Abstract: An insulated shipping container and method of forming and loading an insulated container utilizing sustainable materials including recycled post-industrial, pre-consumer natural fiber, plant-based fiber and synthetic fiber to include recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: An insulated shipping container and method of forming and loading an insulated container utilizing sustainable materials including recycled post-industrial, pre-consumer natural fiber, plant-based fiber and synthetic fiber to include recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Abstract: An envelope has front panel and a back panel, the front panel and the back panel joined along three edges and open along a fourth edge to provide an opening to an interior of the envelope. A foldable flap extends from the front panel to close the opening. The front panel, back panel and flap are formed of a compostable plastic film, and the envelope is configured to be entirely compostable as-is by a recipient.

Abstract: A firework packaging system includes a firework packaging assembly, including a first and second firework assemblies, each including a base unit and a plurality of launching tubes mounted in the base unit, such that the first firework assembly and the second firework assembly are packaged in an opposing overlapping configuration, with internal overlap such that first tubes slide into second tubes, or external overlap such that first tubes slide between adjacent second tubes. The fireworks packaging system can further include a shipping crate, containing a plurality of cases, each containing a plurality of firework packaging assemblies.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shipping container includes a plurality of thermally insulating pads positioned in a cavity in a box. Each pad of the plurality of thermally insulating pads includes a solid compostable panel formed primarily of extruded milled sorghum, the panel providing a rectangular plate, and a compostable water-proof film forming a pocket enclosing the panel. The panel is loose within the pocket. At least one of the plurality of thermally insulating pads includes a multi-section panel including a score across its width in at least one location. The score extends partially but not entirely through the thickness of the multi-section panel. The multi-section panel is folded at a right angle at the score such that the panel provides a plurality of rectangular plates dimensioned to substantially span whichever of the floor, plurality of side walls or cover that the plurality of plates is adjacent.

Abstract: A base has an end plate adapted to rotate about an axis substantially orthogonal to the base. A first jaw extends from the end plate and is pivotably engaged with the end plate. As the end plate rotates about the axis, the first jaw defines a first separation angle when the end plate is at a first position and the first jaw defines a second separation angle when the end plate is at a second position.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for determining sizes of packaging in a packaging suite and generating the new packaging. The packaging may be used, for example, in the shipping of items. Data may be received that describes bounding boxes corresponding to collections of items shipped to customers. The sizes of the packaging in the packaging suite may be determined based at least in part upon the data that describes the bounding boxes.

Abstract: In response to a request to package item(s), embodiments determine characteristic data for the item(s), which include an indication of a volume of each item. Container(s) for packaging the item(s) is determined based at least on the volume of each item. An arrangement of the item(s) in the container(s) is determined. One or more protective structures including one or more features are configured to position the item(s) in the container(s) according to the arrangement. Relative positions are determined for a plurality of modular elements to form the one or more protective structures. Subsets of the plurality of modular elements are deposited to corresponding relative positions to form at least one of the protective structures. The item(s) are packaged in the container(s) with the one or more protective structures to position the item(s) in the container(s) in the arrangement.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (36) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism (40) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism (42) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.

Abstract: The disclosure describes various stackable corner protector configurations. The corner protectors can have curved lateral surfaces that allow the corner protectors to be decoupled from a photovoltaic module to which they are coupled to by rotating one end of the corner protectors away from the object. This removal process works even more efficiently with multiple stacked corner protectors as the stacked corner protectors can be concurrently removed from the object by rotating the stacked corner protectors away from the object together. The corner protector can also include one or more attachment features for securing the corner protector to the object. For example, when the corner protector is installed on a photovoltaic module, the attachment feature can engage a lip defined by a recess or channel of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for forming a flex-column includes a three-sided column having a triangular cross-sectional shape, an open first end, an open second end, and three corners, each one of the three sides including a flex line dividing each of the three sides into two portions, at least one perforation along an edge of each one of the two portions wherein the edge of each one of the two portions coincides with one of the three corners and at least one non-perforation along an edge of each one of the two portions.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of storing or transporting a sample comprises: inserting a sample container into a holding device, wherein the sample container contains the sample, wherein the sample container does not meet United States transportation regulations, wherein the holding device meets or exceeds United States transportation regulations, and wherein the holding device comprises a chamber and an opening; and storing or transporting the holding device. According to another embodiment, a holding device for containing a container comprises: a chamber; and an opening, wherein the holding device meets or exceeds United States transportation regulations, wherein the container contains a sample, and wherein United States regulations require the sample to be stored or transported according to the United States transportation regulations.

Abstract: Granular crystals with one or more chains of particles are described. A geometry of at least one particle is chosen to provide highly nonlinear pulses having selected characteristics. Contact interactions between the particles are non-Hertzian.

