Abstract: Stemmed glassware separators including a plurality of separators. Each of the separators have a T-shaped upper portion and an arcuate lower portion. Each of the separators are slidably disposed within a hanging wine rack between two wine glasses hanging therefrom.

Abstract: A package includes a cavity having a series of cavity slots transverse to the cavity's longitudinal axis. These slots permit a pair of stop plugs to be positioned to receive products of different lengths. Each stop plug has four lateral lugs for engaging the cavity slots to resist linear and rotational displacement of the stop plug. Each plug has bottom, end, and side walls to isolate the product end from the cavity. In addition a pair of fingers extending from the stop plug elastically grips the product to further restrain product movement. The fingers can flex to accommodate different sizes of products. A retainer snaps onto the cavity to close it. The retainer includes a retainer stop at each end that extends into the cavity and prevents the retainer from shifting even if the retainer is lifted due to product pressure against the retainer during shipping. The retainer also includes a pair of product restraints extending into the cavity to limit motion of the product toward the retainer.

Abstract: A novel flat tubular plastic flutter valve for filling adjacent thin film evelope chambers into which it is peripherally sealed, as for cushioning and protecting items to be shipped within folder-over chambers, and in which the valve is notched to divide from a common external fluid (preferably air) filling inlet into a pair of independent flutter valve outlets one extending into each of the adjacent chambers and diverging from one another along the notch; the flutter valve preferably having low impedance characteristics imparted by a push-in and withdrawable fluid-filling block and stems that enable ready deflation and re-inflation of the chambers. The valve is also useful with other chamber bladder configurations, including undivided single chambers, among others.

Abstract: A video cassette package insert is formed of a continuous strip of plastic, preferably in an hourglass configuration. The insert has spaced parallel end walls and concavely curved side walls and has a length and width substantially equal to a VHS cassette and is slidably placed within the hollow interior of an outer cardboard display sleeve. The sleeve includes identifying information on its outside surface about a recorded program on a video cassette to be contained therein. The frame walls are inclined to increase the stiffness and to enable a plurality of the inserts to be stacked in a nested relationship for shipment and storage. The sleeve may be wrapped in clear plastic after placement of the insert therein for subsequent display on a rack.

Abstract: A paper buffering material for pre-packing an electronic product which can replace the conventional foamed polystyrene resin. The buffering material includes a paper panel of predetermined width and shape, which has a plurality of grooves in predetermined portions thereof to fix and support the electronic product and a plurality of ribs on both surfaces of the panel to buffer external impacts.

Abstract: A formed piece comprises a substantially cylindrical outer surface layer of sheet material extending along a longitudinal axis of the formed piece from a first end to a second end of the formed piece, and inner layers of sheet material within the outer surface layer randomly arranged and creating air gaps between at least a portion of the inner layers. The surface layer and inner layers of sheet material are twisted around the longitudinal axis of the formed piece and along the length of the longitudinal axis.

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: Loose fill packaging material consists of elements (21) having a central liner (15) and a corrugated medium (17) on both sides of the liner. The element is made from fibreboard material. A method is disclosed of making the element by securing together the liner of a folded sheet of single faced corrugated fibreboard or securing together the liners of two sheets.

Abstract: A filling material for use in filling hollow spaces in packaging or the like comprising one or more pieces of flexible paper material. The paper material has a plurality of individual slits formed in parallel spaced rows extending transversely from one end of the paper material to the opposing end of the paper material. The slits in adjacent alternate rows are positioned adjacent the interval space between adjacent slits in the adjacent parallel row of slits. The flexible paper material is expandable by extending the opposing ends of the paper material which are parallel to the rows of slits whereby the slits form an array of openings, each opening being generally hexagonal in shape and of the same size. The length and width of the flexible filling paper material can be varied. The construction of the flexible paper filling material provides it to be easily stored in the non-expandable position and easily expanded for use in filling hollow spaces in packaging.

