Configured For Article Patents (Class 206/592)
  • Patent number: 6868969
    Abstract: A packaging container is formed from preformed, rigid base and cover units of U-shaped cross-section. The case unit is configured so that its side walls fit within and are embraced by side walls of the cover unit when assembled as a container. The side walls of the base and cover units have a plurality of straight-cut slits in their side walls, creating a plurality of flaps and allowing both the base and cover units to enclose randomly shaped objects. A single unit packaging container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Michael D. Loeschen, Ian Brooks
  • Patent number: 6840381
    Abstract: One or more unique hinges are provided within panels of a fragility packaging article for use in retaining one or more fragile articles within a container (e.g., a corrugated box). The unique hinges provide predicted deformation paths that assist in protecting one or more fragile items stored in the container. One of the unique hinges is a diamond shaped hinge that provides at least two predicted deformation paths. Other unique hinges of the present invention includes a gusset hinge, a step hinge, and a v-hinge, each of which provides at least one predicted deformation path. The predicted deformation paths reduce permanent deformation and provide for improved overall cushioning, thereby increasing protection of fragile items and significantly reducing damage that may occur to the fragile items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: RSVP Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Stephens
  • Patent number: 6805241
    Abstract: A protective packaging device for a shock sensitive product being shipped or stored in a rectilinear outer packaging container comprises a product receiving cavity having product contacting walls and a product supporting platform. A base portion located below the product receiving cavity has two pairs of deflection elements extending diagonally away from the corners of the cavity towards external outer packaging container contacting corners, and bottom outer packaging container contacting lips at the bottom of the base portion. The distances between adjacent pairs of outer packaging container contacting corners are substantially equal to the internal distances between adjacent pairs of corners of the outer packaging container. The deflection elements are adapted to flex away one from another, and the bottom outer packaging container contacting lips are adapted to spread away from one another, under shock loading conditions. Thus, shock protection is provided in three mutually perpendicular directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 6793076
    Abstract: A glass bottle protective enclosure (10) designed to protect a glass bottle (100) in the event the bottle is subjected to an impact shock. The enclosure is provided with a leak-proof seal and is particularly adapted for protecting glass bottles (100) containing toxic injectable medication. The enclosure (10), which is preferably made from a transparent plastic, consists of a lower bottle container (12) which includes a base (14) and a plurality of shock absorbing protrusions (30), which are located to allow a bottle label to be clearly visible, on the base (14) is located at least one sensor cavity (120) into which is inserted an enclosure leakage sensor (122) consisting of either a water soluble sensor (124) or an electronic sensor (126). Both of which provide an indication if a bottle leakage occurs. To complete the enclosure (10) the container (12) includes a threaded bottle container cap (36) which includes a plurality of cap shock absorbing protrusions (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Ziping Luo, Jack Yongfeng Zhang, Frank Z. Xia, Rong Zhou, Denny R. S. Ko
  • Patent number: 6789678
    Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile article comprising an outer sleeve and an inner article receiving structure. The inner structure comprises an inner sleeve having a first pair of opposed side walls secured to a first pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve and a second pair of opposed side walls spaced apart from a second pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve. The inner structure further comprises a first bridging closure panel hingedly connected to one end of the inner sleeve for movement between an open position where the bridging closure panel allows the inner and outer sleeves to collapse into a flat form and a closed position where the bridging closure panel forms a first brace structure between one of the second pair side walls of the inner structure and the adjacent one of the second pair side walls of the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Patent number: 6786334
    Abstract: A unitary product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container, together with co-packaged accessories to be placed also in the same outer packaging container is formed of a moldable resilient plastics material. Shock absorption protection and impact protection from the co-packaged accessories during shock loading conditions in three mutually perpendicular directions is provided. A a product supporting region is defined by walls and a product supporting platform, and is surrounded by flexible shock absorbing spring transition sections arranged inwardly of outer container contacting walls. A void is formed beneath the platform, which is ribbed so as to provide a further barrier to protect the shock sensitive device from impact or contact from any co-packeged accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 6769547
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-layer air cushion packing material whose buffer is made of more than two layers formed into one entire layer. The main pad is installed with several raised buffering pieces. The bottom pad is piled up inside the inner pad with several raised arcs on the back board. Between the main pad and the bottom pad is the inner pad with several raised arcs on the back board and the radian of each raised arc is less than that of the buffering pieces on the main pad. With the closely piling between the buffering pieces and the raised arcs and the assistance of the air chamber, the packing material made of two or more pairs of the buffers provides buffering function through the airtight air chamber formed by the piled layers, which in turn achieves better shockproof effect and protects the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Hui-Nan Yu
