Abstract: A tray and slip sheet system for transporting aggregated bales of rubber that provides a manner for thawing rubber being transported, that prevents large rubber bales being transported from fusing together, and that does not damage or contaminate the packaged rubber when a forklift's forks are inserted between two stacked aggregated bales using the tray and slip sheet system. The tray and slip sheet system uses a tray sheet, a slip (when transporting more than one stacked aggregated bale of rubber), and a strap securing system. The tray and slip sheet system provides a system that defines an air recirculation system that allows the first two levels of bales of rubber stacked over the footprint to be defrosted in hot air chambers after winter transport. Systems not having ventilation slits do not allow the first two levels of bales being transported from being completely defrosted.

Abstract: A palletized load cover is disclosed. The cover includes at least one elastic strap which is held captive on the cover. Integral connectors are provided on each end of the strap and the connectors cooperate with a conventional pallet including at least two retractable belts which can be locked against further unwinding when unwound. Guides are provided on the cover to restrict lateral movement of the strap while permitting limited longitudinal movement of the strap. The connectors provided on each end of the elastic strap are operable to releasably lock with cooperating connectors provided on distal ends of the pallet belts. With the belt connectors locked to the strap connectors at each end of the strap, the belts are pulled so that the belt retracts and is locked against unwinding.

Abstract: A new and improved box protection apparatus includes a plurality of flexible straps for encompassing the box under tension, and a guide for receiving the straps and for orienting the straps with respect to the box. The guide includes a rectangular frame member which includes a plurality of slots for receiving the box-encompassing straps. A hinged lid is provided for covering the frame member. The frame member includes a first locking member, and the lid includes a second locking member whereby the frame member and the lid can be locked together. The frame member includes at least one handle. Buckles are provided for locking the straps under tension, and the buckles are covered by the lid when the lid is locked to the frame member. The box protection apparatus may also include an alarm assembly, connected to either the frame member or the lid, for sounding an alarm in response to unauthorized moving of the lid.

Abstract: A grape or fruit box includes a pair of laterally spaced, rigid ends, to which is secured a wrap assembly of paper overlay laminated veneer, extending substantially about the sides and bottom of the box. The ends are each formed with a groove extending from the right to left side of the end, and relatively closely adjacent the upper edge of the end. The groove extends parallel to the upper side of the end, and the lower edge of the groove is chamfered or bevelled along its entire length. The box lid or cover pad comprises a relatively thin and flexible sheet of laminated veneer or heavyweight paper. To secure the cover pad to the box, one end of the lid may be inserted in one groove of one end, and the lid then bowed upwardly in its center area, so that the opposite end of the lid may be located below the groove in the opposite end. By then pulling upwardly on that opposite pad end, the latter will snap into the groove, facilitated by the lower, chamfered edge of the groove.

Abstract: A box for containing goods such as fold-flat package blanks, comprises interconnected panels including a base panel, which has a false bottom. A bar is placed on top of the contents of the box; a flexible security strip extends between the base panel and its false bottom, runs around the goods and along the bar so that its ends meet in a position visible when the assembled box is opened, the bar being loosely secured to the security strip the ends of which are fastened by e.g. a clear adhesive seal.

Abstract: In a palletless load unit which includes vertically stacked layers, each of which contains plural articles, the improvement comprising a strap member perimetrically disposed locally and compressively engaging outer articles in the lowermost layer to create a substantially rigid support for the remaining layers. The method involves applying a strap tightly around the girth of the lower layer to establish the latter as the unitized support for the load during transfer movement between adjacent stacking and unitizing stations.