Abstract: A shock absorbing device includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion. The first arm portion is made of resin having a shock absorbing function. The second arm portion is made of resin having a shock absorbing function, and is jointed with the first arm portion at, at least two positions. The first arm portion includes at least one deformation portion. The second arm portion includes at least one deformation portion. A fitting space is formed between the first and second arm portions as a result of the deformation portions being deformed, a to-be-shock-absorbed article being held in the fitting space.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of fold lines defining respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the rigid panel and extends onto at least one of the folding side portions. The ends of the film material are connected to the rigid panel, with at least one end connected to one of the folding side portions. The folding side portions include patterned cuts defining tabs which separate the film material from the center portion when the folding side portions are folded away from the film material.

Abstract: A toy peripherally formed of flexible bubble packing material in a shape simulating an object defines an internal cavity that is stuffed with a plurality of relatively smaller pieces of comestible material such as candy to provide a three dimensional shape. The toy is destructible so that a user may gain pleasure not only by reason of ownership and manual manipulation as with any three dimensional toy, but also from manually popping the bubbles of the peripheral covering to create sound and provide an additional manipulative function and from opening the cavity of the toy to gain access to the contained and consuming the comestible. The toy is useful as a placebo in juvenile counseling, psychology, psychiatry and education to alleviate tension and introversion and to gain attention and establish a responsive communicative relationship with the toy user.

Abstract: A shipping protector for interposition between a shipping carton and an article being shipped for spacing the article within the carton, including a resilient buffer member and a buffer insert provided between the buffer member and the article.

Abstract: A unitary product cushioning device is provided for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container, and is formed of a moldable resilient plastics material. The device comprises a post structure, with a first closed end and a second open end, with the open end having a curved ridge formed at at least a first side of the post structure, and terminating in a container contacting flange at the end of the curved ridge remote from the open end. A portion of the curved ridge presents a product supporting surface; and a further portion of the curved ridge is curved in a direction outwardly and away from the post structure. There may be a container contacting surface near the closed end of the post structure.

Abstract: A corner post for protecting and cushioning large products such as appliances that compresses to a stronger shape than its original shape when the corner post and product are wrapped in clear plastic film. The corner post comprises beads formed along the vertical lengths of the inner and outer walls. When wrapped in plastic film, the beads lock together to form a stable structure that resists further compression while exerting an outward force on the plastic film to insure that the plastic film stays tight during shipping and storage.

Abstract: An inflatable cushion for surrounding a product to be shipped. The cushion is of a raft-like design having individual compartments adopted to be inflated. Provision is made to fold the cushion to provide upright sides and a top portion so that the cushion will conveniently surround the product on all surfaces.

Abstract: A dunnage bag includes a sealed, flexible bag, and a rigid valve assembly connected in fluid communication to the flexible bag. The valve assembly has a rigid collar which mounts in an opening in a wall of a container to receive an exit end of a fill nozzle of an inflating system which supplies pressurized gas for inflating the flexible bag.

Abstract: A modular reusable transport container system is described for safely transporting small or medium size satellites and other sensitive cargo. The invention incorporates shock and vibration isolation systems, environmental control systems, integrated power converters, battery backup systems, and monitoring systems.

Abstract: A packaging item is provided, wherein a resilient element supports, suspends and/or holds down an item or items to be shipped. The resilient element may be attached to a platform or strap flap of a relatively rigid sheet. For example, the resilient element may comprise a plastic film glued to a sheet of corrugated cardboard. The sheet may have different shapes, apertures, and/or item loading sites to accommodate variously shaped items. The packaging item may be an insert for a box or a shipping folder.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center portion and extends onto the folding side portions. At least one edge of the film is secured to one folding side portion. According to one embodiment, the free edge of the film carries a securing member for adjustably mating with one or more mating members on a respective folding side portion. Glue strips, or other securing members, extending along the side portions, are provided for securing one edge of the film material to the rigid panel and for securing the other edge of the film to the securing member. When the securing member is mated with the mating member, the objects will be held tight between the film and the center portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film.

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center panel portion and extends onto the folding side portions. Means, such as opposed glue strips extending along the side portions, are provided for securing the film material to the rigid panel and for cooperating with the folding side portions to tighten the film against objects between the film and the center panel portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film. The panel may include a fold line extending through the center panel portion for allowing the object to be inserted and secured beneath the film. The panel may also include openings into which projection on the folding side portions may be inserted to tighten the film. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embossed plastic sheet material is molded to have a relief image with a peripheral edge that is formed by a partial shearing of the material of the plastic sheet near or at the peripheral edge so that the image lasts longer and does not relax or deteriorate naturally or with repeated and prolonged use. Also disclosed is a protective container made from the embossed plastic sheet material that can be used in a carrying case and an album to safely store and transport valuable and collectible items including coins, bottle tops, pogs, optical disks, magnetic disks, audio and video disks and tapes, stamps, photographs, match books, and other similar items. An embossing roller assembly is also described that can be used to fabricate the embossed plastic sheet material.

