Abstract: An impact-resistant wrapping system includes at least one or two the sheetlike wrapping bodies having an elastic impact-resistant material compressed and accommodated in a cavity surrounded by flexible wall members having gas-barrier properties. The sheetlike wrapping body is foldable to conform to a ceiling surface, a bottom surface and side surfaces of a box. An air valve is mounted in the flexible wall member for ensuring and disrupting communication between the external space and the cavity of the sheetlike wrapping body.

Abstract: A light weight fly box for holding fishing flies made entirely from foamed plastic material, with the outside of the box made from a more-dense material to provide durability and structural integrity, and a less-dense material used on the inside of the box so that central depressed areas may be relatively easily thermoformed in the box to provide the volume necessary for holding flies.

Abstract: Packaging for shipping spent fluorescent tubes includes an external paperboard box lined with a plastic bag that encloses a pair of end pads positioned on opposite ends of an array of sleeves. The sleeves form discrete cells in which a spent fluorescent tube can be inserted for shipping. The end pads include foam that is pressed into the ends of the sleeves when the box is shut and confine the tubes to the sleeves in the event of breakage. The foam protects the plastic bag liner by accommodating electrical pins of the lamps and also clamps the lamps in relatively fixed positions while functioning as a shock absorber. The plastic bag is tied closed for shipping so that any mercury which issues from a broken lamp is largely confined to the bag. The packaging better retains mercury for disposition by a recycler, as opposed to release into the environment, and is arranged to serve the convenience of the user for encouraging recycling of fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: A fishing rod and accessories carrying case, such that a rigid lid is pivotally mounted to a rigid container, and the container having an interior compartment mounted coextensively therewithin, with a foam insert, and the foam insert includes a plurality of recesses to include reception of a fishing rod as well as various accessory containers to secure the accessory containers of the fishing rod in a stationary relationship within the container when the lid is secured to the container, with a sealing member mounted to the lid to effect a fluid-tight seal within the container when the lid is secured to the container to provide for a buoyant carrying case structure.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for transporting and supporting fluorescent lamps, the carrier assembly comprising a container including a flexible bag having open and closed ends, the bag having a length between the open and closed ends, and the bag defining a volume; and the container including a tube support, the tube support including first and second parallel spaced apart surfaces, the first and second surfaces being perpendicular to the length of the bag, the first surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough, the second surface having an array of lamp receiving apertures therethrough which are aligned with the apertures through the first surface, the tube support being attached to the open end of the flexible bag to support and arrange a plurality of fluorescent lamps in spaced apart relation wherein portions of respective lamps extend into the volume in the bag.

Abstract: A tote box made from a foldable corrugated plastic sheet blank is disclosed having block insert locking tabs to hold block inserts within the tote box secure against movement without use of any fasteners or adhesives. The block inserts are removable for subsequent reuse or replacement.

Abstract: A sealed pliable bag, or pillow, containing loose particles is adapted for evacuation by means of a valve or by an air tube inserted through the bag which may be heat sealed upon subsequent withdrawal of the air tube. The particle filled bag is placed in contact with an article to be packaged so as to conform with the size and shape of at least a portion of the article and the bag is evacuated. One or more additional particle-filled bags are positioned over a remaining portion of the article and are similarly evacuated. Upon evacuation, the bags undergo a size reduction and become rigid, defining a hollow space conforming to the size and shape of the packaged article with the bags serving to protect the article when positioned in a closed container.

Abstract: A container and method for containing documents which protects documents from damage by suspending the corners of the documents from the container's surfaces through an integral or attached mid-portion lining or raised surface. This lining or raised surface may be made of pliant material having a texture which prevents slippage of the document within the container.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable hard disk drive. The carrying case is particularly adapted to hold a hard disk drive that complies with the PCMCIA specifications. The case includes a cover that is pivotally connected to a base, so that the cover can be rotated between open and closed positions. Within the base portion of the case is an elastic insert which contains a slot that can receive a drive unit. The elastic insert is constructed to significantly dampen any shock load that is applied to the case and prevent damage to the drive unit.

