Abstract: Matched and mated machine components, such as those on which the scrolls of scroll-type compressors are located, are fitted together, yet physically isolated from each other, by separators that are formed from corrugated paperboard. Each separator has a planar peripheral portion, which lies between and faces end surfaces on the mating components, and fingers which fit between the interfitting segments. The sets of mating machine components are placed on pads formed from paper honeycomb material, and these pads have pockets which receive one component of each set and prevent the components from shifting laterally. The pockets are derived by die cutting the honeycomb material through one of its facer sheets and then crushing the cells that lie within the cut. The pads with the sets of mating, yet isolated, components on them are stacked one upon the other. A tray lies beneath the stack and a cover fits over it and telescopes with respect to the tray to completely enclose the stack.

Abstract: A flexible protective article for engaging a surface of a product for protecting the product from shock during shipment comprising a member formed of a sheet of material of molded pulp having a substantially uniform thickness throughout. The member has a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart flutes formed therein of a substantially uniform thickness extending at an angle between 15.degree. and 75.degree. with respect to a first imaginary plane extending through the flutes and extending inwardly and outwardly with respect to the first imaginary plane. Each of the flutes in a normal unloaded position has first and second legs angled with respect to each other and terminating in an apex. The first leg has a first length and the second leg has a second length. The second length is less in length than the first length. The first and second legs extend at angles on the same side of a second imaginary plane extending perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and extending through the apex.

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 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: A mechanical filter includes a pouch with a double-walled envelope housing a shock-absorbing material in the form of a gel displaceable under pressure. The envelope, of selected geometry, is mainly formed of a thin film of synthetic thermoplastic material, whose physical properties are selected to prevent breakage during displacement of the gel.

Abstract: An article cradle (20) formed from a one-piece blank (10) has a bottom wall (22) and adjoining end (24) and side (40) walls. The end walls (24) have end wall flanges (26) extending therefrom. The side walls (40) have side wall flanges (46) extending therefrom. The end wall flanges are elongated and extend above (29) and below (28) the respective top and bottom edges of the end walls (24). The side wall flanges (46) are slightly elongated extending above (49) the top edges (48) of the side walls (40). The end walls and end wall flanges interlock with the side walls and side wall flanges to form an article compartment inwardly spaced from the outermost edges of the flanges.

Abstract: An internally pressurized fluid vessel, in particular for liquids and/or gases exerting pressure outwards from the container has a sandwich structure capable of withstanding the internal pressure. The vessel has an interior container, an outer jacket in which the container is positioned and a material filling the space between the container and the outer jacket.

Abstract: A storage apparatus of the present invention has an HDA of a storage portion, a box frame for containing the HDA and fixed to the HDA by bolts, and a protection box for incorporating at least the HDA and the box frame. A plurality of supporting members are arranged between the box frame and an inner surface of the protection box, so that the supporting members elastically support the HDA and the box frame in the protection box.

Abstract: A protective cover (7) that functions as a carrying case and a protective sheath. The cover (7) comprises an enclosure (13) for covering a portion of a rod (10). The enclosure (13) defines a space around the rod (10) and provides protection for the tip of the rod (10). A spacer insert (16) that opens in a hinged fashion surrounds a portion of the rod (10) and occupies the space between the portion of the rod (10) and the inside of the enclosure (13). The spacer insert (16) fits snugly inside the cover (7) to prevent excess motion of the rod (10) inside the enclosure (13) and to prevent the cover (7) from separating from the end of the rod (10).

