With Distinct Corner Or Edge Protector Patents (Class 206/586)
  • Patent number: 7424955
    Abstract: A buffer device comprises a buffer member, a lateral side, a first supporting board and a second supporting board. In this case, the buffer member is formed with at least one folded baseboard. The lateral side is located at one side of the buffer member and has a first edge and a second edge. One side of the first supporting board is joined to the first edge and a first portion of the first supporting board covers at least one part of the lateral side. A second portion of the first supporting board is substantially perpendicular to the first portion and is folded to insert into the lateral side. One side of the second supporting board is joined to the second edge and a third portion of the second supporting board covers at least one part of the lateral side. A fourth portion of the first supporting board is substantially perpendicular to the third portion and is folded to insert into the lateral side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Heng-Hsiu Chen
  • Patent number: 7424954
    Abstract: A packing case for an image forming apparatus that includes: a first packing member 5 for packing an image forming apparatus main body 1 including a reading section 11 having a scanner unit, an image forming section 14 having an image forming unit 12, and a sheet feed unit 13 for feeding a sheet to the image forming unit 12, and a sheet storage space 16, formed to be open to outside between the reading section 11 and the image forming section 14, for storing a sheet transported from the image forming unit 12; and a second packing member 4 for packing a toner cartridge 2 and capable of being inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1, in which the second packing member 4 is inserted and fixed in the sheet storage space 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuka, Yoshiaki Sanada, Kouichi Mihara, Haruko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7422185
    Abstract: A surgical tray corner protector includes a support base, a side wall extending along an edge of the support base, and a plurality of apertures extending through the support base to form a tray support surface, providing improved drainage and air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignees: Quadion Corporation, General Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Curnow, Ted Eric Ahrenholtz
  • Patent number: 7422112
    Abstract: A valued article, such as artwork, an antiquity or a collectible, is contained within a container protected against impact and shock during transportation and storage by connecting the article to an inner frame at spaced apart connections along the perimeter of the article and suspending the inner frame from a surrounding outer frame at spaced apart suspenders along the perimeter of the inner frame, the suspenders being constructed of a shock-absorbing material to isolate the inner frame from the transmission of shocks from the outer frame to the inner frame and the spaced apart arrangement of connections and suspenders establishing open gaps which deter the transmission of impacts from outside the container to the article. Additional open gaps between covers affixed to the outer frame and the contained article further deter the transmission of impacts from outside the container to the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Museum Quality Shipping, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn W. Harte
  • Publication number: 20080202979
    Abstract: The shock-absorbing packing material has a pair of first grooves each formed in a portion of the interior face of the first wall in connection with the interior face of the second wall, and a pair of second grooves each formed in a portion of the interior face of the first wall in connection with the interior face of the third wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroki Ishii
  • Patent number: 7413157
    Abstract: A surgical tray corner protector includes a base, a side wall that extends from an outer edge of the base, and support members extending from the top surface of the base to form a tray support surface, providing improved drainage and air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignees: Quadion Corporation, General Hospital Supply Corporation
    Inventors: Sam Curnow, Ted Eric Ahrenholtz
  • Publication number: 20080179216
    Abstract: Corner sleeves are used for protecting corner portions of products. Each sleeve has a pair of cushioning members formed in an L-shaped configuration that define a generally triangular space therebetween. Top and bottom panel members of the sleeve are positioned to cover a top and a bottom of the triangular space. Top and bottom fold-over panel members of the sleeve are folded relative to the top and bottom panel members to be positioned within the triangular space and are biased toward one another. In use, upon insertion of the corner portion of the product between the top and bottom fold-over panel members, the fold-over panel members hold the product in place therebetween and the cushioning members protect the corner portion of the product. L-shaped channels may be provided within the sleeves to further assist in holding the product in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: DAVID F. KARI
  • Patent number: 7398884
    Abstract: A packaging material which impart fragility capability and is easily manufactured and handled in preparing a product for shipment. The material is fabricated as a planar body having fold lines on which the body may be folded to encircle a product being packaged. The planar body is formed with locking features which enable a handler to easily secure the material about the packaged product and with defined openings facilitating handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner, Christopher John Sattora
