Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for a ball, including a cover defining a cavity and an inner core element positioned within the cavity. The inner core element includes a first half and a second half. Each half has a first side and a second side which are hingedly connected together, and each has a semispherical cavity formed therein and both semispherical cavities together forming a ball cavity adapted to hold a ball. The inner core element is formed of a strong material capable of supporting a seated man and positioned in the cavity of the cover.

Abstract: A trailer shipping container having an exterior box for surrounding a portion of a trailer body with an upper portion of the trailer body extending upwardly out of the open end of the exterior box. Foam billets contoured to fit the shape of the lower corners of the trailer body are positioned in the bottom of the exterior box to support the trailer body and to support an interior box containing other trailer assembly components. The interior box is spaced above the floor of the exterior box and a pair of fork lift slots are provided near the bottom of the exterior box to permit the forks of a fork lift truck to contact the undersurface of the interior box to lift and maneuver the entire container. Corner slots at the upper end of the exterior box form inwardly projecting tabs to provide support and vertical alignment for the trailer body. The corner slots also locate and receive a cinch strap to tightly band the container to the trailer body.

Abstract: A removable cover for a snowboard having an elongated, longitudinally expandable bottom portion of configuration substantially that of a snowboard bottom surface and a C-shaped expandable collar secured to and circumscribing the bottom portion, the collar being configured to receive the circumferential edge of a snowboard.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having two (2) elongated housing sections attached along one elongated edge thereof by a pivotal connection, such as one or more hinges. The interior of each of the two (2) elongated housing sections includes a cavity into which a fishing rod and reel assembly can be placed and one of the elongated housing sections includes one or more tackle box compartments having dividers positioned therein and pivotally attached cover portions which cover and retain fishing tackle and other fishing equipment therein. The two (2) elongated housing sections can be closed upon each other and latched in this position to form an elongated fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having an integral handle portion to carry the enclosed fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case.

Abstract: A cutting and packaging process for expanded polystyrene foam blocks having an original geometric forms, as well as a product, is provided. The process internally cuts the expanded polystyrene foam blocks to provide pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks. The pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks are maintained in their original geometric form and are packaged in this original geometric form to prevent disassembly of the pre-cut expanded polystyrene foam blocks.

Abstract: A novel golf club organizer for a golf bag is disclosed. The golf club organizer includes a resilient, lightweight golf club shaft retaining ring disposed within the golf club receiving opening of a golf bag and a base member mounted within the bottom of the golf bag to restrict the motion of the golf clubs, thereby preventing the golf clubs from becoming entangled.

Abstract: A physical shock absorbing sheath for the protection of the fragile piezoelectric quartz crystal tip of an ultrasonic probe, such as is used for medical and veterinary purposes, is disclosed. The sheath includes an elongated body which is preferably in the form of a right circular cylinder or rectangular parallelepiped. A hollow shaft is formed longitudinally through a portion of the body and opens onto an upper end thereof for insertion of the fragile tip and shaft portion of the probe therein, preferably as the probe hangs by a flexible cord from a wall hanger or wall hook. A lower end of the body is supported in its operative position on a table or work bench located below the hanger. Fracture of the delicate probe tip and other impact damage due to the probe being knocked about or failing from its hanger while in a stored condition between uses on patients is thus substantially prevented.

Abstract: The disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention which in one aspect is an apparatus for packaging a compact disc, comprising a paperboard shell and holding member. The paperboard shell includes a top panel that defines a circular opening passing therethrough having a diameter at least equal to the diameter of a compact disc. The paperboard shell also includes a first side panel, a bottom panel that is disposed opposite the top panel, and a second side panel that is disposed opposite the second side panel. A glue tab extends from the first top panel and is affixed to the second side panel. The top panel, the first side panel, the bottom panel, and the second side panel with the glue tab affixed thereto define a cavity therein. The holding member is disposed within the cavity of the paperboard shell and has a top surface defining a circular recess.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for use with a fuel pump filler gun having in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, includes a protective body. The protective body has an energy absorbing inner layer surrounding a portion of the filler gun to protect the filler gun from impact forces. The protective body also includes an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer. The outer layer is harder than the inner layer so as to resist scratching, absorb the initial impact, and distribute the forces over the softer inner layer. The protective body further attaches to the filler gun or to a boot covering a portion of the filler gun.