Abstract: A suspension package includes end panels that are pivotably mounted to a base at opposite ends of the base. A product restraint such as a hammock is stretched across the end panels, and side panels are pivoted to the base on respective sides of the product restraint. At least one of the side panels includes an upper panel that can be moved into position between the end panels to hold the end panels substantially at right angles with respect to the base and to maintain the product restraint in tension, thereby suspending a packaged product contained in the product restraint above the base and between the end panels. The side panels can be configured to perform this holding function, either along with the upper panel or instead of the upper panel.

Abstract: A packaging bag for the packaging of articles comprises an envelope made of flexible material containing light weight, energy absorbing, compressible particles in a closed pack relationship, the envelope being sealed into an air tight relationship about said particles and evacuated to an air pressure significantly less than atmospheric pressure such that the particles are maintained in a non-free flowing condition by exterior atmospheric pressure. The bag can then be molded around an article, placed within a container for shipment. Thereafter, the bag can be reused with other articles by restoring its original shape and then molded around the other articles, even if differently shaped, as before.

Abstract: The packing protector is formed from an elongated strip of flexible cushioning material having an L-shaped cross section defining a vertical wall and a vertical wall. Transversal folding lines are provided in the strip to fold it in the shape of the packing protector. The folding line is formed by a groove spanning transversally on an inner side surface of the vertical wall. The groove is associated with a V-shaped folding cutout in the horizontal wall shaped to form two matching surfaces which are brought adjacent to each other when the strip is folded, thereby forming a unified wall. One of the two matching surfaces includes a male coupling interlockable with a female coupling in the other matching surface to keep the strip once folded in the form of the packing protector. A packing protector according to the present invention has the advantage of being easy and simple to ship to the user or purchaser in great amounts, as the unfolded strips can be easily piled up for the delivery.

Abstract: A reinforced paperboard box for storage and shipping of elongated items is described. The box is formed from a single piece of paperboard and may be rapidly assembled without the use of tools. The box comprises an elongated rectangular bottom panel, first and second joined side panels, a top panel, a front reinforcing panel and dividing partition all foldably joined at elongated edges and constructed to form a multi-level elongated box. The first side panel has a pair of abutting end panels foldably joined to either end, with a tab receiving panel and a locking panel foldably joined to either side of the end panel. The second side panel has a pair of end panels foldably joined to either end, that are locked in place by the locking panels and tab receiving panels of the first side panel.

Abstract: A corner support post having a first section of trapezoidal cross-section and a second section rectangular in cross-section. Both sections are formed by a single continuous wall structure with the rectangular section offset longitudinally and laterally from the smaller end of the first section with a right angular offset defined therebetween.

Abstract: An article packaging kit, system and method which includes a stiff sheet material (30), with a base portion (49), with a longitudinal fold line (32), and foldable, longitudinal, opposing end portions (35, 37), and a film tube containing (28) a sealable envelop for the insertion and sealing of an article (40). The article is inserted and sealed in the envelope of the film tube, and is immobilized by the film material of the film tube on the base portion of the sheet material.

Abstract: A wafer cassette retainer to be used in a wafer container including a box top with an upper inner side for positioning a wafer cassette therein. The wafer cassette retainer comprises: a fixed part, mounted on the upper inner side of the box top; and an elastic part, attached to the fixed part from below. The elastic part has several elastic plates, which form a rhomboid, and a lower side with a contact arc for contacting the wafer cassette. The elastic part is elastic against vertical deformation and is deformed by contacting the wafer cassette within the wafer container, thus holding the wafer cassette securely, independent of size and shape thereof, and absorbing shocks thereon. For increased elasticity of the elastic part, additional grooves are cut into inner corners of two opposite lateral joints between the elastic plates.

Abstract: A door guard for protecting a door assembly including a door frame and moldings positioned about a door. Guide channels are provided on the base of the door guard for receiving tightening straps to secure the door guard to the door assembly. Raised ridges are provided on the outer side panels of the door guard to receive the tightening straps and communicate tightening pressure to the door guard. A raised block is provided on an inside surface of the door guard to maintain separation of the moldings in response to the tightening pressure. A pad is provided on an outside surface of the door guard to cushion the end of the door assembly.