Abstract: The video cassette mailer comprises a box which is foldable from a prescored blank and includes a structure therein for securely isolating at least one video cassette from any damage which it may incur during mailing. The isolating structure is configured to fit snugly within the box and securely engage the video cassette. The isolating structure includes a wall which rests against and cushions one planar surface of the cassette while the box includes a plurality of foldable panels, tabs and cover sections which seat against and cushion the opposite side of the cassette, with the isolating structure protecting at least the short side walls and corners of the cassette.

Abstract: An identifying shield for an electronic instrument housing is formed of elastically stretchable and deformable material. The shield elastically surrounds the periphery of the instrument housing adjacent to its front panel surface, and defines a central opening that exposes the front panel for viewing by an operator. A first portion of the shield defines the central opening overlying the front panel of the instrument housing, and a second portion extends rearwardly from the first portion defining a peripheral band that engages the periphery of the case along its sidewalls adjacent to the front panel. An inwardly extending flange projects from the rearward edges of the peripheral band to enhance frictional engagement with the underlying sidewall surfaces of the instrument housing.

Abstract: A package for transporting temperature sensitive samples, such as ground and water samples to be analyzed, includes a lightweight plastic insulated container (cooler) body and cover. A plurality of sample containers are snugly retained within respective internal cavities of one or more foamed plastic blocks. In turn, the foamed plastic blocks are packed inside of the cooler body with bubble-wrap used to fill the interstitial space within the cooler. A liquid absorbent layer is placed in the bottom of the cooler and a plastic liner bag encases the sample containers and plastic blocks. A strap and plastic snap-clip arrangement securely holds the cooler cover on the cooler body during transportation. The sample containers may readily be removed for filling in the field, then repacked with ice added to maintain the temperature of the samples within the required range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a corner protector used for packing framed pictures, mirrors, and the like, the protector formed of a single block of expanded polystyrene-like lightweight material and having an upright and a horizontal external wall, spaced-apart parallel side walls, and a forward wall that inclines at 45.degree. to the upright and horizontal walls. A shaped cavity for receiving the corner of the framed article is provided in the inclined wall, the cavity characterized by a tiered structure of progressively wider slots.

Abstract: A reusable container for shipping multiple uniquely temperature sensitive materials, which includes an outer container having a plurality of interconnected side walls with a sealable top and a closed bottom. A plurality of inner containers, each including a plurality of insulated side panels, are provided. The side panels each include first and second members where each of the first panel members have generally planar first and second longitudinal surfaces. The first panel members are positioned so that first longitudinal surfaces thereof substantially engage one another and the second panel members are positioned adjacent respective side walls of the outer container. The first panel members may have substantially equal thickness or may have a minimum combined thickness substantially equal to one and a half times the thickness of one of the first panel members.

Abstract: An insulated specimen shipping container is disclosed having a base and a cover fitting thereon. The base includes a compartment for receiving a cold pack and several sockets for receiving specimens. A portion of the interior wall separating the cold pack from the specimens has openings, facilitating thermal communication between the specimens and cold pack.

Abstract: An impact resistant wrapping system for packaging fragile articles is formed in a sheet by sealing, under pressure, two single or multi-layer or laminated flexible membranes having gas or air barrier properties, with cushioning-cellular material such as sponge foam confined in a single airtight cavity defined between the membranes. The wrapping system is in a flat state in which the cushioning-cellular material is constricted in the cavity. In use, the sheet-like wrapping system is wound or folded around the article and is retained in its wrapping state with fastening members. Air is introduced into the cavity by opening an air valve or puncturing the wrapping system at any surface point thereof, so as to allow the cushioning-cellular material to expand and force the inner of the membranes against the article, whereby the article can be securely protected from shock and damage.

Abstract: A portable medicine carrier and protector for storing and transporting medicine stored in vials. The vials may be of different sizes. The medicine carrier and protector includes a hollow, thin walled medicine carrier. The carrier is substantially filled with a paraffinic hydrocarbon (C14-C18) such as Hexadecane, an alpha olefin (C14-C20), or a material such as Dimethyl Sulfoxide. A cavity is disposed in a top surface of the carrier. The cavity being formed from a plurality of different semi-circular compartments. Each of the compartments has a different cross-sectional radius. This allows the carrier to accept medicine vials of differing sizes. A plurality of solid ribbed members are disposed transversely in the cavity, so as to prevent direct contact between the carrier and the medicine vials.