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprising a cradle or carton insert onto which an article is bound by stretch wrap film. The packaging assembly further comprises a container which receives the cradle. A method for packaging an article using the packaging assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated packaging for protecting an object is disclosed. The packaging is foldable preferably from a single sheet to form a container having a plurality of side walls. The packaging also comprises two suspension platforms at opposing open ends of the container, each with at least one foldable spacer at an edge thereof. The spacers spaces each platform from a corresponding end of the container by a predetermined distance. The object is held within a flexible member which is suspended between the suspension platforms. Although the disclosed container may have open ends, it desirably has covers foldable from the single sheet to enclose the packaging.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having two sides and two ends positioned around a central opening. Two end panels are hinged at respective ends of the frame, and two side panels are hinged at respective sides of the frame. A product restraining hammock is mounted to extend between the end panels over the opening. In use the end panels are pivoted downwardly to tension the hammock and to suspend a product in the opening. The side panels are pivoted upwardly to space the frame array away from an outer container into which the suspension package is placed. The end panels may be shaped as tubular beams to provide increased bending resistance.

Abstract: A method for protecting a roll of pressure-sensitive paper and a package produced by the method uses bubble wrap and film to protect the roll of paper. The bubble wrap has a plurality of bubbles which permanently entrap air. These pockets of air in the bubble wrap cushion the roll of paper initially as well as over long periods of time.

Abstract: The invention teaches a hinged clip (10) comprising two arms (22), each arm having a free end (34) and an extension forming the other end, resilient bias means urging the free ends together, the extensions being movable towards one another against the force of the resilient bias means to separate the said free ends characterised in that the resilient bias means is non-removably secured to each arm. An edge protector for an article (14) having sides (16) joined by an edge (12) is also taught, as is the method of manufacture and use.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a frame having first and second opposed ends. Two C-shaped product restraints are mounted to pivotable flaps at respective ends of the frame. The product restraints extend around three sides of a product being packaged, and outward rotation of the flaps shortens the effective length of the product restraints, thereby tensioning the product restraints and suspending the product in place in the frame. A simple mechanism is provided for allowing a user to adjust the effective length of the product restraints. Another suspension package applies suspension forces only to two opposed lateral sides of the product, avoiding contact with the top and bottom surfaces of the product. Tensioning flaps can be oriented to pivot along a line in a plane parallel either to the end or to the sides of the frame.

Abstract: A specialized container is ideally suited to protecting electronic boards being transported from injury due to physical shock and electrostatic shock. The container consists of an outer shell and at least one insert. The outer shell and each insert can be made of electrostatic discharge protective corrugated fiberboard material. The outer shell is basically a rectangular prism, suitable for receiving a electronic board with a substantially rectangular base. A first insert is easily placed within the outer shell, consisting of a platform on which the board will rest and at least one resilient and compressible support member extending down from the platform to the bottom panel of the outer shell. To provide further protection for the board, a second insert may be placed on top of the first, with a tab extending downward from the second insert to a slit in the first insert platform. The board then rests on the platform of the second insert.

Abstract: A system for holding a fragile item includes a support panel which is dimensionally suitable for receiving the fragile item and has at least one opening passing therethrough. The system also includes at least one fastening device for selectively securing the fragile item to the support panel. The fastening device includes a fastener member, a fastener securing member and an item-attachment member. The fastener member has first and second end portions whereby the first end portion is formed to pass through the at least one opening in the support panel. The fastener securing member is formed to engage the first end portion of the fastener member so that the fastener member is retained in the support panel after being passed through the at least one opening of the support panel.

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 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 corrugated end cap for packaging electrical products includes a die-cut sheet of corrugated material having perforations, scores, cutouts and fold lines. The corrugated die-cut is foldable to extend a plurality of ribs and a pair of rollover shoulders. A first one of the shoulders is on a first side of the ribs and a second one of the shoulders is on a second side of the ribs. The shoulders are foldable to interlock with the ribs for forming an end cap including a cavity for engaging a portion of an electrical product. The cavity includes only flat bearing surfaces for engagement with the product. In this manner no edge portions of the material engage the product.

Abstract: A shipping protector for use along edges, corners or faces of shipped articles comprises a series of spaced lands with furrows therebetween. The furrows and lands define a herringbone type or otherwise angled pattern for preventing entry of articles into the rib regions. A banding saddle provides reinforcement in the region for receiving a banding strap and also assists the band in staying in position. The tactile surface of the protector assists in engaging with stretch or shrink wrap.