Abstract: A cushioning device for protecting corners and edges of an article when packaged in a box is provided. The device comprises a panel member having a plurality of panel portions with each of the panel portions hingedly connected to at least one adjacent panel portion. Cushioning is secured to at least one of the panel portions for cushioning the article wherein the panel portions fold into a three-dimensional receptacle forming an open corner cushioning device for protecting the corners and sides of an article. A securing mechanism on the panel member secures for securing the panel member within the box wherein the article is securable within the box.

Abstract: A storage box is provided for the safe-keeping of fabricated or semi-fabricated semiconductor wafers. This wafer storage box allows the wafers to be tightly secured in position when held in the storage box for storage or shipping without the possibility of breaking the wafers as in the prior art. The wafer storage box includes a receptacle member having a first piece of soft material such as anti-static sponge on the inside thereof, a holding member which is accommodated in the receptacle member, and a covering member having a second piece of soft material such as anti-static sponge on the inside thereof. When the covering member is mounted on the receptacle member, the first and second pieces of anti-static sponge are disposed on opposite sides of the holding member, thus pressing against the wafers to secure them in position in the storage box.

Abstract: A set of flat sheets of corrugated paper 101A, 102A, 101B, and 102B are provided. The flat sheets 101A and 102A can be folded into first and second packing elements 201A and 202A, respectively, and these packing elements 201A and 202A in turn can be assembled into a first packing 300A. The flat sheets 101B and 102B can be folded into third and fourth packing elements 201B and 202B, respectively, and these packing elements 201B and 202B in turn can be assembled into a second packing 300B. Then, the two packings 300A and 300B can be used, instead of conventional packings of Styrofoam, to hold opposed end portions or opposed side portions of a product 400 of a rectangular or similar shape that have different shapes. According to another aspect of the invention, other sheets 101C and 102C of corrugated paper can be prepared to produce other packing elements 201C and 202C, which in turn can be assembled into another packing 300C for holding one end portion or one side portion of a product of such a shape.

Abstract: A reinforced paperboard box for storage and shipping of elongated items is described. The box is formed from a single piece of paperboard and may be rapidly assembled without the use of tools. The box comprises an elongated rectangular bottom panel, first and second joined side panels, a top panel, a front reinforcing panel and dividing partition all foldably joined at elongated edges and constructed to form a multi-level elongated box. The first side panel has a pair of abutting end panels foldably joined to either end, with a tab receiving panel and a locking panel foldably joined to either side of the end panel. The second side panel has a pair of end panels foldably joined to either end, that are locked in place by the locking panels and tab receiving panels of the first side panel. The dividing partition is includes at least one pair of cuts and a series of perforations enabling the dividing partition to be folded inwardly so as to divide the interior space of the box into at least two compartments.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for use with a fuel pump filler gun having in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, includes a protective body. The protective body has an energy absorbing inner layer, e.g., upholstery material, surrounding a portion of the filler gun to protect the filler gun from impact forces. The protective body also includes an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer. The outer layer is harder than the inner layer so as to resist scratching, absorb the initial impact, and distribute the forces over the softer inner layer. The protective apparatus further permits attachment of the protective body to the filler gun or to a boot covering a portion of the filler gun. A spring can be provided between the filler gun and outer shell to absorb direct impacts, and ribs can be provided on the inner surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clam shell packaging arrangement having a base 12 which defines a receiving area 23. A cover 14 is further provided which engages in a sealing snap fit arrangement with the base 12. The base 12 and the cover 14 are connected by an integral living hinge 16 which includes a first hinge element 18 connected to the base 12 and a second hinge element 20 connected to the cover 14. The bottom wall of the base 12 defines a plurality of upwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 57. The cover 14 defines a plurality of cooperating downwardly extending integral plastic bubbles 59. The bubbles 57, 59 are resilient enough to cradle a product and flexible enough to secure the product in its position.

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

Abstract: A shock absorbing structure comprising a bladder having an undeformed shape and being constructed of a substantially gas impervious material. The bladders are filled with a resiliently deforming material, said material deforming in response to an application of force upon said bladder and returning to its undeformed shape upon removal of such applied force. The bladder being in communication with an air release member, to allow for discharge of air when said force is applied upon the bladder.