Abstract: Units for supplying a circuit of a heating or cooling supply system which are required for conveying a medium and for regulating and monitoring are arranged at parallel pipelines for the forward and return flows so as to be combined in an installation-ready structural component group in a housing of thermal insulating plastic, the housing being divided into a lower shell and an upper shell by a seam extending approximately in the central plane formed by the pipelines, the lower shell and the upper shell having a lock-seam connection with lock-seams that form a positive-locking connection along the entire outer edges of the shells, the upper shell being provided with openings that allow the parts of the units essential for operation to penetrate, while the lower shell is provided with a component for direct fastening to a wall, the strength and thickness of the material of the lower shell and upper shell being selected so that the housing can be used as protective transportation packing for the structural comp

Abstract: A package for a surgical device such as a stapler is described. The package includes a top portion, a bottom portion, sidewalls which define a cavity that receives the stapler, bearing surfaces to abut the stapler and a flexible cover. The package also includes a conformable member situated between the cover and the stapler which deforms about the stapler to hold the stapler relative to the package when the cover is attached to the top portion, and which is released from the stapler when the cover is removed from the top portion.

Abstract: A high impact resistant package system 10 for a container of fragile products, such as X-ray cassettes, has a plurality of shock absorbing polyethylene plastic foam corner protector members 12 mounted on corner edges 14,16,20,22 of the container. Alternatively, a flexible material layer 50 overwraps the product container 18 and corner protector members 12, thereby forming a unitized package system. Portions of the corner protector members 12 extend beyond the corner edges 14,16,20,22 and sides of the container so as to fully absorb exposure to shock during handling and shipment. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible layer 50 is provided with a peelable strip 40. An end portion 42 of the strip 40 is allowed to extend through an aperture 44 formed in the flexible layer 50. In this embodiment, access to the container is gained by grasping the end portion 42 of strip 40 and pulling it away from the container 18.

Abstract: A closure adaptable for protecting an electric plug extending from a vehicle, which comprises a box-like structure having first and second complementary members hingedly connected and interface with each other when the closure is in a closed condition. A recess in a marginal edge of at least one side wall of said member forms an opening along the interface of said first and second members when in closed condition to permit electric wires to extend from said plug outwardly from said closure. A closed cell, cellular polymer is encased in each of said first and second members, (i) said polymer being substantially moisture resistant and compressible, (ii) and said polymer having a combined volume sufficient relative to the combined, interior volume of said closure to permit said first and second members to close when brought into abutting relationship and to substantially envelop said plug thereby forming a water-tight seal.

Abstract: A molded ridge tolerance compensator for use in a disc drive shipping apparatus comprising opposing first and second molded anti-static holding members having a plurality of receptacles recessed in a first face of each member, each of the receptacles including molded ridges for receiving, fixably maintaining and protecting a plurality of disc drives in a container. The first and second molded anti-static holding members each having four sides with a centrally located T-shaped cushion pad having smooth first facing sides extending from each side for conforming to the interior of a container for shipment. The union of each side is formed by a pair of inverted L-shaped cushion pads joined at the top and whose junction is chamfered for ease of insertion and removal from a container.

Abstract: A supporting panel for package comprises a rectangular base plate. Four inclining plates are formed at sides of the base plate, and provided with erecting plates, respectively. The supporting plates are formed into package members by folding the supporting panels along folds so that the inclining plates are inclined with respect to the base plate and the erecting plates are erected vertically. The packing device is composed of package members formed from the supporting panels which are opposed to each other, and partition plates disposed between the above-mentioned package members, wherein the supporting panels are connected with each other through partition plates. Plural wares can be packed one by one into parts into which a space between the package members are divided.

Abstract: A display case assembly adapted to store at least one bottle or other container and to protectively house this bottle within a display case formed by a tray and a cover therefor. The bottle is provided with a removable cap whose top end has a distinct geometric form and a base whose bottom end has a distinct geometric form. The top end of the bottle is nested within a similarly shaped socket formed on an upper retainer plate pressed against the upper wall of the tray. The bottom end of the bottle is nested within similarly-shaped socket formed in a lower retainer plate that rests on and compresses a resilient foam-plastic pad seated on the lower wall of the tray. The bottle is subjected to pressure by the compressed pad which holds it in place and acts as a shock mounting. The case may be made of transparent material so that the bottle housed therein is exhibited.