  • Patent number: 7383952
    Abstract: A new and improved external corner protector is fabricated from predetermined materials and comprises a vertex portion, and a pair of leg members which diverge outwardly at a predetermined included angle with respect to each other from the vertex portion. The vertex portion and distal end portions of the leg members have relatively enlarged cross-sectional dimensions relative to the cross-sectional dimensions comprising those portions of the leg members which integrally interconnect the distal end portions of the leg members to the vertex portion, wherein the relatively enlarged cross-sectional dimensions serve to reinforce the vertex portion and to dispose only such relatively enlarged distal end portions of the leg members into contact with the external side wall members of the palletized load which define the external corner region being protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John Kruelle, Jerry Robin Hayes
  • Publication number: 20080121558
    Abstract: A container apparatus for the handling of at least one object is provided. The container apparatus generally includes a cover and a base. The cover includes an uppermost wall abutted in generally perpendicular relation to at least one cover sidewall. The base includes a lowermost wall abutted in generally perpendicular relation to at least one base sidewall. The at least one base sidewall is configured to slide with respect to and overlap the at least one cover sidewall. The container apparatus further includes a first and a second tube engaged at the uppermost wall and at the least one object, and a third and a fourth tube engaged at the lowermost base and at the at least one object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Binayak Roy
  • Patent number: 7350646
    Abstract: A corner protector has a pair of opposite frame embracing faces which are resilient and bowed so that, in use, the corner region of a frame to be protected must force its way into position on between the opposite faces of the protector and will thereafter be frictionally gripped between them until the protector is subsequently released by pulling it off against the frictional resistance. Frame-gripping ribs may be incorporated on the major faces of the protector and in addition the protector may be tapered outwardly from its apex to its open mouth to provide a lead for insertion of the frame. To provide a still greater lead, the open edges of the protector may each be given a slight flange extension, but at opposite ends of the two edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Säm Durrant
  • Publication number: 20080067106
    Abstract: A packing member includes two pairs of boxes arranged at the two opposite sides of a product respectively. Each pair of boxes cooperatively sandwiches the product therebetween at a corresponding side of the product. Each of the boxes includes a first sidewall, at least a middle sidewall, and a last sidewall being sequentially connected together. The first sidewall connects with the last sidewall to thereby form a through hole enclosed by said sidewalls except two ends of the box. A receiving hole is defined in said sidewalls and communicates with the through hole. The receiving holes of each pair of boxes face toward each other and hold opposite ends of the corresponding side of the product therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SZU-WEI KUO
  • Patent number: 7341152
    Abstract: A package made of pulp material for absorbing an external force applied to a solid object accommodated in a box is provided which may include a first pad having at least a point of contact with a top surface of the solid object and a second pad having at least a point of contact with a bottom surface of the solid object. Each of the first pad and second pads may have a vertical force-absorbing section and a lateral force-absorbing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Naomi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20080053866
    Abstract: In a packaging cushion device, a base member has a base wall, and first and second sidewalls respectively perpendicular to two adjacent edges of the base wall. The base wall and first and second sidewalls define a receiving portion. A modular component has a base panel, two adjacent first and second side panels perpendicular to the base panel, a first projection extending from the first and second side panels, and a second projection extending from the base panel and the second panel. The first and second projections are matchable with and connectable to the receiving portion to form two interchangeable configurations of different heights, thereby satisfying the need of packing a computer housing in either folded or unfolded configuration, and saving packing materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Aopen Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hsiung Cheng, Te-An Lin, Wu-Nan Wang, Chia-Chia Huang
  • Patent number: 7320403
    Abstract: A package, a method and a kit for a stretch hood packaging structure for an appliance on a semi-flexible shock-absorbing base. At least two pair of posts are assembled on the base, at least two of which can pivot with each of the post received within pockets of the base. A stretch hood then is installed over the package to engage the bottom of the base. The posts pivot to provide an interference fit on the base to prevent deformation of the base corners and maintain a flat bottom on the base for the completed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventor: Charlie May, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7318526