  • Publication number: 20040140243
    Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an article within an outer container includes a frame having a main portion for receiving the article, and a pair of side legs and a pair of end legs foldably connected to the main portion for supporting the main portion. The main portion includes a series of foldable members, the foldable members in a first group being pivotable about axes extending in a first direction and the foldable members in a second group being pivotable about axes extending in a second direction different from the first direction. In one embodiment, the main portion may include a panel for supporting the article, and at least one flexible film for connecting the panel to the frame. A pair of these packaging structures may be arranged in confronting relationship within the outer container so that the article being packaged is held in place between the support panel in one packaging structure and the support panel in the other packaging structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Sealed Air Verpackungen GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Roesel, Christof Hammerschmidt
  • Publication number: 20040108238
    Abstract: A shipping carton with a ramp system which is integrated into the packaging in a unique way which facilitates positioning of the ramp system for use while also facilitating storage of the ramp system during shipment of the product enclosed within the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Edmund Maresh
  • Patent number: 6742655
    Abstract: A cushioning member formed by stacking a plurality of sheet-like cushioning materials and surrounding the periphery of the cushioning materials with a sheet-like member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Kasakura
  • Publication number: 20040084349
    Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert. The specific product which prompted the invention is a toner cartridge for a printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: David F. Kari
  • Patent number: 6705469
    Abstract: Reusable one-piece, foldable, elongate, protective shipping container element formed to conformably-receive and support a product of predetermined size and shape. The container element includes a central, product-receiving section united to opposed end sections by means of transverse hinge areas adapted to be pivoted up and over the central section to form a top cover portion over a product received within the central section. The central section and end sections are formed with upwardly-extending spaced projections of predetermined contour, dimension and location, corresponding to the exterior size, shape and contour of a product to be contained, to receive and supportingly engage the product within the container when the end sections are pivoted up and over the central section to closed position into at least partial engagement with the product supported within the central section. The insert preferably is associated with an outer carton and is supportingly-received therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: John Slot
  • Publication number: 20040020820
    Abstract: One or more unique hinges are provided within panels of a fragility packaging article for use in retaining one or more fragile articles within a container (e.g., a corrugated box). The unique hinges provide predicted deformation paths that assist in protecting one or more fragile items stored in the container. One of the unique hinges is a diamond shaped hinge that provides at least two predicted deformation paths. Other unique hinges of the present invention includes a gusset hinge, a step hinge, and a v-hinge, each of which provides at least one predicted deformation path. The predicted deformation paths reduce permanent deformation and provide for improved overall cushioning, thereby increasing protection of fragile items and significantly reducing damage that may occur to the fragile items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas Stephens
  • Patent number: 6685026
    Abstract: A container which is formed from a one-piece blank so as to define a pair of side wall structures which support a fragile article in spaced relation from all external sides of the container. The side wall structures are folded so as to form generally tubular configurations which define respective elongate channels disposed in opposed relation with one another on opposite sides of the container. Opposite edges of the article are inserted into the respective channels so as to be spaced from the top, bottom and all sides of the container to provide protection against impact, for example during storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Arvco Container Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Hanna
  • Patent number: 6685025
    Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the inert. The specific product which prompted the invention is a toner cartridge for a printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Fidelity Container Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Kari
  • Publication number: 20040011691
    Abstract: A one-piece protective insert comprising a plurality of laterally-aligned chambers each configured to fit a stack of fragile items, such as edible cones. Each chamber is formed by the union of a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a back wall and a top wall. A top flange and side flanges may be connected to the protective insert. In packaging multiple cone stacks, a protective insert is placed in between a first row of cone stacks and a second row of cone stacks, such that the top wall of each chamber of the protective insert is positioned above the open end of the cone stacks in the second row and each of the cone stacks in the second row fits within one of the chambers of the protective insert. This packing method is repeated for all successive rows of cone stacks within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Autler, Carl Meier
  • Patent number: 6675970