Abstract: A sterile package for endoscopic devices. The package includes a foam member that holds the endoscopic device in a stable position within the package. The package includes at least one sterile overwrap member and one non-sterile overwrap member.

Abstract: A case is provided for holding and displaying military insignia. The case is of injection molded plastic having a bottom and a hinged top. The bottom provides a foam rubber layer covered by a felt like material. A recess in the foam rubber layer provides a convenient home for keepers used to retain the insignia on the user's garment. The prongs of the insignia are pressed through the felt covering into the foam layer in any pattern desired by the user. The top also includes a foam/felt layer so that when the top closes, the two layers abut to retain the insignia in place.

Abstract: An oval-shaped box construction including a foam enclosure for housing the product and a viewing window to observe the product in the box.

Abstract: A two-piece dunnage device includes a cushioning piece made of a resilient foamed plastic material and a supporting piece to which the cushioning piece is mechanically attached without adhesives or bonding agents. The cushioning piece has a plurality of cushioning elements that extend from a connecting web. The cushioning elements are spaced apart to provide support for articles shipped in a container. The supporting piece presents the cushioning piece away from the sides of the shipping container. The supporting piece may be made of plastic or fiberboard and may be shaped as beams either folded into a cross-section or extruded into a cross-section. Such cross-sections include circles, triangles and rectangles.

Abstract: A protective wrap for use in packaging and shipping includes a plurality of flexible material strips whose length and width may be varied as well as the selected material and a plurality of relatively rigid material strips whose length would typically be the same length as the flexible material strips but whose width will vary depending upon the application. A suitable material for the relatively rigid material strips is corrugated paper or expanded polystyrene foam. The flexible material strips and the relatively rigid material strips are arranged side by side in alternating sequence and when a backing layer is not used, the strips are joined to each other by adhesive. When a backing layer is used the strips may either be joined together by adhesive or joined by adhesive directly to the backing layer.

Abstract: An insert for a tool box drawer or the like has a first lower layer of compressible material such as foam above which is a second upper layer of compressible material. The second upper layer of compressible material has a plurality of cut outs therein, each cut out being in the shape of the silhouette of the item or tool to be retained therein. A film of material is bonded between the first layer of compressible material and the second layer of compressible material such that the cut out portions become pockets. Labels are provided at the bottom of each pocket by printing information on either the first layer of compressible material or on the film with the printing positioned so as to be visible through the cut out portions of the upper second layer of compressible material. Where the lower layer of compressible material is non-porous, the film is not required.

Abstract: A fruit ripening system (100) is provided for ripening fruit with ethylene gas (30). The fruit ripening system (100) includes an outer housing (110) having a frontal wall (112) pivotedly coupled to side wall (120) by a hinge (114). Interior to housing (110) there is provided an interior resilient support member (132) having a plurality of cutout portions (136, 140, 142) for respective receipt of portions of ethylene storage and dispensing assembly (150). Shoulder portions (138, 144 and 146) are provided for engaging recess portions formed in ethylene storage and dispensing assembly (150) for securely engaging assembly (150) within the cutout portions formed in resilient member (132). A resilient cover member (134) coupled to the frontal wall member (112) is provided to provide a resilient closure for the cutout openings (136, 140 and 142).

Abstract: An open-end cushioned eyeglass case and method of manufacture wherein the case comprises an outer cover of heat-sealable material and a protective inner cushioning layer, the inner layer having a width and length which are each smaller than the width and length, respectively, of the outer cover. The cover and cushioning layer are assembled in overlying relationship with their top edges flush and are sealed together along those edges. The composite sheet is then folded along its longitudinal axis so that the opposed inner peripheral side and bottom edges of the outer cover are in direct contact and these edges are heat sealed together.

Abstract: A cassette is provided having a base and a cover which is hinged to the base for closing the same and providing a light-tight space therebetween. A latching assembly is provided for latching and unlatching of the top of the base. A cushion member is secured in to the inside surface of the cover and an intensifying screen is secured to the outer surface of the cushion member. The cushion member comprises a first layer which is secured to the inner surface of the top cover an a second outer layer. The first layer is provided with a a cut-out portion for receiving the latch assembly. The second layer is superimposed on the first layer and covers the cut-out portion which receives said latch assembly. The first layer is made of a material having a first density and the second layer is made of a material having a second density greater than the first density such that a substantially uniform pressure is applied against the film placed in the space between top cover and base.