Abstract: An earphone case includes a base, a wind disc placed on the base for depositing an earphone and its lead wires thereon, and a cap pivotally connected with the base to close on the base. The base and the cap both have a space in an extended portion and a buffer placed in the space and having plural cavities for storing various plugs therein.

Abstract: A modular gun case (10) comprises an elongated bottom section (12) having a rim (28), an elongated lid section (16) having lid upper and lower brims (92, 94), and a top section (14) having a top section peripheral edge (70). The lid section matably engages and closes the bottom section. The top section can matably and removably engage either the lid or bottom sections. In one embodiment, the lid section is pivotally mounted to the bottom section. The sections at the respective rim, lid upper and lower brims, and top section peripheral edge utilize a combination of protrusions (104) and shoulders (102) to matingly engage one another. To secure the top section, lock recesses (72) are provided having juxtaposed lock brackets (74) capable of receiving a lock (76). Gas purge valves (51) are provided in the bottom and top sections. Straps (38) releasably retain the sections together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundproofing bag (1) for single and double reed instruments, particularly for a saxophone made up of a material providing a fabric outer layer, an intermediate soundproofing layer, and an inner layer made up of air and steam permeable material, shaped in such a way to substantially conform to the shape of the instrument, and provided with a rear opening (9) allowing the hooking of the instrument, of a rear slot (13) for the hooking of the collar (5) to the saxophone, and with two entrances (10, 11), respectively for the introduction of the right and left hands to be able to normally play the saxophone.

Abstract: A waterproof container is provided including a housing formed of an elastomeric material defining an interior space with an open top having a planar top peripheral edge. An interior lining of the housing is constructed from a foam material. The lining is situated within the interior space of the housing for protecting the contents thereof. Further provided is a cover having a planar rectangular configuration with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The bottom face of the cover has a cut out with a rectangular cross-section formed adjacent the entire periphery. The cut out has a width equal to a thickness of the faces of the housing. The cover further has a planar bottom lining constructed from a foam material situated on the bottom face of the cover. Next provided is a gasket having a planar rectangular configuration and a width equal to the thickness of the faces of the housing. A coupling mechanism is included for selectively securing the cover to the housing.

Abstract: A protective shipping and storage package for appliances, including a polymeric foam protective base cap for being fitted onto a base of the appliance and a polymeric foam protective top cap for being fitted onto a top of the appliance opposed to the base. A plurality of protective side panels are provided for being positioned on opposite side walls of the appliance and interconnecting the base and top caps. The side panels have opposite ends for respectively engaging and cooperating with the base cap and top cap to form a protective package around the appliance. A retaining shroud is positioned on and extends around the appliance and the assembled top cap, base cap and plurality of side panels for securing the protective package in its protective position around the appliance. The shroud may be a shrink-wrap type of plastic film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a layer of deformable cushioning material with a bonding material thereon wherein the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.

Abstract: A computer case with a foam inlay into which are embedded lift devices which can be released by a pressure applied to the top thereof so that they can raise the computer out of the inlay. The application of pressure to the lift devices again causes the computer to be moved down into the inlay again.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing an item or plurality of items for shipment. Disposing one or a plurality of items on a rigid surface having a deformable foam layer with a bonding material thereon wherin the items are connectingly bonded to the foam layer which is deformed in response to the items. The items may be items of china, floral containers, and flower pots, or other similar items.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging and shipping biological fluid samples collected in vials is disclosed. The apparatus includes an absorbent body for supporting a plurality of vials, a packaging container for surrounding and protecting the absorbent body when at least one of the vials is received and supported therein, a shipping container for surrounding and protecting at least one of the packaging containers and a shipping carton for surrounding and protecting the shipping container during shipment from a facility where the biological samples are collected to a facility for analyzing the biological samples. The apparatus in accordance with the invention is particularly useful in clinical drug trials, phases 1 to 4. The apparatus is designed to be used with robotic analyzers which automatically locate and remove the vials from the absorbent body in a predefined order in accordance with an index associated with the top surface of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for transporting materials which are potentially hazardous in primary containers, especially biological materials. The device comprises an enclosure having a top that snapably locks into a body to prevent removal of the top after it is placed into the body. The body includes a grasping flange which can be engaged and pulled along a spiralling line of weakness to rip open a top portion of the body section which does not directly house the specimen containers. The inside of the shipping container includes a resilient material to cushion any shock that the shipping container might undergo. The resilient material is preferably highly absorbent and is impregnated with one or more of several visual indicators, so that in the unlikely event a primary specimen container breaks, its contents will be absorbed, held inside the shipping container, and even the casual observer will be aware that a specimen leak has occurred.