    Abstract: A cushioning support member and a fabricating method thereof, in which a container main body can be constituted by using one piece of corrugated cardboard. The container main body can function simultaneously as a cushioning material which produces a cushioning effect for protecting contents from an external force, and the cushioning support member includes a polygonal bottom surface portion, a plurality of side surface portions formed continuously on sides of the bottom surface portion, and a plurality of supporting piece portions formed on at least two side surface portions of the plurality of side surface portions. The bottom surface portion and the plurality of side surface portions and the plurality of supporting piece portions are formed by one corrugated cardboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiko Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20030234207
    Abstract: The invention provides a packing article where a packing cost and a transportation fee can be kept low and a buffering function is further enhanced. The invention provides a packing article including: a packing box; a lower-side buffering member to provide packing including a concave portion, which is located at the lower side of the packing box, and which locates an item to be packed in the center; an item to be packed, located in the concave portion of the lower-side buffering member to provide packing; and a partition member located on the upper side of the item to be packed and a storing member, which is located between the partition member and the upper surface of the packing box, and which stores an attached part and/or an instruction manual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motomu Koike
  • Patent number: 6666334
    Abstract: A packing box has a bottom surface formed double by folding flaps 11 through 14 extending downward from respective four side surfaces 1 through 4 such that mutually-opposing flaps are folded in a pair. Cushioning members 31 through 34 are individually disposed at four corners of an inner bottom of the packing box. Smaller flaps 51, 52 are formed in the flaps 11 and 12 which constitute an inner bottom surface of the double bottom surface. Notches 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b are formed in the smaller flaps 51, 52 to come into contact with the corresponding outer shapes of the cushioning members 31, 32, 33, and 34 when the smaller flaps 51, 52 are raised. By raising the smaller flaps 51, 52, the cushioning members 31 through 34 are held between the side surfaces 1 through 4 of the box and the notches 51a, 51b, 52a, and 52b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhiko Fujii
  • Publication number: 20030213725
    Abstract: The invention provides packages that keep articles to be packaged from losing sufficient shock-proof property when the articles to be packaged are dropped while the trend of compactness and light weight of electronic apparatus is advanced. The package can include a container, a lower-package buffer member, an article to be packaged, and a storing member. The lower-package buffer member is placed on the lower surface side of the container, including a concave area provided in the center thereof to place an article to be packaged therein, a skirt portion provided at the periphery of the concave area so as to surround the concave area, and a plurality of protruding ribs provided under the lower surface of the concave area so as to enhance shock-buffering effect. The article to be packaged can be placed above the upper surface of the concave area of the lower-package buffer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motomu Koike
  • Publication number: 20030209464
    Abstract: A packing case for an image forming apparatus, comprising: a first packing member 5 for packing an image forming apparatus main body 1 including a reading section 11 having a scanner unit for reading a document image, an image forming section 14 having an image forming unit 12 for forming an image according to image data 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 containing toner to be supplied to the image forming unit 12 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. This packing case enables a decrease in the overall size of the packing case and a reduction in the cost of the packing case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuka, Yoshiaki Sanada, Kouichi Mihara, Haruko Yoneda
  • Publication number: 20030205498
    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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Jeffrey Jay Miller, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Christopher Michael Turner
  • Publication number: 20030173249
    Abstract: The present invention relates a cushioning support member and a fabricating method thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Eiko Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20030116468
    Abstract: A three-piece novel package structure comprises a box-shaped frame and a pair of holding elements. Each of the holding elements has a pair of flaps at its opposite ends that will be sandwiched by a pair of retaining covers between the retaining covers and the sidewalls of the frame. The retaining covers may further have tongues to engage with slots provided on the holding elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Charles P. Schwester
  • Patent number: 6557706
    Abstract: A bottomless battery container for transporting and storing batteries is constructed of side panels and end panels. Each side panel is provided with an integral cushion assembly defining cutouts for battery terminals and battery filling caps. Each cushion assembly has a plurality of parallel score lines allowing it to be folded into a rectangular form having a top section, and end section and a bottom section with cutouts on the bottom section and an end section being adapted to receive battery filler caps and battery terminal posts. A glue panel extending from the bottom section is fastened to the interior upper portion of the side panel. When the container is assembled the outer walls of the end section of each cushion assembly abut each other with the dimension of the width of the cushion assembly being about one half the width of each end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Interstate Container LLC
    Inventors: Douglas B. Bowers, Howard R. Coulter
  • Patent number: 6527116