    Abstract: An overhang edge shipping protector is provided that may allow for enhanced protection of an overhang edge during shipping of an item having an overhang edge. The overhang edge shipping protector may include an overhang cavity, one or more side lands and a buttress, all of which may be capable of absorbing and transferring energy from an adverse impact force to more suitable and sturdy locations of the item, such as the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Western Pulp Products Company
    Inventors: Scott J. Seelye, Richard B. Hurley, Richard D. Hurley, Melvin K. Kelsey, Randy A. Laws, Mark W. Betts
  • Patent number: 7303071
    Abstract: In a packing container for an electronic instrument, a pair of tubular shaped bottom cushioning portions is formed by bending a pair of inner bottom flaps several times, and a pair of tubular shaped top cushioning portions is formed by bending a pair of inner top flaps several times. Each of the cushioning portions has a reentrant formed by bending side walls thereof inward to the tubular shape, to which a part of electronic instrument is fitted. The bottom cushioning portions and the top cushioning portions are surface contacted with each other for reinforcing the strength of the container in height direction. Each cushioning portion further has a reinforcing board tightly contacting with the side board for reinforcing the side board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Saito
  • Patent number: 7299924
    Abstract: A blank sheet of foldable material having a plurality of laterally spaced parallel fold lines dividing the sheet into six consecutive panels to allow for folding of the panels into overlapping engagement. A first leg formed from overlapping panels two, three and six. A second leg intersecting the first leg formed from overlapping panels one, four, and five. An adhesive placed between panels two and three, panels one and four, panels one and five, and panels two and six for securing the panels together to maintain the legs in a fixed folded arrangement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Jack B. Robinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7293655
    Abstract: A revolutionary single piece organizer for storing or shipping objects without damaging the object. The organizer having a unitary, one piece stiff, bendable and deformable blank having a thickness. The blank having a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels connected to each one of the top panels and the bottom panel, two end panels connected to each side panel, and at least one flap connected to each one of the top and bottom panels. Each flap includes at least one folding section separated by scoring lines. In addition, each folding section includes multiple perforations lines that can be easily broken. The single piece organizer is assembled as a box, and the flaps, when folded, will then lock the objects to be stored or shipped. The configurations thus formed would prevent the objects from moving inside the organizer. The organizer may be preformed or customized with pre-cut holes or perforations in order to secure fragile or high-priced objects or goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Messinger
  • Publication number: 20070227935
    Abstract: A rectangular parallelepiped apparatus set is stored in a hollow rectangular parallelepiped outer casing and is held so as not to be in contact with the outer casing via cushioning body disposed at each of the four corners of the apparatus set. An instruction manual is accommodated in a clearance space between the apparatus set and the outer casing by the cushioning body. The cushioning body is divided into two pairs of cushioning body elements arranged in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the apparatus set. At least one of the cushioning body elements is formed with a concave portion by extending a distance of the cushioning body elements from the apparatus set in the first direction at both ends of the cushioning body elements in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction so as to accommodate the instruction manual therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichi Saito
  • Patent number: 7264863
    Abstract: A corner protector for cabinets, furniture and the like includes outside corner protecting panels joined at a corner edge and inside corner resilient members for holding the protector on the cabinet, with the resilient members spaced from the corner and having one or more points of contact with the furniture or cabinet on which the protector is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Bradley J. Haymond
  • Patent number: 7258235
    Abstract: A package arrangement for storing a container includes a carton having a receiving cavity, and a die cut insert. The die cut insert is detachably disposed in the receiving cavity of the carton, and includes a top panel having at least a top panel cavity and a bottom panel having at least a bottom panel cavity aligned with the top panel cavity of the top panel, wherein the die cut insert is adapted for substantially retaining the container in the carton when the container is slidably inserted into the die cut insert through the top panel cavity and the bottom panel cavity at a position that an upper portion of the container is encircling supported by the top panel and a lower portion of the container is encircling supported by the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: An-Hsia Liu, Victor D. Liu, Alexander D. Liu