Abstract: An inflatable protective lining system for shipping containers includes a plurality of double wall inflatable chambers which are interconnected at their edges such that they can be folded to form an enclosure. An article to be protected is placed in the enclosure and the lining system is inserted into a shipping container. The chambers are then inflated via one or more elongate tubes to surround, cushion and protect the enclosed article within the container.

Abstract: A product suspension packaging device is described and includes a folder and a cradle, both formed from corrugated material. The folder is a unitary piece of corrugated, divided into two halves or frames. Each frame has a central opening therein. The two frames are separated by a cut line formed in the corrugated material. The entire piece of corrugated is encased in a heat-shrinkable, stretchable material. The article or product to be packaged is placed onto the stretchable material and the folder is folded in half, thereby completely enclosing the product between the two halves or frames of the folder. The folder may then be placed within the corrugated cradle, which serves to retain the folder within a corresponding corrugated shipping container or box.

Abstract: A package for storing and shipping a heavy object, such as a compressor for an air-conditioning system, includes a base formed from a rigid material and having recesses which receive feet at the bottom of the object and flaps which fold over the recesses and capture the feet in them, thus securing the object to the base. The package also includes a box having side walls and top and bottom walls. The base, with the object secured to it, fits into the box with the base against the bottom wall of the box and the object surrounded by the side walls of the box. A sleeve fits into the box between the base and the top wall and holds the base against the bottom wall. A tray fits within the sleeve above the object where it rigidifies the sleeve, enabling the sleeve to maintain its cross-sectional configuration, and further serves as a receptacle for accessory items.

Abstract: This is a container for the protection of an object during shipping. It is foldable (preferably from a single sheet) and forms a platform for supporting the object, which platform is separated from the exterior wall of the container by the use of at least one spacer panel attached to the edge of the support platform. The object is held firmly against the support platform in such a way that it too is spaced away from the container wall. Although the disclosed container may have open ends, it desirably has ends completing the enclosure that also fold from the beginning sheet.

Abstract: A packing structure for a container for containing semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The packing structure comprises a polypropylene box, and upper and lower pressing members for sandwiching the container for containing semiconductor wafers, wherein both the upper and lower pressing members comprise an olefinic resin.

Abstract: Resilient wraparound cushion packing elements which can be fitted around and between miscellaneous articles in a container, said packing elements having resilient properties capable of maintaining a continuing cushioning pressure around and about said miscellaneous articles sufficient to separate and protect them from injurious contact with each other or with the walls of said container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite cushioning system for protecting articles, packaged within a box, from damage while being transported in the box. The composite structure includes an expansion sheet of expanded slit sheet, in combination with a separator sheet. The expanded sheet has a slit pattern which produces open cells, preferably of a hexagonal configuration. The separator sheet precludes the nesting of legs and lands of the slit sheet with other slit sheet of the same slit pattern. A variety of combinations of separator sheets and expansion sheets can be used, such as a pair of expansion sheets with a separator sheet between the pair of expansion sheets, or two such pairs of expansion sheets, with or without a separator sheet between the pairs. The separator sheet can be unslit, or tear-perforated or slit to accommodate expansion. Where the separator sheet is slit, the slits preferably produce the same amount of expansion as produced in the expansion sheets.

Abstract: Packaging is provided for a trailer hitch receiver. The packaging includes an outer carton having four sidewalls and two endwalls and an insert received in the carton. The insert includes two pair of cooperating slots for engaging the trailer hitch receiver components. The insert is substantially rectangular in shape and engages all four sidewalls of the outer carton.

Abstract: A honeycomb protector for protecting the corners, edges or other surfaces of articles during shipping of such articles comprising self-locking honeycomb panels. In one embodiment, the protector includes first and second unitary panels separated by a channel about which the panels are foldable. The first panel includes a lip which fits into a slit in the second panel to connect and lock the first and second panels in position.