Abstract: A tubular dunnage element or paperboard or the like has a tucked or heart-shaped radial cross section, and a slanted axial cross section. The element may be compressed by opposed inward forces along any line through the center of the element. The element is suited for use as a loose fill packing material. Serrated edges cause the elements in a bed to catch on one another, resisting the tendency of a packed article to migrate through the bed to a wall of a container under the influence of vibration occurring during shipment.

Abstract: A one-piece blank which is folded to provide a shroud is used in conjunction with a bottom tray and securing mechanism to form a display case for enclosing an array of packages. The one-piece blank or shroud formed thereby includes a central top panel and a pair of side panels hinged thereto so that when the side panels are bent along the hinge lines to form the shroud the side panels are located adjacent respective opposed side faces of the array of packages. The blank or shroud also includes a pair of opposed projecting portions hinged to each side panel with a central hinge line therein to define a reinforcing panel and a leg panel so that when the reinforcing panels of each pair of projecting portions are bent back onto the associated the side panel the leg panels are bent perpendicular to the reinforcing panels to come together and to form a leg which is inserted laterally into the side face of the array of packages.

Abstract: A free-flowing dunnage packaging material formed from individual dunnage elements which are individually constructed from small sheets of paper, such as small paper squares, with the sheets being preformed into cup-like configurations so that such material, when used to fill a space or region between an article and a surrounding confinement, possesses sufficient strength to permit safe but cushioned support of the article.

Abstract: A void filler device for use in staggering or spacing apart items, such as paper rolls, during shipment includes a plurality of L-shaped members made of laminated paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic or other like suitable material. Each of the members has a first leg and a second leg which is angled approximately 90.degree. relative to the first leg. The first leg includes a plurality of spaced slots, which extend approximately half of the width of the first leg, by which the members interlock with each other to form an open-cell construction that is expandable and collapsible. The void filler expands and collapses by the members moving relative to each other.

Abstract: A container assembly is adapted for holding at least one plastic bottle which includes a capped top and a side handle with an upwardly facing flat area adjacent the handle. The assembly includes a container having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls spanning the top and bottom walls. The side walls have a height greater than the height of the bottle so that the capped top of the bottle is spaced from the top wall when the bottle rests upright on the bottom wall. A bracing structure is positioned within the container in abutting interengagement between the flat area of the bottle and the top wall of the container to maintain the capped top of the bottle spaced from the top wall of the container.

Abstract: Arranging a group of articles to be packaged so as to include a space for the insertion of a different article. All the articles except one are arranged in upright position. The one article is positioned on its side, between other articles. This creates a space above the one article into which a different article is inserted prior to packaging the articles in a multipack carton.

Abstract: An expanded cushioning material for packing or packaging is in the form of a filled cylinder. The cylinder is formed from a spiral of an essentially flexible, extended sheet material. The flexible material, in its unexpanded form, has a plurality of spaced parallel rows of individual slits extending transversely from one end of the sheet material to the opposing end of the sheet material. Each of the rows have interval spaces between consecutive slits. The slits in each row are positioned adjacent the interval space between consecutive slits in the adjacent parallel row of slits. The sheet is expanded by extending the sheet in the direction normal to the parallel to the rows of slits to form an array of openings, generally similar in shape and size. The cells include inclined land areas and legs. The land areas of adjacent spiral layers are nested and interlocked and fill the interior of the cylinder.

Abstract: A void filler device for use in staggering paper rolls during shipment includes a housing member which generally surrounds an inner core. The housing member has a top wall, a bottom wall, and side walls which are attached to the core, and is octagonally shaped. The top and bottom walls of the housing include fold lines around which the walls are folded to collapse the void filler device. The inner core member includes a plurality of flat boards made of laminated paperboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic or other like suitable material. Each of the boards has spaced notches along its length and the boards are interconnected with each other along the notches to form an open cell construction that is expandable and collapsible. The top and bottom walls can include apertures therein for ensuring that the paper rolls are properly aligned.