  • Patent number: 7244004
    Abstract: A protective device that may be used to shield the corner of an object from damage during shipping, storage, handling or the like comprises a top member, an outer wall, an inner wall opposite the outer wall and a side wall. The walls are connected (either directly or indirectly) to the top member and extend downwardly therefrom, and the side wall and outer wall meet to form an acute angle (e.g., a 45 degree or a 67.5 degree angle). The protective device may also include a raised lip that extends upwardly from the top member along at least a portion of the periphery of the top member and may include ribs that are disposed on the top surface of the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Tenn-Tax Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Hightower
  • Publication number: 20070159781
    Abstract: A laptop computer bag includes a portable workspace, front extendable legs, and rear extendable legs. The portable work space is capable of being extended out from the laptop computer bag by extending the front extendable legs and the rear extendable legs from a collapsed position. The front extendable legs and the rear extendable legs provide support for the portable workspace. The back pack is the same only the workspace the main support wall that would rest on a persons back, with padding (outside of he pack) so the user does not feel the hard surface of the workstation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: BRETT ZBIKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20070138041
    Abstract: A carrying case for carrying a portable electric power tool may have a container and a cover pivotably attached to the container. The container and/or cover may have an outer wall. A bumper may be mounted to the container and/or cover, and preferably to the outer wall thereof. A handle may be connected to the container and/or cover. The bumper serves to cushion an impact load exerted on the case if the case is dropped in an orientation in which the case strikes a hard surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Robert P. Welsh
  • Patent number: 7216765
    Abstract: An edge or corner protector comprises side surface portions which are adapted to be spaced from the external side surface portions of an article or appliance which define an external corner or edge region of the article or appliance to be protected, and an interior corner or apex region which is likewise adapted to be spaced from the external corner or edge region of the article or appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Markert, Douglas E. Smith, Elton Beyer
  • Patent number: 7198155
    Abstract: A packing case for an image forming apparatus that includes: a first packing member 5 for packing an image forming apparatus main body 1 including a reading section 11 having a scanner unit, an image forming section 14 having an image forming unit 12, and a sheet feed unit 13 for feeding a sheet to the image forming unit 12, and a sheet storage space 16, formed to be open to outside between the reading section 11 and the image forming section 14, for storing a sheet transported from the image forming unit 12; and a second packing member 4 for packing a toner cartridge 2 capable of being inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main body 1, in which the second packing member 4 is inserted and fixed in the sheet storage space 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuka, Yoshiaki Sanada, Kouichi Mihara, Haruko Yoneda
  • Patent number: 7172067
    Abstract: A level case includes a tubular body having a series of walls that define an internal cavity, and a cap that selectively closes the internal cavity. A series of indentations are formed in the walls, and are configured to receive and engage the corners of a level received within the internal cavity. The internal cavity defines spaces between the level surfaces and the facing surfaces of the walls, to protect the level surfaces in the event the walls of the tubular body are subjected to forces that cause inward deformation of the walls. The cap is configured similarly to the tubular body, including indentations that receive the corners of the level. The cap is engaged over the opening of the tubular body so as to enclose a portion of the level that extends outwardly of the tubular body. The indentations in the tubular body are continuous throughout a majority of the length of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Level & Tool Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Gruetzmacher, Michael L. Grinnall, Duane D. Franzen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7159345
    Abstract: An edge protector (1) for protecting the edge of an article includes a pair of interconnected, non-parallel, first arms (2, 4) which, in use, do not contact any part of the article, and a pair of second arms (10, 12) for contacting or a least being situated adjacent the article in use, one of each of the second arms (10, 12) being connected to one of each of the first arms (2, 4) each first arm (2, 4) and the respective second arm (10, 12) may be arranged in non-parallel relations. Further, the edge protector (1) may be resiliently deformable to absorb the energy of an impact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ITW Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Hunt
  • Patent number: 7137517