Abstract: Decorative grass and/or packaging materials formed from renewable and/or biodegradable polymer materials, along with methods or production and use thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing insulated shipping container including an external corrugated cardboard box, receiving a product box therein. Peripheral spaced, and upper and lower spaced between the external box and the product box receive insulating pellets, which are maintained under a compressive force in order to interlock these insulating pellets and prevent their migration during transit of the shipping container. By preventing migration of the insulating pellets, the formation of a void (or voids) in the insulation of the container is prevented, and the formation of a hot spot (or hot spots) within the container which could degrade or damage the product in transit is prevented. A most preferred embodiment utilized insulating pellets made of puffed vegetable starch, so that substantially the entire container can be recycled, is biodegradable, or can be composted.

Abstract: Polystyrene drainage beads having optimized shapes to provide increased specific gravity and void volume at a given bulk density. Expanded forms of such drainage beads may be used as a geosynthetic aggregate in pre-assembled drainage units. Such pre-assembled drainage units may be used as foundation drains, septic drainage fields, or for other applications.

Abstract: First pellets according to the present invention is characterized by satisfying all of the following requirements (Z), (1), (2), and (3): (Z) the pellet comprises a polymer (A) having an elastic modulus in tension of 100 MPa or less, (1) the pellets have an average weight per 30 pellets in the range of 0.80 to 2.00 g; (2) the pellets have a particle size distribution obtained by sieving in which pellets providing a maximum weight fraction account for 90 to 100% of the pellets; and (3) the pellets have a Lave/Dave value in the range of 1.00 to 1.70. Second pellets according to the present invention is characterized by satisfying the requirements of the (Z) and the following (4): (4) the pellets have a blocking force of 35 N or less that is measured after the pellets are left under a load at 35° C. for 24 hours and further at ?10° C. for 7 days.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention comprise an off-set gear assembly for use in producing cushioning material and methods for using the same. Each gear of the off-set gear assembly has at least two sections. Each section includes a set of gear teeth. The gear teeth of the two sections can be rotationally off-set and this can result in the production of cushioning material with staggered ridges. Some embodiments of the present invention also comprising cushioning material with staggered ridges.

Abstract: A packing structure, which consists of pliant border having a length, and strips of pliant material attached to the border along the length thereof. The border is attached to itself at a plurality of spaced-apart points forming a lattice, which constitutes a supporting base for the strips of pliant material.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing insulated shipping container including an external corrugated cardboard box, receiving a product box therein. Peripheral spaced, and upper and lower spaced between the external box and the product box receive insulating pellets, which are maintained under a compressive force in order to interlock these insulating pellets and prevent their migration during transit of the shipping container. By preventing migration of the insulating pellets, the formation of a void (or voids) in the insulation of the container is prevented, and the formation of a hot spot (or hot spots) within the container which could degrade or damage the product in transit is prevented. A most preferred embodiment utilized insulating pellets made of puffed vegetable starch, so that substantially the entire container can be recycled, is biodegradable, or can be composted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging which performs a passive flight motion, in particular a gliding and/or autorotation motion, during free fall. The invention is characterized in that the packaging has at least one wing (2), in particular at least one gliding wing and/or one rotor blade (2), and at least one accommodating space (1) for an object (3) to be packaged.

Abstract: A packing structure, which consists of pliant border having a length, and strips of pliant material attached to the border along the length thereof. The border is attached to itself at a plurality of spaced-apart points forming a lattice, which constitutes a supporting base for the strips of pliant material.

Abstract: A decorative shredded material having a complete pattern contained on each strip or piece of the decorative shredded material is disclosed, as well as methods for making decorative shredded material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-filled packaging product, and more particularly to an air-filled packaging product designed to facilitate air injection and to secure air-tightness once air is injected. To this end, there is provided an air-filled packaging product comprising: an air cell for providing a shock-absorbing effect against any external pressure; an air-injection passage via which outside air is injected; a communication passage for connecting between the air-injection passage and the air cell; and a sealing means for preventing a reserve flow of the filled air.

Abstract: A packing material is made of a thin plastic bag with compressible beads inside, and with the pressure inside the bag being sufficiently less than the ambient pressure outside the bag to keep the beads in a non-free-flowing state, the packing material being generally flat, with a generally constant cross-sectional thickness and having at least one trough of lesser cross-sectional thickness to serve as a bend line.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective devices for use in packaging and seeks to improve on known padded packaging and those employing deformable members such as plastics beads. The object of the invention is to provide packaging employing deformable members that can be manufactured employing conventional machinery. The object is met by a construction comprising a number of cushions of non-porous plastics material containing resiliently deformable members and connected together to enable an item to be protected to be embraced between the cushions, the connection between the cushions allowing movement of air between the cushions, and a valve in the outer face of one of the cushions, to enable air to be extracted from the cushions when an item is embraced between them and cause the resiliently deformable members to form into a rigid state.