Abstract: A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer includes at least one bolster pressurized with a gas, and which provides pneumatic spring in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolsters being comprised of an inflatable bladder and a filling of an open cell foamed plastics material, which provides a cushioning effect in the event of the bladder becoming perforated.

Abstract: A method for preparing a foam-layered packaging material, which method includes the steps of providing an outer shell having a bottom wall and upwardly extending side walls defining an interior space and having an open top; pouring onto the bottom wall of the outer shell a predetermined quantity of a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming reactants; covering the open top of the outer shell with an inner protecting and cushioning layer so as to define a confined space within outer shell; and allowing the mixture of polyurethane foam-forming reactants to foam and completely fill the confined space with polyurethane foam while at the same time forming a direct bond between the foam and the inner cushioning layer over substantially the entire surface of the inner cushioning layer facing the confined space; wherein the predetermined quantity of the polyurethane foam-forming reactants is an amount effective to substantially completely fill the confined space with polyurethane foam and bond the foam with substantially

Abstract: A bag buffer is applied to a bag, the bag buffer consisting of two plates, springs, and a sponge, the springs and the sponge being disposed between the two plates, such that the bag buffer can effectively buffer outside shocks to protect articles contained in the bag as well as to easily carry and use the articles.

Abstract: The invention is a protective travel container for carrying one or two bowling balls and ancillary equipment. The hard cover container is filled with impact absorbing foam padding containing recesses to secure the balls and equipment in place. One handle is provided for lifting and another along with wheels for pulling the container.

Abstract: A multilayer protection bag for protecting an electronic module, circuit card, or the like comprising walls having an external first layer of an antistatic shield film, a second layer of static-free bubble pack, and a third layer of a static-free film forming an interior liner of the protection bag to inhibit corrosion and outgassing. A mechanical cushioning bumper is provided around the perimeter of the sides and bottom of the protection bag for shock protection. A moisture proof pinch type zip lock is provided on the top of the protection bag. A carrier is provided within the protection bag for holding a desiccant and a humidity indicator. The combination of such wall layers and the cushioning bumper provide an improved in-process protection bag during a manufacturing process and also a shipping and storage protection bag having at least a 10 year shelf-life for a module or circuit card placed within it.

Abstract: A package for a ceiling fan includes a lower casing and an upper casing each having an opening engaging with the ceiling fan housing. The casings includes three or more bars and lumps and ribs for engaging with the upper and the lower and the outer peripheral surfaces of the ceiling fan housing. The upper housing includes a space for engaging with the control box and includes a cylindrical wall for engaging with the motor and for stably retaining the motor in place. The casings include a number of slits and punctures for forming a shock absorbing structure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an assembly of a substantially block-shaped object and four packaging elements for placing over one or more edge parts formed by a short edge of the object, wherein the packaging elements are each manufactured from one piece of at least slightly flexible foamed plastic and each comprise:a first engaging surface for engaging on a surface of the object which extends on one end of the edge substantially transversely thereof, anda second engaging surface for engaging on a second surface of the object which extends substantially parallel to the first surface on the other end of the edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a defined foam cushion for packaging purposes comprises placing a foamable composition into a plastic bag, maintaining the bag in an orientation that provides the bag with a defined solid geometry while the foamable composition expands into foam, and embossing at least one surface of the defined geometry bag after the foam has substantially finished expanding but has not completely hardened.