    Abstract: A post in post structure comprising a short inner post segment and a pair of hollow outer posts slipped over either end of the inner post segment and affixed to the inner post segment. The post in post structure is particularly suitable for use with a product packaging and display system of the kind having vertically spaced trays supported by outer posts located over openings in each tray and inner posts inserted inside the outer support posts and through the tray openings to lock the system together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Lowry, Steven C. Gendreau, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Patent number: 7128214
    Abstract: A reinforced corner post assembly for cushioning and protecting a packaged article from axial and lateral forces. The assembly comprises a conventional corner post having an outer wall and an inner wall joined at opposing ends to form a hollow tube and one or more reinforcing tubes disposed longitudinally within the hollow interior of the corner post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanping Qiu, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Patent number: 7121401
    Abstract: A packaging system for a single ammunition includes a cylindrical metal container and a cap therefore. A locking mechanism locks the cap to the top end of the container and a guiding mechanism guides the cap onto the top end of the container before the locking mechanism is locked to assure proper alignment. A plurality of impact rings are located laterally about the container and the cap to provide impact protection therefore. A stacking mechanism for each container allows a plurality of the containers to be securely stacked adjacent one another. The stacking mechanism includes a first top member and a second top member located adjacent the top ring and located 180° from one another about the cap such that the first top member of one cap interlocks with the second top member of an adjacent cap, and a similar arrangement on the bottom ring of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Yash Sinha, Mark Benko, Ronald Dale Turner, Philip Kadlecek, Yuen H. Lam, William C. Paulo
  • Patent number: 7111734
    Abstract: A blank sheet of foldable material having a plurality of laterally spaced parallel fold lines dividing the sheet into five consecutive panels to allow for folding of the panels into overlapping engagement. A first leg formed from folding panels two and three so that the top side of panel two is placed in face-to-face contact with the top side of panel three. A second leg intersecting the first leg formed from folding panels one, four, and five so that the top side of panel one is placed in face-to-face contact with the top side of panel four, and the top side of panel five is placed in face-to-face contact with the bottom side of panel one. An adhesive placed between panels two and three, panels one and four, and panels one and five for securing the panels to maintain the legs in a fixed folded arrangement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Jack B. Robinson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7111735
    Abstract: A box-like base assembly for holding vertical support posts in an upright position. The base assembly includes an outer base box and a center base member that fits within the outer base box, the center base member having inwardly collapsed sections for holding the vertical support posts in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Patent number: 7101512
    Abstract: A cassette is received within a sleeve having an open end. Specially folded flaps at the open end are applied to center the cassette in the sleeve and to reduce a width of the open end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hahs, Su-Syin Wu, Edward V. Quoss
  • Patent number: 7097042
    Abstract: A portable accessory box is disclosed. The portable accessory box comprises: a bottom plate; two side rectangular bodies fixedly connected to two sides of the bottom plate; and a lower side plate fixedly connected to the lower side of the bottom plate. The portable accessory box can further comprise an upper side plate fixedly connected to the upper side of the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a hand-held hole for carrying and two fixed pieces used to fix the side rectangular bodies. In addition, each of the side rectangular bodies comprises an embedded slot, and the lower side plate and the upper side plate both include an inner side piece. When the lower side plate and the upper side plate are folded inwardly, the inner side pieces can be embedded into the embedded slots of the side rectangular bodies to divide each of the side rectangular bodies into two rectangular sub-bodies and form a lower rectangular body and an upper rectangular body between the side rectangular bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Feng-Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 7059473
    Abstract: A panel module includes a panel in which a pair of substrates at least having a transparent front substrate is disposed facing each other with a discharge space in between and electrodes are disposed on substrates; a chassis for holding this panel; and a display driving circuit for applying a signal to the panel attached to the chassis for display. A resin front protective cover having substantially the same dimensions as a front frame of a finished plasma display device is provided on a periphery of the panel module for protecting the periphery of the panel module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Watanabe, Hidenori Tougo, Shozo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7048122