Abstract: An inflatable packaging assembly (10) comprising a container (12) and a flexible bag (28). The container (12) has a base (14) and a number of upstanding walls (16) extending from the base (14) to a container opening (18) for receiving and storing a package item (20). One of the upstanding walls (16) includes an aperture (26) passing through the wall (16). The bag (28) includes first (30) and second (32) bag panels having peripheral edges (34) sealed together to define an inflatable chamber. A bag opening (36) extends through a portion of the sealed edges (34) for receiving a fluid medium to inflate the bag (28). A filling valve (38) extends through the bag opening (36) and into the inflatable chamber. The filling valve (38) includes a flexible sealing port (40) and a filling tube (46). The filling tube (46) has a first end (48) secured to the sealing port (40) and a semi-rigid second end (50) extending out from the bag opening (36).

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment case with a metallic, self-supporting casing and an inner frame forming a reception space for equipment and components and which is fixed to the casing jacket by means of vibration-damping elements spaced from the casing. According to the invention a casing jacket comprising a single part is provided and its base and cover surfaces and vertical lateral parts are formed in a bending process. Angle bevels and a circumferential, front and back hollow section are formed on the casing jacket. The angle bevels are used for the vibration-damping reception of the inner frame, whilst the hollow section of the casing jacket, in the same way as an extruded section of the front and/or back cover contribute to the integral construction of the equipment case and to a particularly good accessory adaptation.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a type of structural improvement on keyboard packaging box, said keyboard packaging box comprising an integral cardboard that is cut, folded and assembled; including a bottom box and a top; the bottom box comprising of a bottom, front plate, rear plate and two sides; the side being composed of a first side plate, a second side plate and inner plates; the front plate being adjoined to a separating plate; said separating plate located in the middle part of the bottom box and gradually inclines upward; the keyboard and the armrest can be accommodated respectively below and above the separating plate; the connecting wire of the keyboard can be accommodated in the accommodating chamber formed by one side of the separating plate; by so design to achieve such effects as increased structural strength and better protection of the keyboard.

Abstract: A container (10) for shipping items, such as silicon wafers, rigid memory disks, photo masks, liquid crystal displays and flat panel displays, is disclosed. The container has a bottom (20) and a removable top (30). Mounted to the inside of the container are three cushions (50, 51, 52). When the cover (30) is in place, the cushions are centered on support lines (60) which are 120.degree. from each other. When so arranged, the cushions securely hold a plurality of items in a parallel, spaced-apart registration.

Abstract: A unitary spring system end cap packaging unit, for protecting a fragile article contained within a shipping carton, including a platform portion dimensioned to support at least a portion of a shock/vibration sensitive article, and a sidewall structure. The sidewall structure includes an inner wall with a distal edge joined to the platform portion, an outer wall and at least one spring system integrally joined to a proximal edge of the inner wall and an upper edge of the outer wall. The spring system spaces the inner wall from the outer wall. The spring system includes at least one flexible harmonic bellows forming a flexible ridge that has an arcuate shape along the length of the sidewall structure. The outer wall extends below the distal edge of the inner wall so that the platform portion is supported above the lower edge of the outer wall.

Abstract: A package container is disclosed which is for storing and transporting a blood vial in a secured position, the package container comprises a sheet of thermoplastic material formed into an envelope, a panel of bubble wrap material inserted into the envelope to form a first and a second pocket within the envelope, and a flap having an band of adhesive formed thereon for closing the envelope to close the pockets.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine for converting stock material into a continuous strip of a cushioning product. The machine includes a stock-preparing assembly which prepares the stock material; a stock-shaping assembly which shapes the prepared stock material into a continuous strip having a pillow-like portion and at least one tab portion projecting therefrom; and a tab-connecting assembly which connects the tab portion of the continuous strip whereby the pillow-like portion will maintain its pillow-like geometry.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for protecting fragile objects from breakage which utilizes a case formed from upper and lower portions having dimensions somewhat smaller than the fragile object to be protected which is used to encase that object and provide cushioning for the fragile object should it be dropped or jostled.

Abstract: A buffering pad for device packages is provided. The buffering pad is composed of a main member, a pair of lateral supporting members, and at least one protection member. The main member and the lateral supporting members are each formed by folding an integral piece of cardboard. At least one buckling piece is integrally formed either on the main member or on the lateral supporting member for fastening the protection member to the main member. Alternatively, a supporting glove is used to fasten the protection member to the main member. The protection member is a substantially U-shaped block which provides support and enforcement to the portion where it is fastened to.

Abstract: A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer, includes a bolster pressurized with a gas, and which provides a pneumatic spring in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolster being comprised of an inflatable bladder and a constraining non-expansible sleeve which acts as a corset for the bladder and permits inflation of the bladder to a pressure in excess of that which would cause ballooning of the bladder.