Abstract: In surface packaging of thin resin packages such as resin molded memory ICs or the like, cracks of the package occur frequently at a solder reflow step where thermal impact is applied to the package because the resin has absorbed moisture before packaging.To solve this problem, the devices are packaged moisture-tight at an assembly step of the resin molded devices where the resin is still dry, and are taken out from the bags immediately before the execution of surface packaging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating electronic devices from mechanical shock and thermal environments utilizes a metal outer protective shell surrounding the electronic device to be protected. Interposed between the protective shell and the electronic device are a thermal insulating layer, a layer of phase change material and a layer of mechanical shock absorbent material.

Abstract: A ski guard constructed of high impact absorbing compressible foam shaped into a seamless tubular housing with an elongated substantially flat end plug disposed in one end of the housing. The size of the housing conforming to the shape of the ski, the resiliency of the foam providing necessary expansion for skis providing a skin tight cover to prevent internal sliding and provide an impact cushion area. A housing is placed over the tip and tail portion of the ski providing an impact cushion layer to protect the skis' edges and finish from impacts, scratches, and quick thermal expansion. A binding guard is formed by placement of foam within a fabric bag, the fabric bag fastening the binding guard about the ski bindings by use of a zipper with sealing straps. Two additional ski straps allow the skis to be carried as package in conjunction with a set of ski poles.

Abstract: A storage container for model railroad cars includes a pair of spaced apart foam cushions on the top and bottom of the container. The cushions compress and secure the railroad cars in fixed position in the storage container. The cushions are cut from a single piece of foam material.

Abstract: The protective anti-shock jacket for instruments for personal and professional use, in particular for portable remote control units, is of the structurally monolithic type made in elastomer material, and exhibits in its inferior wall one or more windows or slits destined to reduce tension on the other walls, which tension is relative to the elastic reaction of the material of the elastically deformed jacket, with the insertion of the instrument into the jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides a dissembleable and reusable package is provided for static, debris and shock sensitive objects. The package comprises a folding box of single piece static dissipative corrugated plastic interlocking configuration. The box has an interlocking bottom, an open top and two pairs of parallel opposite sides. A shock absorbing pad structure fits against the central portions of the sides. The pad structure is a solid self-skinning plastic foam which is static dissipative. It is detachably attachable against the sides utilizing fasteners. A shock absorbing plastic bottom pad fits inside of the box atop its bottom. An open top static dissipative plastic bag fits within the box atop the shock absorbing bottom pad and substantially lines the box. A sensitive object holding structure includes first and second pluralities of static dissipative corrugated plastic walls which interlock with one another, the pluralities of walls being mutually perpendicular.

Abstract: A fan comprises a pair of guard halves which surround an impeller. One of the guard halves is smaller than the other guard half, such that the smaller of the two may be stacked within the larger to reduce the required space for packaging. Due to the inventive construction, the required space for packaging the guard is substantially reduced over prior art structures which have guard halves of approximately equal dimensions. Further, an inventive packing structure is disclosed wherein the individual components of a guard/impeller subassembly are securely packaged relative to each other. In particular, an impeller is positioned within the stacked guard halves, and secured at a relatively fixed positioned by resilient packing materials. The guard halves are preferably formed by a number of radially and circularly extending wires. A plurality of foam blocks are spaced in the stacked guard halves, at positions spaced from the impeller.

Abstract: A file box for video cassettes comprising a box, the box having a bottom panel, a rear wall panel, a top panel, a left side end cap, and a right side end cap, and a foam liner for covering inside surfaces of the top, bottom and rear panels. A door panel may be included for closing the opening in the front of the file box, and a latch for latching the door flap to the top panel and for closing the box. The foam liner has fingers which form individual compartments for holding the video cassettes firmly and resiliently in place.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant retrieval kit which, when assembled, provides a shipping and handling container for explanted orthopedic devices which will protect individuals handling the container from the material in the container, and which will meet the appropriate regulations for shipping of potentially biohazardous material. The kit includes at least three plastic bags, at least two containers, a box, at least one foam insert, instructions and labels. The method involves assembling the kit components into a container for shipment.