Abstract: A suspension package includes a base and first and second end panels. A hammock is stretched between the end panels, each of which is held in an operational position by a triangulating brace which extends from each end panel to the base and is removably secured to the base. Side panels are connected to the base to fold between a coplanar position and an operational position. When the side panels are in the coplanar position, the side panels and the base can be folded along a center fold to reduce tension on the hammock. Once a product is placed in the hammock, the side panels are moved to the operational position, perpendicular to the base. In the operational position the side panels prevent the base from folding along the center fold and thereby tension the hammock. The entire suspension package can be formed from a single piece of a suitable material such as corrugated paperboard.

Abstract: A hazardous materials container provides an enclosure for the transshipment of biological and other materials. The enclosure provides a portable, disposable, and/or reusable container. A first outside layer is constructed of a corrugated fiberboard. An inside lamination of reinforcing material, such as polyethylene terephthalate provides mechanical robustness to the container that meets new regulations for impact on such a container during shipment. Sections of reinforcing materials are recessed from the edges of the fiberboard. When assembled, the die-cut and bonded reinforcing materials provide a transportation container system suitable for shipping infections substances and other hazardous materials. The reinforcing materials permit fabrication of containers which protect the inner primary receptacles which are used to contain the transported materials.

Abstract: A storage unit, in the category of a cabinet, bookcase, locker and cubby, as provided which includes a frame defining top, bottom, and side walls to the storage unit. At least one shelf member and at least one shelf supporting member are received in the frame to divide the frame into separate storage cubicles or lockers. The frame is made from two blanks. A first blank forms the top and at least a part of the sides. The second blank forms at least a part of the bottom and may form a part of the sides. Each blank, as well as the shelves and shelf supports, are made from a core having upper and lower surfaces which are covered with a coating. The coating extends beyond edges of the blanks to define a channel which receives a finishing piece. Grooves are formed in the top blank to define bending points and separate the what will be the top of the frame from the sides of the frame. Shallower grooves are formed in the first and second blanks and define one guide channels for the shelves and shelf supports.

Abstract: A reusable container unit for flowable materials, having enhanced puncture resistance and leak containment characteristics, and being readily handleable by conventional fork lift or the like equipment, comprising a substantially closed and continuous first wall providing a containment vessel for flowable material, a substantially closed and continuous second wall providing a protective shell surrounding the vessel and spaced therefrom over at least a major portion of the outer surface thereof to provide protective spacing therebetween, spacer elements positioned between the vessel and shell for substantially maintaining the spacing therebetween, at least one aperture in adjacent portions of each of the vessel and shell and adapted to provide one or more access ports for of the vessel, individual closure devices for each of the apertures, a tubular wall extending between and connecting the apertures forming each access port to provide a conduit for the flow of materials into and out of the vessel.

Abstract: A case is disclosed for protecting small objects, such as glasses, by providing heat and breakage resistance. The case has an exterior pocket, with a drainage area; a protective case; and a liner. The exterior pocket consists a pocket flap, a body front, and a pair of gussets. The pocket flap is provided with closure means to secure the pocket flap to the body front. The protective case is a rigid, hollow, non-circular cylinder having one closed end and dimensioned to provide a friction fit within the pocket. The protective case can be formed from mirror image halves provided with sealing seams which extend at right angles to the cylinder and a first to break point. The liner is a hollow, non-circular cylinder manufactured from a non-abrasive, cushioning material approximately twice the length of the protective case. Optionally, the case is provided with a belt attachment loop to affix the case to a user's belt.

Abstract: A cushioned holder for a cylindrical container for a semiconductor wafer is formed of a stack of layers of a cushioning material that each have a rectangular opening for receiving the container; the layers are spaced from the box by several absorbers having a mirrored pyramidal frustum shape. The shape is easy to manufacture and it provides improved cushioning without increasing the space occupied by the layers.