    Abstract: A combination of a carton and a plurality of containers. The carton comprises side walls and end walls to form a four-sided enclosure having a bottom side and a top side. The side walls and the end walls have major and minor bottom flaps which form a bottom wall closure extending over the bottom side. The second side walls and the end walls have major and minor top flaps which form a top closure to provide a six-sided enclosed space. A first insert is disposed in the enclosed space and extends over the bottom closure and is supported by the bottom closure. A plurality of containers is disposed within the enclosed space and engages the first insert. A second insert overlies and engages the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Regale Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Patent number: 6520337
    Abstract: A unitary product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container is formed of moldable resilient plastics material. It has an outer container contacting wall at each side which is intended to contact an outer packaging container, and a flexible shock absorbing spring section at each such side. A product supporting region is bounded by outer product supporting region defining walls, inner product contacting walls, an upper ridge between them, and a product supporting platform. Shock absorption support for a shock sensitive product is provided in at least two of three mutually perpendicular directions; most embodiments, including end pieces, end caps, trays and covers, and corner pieces, provide shock absorption protection in three mutually perpendicular directions. The structure is usually thermoformed, but may be otherwise molded from a suitable resilient and moldable plastics material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20030024851
    Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile article comprising an outer sleeve and an inner article receiving structure. The inner structure comprises an inner sleeve having a first pair of opposed side walls secured to a first pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve and a second pair of opposed side walls spaced apart from a second pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve. The inner structure further comprises a first bridging closure panel hingedly connected to one end of the inner sleeve for movement between an open position where the bridging closure panel allows the inner and outer sleeves to collapse into a flat form and a closed position where the bridging closure panel forms a first brace structure between one of the second pair side walls of the inner structure and the adjacent one of the second pair side walls of the outer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Publication number: 20020189970
    Abstract: A package cushion member includes an upper pad 10 and a lower pad 20 from which a plurality of upper-pad hollow projections 15 and a plurality of lower-pad hollow projections 25 project so as to surround a storage space for a projector 50, and also adopts a reinforcing pad 30 having bottom-protecting hollow projections 31 which are in contact with recesses 22 of the lower pad 20, and side-reinforcing hollow projections 35 which are inserted halfway into the lower-pad hollow projections 25, when the reinforcing pad 30 is placed under the lower pad 20. This makes it possible to reliably prevent an outer case of a packed object from being broken even when the outer case is easily distorted at the center portion in the thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Motomu Koike
  • Publication number: 20020152727
    Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a back section secured to a seat section that involves the steps of: (a) removing the back portion from the furniture; (b) placing at least one protective shipping sleeve over an edge portion of the back section; and (c) inserting the back section with the at least one sleeve and the seat section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the back section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve postioinable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Marc A. Levin, Barry L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 6467619
    Abstract: A compact, multiple halogen bulb storage container used to temporarily hold and protect a plurality of halogen bulbs. The container includes an outer, rigid box with a closable lid. Disposed inside the rigid case is an insert designed to hold a plurality of halogen bulbs in a spaced-apart, longitudinally aligned configuration. The insert may be made of elastic or rigid foam material that completely fills the inside central space in the rigid box. In one embodiment, the bulb receiving spaces are aligned on the top surface of the insert holder insert so that the bulb may be horizontally aligned and vertically inserted in to the bulb receiving space. In a second embodiment, the insert is longitudinally aligned in the rigid case with the bulb receiving spaces longitudinally aligned inside the bulb holder. The bulbs slide through the end of the bulb receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Corey Leen, Teresa Leen
  • Patent number: 6431361
    Abstract: A flat sheet of box material has fold lines demarcated thereon for forming the sheet into a rectangular box for containing and protecting articles. Inflatable air pouches are secured to portions of the sheet which become the inner walls of the top, bottom and sides of the box. Air passages communicate the pouches with each other and an air vale enables simultaneous inflation of the pouches after the box has been filled and closed. Assembly of boxes at factories or elsewhere is facilitated as it is not necessary to insert liners or add other cushioning material at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Aeropak, LLC
    Inventor: Alon Wolf
  • Publication number: 20020092783
    Abstract: A device to prevent damage to a musical instrument from impact, shock, impingement, contact, and abrasion, which comprises a relatively rigid, resilient shell, a compressible lining, and straps as a means of attaching the device to the musical instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Christopher Henry Banner
  • Patent number: 6415920