Abstract: This invention is directed to loose fill packing material comprising clean, elongated strips of paper formed from sheets of corrugated cardboard by an apparatus which comprises a shredder device operative to convert the sheets of corrugated cardboard into paper strips for discharge onto a perforated conveyor movable between a loading position at the shredder device and a discharge position where the paper strips are emptied into a collection hopper. A suction housing is mounted at the outlet of the shredder device in position to substantially enclose the conveyor so that a suction can be drawn over the paper strips to remove dirt, dust and other foreign materials therefrom after which the cleaned paper strips are transmitted by the conveyor to an angled sifter plate having a plurality of openings which are sized to allow undesired, short strips of paper to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Coils for use as cushioning, such as dunnage, made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and when used as dunnage are randomly oriented to provide cushioning for packaged articles.

Abstract: Industry-standard COT/TAB integrated circuit part carrier frame members are receivable into a shipping tube member in a stack which rests at one end on paired retaining pins and at the other end is retained by a closure member of the shipping tube. As so disposed in the shipping tube, the carrier frames are securely held with virtually no risk that they will slip out of place within the shipping tube. The shipping tube member includes side walls which define plural pairs of apertures spaced along the length of the shipping tube so that: the paired pins may be relocated to adapt the shipping tube to various shipment sizes. The remainder of the shipping tube remains empty to reduce both the cost of carrier frames conventionally used just as filler, as well as reducing shipping costs by eliminating the weight of these filler carrier frames which are shipped empty.

Abstract: Flowable loose packing dunnage is formed from paperboard into three dimensional particles of various shapes. Also, an apparatus for forming the dunnage employs two vertically aligned arrays of toothed, untoothed and/or cutting wheels through the nip of which paperboard segments pass and by which they are shaped into dunnage particles. Further, in a method of forming the dunnage particles, strips of paperboard are cut into segments which are formed into three dimensional shapes. A method of protecting a packed object surrounds it with the flowable loose packing dunnage made of paperboard in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A method for leveling a pallet load includes providing at least two pallets and a predetermined combination of containers and void fillers. The combination of containers and void fillers are placed upon a first pallet that has generally flat, horizontal top and bottom surfaces. The combination of containers and void fillers defines a horizontal plane upon which a second pallet, which has generally flat top and bottom surfaces, is stacked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-density material element for use as protective packaging. The material element consists of a multi-layered body of a corrugated material which is lined on one of its sides. Thus the neighboring corrugated layers lie adjacent one another with a common lining layer without interlocking with one another and without being compressed. The multi-layer body has an extension length (L, E) which is in a direction perpendicular to both the corrugation extension direction and the layering direction. The multi-layer body is characterized in that it is held together with a singly positioned fixation. This singly positioned fixation functions to allow neighboring corrugated layers to lie loosely adjacent one another without being compressed. Furthermore, the singly positioned fixation allows the corrugated layers to be slidable relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the corrugation extension (S) on being bent in a plane towards the body material.

Abstract: A roll riser for use such as in staggering paper rolls during shipment generally includes first and second deck sheets each having inner and outer sides, a fold line along the edge of the core and a fold line along its midpoint, and are connected together by an open-celled core. The roll riser is collapsible along the fold lines for shipment to the user or for storage so as to occupy a relatively small amount of space and then expanded by the user for use. In a first embodiment, pressure sensitive tape is secured to the inner sides of the sheets and when the roll riser is in an expanded configuration, the tape adheres to the core. In a second embodiment, pressure sensitive tape is secured to the outer side of the first sheet and when the roll riser is in an expanded configuration, the tape is adhered to the outer sides of the first and second sheets. In each embodiment, the tape causes the roll riser to remain in the expanded configuration so as to prevent the roll riser from collapsing.

Abstract: A molded plastic overwrap tray is disclosed having a base and first and second sets of opposed sidewalls. The base and sidewalls define a food retaining chamber. The upper edges of the sidewalls define an upper plane of the tray. The upper edges of one set of opposed sidewalls have first and second pairs of opposed indentations for receiving the respective opposed ends of a pair of spaced-apart support bars. The support bars have an upper surface defining a plane substantially parallel to the upper plane of the tray, whereby an overwrap on the tray is supported by the upper surface of the support bars to minimize sagging of the overwrap and prevent the overwrap from coming in contact with food in the food retaining chamber. The support bars also assist in maintaining the engaged opposed upper edges substantially parallel to one another to reduce distortion and breakage of the tray when the overwrap is tightly stretched thereover.