Abstract: Free-flowing dunnage packaging material is made from molded pulp to form non-planar, dish-like shapes, each having a hollowed central void preferably surrounded by beaded edges. The dunnage pieces are preferably manufactured by a free of form process which results in random shaping, thereby avoiding nesting and maintaining package volume.

Abstract: A protective wrap for use in packaging and shipping includes a plurality of flexible material strips whose length and width may be varied as well as the selected material and a plurality of relatively rigid material strips whose length would typically be the same length as the flexible material strips but whose width will vary depending upon the application. A suitable material for the relatively rigid material strips is corrugated paper or expanded polystyrene foam. The flexible material strips and the relatively rigid material strips are arranged side by side in alternating sequence and when a backing layer is not used, the strips are joined to each other by adhesive. When a backing layer is used the strips may either be joined together by adhesive or joined by adhesive directly to the backing layer.

Abstract: A telescoping capsule package for supporting a fragile article having a plurality of flexible strands forming a basket. The package includes a first capsule portion having a tubular wall, a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, a second capsule portion having a tubular wall, a closed end and an open end opposite the closed end, and a biasing device located within the package for biasing the first and second capsule portions axially relative to each other. The second capsule portion is dimensioned so that when the respective open ends of the first and second capsule portions are placed in opposing, engaged relationship to each other to form the package, the second capsule portion telescopes relative to the first telescoping portion.

Abstract: A musical instrument case cover is disclosed, the cover being comprised of flexible fabric top and bottom panels having a surrounding side panel of the same fabric therebetween. The side panel is longitudinally bisected over a portion of its length by a slide fastener. The fabric employed in the panels is comprised of a reflective outer portion made up of an outer clear polyester coating over a reflective metallic layer of aluminum. A sheet of woven strips of polyethylene backs the metallic layer which, in turn, is backed by a layer of resilient foam. A fabric lining is the innermost layer, the top and bottom panels having a thick layer of resilient foam between this lining and the reflective outer portion. Interior slide fasteners secure openings in the fabric lining through which the thick layer of foam may be removed and replaced.

Abstract: An article protector, such as may be used to protect bottles during transportation, is assembled from a plurality of interfitting parts which may be interfitted to provide an open framework within which a bottle may be supported and securely held for protection, the members are produced by being stamped from cellular plastics material providing in sheet or slab form. The interfitting members may be permanently secured together to provide to superstructures which may be located together around the articles to be protected, being secured together by releasable securing means or may be provided y members which are retained in an enclosing condition by virtue of being located within a carton.

Abstract: A protective housing for portable computers includes first and second shells defining trays of disparate depths and rear walls of similar height and hingedly connected together. With side and front walls of the first shell defining a minimal height generally not exceeding the height of a CPU/keyboard unit closely confined within the first shell tray, a user has un-impeded access to the keyboard while opening(s) in one or more walls of the first shell overlie access to various drives and/or ports adapted to communicate with external peripheral devices. Higher side and front walls on the second shell define a tray of greater depth and within which is disposed a portable printer having a cable directly communicating with the CPU in the first shell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing product samples to consumers along with a publication is disclosed in which a container is provided with cut-out recesses having a shape conforming to that of the samples. The samples are visibly retained within the recesses by a shrinkwrap covering surrounding the container. The container is then packaged with the publication within the protective shrinkwrap covering of the publication. The sample container is constructed from a compressible material that absorbs shocks and forces exerted on the container, thereby protecting the samples from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging an item, the apparatus comprising a single sheet of material comprised of a pliable padding substance. The sheet of material comprises at least one first cut, each at least one first cut being partway through the depth of the sheet of material. Each at least one first cut keeps at least one member attached to the sheet of material and allows each at least one member to rotate in a first direction about a first axis defined by material remaining at said first cut. The first cut keeps each at least one member attached to the sheet of material, and the at least one member rotates in a first direction to define a first pad adjacent to the item. The apparatus further comprises an orifice defined by the rotation of each at least one member, said orifice of suitable size to hold the item snugly.