Abstract: A packaging material consisting of small pieces for filling the cavities in packaging containers. The packaging material consists of an outer cover, of a coarse-porous, air-permeable, thin paper, as for example a highstrength wrapping tissue, which surrounds a filling of waste paper or shredded paper (scraps) from paper shredding machines or the like. The ball-like packaging pieces of up to 10 cm in diameter are formed by folding or sealing. The filling does not have the tendency to crumble and all pieces are continuously reusable. Each packaging piece is very elastic due to its air-permeability and adapts well to the cavities to be filled.

Abstract: A reusable packaging bag for fitting around an article and a method of using the reusable packaging bag. The packaging bag comprises an air-porous plastic bag which contains a plurality of plastic particles of different sizes. One or more of these packaging bags are fitted inside a container and around the article to be packaged. When the lid of the container is closed, some of the air inside the packaging bags escapes thereby allowing the plastic particles to be fitted together in a substantially rigid body which molds to the shape of the article between the interior of the closed container and the article.

Abstract: The specification discloses a loose-fill packing material comprising a plurality of individual packing elements, and a method of making such packing elements. Each packing element comprises at least two paper rings which are connected to each other at their outer surfaces. Each ring comprises a strip of paper which is rolled lengthwise upon itself. The rolls are fabricated by rolling sheets of paper to form elongated paper rolls having cylindrical outer surfaces and by then attaching pairs of elongated paper rolls together at their outer surfaces along their lengths. Individual packing elements are then cut from the pairs of elongated paper rolls.

Abstract: Geometrically shaped bodies comprising a flat base having arcuate or geometrically shaped cross section from one face of which extend projections having a reverse arc or shape to that of the base below each of which is a cutout or slot.

Abstract: A biodegradable low density packing material, comprising an expanded wheat and starch product having high dimensional stability at high humidity and temperature ambient conditions. The invention also includes a method of preparing a low density biodegradable packaging material having a blended mix of wheat, amylose starch and amylopectin starch with approximately 1% gelatin being added after the initial mixing of the product at temperatures of 300.degree. to 350.degree. F.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. The void fill has at least two limbs extending from the primary section. The void fill can be in any geometric shape, such as a block Y (10), a block H (62), an angled Y (80), an X (100), and a cross (120). Scoring can be applied to the void material at any location, thereby facilitating the deformation of the void fill.

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: The use of hollow tetrahedral units as cushioning loose-fill is described. The loose-fill tetrahedra can be made from recycled material such as paper waste by the method of the invention. The loose-fill tetrahedra do not fill the entire space surrounding a packed article, but do support each other during shipping and handling. Apparatus for forming the tetrahedra is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extruded plastic suitable for expansion to a foam packing peanut and a process for making the pellet and the peanut. The peanut comprises a discrete plastic body having a core portion extending continuously along the longitudinal extension of the body and an outer portion extending from and continuously along the core portion along the longitudinal extension. The body further has a blowing agent incorporated therein. In a preferred embodiment, the pellet takes on a generally helical shape. Also disclosed is a foam packing peanut formed by expansion of the pellet described above. Further disclosed is a package useful in transporting, storing, or cushioning an article or articles comprising a receptacle containing the article and a plurality of the foam peanut described above. The peanuts are capable of providing a packing factor of 3.0 or greater.

Abstract: A void fill material (10) can be formed from ordinary scrap cardboard into an interlocking packaging material. Each piece of the material (10) has a primary section (20) defining a primary plane. In a preferred embodiment, a first, second and third finger (22, 24, 26) extend from the primary section (20). The primary section (20) and each finger (22, 24, 26) have a length to width ratio between 3:1 and 1:1. The first finger (22) extends from one side of primary section (20) while the second and third fingers (24, 26) extend from its other side. The intersection (30, 32, 34) between each finger (22, 24, 26) and the primary section (20) is scored, thus allowing the fingers to be bent away from the primary plane. The cushioning benefit of the void fill material (10) is improved by the ability of the deformed fingers (22, 24, 26) to interlock with the fingers of the other void fill material pieces.

Abstract: A lightweight, biodegradable packaging material and method for manufacturing the same. The product is made from an initial or starting material which is principally corn grit that is mixed with a binding agent and water extruded under heat and pressure and allowed to expand to form the packaging material.

Abstract: Improved dunnage made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and are randomly oriented in a container to provide cushioning for packaged articles. The coils are formed at the time of use by modifying the material used to cause it to coil and forming strips from the material. This eliminates the need for storage of bulky dunnage. Paper used to form the coils is stretched to cause it to coil. Apparatus concurrently forms plural coils from a web.

Abstract: A method of packaging articles and packaged article assemblies disclosed includes inflating a body such as a latex balloon or a bag with a drawstring preferably by evacuating the air in a chamber surrounding the body while the body is supported and sealed at the fill opening. An initial selected quantity of packaging particles are placed inside the inflated body followed by placing the article therein. The body is collapsed around the particles which distributes them in a substantially uniform layer surrounding the article from all sides and applies compressive forces inwardly from all sides to cushion the article in the body. Another method involves expanding an outer body, placing packaging particles in that body, collapsing that outer body and placing a second body in the outer body followed by expansion of the two and putting a fluid and article in the inner body and sealing the bodies closed.