Abstract: A package for a surgical device such as a stapler is described. The package includes a top portion, a bottom portion, sidewalls which define a cavity that receives the stapler, bearing surfaces to abut the stapler and a flexible cover. The package also includes a conformable member situated between the cover and the stapler which deforms about the stapler to hold the stapler relative to the package when the cover is attached to the top portion, and which is released from the stapler when the cover is removed from the top portion.

Abstract: A packaging material composed of cellulosic fiber, a softener, water, and, optionally, a water soluble binder. The biodegradable packaging material is prepared by a process of admixing cellulosic fiber, a softener, water and, optionally, a water soluble binder to form a slurry, and admixing a blowing agent with the slurry to form a pulp. The pulp is formed into a shaped material and dried.

Abstract: A collapsible void filling apparatus (10) with at least one multiple elongate hollow rectilinear member (14, 16, 74 80) arranged in side by side relationship to form a body (21) for insertion into a void (24) between stacks of cargo (12) in a freight vehicle to prevent shifting of the cargo with overlapping, reinforced, cross support walls (23, 30, 31), a locking member (50) insertable from the end of one of the hollow members to a locking position which prevents collapse of the void filler body (21) during handling while allowing a clear view through the hollow member and which also functions as a handle for use in inserting the void filling apparatus (10, 10', 10", 10'") into the void (24) and tab members (56, 58) for holding the locking member (50) in the locking position (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Chips of cardboard, in particular of packing cardboard, which are formed by cutting flat, preferably used packing cardboard lengthwise and crosswise, and the bulk volume of which is increased by copings and/or bent-over portions and/or peaks and/or recesses are provided, as is a packing unit comprising a wrapper, loosely filled at least to a substantial proportion with the bulk packing material made from a web of paper, in which the wrapper is formed by the web of paper shaped in the manner of a helical roll, the adjacent, helically extending long edges of which web are joined overlapping one another, and in which the wrapper is closed at both ends in the manner of a sack, and as is a process in which the cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, is comminuted (cut) and is deformed to increase the bulk volume of the chips forming the packaging material, as well as an apparatus having a device for comminuting cardboard, in particular packaging cardboard, having one lengthwise and one crosswise cutting unit

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

Abstract: Package stuffing material is formed by rolling strips of relatively rigid paper stock to cylindrical bodies. The strip is rolled so that the outer longitudinal edge is adhered to the outer surface of the cylinder while the inner end hangs free. The inner end extends between a 90.degree. to 180.degree. arc along the inner wall and when the cylindrical is pressed its edge engages the wall substantially limiting the degree of distortion.

Abstract: A container package for shipping and storing handling-sensitive items. The container package is constructed of clear flexible plastic sheet material and includes a matingly engageable pair of top and bottom half container half portions. Each container half portion includes a plurality of reversible snap domes disposed along the outer surfaces thereof which are movable between a first convex outward position and a second concave inward position upon depression. When depressed into the container package, the snap domes engage underlying portions of an enclosed article or occupy vacant space and thereby restrain the enclosed article from movement in the vertical and lateral directions. In one embodiment, the container half portions are formed as support tray members connected together in clam shell fashion for containing a printed circuit board. The plastic material is provided with additional electrostatic dissipation protection in accordance with known techniques.

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

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

Abstract: A container for shipping, storing, or displaying articles which has an inner protective flap (10) and outer protective flap (12) that fold to enclose an article. The interior of the container is composed of a nesting spacer (38) which is enclosed by a primary protective layer on both top (46) and bottom (40), and a secondary protective layer on both top (12) and bottom (44). These layers act as protection for the article and as a means of support for rigidity of the container.