Abstract: Packaging for shipping spent fluorescent tubes includes an external paperboard box lined with a plastic bag that encloses a pair of end pads positioned on opposite ends of an array of sleeves. The sleeves form discrete cells in which a spent fluorescent tube can be inserted for shipping. The end pads include foam that is pressed into the ends of the sleeves when the box is shut and confine the tubes to the sleeves in the event of breakage. The foam protects the plastic bag liner by accommodating electrical pins of the lamps and also clamps the lamps in relatively fixed positions while functioning as a shock absorber. The plastic bag is tied closed for shipping so that any mercury which issues from a broken lamp is largely confined to the bag. The packaging better retains mercury for disposition by a recycler, as opposed to release into the environment, and is arranged to serve the convenience of the user for encouraging recycling of fluorescent tubes.

Abstract: A multipurpose mailing envelope which consists of a combination of an outer jacket of biodegradable material such as paper, cardboard or the like, and an inner jacket of soft elastic plastic padding material which stiffens the outer jacket and which is disposed loosely therein. The inside surfaces of the outer jacket and the outside surfaces of the inner jacket are hydrophilic and have adhesion which precludes undesirable slipping during production and/or filling. The outer jacket and inner jacket are easy to dispose of after use and can be easily separated by hand as appropriate to the material involved.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting lamp bulbs such as a fluorescent tube includes a central housing assembly, a finger access port through which a finger can be inserted to partially push a retained fluorescent tube out of the apparatus is located on one end of the housing assembly and a first resilient or cushioning member located inside the housing adjacent the access port. A cap assembly is removably connected to a second opposed end of the central housing assembly. A compressible gripper assembly in the form of a resilient donut or ring is connected to an interior surface of the central housing assembly proximal to the first resilient member and has an uncompressed internal diameter which is less than an outer tube diameter of a fluorescent tube adapted to be retained in the apparatus by the gripper assembly. A filter member is provided coextensive with the access port between the first resilient member and the gripper assembly.

Abstract: A carrying case for a portable hard disk drive. The carrying case is particularly adapted to hold a hard disk drive that complies with the PCMCIA specifications. The case includes a cover that is pivotally connected to a base, so that the cover can be rotated between open and closed positions. Within the base portion of the case is an elastic insert which contains a slot that can receive a drive unit. The elastic insert is constructed to significantly dampen any shock load that is applied to the case and prevent damage to the drive unit.

Abstract: A packing device for semiconductor devices with lead terminals includes a packing box, partitions for separating a space in the packing box, and a cover. A conductive sponge used as a cushioned packing material is attached to the back surface of the cover. The semiconductor devices are placed in the packing box 3 with the lead terminals 2 facing upwardly. In this packed state, the conductive sponge is pressed against the lead terminals to collectively hold the semiconductor devices securely in the box. Thus, short-circuitting of the lead terminals is made to prevent gate of the semiconductor devices from breaking down as a result of electrostatic voltage.

Abstract: A cleated corrugated paperboard container is disclosed having a blank of corrugated paperboard scored to define panels for folding to define a container that wraps around a cast iron bathtub having a well with a rim surface and an apron extending along the side of the well from an edge of the rim. Cleats rigidly attach to the side edges of the panels to define a load bearing frame at the ends of the container.