    Abstract: Extruded article-packaging members are arranged to form a frame and are bound about a set of elongate articles like tubes, rods, poles, beams, etc. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an article-packaging member is provided defining an extruded cross section. The extruded cross section extends along substantially an entire length of the packaging member and comprises a structural framework, a bundling channel, and at least one set of pliable projections. The structural framework is formed of a relatively rigid extruded plastic material. The bundling channel is formed in the extruded cross section along an exterior face of the article-packaging member. The pliable projections are formed of a relatively pliable plastic material extending from the structural framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Fukuvi USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Charles Dodson, Kyozaburo Takagi
  • Patent number: 7048118
    Abstract: An improved open-sided package assembly 10 for protecting and cushioning a product 12 such as a large appliance, the assembly 10 comprising a molded EPS base 14 and top cap 20 and four support posts 16, 18 extending from the base 14 to the top cap 20. The support posts 16, 18 are shaped in such a way that when they are inserted into the base 14 or top cap 20 they do not fall out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Patent number: 7048119
    Abstract: A bottom lifting see-through baseloid handling package for a major home appliance or similar product is provided. The package comprises a top cap, a bottom member and corner posts that form an enclosure having open sides to allow the product to be viewed. A plastic bag can be placed over the product and inside the bottom member and top cap. Since the baseloid handling flange is integrally formed in the bottom member, the packaged product is lifted from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Patent number: 7044303
    Abstract: Packaging (1) of moulded paper fibre material. An article (2) enclosed by an end piece at either side. With this arrangement protection in three directions is necessary. This protection is obtained by means of buffer elements (7, 8). In order to arrange such buffer elements in a technically simple manner on three sides, it is proposed to construct some of the buffer elements as an upright body the limiting walls (9) of which are partially semicircular and partially straight, the straight walls being essentially parallel to one another and merging into the end limit of the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Protective Packaging B.V.
    Inventor: Roland Edwin Van Der Werf
  • Patent number: 7014046
    Abstract: An improved support post for cushioning and supporting large products is provided. The post is made from a sheet that is convolutely wound around a mandrel and shaped into a desired shape. The improvement comprises making the sheet from multiple thicknesses of paper so that, upon winding the sheet into a tube, the middle layer of the tube is thicker than the outer layers. The post has a higher axial compression strength than a conventional post, but the same amount (weight) of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, Michael D. Zold, Johannes Wilhelmus van de Camp, Yanping Qiu
  • Patent number: 7014905
    Abstract: A wear pad for insertion between a load to be lifted and a lifting device, such as a chain or wire cable of a crane, hoist or other lifting device, containing a cylindrical-shaped edge protector with a cut out section and raised edges on the outside surface of each cylindrical end of the edge protector, which edges extend around the circumference of the edge protector. The wear pad may further include an attachment element for attaching the edge protector to the load being lifted by the lifting device, such as a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Vercel Ray Linton
  • Patent number: 7014047
    Abstract: A product protector for use in protecting three sides of a product being shipped. The product protector includes a pair of corner protectors joined to each other to define a smooth inner surface without the use of external connectors. Each corner protector is formed from an inner layer and an outer layer, where one leg of the corner protector includes an overlap portion having a reduced thickness. The inner layer and the outer layer are secured to each other along only one of the two legs such that the inner layer and outer layer can separate along the other of the two legs. When a pair of corner protectors are attached to each other, the overlap area of the first corner protector is positioned between the inner and outer layers of the second corner protector to define the U-shaped edge protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Great Northern Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Stapleton
  • Patent number: 6997323
    Abstract: A packaging system for a component is disclosed. The packaging system comprises a box and a compressible and shock-absorbent packing insert. The packing insert is placed in the box after nesting a component within the insert. The insert comprises a main panel, a first end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, a second end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel opposite the first end tube, a first side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the first side tube being adjacent to the first end tube and a second side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the second side tube being adjacent to the second end tube and opposite the first side tube wherein the first and second side tube panels and the first and second side tube panels may include at one or more cutouts to enhance the flexing capability of the packing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Jeffrey Jay Miller, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Christopher Michael Turner