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing insulated shipping container including an external corrugated cardboard box, receiving a product box therein. Peripheral spaced, and upper and lower spaced between the external box and the product box receive insulating pellets, which are maintained under a compressive force in order to interlock these insulating pellets and prevent their migration during transit of the shipping container. By preventing migration of the insulating pellets, the formation of a void (or voids) in the insulation of the container is prevented, and the formation of a hot spot (or hot spots) within the container which could degrade or damage the product in transit is prevented. A most preferred embodiment utilized insulating pellets made of puffed vegetable starch, so that substantially the entire container can be recycled, is biodegradable, or can be composted.

Abstract: A decorative shredded material having a complete pattern contained on each strip or piece of the decorative shredded material. Methods for making decorative shredded material.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing, impact-absorbing packaging container for protecting packaged items such as bottled liquids, while providing absorbency in the event of a liquid spill. The container material is created from a mixture of an inorganic liquid-absorbing agent such as vermiculite, and a cellulosic material such as paper pulp, which mixture is then formed into a container material, for packaging an article such as a glass bottle. The containers and container materials of this invention are substantially free of dust and/or loose particles.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support system (6) for biobags (2) or disposable manufacturing components that uses one or more channels (20) filled with one or more types and/or sizes of media (13). The media (13) is fluid at atmospheric pressure but becomes rigid when under less than atmospheric conditions. The channels (20) conform to one or more edges and/or surfaces of the support and preferably one or more transverse ribs (26) connect them together. A vacuum is applied to the media (13) in the channels removing the air, compacting the media together and rendering the media in the channel(s) rigid and self-supporting. Supports can be designed as part of the disposable biobag (2) or as a separate item which surrounds at least a portion of the biobag.

Abstract: First pellets according to the present invention is characterized by satisfying all of the following requirements (Z), (1), (2), and (3): (Z) the pellet comprises a polymer (A) having an elastic modulus in tension of 100 MPa or less, (1) the pellets have an average weight per 30 pellets in the range of 0.80 to 2.00 g; (2) the pellets have a particle size distribution obtained by sieving in which pellets providing a maximum weight fraction account for 90 to 100% of the pellets; and (3) the pellets have a Lave/Dave value in the range of 1.00 to 1.70. Second pellets according to the present invention is characterized by satisfying the requirements of the (Z) and the following (4): (4) the pellets have a blocking force of 35 N or less that is measured after the pellets are left under a load at 35° C. for 24 hours and further at ?10° C. for 7 days.

Abstract: A packing material is made of a thin plastic bag with compressible beads inside, and with the pressure inside the bag being sufficiently less than the ambient pressure outside the bag to keep the beads in a non-free-flowing state, the packing material being generally flat, with a generally constant cross-sectional thickness and having at least one trough of lesser cross-sectional thickness to serve as a bend line.

Abstract: A package is provided, of specialty roofing materials, including a plurality of stacked shingles in the package, in nested relation, with the shingles being of variable thickness from one end to the other in one or more stacks, as packaged, to be of “V” configuration, and of various selected orientations, and forming a substantially hollow zone, with at least one insert structure to fill the hollow zone and provide support for the end shingle in the stack. The at least one insert structure may be constructed of various materials, such as folded cardboard, cellular foam or the like. Filler material may be provided in the package, for any voids between the stack of shingles and the upper end of the package.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine is characterized by a forming assembly which causes lateral edge portions of a substantially continuous sheet stock material to crumple and to fold upon themselves, leaving an unfolded central portion between the laterally spaced apart folded portions. The layers of sheet stock material in the folded portions are fixed by a feeding/fixing assembly having two pairs of laterally spaced feed assemblies to form a dunnage product which does not come apart as it is manipulated. A severing assembly severs discrete dunnage products from the continuous strip of dunnage.

Abstract: An integrated system and method for removing excess nutrients from water, for removing the nutrients from the removal site, for enhancing soil, and for producing pulp and paper products includes bioremediating water to be treated with cultured algae or another suitable plant matter in an attached periphyton bed, harvesting the algae/plant matter to produce a wet algal biomass, and mixing the wet biomass with a shredded fibrous material to produce a pulp. The pulp can be molded into a biodegradable package that can be utilized as a delivery vehicle to a site having nutrient-enrichable soil, where the package can be used as a soil amendment after being used as a delivery vehicle. The pulp can also be made into a paper product that is biodegradable and has the characteristic of enhancing soil quality.