Abstract: A material for use in containers for explosive media and a material for use n containers for absorbing the dynamic shock of an explosion and prevent sympathetic detonation of adjacent explosive device in which the material is a relatively lightweight, porous, shock absorbing material mixed with a binder to provide a castable composite. A storage container receives the cast filler and is thereby hindered from being subjected to destruction from sympathetic detonation due to donor detonation within the storage container or a proximate storage container.

Abstract: Lightweight, non-nestable packing peanuts formed of recycled newspaper of molded hollow thin wall shell form preferably of cup shaped configuration have flanges, apertures, and double wall dividers integrally molded therein. A radial flute over the vertical height of the exterior wall of the shell provides shape stability to a portion of the shell to resist physical crushing of the shell and facilitates the structural cushioning of packed fragile objects in cartons or the like for shipping purposes. The shell is rendered resilient over other portions for absorbing the energy resulting from impact forces transmitted through the fold filled towards a packed fragile object. A divider having spaced parallel walls may extend from an end of the shell at the base and include an integral transverse wall to separate the shell into two halves which may be flexed towards and away from each other, at the gap between the divider walls.

Abstract: A support structure is provided which effects a pressure equalization. It mprises an enclosure filled with a large number of loose pieces. In a special embodiment the loose pieces are surrounded by a low friction material, such as nylon fabric, and are made of a deformable material, preferably foam-material. Another embodiment provides balloon-shaped pieces. Further an outer cover surrounding the enclosure may be provided.

Abstract: A packaging filler formed by cutting off and expanding small pieces of continuously extruded plastic to have generally the shape of an H in plan view. The filler has a transverse part and a plurality of substantially elliptically shaped lateral parts extending from either end of the transverse part defining with the transverse part two spaced apart substantially rounded recesses. The length of the packaging filler is at least equal to the height of the lateral parts.

Abstract: Shock-absorbing biodegradable dunnage packaging material is obtained from recycling scrap paper by cooking the scrap paper in the presence of heated water to reduce the scrap paper to pulp fiber and then extruding the pulp fiber to thereby form the dunnage packaging material.

Abstract: A reusable thermal packaging assembly comprises a plurality of capsules each having a flexible outer skin containing a thermal controlling agent which can maintain a predetermined temperature range for an extended period of time. The capsules are packed around one or more items which are to be maintained in a controlled temperature environment over an extended period, and are designed also to provide cushioning of the or each item against shocks. The capsules may be used with a suitable insulated container or may be provided in a continuous sheet in bubble pack form to be wrapped around items to be packed.

Abstract: A container assembly for transporting hazardous or corrosive material wherein a bottle containing the material is cushioned against breakage and the container is protected against leakage. The assembly includes an outer metal container with a bottle disposed within but partially or entirely out of contact with the container. The bottle is separated from the container by a plurality of separate, removable and repeatedly moldable and shapable cushion elements. Each cushion element is filled with a free flowing particulate solid material. There are individual cushion elements below the bottle, above the bottle and wrapped around the body portion of the bottle, respectively. Thereby, the cushion elements can fill essentially the entire space between the bottle and the metal container, providing mechanical support and absorption capability in case of leakage or breakage. The cushion elements can be quilted to provide pockets which prevent uneven distribution of the absorbent material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device of cleaning a soldering iron having melted solder attached thereto in which the method includes sticking the soldering iron into irregularly entangled strip elements which may be continuous, heatproof and elastic, and axially reciprocating the soldering iron in the entangled strip elements to scrape the melted solder off the soldering iron by means of the edges of the strip elements, whereby the scraped-off melted solder drops from the soldering iron as these are cooled and hardened by the strip elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastics granular material of foamable particles which are derived from a star-shaped basic body with at least three limbs lying in a plane, the particles having at least one orifice. Preferably, these granular material particles are provided with three limbs and each limb is provided with an orifice.Furthermore, the invention has as its subject a packaging material which is obtained by foaming of the said plastics granular material. This packaging material displays a lower bulk density, improved pourability with simultaneously improved packing effect (good packaging properties, large void volume).

Abstract: The packing elements are made with flutes to reduce the amount of material and to provide for better heat transfer for expansion of the elements. The flutes are imparted during extrusion of the molten mass of thermoplastic material through a die opening by virtue of the opening having been formed with grooves.

Abstract: The invention relates to plastics granules composed of foamable particles derived from a star-shaped fundamental solid having at least three sides, these particles being a three-dimensionally domed structure by virtue of the sides having paraboloidal curvature, and the surfaces of paraboloidal curvature being staggered in relation to one another. These granule particles preferably have three sides and at least one gap.The invention also relates to a packaging material obtained by foaming the said plastics granules. This packaging material exhibits an improved flow while having at the same time an improved packaging action (good packaging properties and a high void volume).