    Abstract: A container has a wall member; a front panel; and a rear panel generally parallel to and spaced apart from the front panel. The front and rear panels are connected about their peripheries to the wall member which extends between the front and rear panels to define a volume. The rear panel, the front panel and the wall member is a unitary, blow molded member including a generally rigid shell, and a plurality of flexible membranes each of which has a periphery and a surface. The periphery of the flexible membranes is bonded to the generally rigid shell. The surfaces of the flexible membranes are separated from the generally rigid shell to form a plurality of unbonded areas between the surfaces of the flexible membranes and the generally rigid shell. Air is contained within the unbonded areas, thereby forming a plurality of air pockets between the flexible membranes and the generally rigid shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: 500 Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo M. B. Tiramani, John A. Bozak, Soohyun Ham
  • Patent number: 6412635
    Abstract: An item to be packaged which has at least a first substantially planar surface is positioned within the carton, also having at least a first substantially planar exterior carton surface such that the plane of the item to be packaged is non-orthogonal to and non-parallel with the plane of the carton exterior. In one aspect, a substantially parallelepiped-shaped item is rotated about one, two or three orthogonal axes for placing in a carton which may itself have a substantially parallelepiped exterior shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Torence Lu
  • Patent number: 6405873
    Abstract: The invention provides a packing method using pulp mold which can be easily disposed of and recycled, and which has high mechanical strength. A packing method, wherein a top pad 1, with a recess and a protrusion, and a bottom pad, with a recess and a protrusion, are positioned so as to oppose each other in order to accommodate a delicate item to be protected therebetween. A reinforcing pad, with a protrusion which is brought into contact with the bottom pad, is also used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Motomu Koike
  • Patent number: 6405866
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Teac Corporation
    Inventor: Seibi Arima
  • Patent number: 6398029
    Abstract: A packaging assembly is disclosed in which an article is supported in a suspended position in an outer container during shipping. The article is sandwiched between a pair of cushions, each cushion including a noninflated central web and a pair of inflated sidewalls and end walls. The sidewalls and end walls of the bottom cushion project away from the central web downwardly and outwardly toward the bottom edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the upper cushion project away from the central web upwardly and outwardly toward the top edges of the outer container. The sidewalls and end walls of the two cushions together define flexible arches which project in all of the orthogonal directions of the outer container, protecting the article against an impact force in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Brian Kent Farison, Kenneth P. Chrisman, Drew O. DaHarb
  • Patent number: 6390296
    Abstract: The protection of items such as preassembled cabinets, furniture, major appliances or electronics against damage during shipping is a problem that has been approached in many different ways throughout the years. Manufacturers desire to pack their products as inexpensively, both in materials and labor, as possible while providing a maximum of protection against potential damage. This has typically entailed packing an item snugly in a preassembled carton, protected by systems such as styrofoam edge protectors. This procedure can, however, be quite awkward, especially with larger items such as furniture or cabinets. The present invention, however, offers a packaging system which can be built around the item to be packed, easing the packing procedure by employing a spacing lip along the lower edge of the bottom spacing pads which allow a packing sleeve to easily fit between the spacing pads and a bottom packing tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Marty L. Griffith, Alan T. Biggs
  • Patent number: 6382422
    Abstract: A packaging system and a method for packaging a family of products. The packaging system may comprise a top cushion and an identical bottom cushion. The top and bottom cushions may interchangeably be placed on the top or bottom side of any of the products in the family. The packaging system may further comprise a plurality of side cushions adapted to be placed on the sides of a product. The side cushions have at least one break-away portion, allowing them to be utilized on any of the products in the family, whether the product is comprised of one, two, or three or more units. Each of the cushions have interlocking portions adapted to securely, removably interlock the top cushion and the bottom cushion with the side cushions to form a packaging unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Patricia R. Bocek
  • Patent number: 6371632
    Abstract: A detachable pendent lamp for easy packing assembly includes a die cast pan having a base bulb casing mounted thereunder, a plurality of light chandeliers detachably and outwardly extended from the pan wherein each light chandelier has a bulb connector mounted on an outer end thereof, a lamp shade detachably attached to the bulb connector, a hanging means for hanging the pendant lamp from a ceiling base to the pan, and a plurality of connecting wires integrally connected to the light bulbs, whereby the pendent lamp is packed in a packing container having a pan cavity provided at a center thereof for receiving the pan therein. The detached light chandeliers and the hanging means are placed inside the pan, and a plurality of shade chambers encirclingly mounted around the pan cavity for disposing the lamp shades therein, so that the container has a height slightly larger than a height of the pan for saving the packing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Danny Lavy
  • Publication number: 20020033347
    Abstract: A display support or mount for shoes includes a first portion for supporting a first shoe of a pair in a generally upside-down orientation to enable display of a sole of the first shoe. A second portion of the display mount supports a second shoe of the pair in a different orientation. The two portion of the shoe display support are connected to one another. The first portion of the shoe display support includes a substantially planar panel or surface for engaging an ankle lip or rim of the first shoe and further includes an inclined panel coupled to the planar panel for engaging a metatarsal or upper portion of the first shoe. In addition, the first support further includes a substantially vertical panel or wall connected at least indirectly to the planar surface and the inclined surface. The vertical panel or wall serves as a stop or arrest holding a respective shoe from sliding off of the inclined panel or surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: BCNY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: M. Bruce Cagner
