 10 comprises a bottom cover 12, a plurality of stackable trays 14 for holding produce, a sleeve 18, and a top cover 20. Each tray 14 is filled with produce and placed within the bottom cover 12. After the trays 14 are stacked, a film may be wrapped around the trays 14 to stabilize the produce. The sleeve 18 is then lowered over the trays 14 and the container 10 is capped with the top cover 20. When assembled, the container 10 may be secured by securement members, such as straps 64, and placed on a base member 22 for supporting the container and facilitating the shipping of the container. At the point of sale, the top cover 20 and sleeve 18 may be removed, exposing the produce, thereby forming a display bin capable of displaying the shipped produce to customers for purchase.

Abstract: A reusable container and method for a shipping system includes a container body, a closure, a removable label and a label panel. The label has an area to receive shipping information and a layer of an adhesive material. The label panel has an exposed surface to which the adhesive adheres but from which the label may be removed without tearing. A locking structure may be provided. A locking member can engage the locking structure to secure contents during shipment. The container may be a flexible pouch that may include an inner cushioning layer and an outer fabric layer. The pouch may be formed of two panels that have a zippered mouth and a grommet allows a cable tie to lockably secure the zipper in a closed position. A signal transmitter can be included with the container. The system includes special cartons and pallets for a plurality of containers.

Abstract: A transportation container comprising a plywood mount panel, a metal pipe leg disposed under the mount panel, vertical-panel support members each mounted on the upper face of the mount panel and disposed along the sides of the mount panel, solid hardboard vertical panels each having a lower edge mounted onto a mounting face in the outer side face of the vertical-panel support member by means of nailing; a metal pipe beam disposed along the upper side of the inner face of the vertical panel; a substantially rectangular, solid hardboard top panel supportedly positioned on the upper end face of the beam; and a metal pipe column disposed on the inside of butt corners formed by adjacent vertical panels to extend vertically.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pallet container assembly with a thin-walled rigid inner container of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or flowable contents, including a cage-like bar frame closely surrounding as support jacket the inner plastic container, and a bottom pallet for placement of the inner plastic container and secure attachment of the support jacket, wherein there are provided, within the support area of the inner plastic container on the surface of the bottom pallet optionally on the surface of an intermediate plate, respective means (form-fitting means/frictional connection means) which—as viewed in the direction of the horizontal plane—result in a substantial increase of the slip resistance between the downwardly pointing outer surface of the bottom pallet or the intermediate plate.

Abstract: A pallet container for liquids (10) comprises an inner plastic container (12), equipped with a filler (13) and a drain tap (14), both with a hermetic seal, protected by metal plating (16) and resting on a pallet (15), suitable to be moved with lifting means, and composed of a stamped metal plate tray (17), provided with stiffening grooves (22) and bearing elements, corner feet (18), central spacers (19, 19′) and a drainer (20), made of plastic, and equipped with complementary engaging elements, for connection with a base ring (24) and with the tray (17).

Abstract: A container and a pallet are described for sorting, storing, and/or transporting objects (2) having differing external dimensions and spatial edge contours (4), the container having at least one depression (5) shaped like a stepped pyramid having bearing surfaces (6). The bearing surfaces (6) at each pyramid step (7) are tailored to the edge contours (4) of the objects (3). In this case, a lower pyramid step (7) has bearing surfaces (6) with smaller dimensions than a pyramid step (8) positioned above it in the depression (5) in order to sort and position the objects (3) in the depression (5) stacked by height in accordance with their external dimensions.

Abstract: A shipping frame assembly for transporting an object. The shipping frame assembly has at least one pallet adapted to receive the object and at least one coupling member removably mounted to the pallet, for securing the object to the pallet. The pallet includes a support member, which has at least one first cutout portion. The coupling member has at least one second cut-out portion. When the coupling member is mounted to the pallet, the first cut out portion and second cut portion cooperatively form an aperture adapted to securely fasten the object to the pallet.

Abstract: A rack for shipping and storing a plurality of glass panels includes a frame which holds a bottom support and a rear support in planes that intersect at substantially a right angle. The bottom and rear supports have notches to receive edges of the panels. The rear support has a plurality of channels with a separate retainer slidably received in each channel for engaging an upper edge of a panel placed in the rack. A spring loaded mechanism maintains the retainers in engagement with the respective panel, thereby holding the panels in the rack.

Abstract: The application discloses a load spreader for reinforcing the floor (2) of an air cargo container so generally reducing the deformation of the container and improving its performance. The application also discloses a light weight rigid floor to replace the floor of a conventional aluminium air cargo container.

Abstract: A palletized tray system (10) is disclosed having a pallet (11) and a top piece (70) with a plurality of modular, stackable trays (40) disposed therebetween. The top piece (70) can be mated to a tray (40) or the pallet (11) positioned below the top piece (70); the pallet (11) can be mated to a tray (40) or the top piece (70) positioned above the pallet (11); and, each tray (40) may be mated with another tray (40), the pallet (11) or the top piece (70).

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 foldable device for facilitating the stacking of adjacent pairs of pallets loaded with container arrays includes a pair of pivotally-interconnected sections. Each section includes a generally flat bottom surface adapted to rest on a respective top layer of exposed container tops, and a top surface that include surface features whose uppermost portions cooperate to define a first reference plane. Each section includes a plurality of complementary hinge components defining a pivot axis that lies in a second reference plane located between the section's bottom surface and first reference plane, and further includes detents by which to maintain the bottom surfaces of each section pair in a substantially coplanar relationship when the hinged sections are spread open. Preferably, the surface features of each section pair are complementary such that, the assembly is folded about the resulting shared pivot axis, the bottom surfaces become generally parallel-spaced to facilitate device storage.