  • Patent number: 6988615
    Abstract: A shipping package for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, compact ice makers and air conditioners for movement by clamp lift trucks. The appliance can be mounted on recycled high density polyethylene skids attached to the bottom of the appliance. The shipping package can include four elongated expanded polystyrene blocks positioned at the corners of the appliance extending vertically from the skids to the top of the appliance. The shipping package can include expanded polystyrene top pads on the top of the appliance and can include a fiberboard top cap covering the top pads and the top the appliance. Shrink wrap film can enclose the top cap, elongated blocks and engage the skids for holding the elongated blocks and top cap securely in position on the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger L. Merkel, James A. Weinzapfel Jr., David L. Benefiel, Gene A. Sparks, Lisa J. Culter
  • Patent number: 6976587
    Abstract: A packaging assembly comprising a standard molded cushion solution that can accommodate variations in dimensions of predetermined products, including weight, while providing protection to an equipment component (or other fragile or breakable item) enclosed therein, ease in use during pre-packing and packing of an equipment component for transport, shock protection during transport, and is economically suited for its end use, is provided for. The present invention is a molded, cushion having interlocking columns which adjust the contacting areas of the cushion in relation to the product height and/or weight differences. The present invention is advantageously designed using specific geometries and interlocking columns which, contrary to traditional designs, benefit from the stressing and flexing characteristics of paper fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Jeffrey Jay Miller, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner, Christopher Michael Turner
  • Patent number: 6971514
    Abstract: An improved corner guard for use on a pre-hung door assembly. The corner guard of the present invention is designed for use with a pre-hung door assembly that includes a door secured within a three-sided door frame in which the two vertical frame members extend in an offset manner below the bottom edge of the pre-hung door. In a preferred embodiment, the corner guard includes a bumper member for imposing a gap between adjacent stacked assemblies. A substantially flat transition flange member is attached to one end of the base of the bumper member, and together, the transition flange member and bumper member base form a retention barrier surface across the front corner region of the pre-hung door assembly to maintain the door securely seated within the door frame. A fixed side flange is affixed to the other end of the bumper member and extends approximately perpendicularly with respect to the bumper member base surface such that a right angle inner surface corner contour is formed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventors: John D. VanderWerf, Thomas E. Levitt, Paul L. Verstrate
  • Patent number: 6968954
    Abstract: A packing device made of thermo-formed plastic sheet includes a bottom plate having adjacent first recesses and each first recess has first flaps which are higher than a receiving plane of the first recess, and each first recess has a positioning portion in an inside thereof. A side plate being foldable along a folding line relative to the bottom plate has engaging portions which are engaged with the positioning portions. The side plate includes adjacent second recesses and each second recess has a plurality of second flaps which are higher than a receiving plane of the second recess. The side plate has receiving portions located opposite to the engaging portions. A top plate being foldable along a folding line relative to the side plate has protrusions which are engaged with the receiving portions when the top plate is folded the folding line toward the side plate. The top plate has third recesses and each of which has third flaps which are higher than a receiving plane of the third recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Wan Jeou Pyng Plastics Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6945404
    Abstract: A revolutionary single piece organizer for storing or shipping objects without damaging the object. The organizer having a unitary, one piece stiff, bendable and deformable blank having a thickness. The blank having a bottom panel, a top panel, two side panels connected to each one of the top panels and the bottom panel, two end panels connected to each side panel, and at least one flap connected to each one of the top and bottom panels. Each flap includes at least one folding section separated by scoring lines. In addition, each folding section includes multiple perforations lines that can be easily broken. The single piece organizer is assembled as a box, and the flaps, when folded, will then lock the objects to be stored or shipped. The configurations thus formed would prevent the objects from moving inside the organizer. The organizer may be preformed or customized with pre-cut holes or perforations in order to secure fragile or high-priced objects or goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Samuel Messinger