Abstract: The invention is an inflatable self sealing valveless fluid or gas container useable for a wide variety of applications including cushioning, package filler, mattresses, rafts and the like. The container is formed from one or more inflatable self sealing elements, each inflatable element being formed from a pair of inflatable cells. Each cell is formed from an inner and outer sheet of thermoplastic or other impermeable material, the sheets being sealed together at boundaries which define the inflatable cell. The inner sheets of each cell in the pair are sealed together such that the boundaries of the seal define a fill channel through which fluid or gas may pass between the cells. Apertures in the inner sheets of both cells within the fill channel allow fluid or gas to pass from the fill channel into both cells to cause inflation.

Abstract: A corner protector apparatus for providing protection for the corner areas of substantially flat, rectangular, parallelpiped structures is provided. The corner protector apparatus includes one or more pairs of corner protector structures cooperatively formed from a single blank of suitable shock absorbing protective material which corner protector structures are advantageously configured to be readily separated for deployment and positioning upon respective corners of such a substantially flat rectangular parallelpiped structure for the facilitated covering and protection of same.

Abstract: A packaging kit for the immobilization of an article to be packaged, which kit comprises a stiff sheet of material of defined width and length, sufficient to hold the article being packaged, having a base portion, the sheet material characterized by at least one fold line, extending substantially across the base portion, which permits the base portion to be folded inwardly, to receive an article to be packaged on the base portion thereof. The sheet material has a pair of spaced apart, opposite, end portions with outside edges, and with the end portions adapted to move the fold lines between a generally flat position and a folded position to immobilize an article on the base portion. A film material of selected dimensions and length, is used to cover at least a substantial portion of the article to be immobilized on the base portion, and having a one and the other end.

Abstract: A packaging, especially a machine-made container of paperboard, for instance for books. The packaging comprises four container surfaces and a projecting tab formed from a rectangular first blank having corresponding fold lines. The two remaining container surfaces consists of prefabricated hollow padding strips each of which is bonded by glue deposition at their undersides to the container bottom. After filling of the container, it is bonded by glue deposition at the top side with a closable cover having a free end that can be overlapped by a foldable projection firmly bonded to the projection using glue.

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

Abstract: A highly efficient impact absorber for protecting articles against destructive mechanical impact. The invention has special applicability to containers for flammable materials, scientific instruments, or other fragile mechanisms or articles which may be damaged or become hazardous when ruptured. The impact absorber comprises a layer or layers of expanded metal net made from magnesium alloy foil having a thickness in the range from about 0.02 to 0.50 mm. A preferred embodiment comprises a contained layer or layers of nested spheroids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium foil.

Abstract: A supporting structure for positioning a product within an outer shipping container takes the form of a plastic bladder shaped on one side to provide a cavity having internal dimensions matching external dimensions of the product and shaped on the other to have external dimensions matching internal dimensions of the shipping container. The air bladder may be either a vertical or a horizontal positioning elements and is typically used pairs within a single container. The air bladder is compact and can be discarded after use with minimal environment impact. In examples shown, the air bladder is of a plastic material such as polyethylene and is produced by blow molding, making it particularly suitable for disposal after use by a recycling process, thereby further reducing potential environmental impact.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is carrying case for protecting items. The carrying case includes an enclosure assembly having various sections, an air valve, an air pump and an attachment mechanism. Each section foldably connects to an adjacent section so that the enclosure assembly can fold from an open configuration to a closed configuration. The attachment mechanism includes a strap for holding the carrying case in the closed configuration. The air valve attaches to at least one section to selectively regulate air pressure in the section.

Abstract: A support for an article of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer includes plural bolsters pressurized with a gas, and which provide pneumatic springs in surrounding relation with side edges of the article, the bolsters being comprising of an inflatable bladder and a constraining non-expansible slave which acts as a corset for the bladder and permits inflation of the bladder to a pressure in excess of that which would cause ballooning of the bladder.

Abstract: A unitary container for securely packaging objects and protecting such objects from damage during transit. The unitary container is padded to provide protection to the object and is elasticized to be conformable to the shape of the object being packaged. The unitary container includes fasteners which may be releasable to permit reuse of the container and avoid waste.

Abstract: An article packaging kit, system and method which system includes a flat, corrugated, cardboard sheet material having a central horizontal fold line and two vertical fold lines to define a base and two end portion. The system includes a flexible plastic sleeve or tube which loosely fits about a portion of the base of the sheet material in the flat condition. The sheet material moves between a horizontal line folded position when an article to be packaged is inserted within the sleeve and a flat, article hugging, immobilizing position when the end portions are folded upwardly causing the base portion to become flat. The system includes optionally inserting the immobilized article on the folded sheet material into a packaging or shipping container.