Abstract: A one-time resealable protective kit for medical sharps has a stiff body which has a predetermined shape for initially packaging a medical sharps and for receiving the used medical sharp. The stiff body is designed so as to prevent the blade or needle of the medical sharps from piercing the stiff body. The protective kit has a resealable cover and a lower attachment mechanism that can be used to affix the protective kit to a table or other suitable surface. In operation, the protective kit is releasably secured to a table or other suitable surface by contacting the attachment mechanism to the surface. The user then peels back the cover of the protective kit to access the medical sharp. Once the medical sharp has been used, it is replaced into the body of the protective kit. The cover can then be closed over the body of the protective kit, effectively sealing the medical sharp inside the protective kit. The entire protective kit can then be safely disposed of in accordance with standard medical practices.

Abstract: A reusable shipping container assembly for protecting a plurality of articles during shipping is disclosed. The container assembly includes a semi-rigid rectangular corrugated box having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. Within the corrugated box are a plurality of interlocking cushioned "clamps;" one such clamp per article to be shipped. Each interlocking cushioned clamp contains a convoluted foam set consisting of a pair of rectangular-shaped interlocking convoluted foam cushions. Each pair of convoluted foam cushions holds one of the articles to be shipped. Completing the cushioned clamp and enclosing the convoluted foam cushions is a cushioned sleeve having a rectangular cross section. The cushioned sleeve is adapted to snugly enclose the convoluted foam cushions on four sides and to maintain the interlocking convoluted foam cushions in place during shipping.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pre-creeping a force applying spring blade member having characteristics for ordinarily generating a higher than required initial force in a controlled force applying process. The apparatus includes a retainer that can be packed and sealed within storable container. The retainer includes a first set of walls defining a first slot for receiving and retaining a first edge of a generally rectangular spring blade member, and a second set of walls defining a second slot for receiving and retaining a second and opposite edge of the blade member. The second slot is in communication, and forms a blade creeping angle, with the first slot. The blade creeping angle and a controlled aging period of time for a packaged blade member are selected so as to cause the blade member to precreep through a precreep phase during the controlled period of time in accordance with a bend induced therein at the blade creeping angle.

Abstract: A personal carrying case used for keeping, for example, musical instruments, still and movie cameras, notebook computers or important documents is disclosed. The case has a layer bag consisting of inner and outer layers. The above layer bag is formed by precisely cutting a layer material into the inner and outer layers in order to substantially meet objective configuration and size of the case and by joining the inner and outer layers together on their cutting edges. A shock absorbing frame, which has the same configuration and size as those of the case, is cast with the layer bag inside the layer bag as a single structure. The above shock absorbing frame is formed by installing the layer bag in a mold having a cavity of the same configuration and size as those of the case and by injecting a pressurized foam material into the layer bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated container used for example as a cooler box, a thermos flask or an insulated lunch box, a suitable insulating material for such a container and a method for its manufacture. The insulated container of the present invention is made with an insulating layer between inner and outer walls of a double walled container with the inner and outer walls joined together as one, and has an insulating material, made by filling a bag with a low thermal conductivity gas comprising at least one of gases such as Xenon, Krypton and Argon, disposed between the inner and outer walls. The method of manufacturing the insulated container involves the steps of inserting a bag into the space of the double walled container, filling the bag inserted into the space with a low thermal conductivity gas, and then sealing the bag.

Abstract: A protective shipping and storage package for appliances, including a polymeric foam protective base cap for being fitted onto a base of the appliance and a polymeric foam protective top cap for being fitted onto a top of the appliance opposed to the base. A plurality of protective side panels are provided for being positioned on opposite side walls of the appliance and interconnecting the base and top caps. The side panels have opposite ends for respectively engaging and cooperating with the base cap and top cap to form a protective package around the appliance. A retaining shroud is positioned on and extends around the appliance and the assembled top cap, base cap and plurality of side panels for securing the protective package in its protective position around the appliance. The shroud may be a shrink-wrap type of plastic film.