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

Abstract: A device, system and method for preventing unwanted movement or shifting of drums or containers stored in groups of two or more. A core member is positioned intermediate, among or between the drums or containers and at least one pressure exerting member or strap is utilized to urge the drums or containers inwardly into direct abutment with the core member. The core member may be specifically configured such that the individual drums or containers will nest or seat firmly against the core member. The pressure-exerting member may comprise any suitable type of pressure-exerting apparatus or article including strap(s), band(s), plastic shrink wrapping, cable, chains, etc. . . . The core member may be formed in multiple segments or may be specifically configured to accommodate tapered, angled or odd shaped drums or containers having sidewalls which are not perfectly vertical.

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

Abstract: First and second abutments are arranged in a biased spaced relationship relative to one another within a container to provide for the packing and densifying of a plurality of card plates and the like within the container to prevent haphazard positioning of the cards within the container structure.

Abstract: A system is provided for packing, shipping and automated unloading of stacks of box blanks so as to minimize damage to the box blanks and facilitate the insertion of the box blanks into an automated packaging machine. A fitted shipping case, filled with stacks of box blanks and upper and lower inserts, has a plurality of holes in its upper and lower flaps for cooperating with an automated unloading machine. Inserts enclosed in the shipping case minimize damage due to shifting of the box blank stacks, provide added resistance against case failure during transit, and cooperate with the automated unloading machine to facilitate removal of the box blank stacks from the shipping case.

Abstract: A component having a virtually rectangular force-displacement characteristic line and comprising an elongated polymer foam block (1) of rectangular cross-section having sides a and b and having a recess (2) of width d and depth c extending along the entire length of the block on one side, said dimensions satisfying certain equations.

Abstract: A restraining device (10 or 10a) adapted for holding slide carriers (14) immovable in magazines includes a top wall panel (34), at least two horizontal pleated panel sections (36a-36d), and a bottom wall panel (38) all joined together to define a hollow bellows-type structure.

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

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

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

Abstract: An expandable load spacer having a suspension strip fixedly attached to a generally honeycomb, cellular void filler is disclosed for use between stacks of articles of freight in, for example, rail cars and other shipping vehicles or containers. The load spacer substantially eliminates the hour glass effect generally experienced in suspended dunnage devices, while at the same time significantly reducing the amount of sheet material required in the manufacture of those load spacers.

Abstract: A carton for holding several cigarette packs is made so that it generally resembles and functions like a conventional hinge lid cigarette pack. The carton is made from an integral blank including innerframe panels and outer member panels, all arranged in a single side by side series. When the blank is folded to make the carton, the innerframe panels are positioned inside the appropriate outer member panels. The blank also includes top and bottom tuck flap panels which can be closed in order to close the carton after the innerframe panels have been folded inside the outer member panels as described above. A particularly preferred method of making up the carton is shown. The consumer opens the carton by pivoting an upper portion of the outer member up and to the rear just as with a conventional hinge lid cigarette box. The innerframe interferes somewhat with this lid motion, thereby helping to keep the lid closed as in a conventional hinge lid cigarette box.

Abstract: A unitary dunnage device for use with a "singled out" pallet unit being transported within a van, trailer or container. The device includes a pair of void fillers, each being dimensioned and configured to fit within a respective lateral void, existing between the pallet and the container's sidewalls. The void fillers are structurally united and supported in spaced horizontal relation by a suspension structure. The suspension structure has a median portion overlying the pallet unit, and end portions extending from the sides of the pallet unit to the container's sidewalls. The void fillers are attached to and depend from the underside of a respective end portion.

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

Abstract: A void filler (14, 16) especially suited for filling large volumes is made from first and second panels (18, 20), each panel having a core (26) sandwiched between face sheets (22, 24). The core is typically a corrugated honeycomb core so that the panel is stiff, strong and yet lightweight. The panels each have generally horizontal upper and lower edges (30, 32) and generally vertical first and second (34, 36) edges. The panels are connected at a hinge (44) along their upper edges. A limiter (50), attached at or near the lower edges, limits the movement of the lower edges away from one another so the panels can move from a flat, storage condition to a use condition, exhibiting a generally inverted V-shape. Two void fillers can be hingedly connected to form an M-shaped void filler assembly (2).