Abstract: A package for protecting objects, such as cans of hazardous material, during shipment includes a box and inserts located at opposite ends of the box. Each insert includes a pad of honeycomb and a wrap surrounding the pad. The pad along one of its facer sheets is cut to define a region where the honeycomb is crushed and the facer sheet is depressed so as to provide a pocket in the pad. The wrap for that insert has an opening which aligns with the pocket. The ends of the object fit through the openings in the wraps and into the pockets of the pads. Thus, the crushed honeycomb of the pads serves as cushions which confine the object axially within the box, whereas the wraps confine the object laterally within the box. The pads extend into the corners of the box, but the wraps do not, so that impacts delivered to the corners are absorbed by the pads and are not transmitted through the wraps.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an article in shock-isolating, spaced relation to the walls of a container is provided. A support wall and a plurality of lateral support members define a partial enclosure for receiving the article. Corner support members secure the support wall and the lateral support members in the configuration defining the enclosure. Spacer support members extend from the lateral support members to position the article receiving enclosure in spaced relation away from the walls, the top and the bottom of the container, to provide shock-isolation for protecting the article supported, capped and at least partially received by the apparatus.

Abstract: A packaging for a photographic film cassette in which rotation of a spool causes a leader of a photographic film to advance outward through a passage mouth of a cassette shell. The packaging has a carton which contains the cassette shell. An air cell of a bubbled sheet holds one spool end on to the inside of the carton, and stops the spool from rotating while the cassette is contained in the carton. In a preferred embodiment, a port stopper is fitted to the port portions to close the passage mouth, and packaged in a shrink wrap. In another preferred embodiment, the cassette is packaged in a shrink wrap in a state where a spool stopper is engaged with the spool.

Abstract: The invention comprises a containerization system for packaging water soluble bags containing a hazardous chemical such as an agrochemical. The bags are placed in pairs wrapped in an overwrap in a vertical position inside an inner triangular shipping cell of an outer container.

Abstract: A system for confining articles in a container includes a flexible air impermeable membrane that is adapted to overlie articles in the container and can be pneumatically and forcefully draped over the articles in the container to hold them in place. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the membrane is in the form of an enclosed bladder which can either be inflated against the articles in the container or drawn against the articles by a vacuum drawn around the bladder. Pour spouts and pressure dispensing spouts are also disclosed for use in certain embodiment of the invention whereby liquids can be confined in the bladder and dispensed at either ambient pressures or elevated pressures. The bladder further defines means by which a coolant can be placed in the container and retained in a segregated relationship relative to the other articles in the container.

Abstract: A reusable container unit for flowable materials, having enhanced puncture resistance and leak containment characteristics, and being readily handleable by conventional fork lift or the like equipment, comprising a metallic, substantially closed and continuous first wall providing a containment vessel for flowable material, a metallic, substantially closed and continuous second wall providing a protective shell surrounding the vessel and spaced therefrom over at least a major portion of the outer surface thereof to provide protective spacing therebetween, spacer elements positioned between the vessel and shell for substantially maintaining the spacing therebetween, at least one aperture in adjacent portions of each of the vessel and shell and adapted to provide one or more access ports for of the vessel, individual closurer devices for each of the apertures, a tubular wall extending between and connecting the apertures forming each access port to provide a conduit for the flow of materials into and out of the

Abstract: A package for fragile articles is disclosed and comprises a container that forms a solid polygon and two suspension frames in the container. Each of the frames are formed of a plurality of upright side panels and have at least one dimension that substantially spans and abuts the interior of the container so that each frame is prevented from moving in the container. At least two of said side panels are parallel, and each of which forms an arch, so that the arched parallel side panels are opposite one another. A resilient membrane is attached tightly to the edges of the side panels of each frame, and extends from the base of each arched side across the rise and span of each arched side. The frames are positioned in the container with the membranes in face to face relationship for holding an object suspended therebetween.

Abstract: A disposable packing for flat glass plates can stack the plates for transportation in standard containers. This disposable packing has lateral wooden upstanding posts which rest against the internal walls of the standard container. By using wedges, the upstanding posts are inclined with respect to the internal walls of the container. The angle of inclination between the post and the floor of the container is obtuse. The posts are attached at their base to supporting boards affixed to the floor of the container. The boards have the post affixed to one face while the other face of the boards has a flexible cover. The glass plates are visible at their periphery. The posts have cushioning strips of styropor or plush, for example. A central V-shape space is formed between the packages resting on the post.