Abstract: A box-like packaging means made of uniform material such as paperboard or clipboard having a chamber or hollow defined by four side walls, each having a pair of lids at its top and bottom edges, are disclosed, wherein a plurality of buffers are matingly engaged with cutouts formed on opposite lids in opposed side walls are provided to support respective corresponding corners of a package which being typically an electronic or electrical products. In the disclosure, a plurality of cutouts in substantially same dimension and configuration of "L"-shape are provided in opposite lids of a pair of opposed side walls. Also provided are a plurality of buffers that are substantially same configuration as cutouts, providing firm engagement with cutouts thereby endowing a stabilized encasing to a pack.

Abstract: A packaging system for clutch sets. The system includes a box provided with several packing sheets of compressible foam which can be custom fitted to the clutch set components. The packaging system allows several sizes of clutch sets to be securely packaged in the same size box, and the compressible foam provides a lightweight means for stabilizing the components during shipping or storage. The outside of the box is unmarked except for a label on one side for a bar code or other information. The system includes a sleeve like wrapper with a hole in the side to reveal the label on the side on the box. The outside of the sleeve is imprinted with a brand name and other trade dress. This allows a bearing manufacturer to maintain an inventory of various sizes of pre-packaged clutch sets, along with an inventory of preprinted sleeves. Then, upon receipt of an order from a retail customer, the time necessary to complete the private label packaging of the clutch sets is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A corner protector is provided for protecting a product during shipment. The corner protector is formed by first, second, and third perpendicular intersecting sidewalls. Each sidewall includes an inner surface which together form a product engaging surface on one side of the corner protector. One or more recessed channels are formed along the product engaging surface in one or more corresponding planes which are perpendicular to one of the sidewalls of the corner protector. The recessed channels optimize the strength and flexibility of the corner protector.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a packaging set for packing an electric device and its accessories. The packaging set comprises a rectangular cushion block for packing and protecting the electric device, a rectangular carton tightly packed outside the cushion block for protecting the cushion block, one packing slot installed in the cushion block for packing accessories of the electric device and an L-shaped side cover for sealing the slot opening of the packing slot. The side cover can be repeatedly closed and opened for accessing the accessories without damaging the packaging set.

Abstract: A plastic container for storing and shipping semiconductor wafers comprising a wafer carrier of substantially rigid and transparent material supporting the wafers and maintaining the wafers in spaced relation to each other, top and bottom covers for the wafer carrier formed of stiff but resiliently flexibly yieldable material, the wafer carrier having upper and lower enlarged rim portions extending around the peripheries of the top and bottom of the wafer carrier and being embraced by enlarged peripherally extending rim portions of the top and bottom covers, the top and bottom covers having partially cylindrical panels with elongate beads or ridges formed thereon to engage and maintain the edges of the wafers spaced from the partially cylindrical surfaces, offset tabs on the wafer carrier and top and bottom covers facilitating of flexibly lifting small portions of the covers off the wafer carriers and then progressively disengaging the covers from the wafer carriers; a package comprising a multiplicity of cov

Abstract: A reusable shipping container assembly for protecting a plurality of articles during shipping is disclosed. The container assembly includes a semi-rigid rectangular corrugated box having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. Within the corrugated box are a plurality of interlocking cushioned "clamps;" one such clamp per article to be shipped. Each interlocking cushioned clamp contains a convoluted foam set consisting of a pair of rectangular-shaped interlocking convoluted foam cushions. Each pair of convoluted foam cushions holds one of the articles to be shipped. Completing the cushioned clamp and enclosing the convoluted foam cushions is a cushioned sleeve having a rectangular cross section. The cushioned sleeve is adapted to snugly enclose the convoluted foam cushions on four sides and to maintain the interlocking convoluted foam cushions in place during shipping.

Abstract: A thermal barrier in the form of a base material with a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material forms an insulative pad, such as a shoe insole. The microcapsules are surroundingly encapsulated and embedded within the base material. In addition, substantially all of the microcapsules are spaced apart from each other, the space between neighboring adjacent microcapsules containing a phase change material. The microcapsules may be anisotropically distributed to further reduce thermal conductivity of heat through the thermal barrier.