  • Publication number: 20020023857
    Abstract: A unitary product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container is formed of moldable resilient plastics material. It has an outer container contacting wall at each side which is intended to contact an outer packaging container, and a flexible shock absorbing spring section at each such side. A product supporting region is bounded by outer product supporting region defining walls, inner product contacting walls, an upper ridge between them, and a product supporting platform. Shock absorption support for a shock sensitive product is provided in at least two of three mutually perpendicular directions; most embodiments, including end pieces, end caps, trays and covers, and corner pieces, provide shock absorption protection in three mutually perpendicular directions. The structure is usually thermoformed, but may be otherwise molded from a suitable resilient and moldable plastics material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 6340087
    Abstract: A packaging device (1) including a flap retention arrangement (30). The packaging device incorporating the flap retention arrangement (30) includes a panel (22) and a flap member (26). The flap member (26) is connected to the panel (22) and adapted to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the panel (22). The flap retention arrangement (30) includes a retention member (33) and a capture element (37). The retention member (33) is mounted on one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22) while the capture element (37) is located on the other one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22). Regardless of which portion of the flap retention arrangement (30) is mounted on one of the flap member (26) or the panel (22), the retention member (33) and the capture element (37) are situated so as to make contact with each other when the flap member (26) is moved to the second position. This contact retains the flap member (26) in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Dell Products, LP.
    Inventors: John William Bridges, Nancy Shubeck Romano
  • Patent number: 6318552
    Abstract: A multiple compartment, wheeled computer carrier and business case includes three separable compartments which are hinged together along their bottom edge one to the other with the center compartment for carriage of a personal computer and the side compartments comprising elements for carrying files and for carrying various other business items. The case is wheeled with a telescoping handle and further includes a carrier handle as well as a strap. A reinforcing gusset connecting the bottom of the separate compartments facilitates the security of the carrier case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Travel Caddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Godshaw
  • Patent number: 6305539
    Abstract: Shipping and storage container for laptop computers which generally includes a one (1) piece exterior portion, preferably fabricated from corrugated cardboard, an inner protective base insert and an inner protective cover insert, both of the protective inserts preferably being fabricated from a material which provides cushioning and protection, most preferably a protective foam type material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: C. W. Sanders, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010030141
    Abstract: A cushioning member formed by stacking a plurality of sheet-like cushioning materials and surrounding the periphery of the cushioning materials with a sheet-like member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Kasakura
  • Patent number: 6298989
    Abstract: A package case includes an upper and a lower case, but only a lower case can be used independently, having air cushion effect. The package case can have a thin upper case, the rear and the bottom portion can be completely or half sealed, and then directly placed in a carton tightly. The package case cannot produce gas explosion or vibration even in case of sudden shock by increasing thickness of material or forming holes when completely or half sealed. Further the package case has various projections, tabs, recesses for space for air flow in case of shock, and the bottom is also formed with various structure to contact or suspend an object to be packed. The contact places are strengthened with reinforcing means in conjunction with various foldable recesses to increase cushion effect for protecting the object packed from damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Cheng-Kang Chu
  • Patent number: 6290057
    Abstract: A bottle shipping structure made of molded fiber having two tray portions. The first portion is folded along a hinge line, and placed within a carton, defining multiple bottle receiving portions for engaging the bottle heel portions, maintaining the bottles in spaced positions away from the bottom and sides of the trays, as well as maintaining the bottles in spaced relation to each other. The second portion is folded along a hinge line and placed within the carton, over the top, neck ends of the bottles. Neck engaging finger members grab the bottle necks and limit movement thereof. Centrally within the bottle receiving portions, the bottles are held spaced away from contact with the tray portions, to prevent the likelihood of the bottle labels from becoming damaged by abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Western Pulp Products Co.
    Inventor: Richard B. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20010020595
    Abstract: The invention provides a packing method using pulp mold which can be easily disposed of and recycled, and which has high mechanical strength. A packing method, wherein a top pad 1, with a recess and a protrusion, and a bottom pad, with a recess and a protrusion, are positioned so as to oppose each other in order to accommodate a delicate item to be protected therebetween. A reinforcing pad, with a protrusion which is brought into contact with the bottom pad, is also used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Motomu Koike