Abstract: An improved shock absorbing dunnage device particularly suited for use in tightly packing railroad box car loads is disclosed. A sealed outer envelope containing a filler of wooden particulate material having reduced moisture content provides a simple, highly effective and cost efficient dunnage device.

Abstract: The packing elements are each formed with a hooked configuration so as to abut each other without interlocking with each other. The free ends of the two legs of each element project beyond the main body portions so as to impart a hooked effect to the elements. The elements can be poured from a hopper into a container.

Abstract: With the aid of the process and equipment according to the invention, the transportation and storage of radioactive and/or other dangerous materials are realizable in accordance with the domestic and international regulations. The physical and radiation protection of the objects to be transported or stored are ensured by the dry, granular material (e.g. sand) filled into the equipment. Loading and removal of the objects are facilitated with fluidization of the granular material. The equipment includes gas distribution system, filter supported by lumpy material pressed between the grids, through which gas (e.g. air) is blown, whereby the granular material is fluidized. The object(s) is (are) positioned by a basket of lattice construction, its fastening dependent on the embodiment. The equipment has fixable cover, withdrawable dustproof cover, ribs for improving the cooling and for partical absorption of the forces arising at impacts.

Abstract: The invention provides foamed plastics particles having a star-like shape the three legs of which are on the same plane. The ratio of particle thickness to particle height is from 1:2.75 to 1:3.3, that of leg width to particle height is from 1:2.2 to 1:2.5, and the particle height is from 10 to 60 mm. The particles of the invention are suitable as free-flowing packing material having a good flow and simultaneously a good interlocking capacity.

Abstract: Sticks of foamable thermoplastic material are provided with grooves in at least one surface. These grooves extend width-wise of the stick. In addition, the grooves are disposed in equi-spaced relation along one surface of the stick, or in spaced-apart series or groups on only one surface, or in series or groups on opposite surfaces and in spaced-apart relation. Upon foaming, the sticks form formed elements of various shapes, each of which has at least one curvilinear portion such as, for example, a corkscrew shape, an annular shape or shapes with reverse bends.

Abstract: A flame retardant thermal insulation material comprising a dry, shredded cellulosic material, such as newsprint, which is coated with a dry phosphorous-containing, flame retardant composition. The composition is one which is capable of decomposing near the ignition temperature of the shredded paper, which is between 120 degrees and Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius and preferably includes a plurality of compounds which decompose at different temperatures spaced within this range to provide the stagewise release of combustion inhibiting agents. The composition can be a single compound such as calcium phosphate but preferably is a combination of similar compounds such as (NH.sub.4).sub.2 HPO.sub.4, CaH.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.2, CaHPO.sub.4 and triple super phosphate. Further, the phosphorous composition is preferably combined with urea. Elemental sulfur powder may be included with any of the previous compositions as a smoke retardant.

Abstract: The loose fill packaging material of the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of elements of, for example, expanded polystyrene. Each packaging element of the embodiment is of a generally block-like form which includes a body portion of a spring-like construction and two leg portions. The spring-like construction is formed by slitting a surface of the body portion at spaced-apart locations prior to the complete expansion of the packaging element.

Abstract: The loose fill packaging material of the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of free-flowing elements of, for example, expanded polystyrene. Each packaging element of the embodiment is of a block-like E-shaped form which includes three leg portions which define a pair of recesses between the legs. The width of the recesses is less than the width of the leg portions and, in use, the leg portions of one element do not fit within the recesses of another element. Instead, the packaging elements abut one another, rather than interlock, while forming a mass of resilient packaging material about an item packaged therewithin.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet-like plastic packaging particles formed with a normally curved configuration having two spaced apart, curved, coextensive surfaces, one of said surfaces being a substantially unfoamed skin and the remainder of said particle including the other surface being foamed, and to methods for producing packaging particles which comprise warped or distorted, foamed sheet particles suitable for use as packaging particles from an extrudable, expandable synthetic plastic material, such as, a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer, e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet-like plastic packaging particles formed with a normally curved configuration having two spaced apart, curved coextensive surfaces, one of said surfaces being a substantially unfoamed skin and the remainder of said particle including the other surface being foamed, and to methods for producing packaging particles which comprise warped or distorted, foamed sheet particles suitable for use as packaging particles from an extrudable, expandable synthetic plastic material, such as, a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer, e.g.

Abstract: A package containing a hazardous liquid is provided. The package comprises a container which is generally impermeable to a hazardous liquid contained therein, the container being subject to discharge of its contents when subjected to impact. The container is disposed within a first jacket of a liquid permeable material of sufficient strength to contain fragments of the container on rupture thereof. A second jacket is provided over first jacket, the second jacket having at least an inner wall and outer wall, the inner wall being liquid permeable, a hazardous liquid swellable body being contained between the inner wall and outer wall and being generally co-extensive with the inner wall and the outer wall, and a third jacket of a hazardous liquid vapor impervious membrane. The package provides substantial improvement in safety when transporting a container containing a hazardous liquid.