Abstract: A universal airplane jet engine turbine blade packing case assembly for securely holding a matched turbine blade pair of various shapes, sizes, and profiles for safe shipping and storage includes a molded housing having a base and a hinged lid, with the housing being partitioned into two sections, one section for each turbine blade. Each section includes a dial rotatably affixed to the inside of the base, with a tapered slot in the dial for slidably receiving and engaging a turbine blade root when the slot is in a vertical loading position. When the root has been slid into the dial, rotating the turbine blade causes the dial to also rotate, which causes the slot opening to rotate behind a portion of the housing such that the turbine root is now positively held within the dial. The turbine blade and dial are rotated further until the turbine blade chord is aligned vertically in a stow position.

Abstract: A pallet assembly for supporting and protecting a load during transportation of the load. The pallet comprises two elongated members spaced apart and oriented substantially parallel so as to be located on opposite sides of the load. A plurality of support members support the load with a clearance space between the support members and the ground. The support members are removably attached to the two elongated members. An adjusting mechanism adjusts the support members relative to the two elongated members to lower the support members toward the ground and reduce the clearance space between the support members and the ground.

Abstract: A jewelry storage device for holding and displaying jewelry is provided. The jewelry storage device includes a multilayered jewelry cushion for receiving and holding the posts of jewelry such as earrings or pins and a transparent carrying case for receiving the jewelry cushion and for allowing visual inspection of the jewelry held on the cushion when the cushion is placed within the carrying case.

Abstract: A hazardous materials container provides an enclosure for the transshipment of biological and other materials. The enclosure provides a portable, disposable, and/or reusable container. A first outside layer is constructed of a corrugated fiberboard. An inside lamination of reinforcing material, such as polyethylene terephthalate provides mechanical robustness to the container that meets new regulations for impact on such a container during shipment. Sections of reinforcing materials are recessed from the edges of the fiberboard. When assembled, the die-cut and bonded reinforcing materials provide a transportation container system suitable for shipping infections substances and other hazardous materials. The reinforcing materials permit fabrication of containers which protect the inner primary receptacles which are used to contain the transported materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for carrying in-line skates. The in-line skates have blades that include at least two adjacent wheels. The apparatus comprises a base member having a front, back and bottom. The base member defines first and second slots, each open to the bottom and extending from the front to the back. The first and second slots are each sized to receive the blade of an in-line skate so that the base member is substantially perpendicular to the in-line skate blades.

Abstract: A storage unit, in the category of a cabinet, bookcase, locker and cubby, as provided which includes a frame defining top, bottom, and side walls to the storage unit. At least one shelf member and at least one shelf supporting member are received in the frame to divide the frame into separate storage cubicles or lockers. The frame is made from two blanks. A first blank forms the top and at least a part of the sides. The second blank forms at least a part of the bottom and may form a part of the sides. Each blank, as well as the shelves and shelf supports, are made from a core having upper and lower surfaces which are covered with a coating. The coating extends beyond edges of the blanks to define a channel which receives a finishing piece. Grooves are formed in the top blank to define bending points and separate the what will be the top of the frame from the sides of the frame. Shallower grooves are formed in the first and second blanks and define one guide channels for the shelves and shelf supports.

Abstract: The mat disclosed has an air-tight flexible envelope closable by means of a valve and filled with a granular filling material. The filling material is lodged in a fabric sack made from a spacing fabric. The filling material is a composite body composed of at least two materials having different mechanical properties.

Abstract: A glass substrate transport box which is easy to handle and transported and adapted to protect glass substrates is provided at drastically reduced production cost. At least the body of the box is a molded piece of resin foam with a foaming ratio of 3-30, e.g. polyolefin foam, which has grooves for supporting glass substrates on at least a pair of its opposed inside walls. Preferably the inside wall of the body has a relatively dense skin layer. The resin foam may contain an electrically conductive polymer or an antistatic agent.

Abstract: An outer support in the form of a rigid outer container has resilient cushioning material, such as resilient foam, at each end. A smaller inner container is supported solely on the cushioning material and carries a fragile article to be shipped. Shock absorbing motion of the inner container is allowed by reciprocal deformation of the cushioning material at the opposite ends.

Abstract: A loose fill packing element consisting of a concave body of molded non-woven paper fibers having a wall of varying thickness with ridges thereon and having a shape of two irregular bulbous end portions on the opposite sides of a smaller central waist portion.