Abstract: The combination of a flexible pipe, e.g. plastic, and a reinforcing member mounted around the pipe to strengthen the pipe and to enhance its ability to resist deformation under load. In one embodiment the reinforcing member includes a flexible perforated plastic netting containing an aggregation of lightweight elements such as expanded polystyrene beads capable of wrapping around the pipe, preferably in helical fashion along the length of the pipe. In another embodiment, a number of members are mounted on the pipe in longitudinally extending fashion. In all embodiments, the beads provide drainage around the pipe when it is placed in a trench and obviate the need for gravel normally used in conventional systems. In another form of the invention, a drainage system is constructed by digging a trench, placing a reinforcing aggregate member in the corners at the bottom of the trench, and setting a large diameter cylindrical pipe in the trench.

Abstract: A series of interconnected packing chip precursors that can be formed and transported economically to a packager as a flat sheet and then expanded at the site where they will be used into individual packing chips by folding and separation from the other chips. Preferably, the precursors are formed on a chipboard sheet by forming fold lines and lines of separation and by adding securing means, such as bonding media or connecting features to secure the sides of the expanded packing chip in its final shape. The fold lines and lines of separation can be configured to form jagged or serrated edges on the expand-on-site packing chip, and the chip may also include apertures; the jagged and serrated edges and the apertures cooperating with each other and other aspects of adjacent chips to interlock the chips when they are placed around an item in a package for shipment.

Abstract: A series of interconnected packing chip precursors that can be formed and transported economically to a packager as a flat sheet and then expanded at the site where they will be used into individual packing chips by folding and separation from the other chips. Preferably, the precursors are formed on a chipboard sheet by forming fold lines and lines of separation and by adding securing means, such as bonding media or connecting features to secure the sides of the expanded packing chip in its final shape. The fold lines and lines of separation can be configured to form jagged or serrated edges on the expand-on-site packing chip, and the chip may also include apertures; the jagged and serrated edges and the apertures cooperating with each other and other aspects of adjacent chips to interlock the chips when they are placed around an item in a package for shipment.

Abstract: A packaging material for cushioning an object packed in a container is disclosed herein. The packaging elements making up the packaging material may be made from sheets of paper, and be cup-shaped with a floor and thickened walls having irregular folds created by crushing the walls. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the packaging material that includes the steps of unrolling a paper roll, cutting the paper into paper sheets, pressing the cut paper sheets to form a cup, and crushing the walls of the cup towards the floor of the cup. A machine for implementing this method is also disclosed, and includes a mandrel for pressing the cut paper sheets, a sleeve for crushing the walls of the cup, and a stop block for holding the paper sheets.

Abstract: The packaging system comprises a first plurality of interlaced fingers disposed in the upper portion of a box, and a second plurality of interlaced fingers disposed in a lower portion. The fingers provide provide a soft support for a product placed between the fingers.

Abstract: A protective packaging system is disclosed, comprising a protective pouch open on one side. A closure tape is attached to the pouch's open side. The pouch also has an attachment block affixed to the outer surface. The attachment block has a layer of adhesive on its non-pouch-proximate face, and an cover panel covering the adhesive. A twist tie is also located on the bottom surface of pouch. The user pre-wraps a fragile object in the pouch, peels the cover panel from the attachment block, and then places the assembly into a box or other container where it adheres to the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A method for making decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern which constitutes at least a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. Printed designs or materials and/or embossed materials can also constitute a portion of the decor of the decorative grass. The method includes slitting a material having a three-dimensional pattern on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof and then cutting the slit material into segments of a predetermined length to provide the decorative grass having a three-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding objects associated with Easter. The apparatus includes an Easter basket having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A bonding material is applied to at least a portion of the interior surface of the container such that upon a quantity of Easter grass being disposed in the Easter basket, the quantity of Easter grass is bondingly connected to the interior surface of the container by the bonding material applied to the interior surface of the Easter basket thereby preventing the Easter grass from falling out of the Easter basket. A release strip may be applied to the bonding material to protect the bonding material prior to placing the Easter grass in contact with the bonding material.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material having a plurality of slits extending through the sheet of material and into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a packaging or cushioning product made from grains comprising an essentially flat support, means for driving the support in translational movement, means for depositing on the support a first fiber sheet, means for distributing popped or unpopped grains on the fiber sheet; means for spreading the grains on the fiber sheet to thereby form a layer of grains, means for depositing a second fiber sheet on the layer of grains, and means for attaching the fiber sheets to each other to at least partially separate said grains to form the packaging or cushioning products.