Abstract: A method, a palletizing sleeve, and a hand truck are provided for preparing a plurality of shipments of goods and transporting each shipment to one of a plurality of delivery destinations. The method includes determining the goods for the shipment, virtually building an optimized stacking configuration of those goods, physically building the stack based on the optimized configuration, transporting the shipment to a pre-determined delivery destination, and unloading the shipment at the delivery destination. The palletizing sleeve includes a base and a vertical wall that cooperate to support and stabilize a stack of goods that make up a portion of the shipment. Standoffs on the sleeve base provide openings to accept forks from the hand truck so that the hand truck can engage the sleeve from underneath the base. A fork height adjustment system selectively adjusts the fork height relative to the bottom of the hand truck.

Abstract: A fan housing and mounting system, including vent duct connector, that facilitates installation of a fan in a rough opening in a wall or ceiling, the housing having a first tab extending from the distal end of the wall and a second tab extending from the distal end of the wall, the first tab sized and shaped to engage a first side of the wall or ceiling, and the second tab sized and shaped to engage a second side of the structural member adjacent the rough opening to attach the housing to the wall or ceiling. A vent duct connector utilizes a novel notched flange to engage the housing in restricted installation spaces.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a frame profile of a rack for a switching or distribution cabinet, which forms a vertical and/or horizontal profile of the rack, consisting of a plurality of profile sections, which at least in part fit into each other, in order to form an open or closed hollow profile, with the additional features: at least one first profile section which has a plurality of attachment openings, wherein a first surface of the profile section determines an exterior assembly plane; by at least one second profile section a sealing plane for sealing of the inner area of the rack is defined; the outer assembly plane is displaced by the sealing plane to the inner area of the rack; and the attachment openings of the first profile section point away from the inner area of the rack.

Abstract: A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.

Abstract: A camera assembly comprises a lens assembly supported on a support structure, wherein the lens assembly includes an autofocus actuator arrangement and the camera assembly includes an optical image stabilization assembly arranged to move the lens assembly in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis. A flexible printed circuit tape connected between the support structure and the lens assembly and providing an electrical connection to the auto-focus actuator arrangement is bent around a corner, thereby allowing the flexible printed circuit tape to accommodate the motion of the lens assembly perpendicular to the optical axis. A crimp plate connected to the lens assembly which crimps shape memory alloy wires has features extending out of the plane of the crimp plate for reducing flexibility. At least part of the optical image stabilization assembly overlaps the lens assembly in the direction along the optical axis, thereby reducing the height of the camera assembly.

Abstract: The present invention describes an assembly of magnets to be coupled to oil filter case to attract ferrous material. Oil filter case [20] takes the shape of a cylinder. Magnet [22] has two poles and one of the poles is coupled to the side of oil filter case [20]. A steel member [24] is provided to couple only the other pole of the magnet [22] with the oil filter case [20]. The steel member [24] comprises a pivot unit [26] that couples the pole of magnet, a pivot extender [28] which couples the pivot unit [26] and a bridge [30] that couples the pivot extender [28] with oil filter case [20]. The magnet assembly directs the magnetic field from outward pole towards the oil filter to create a pseudo horse shoe magnet effect.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device can include a clip member including a first end and a second end. The first end can be configured to attach to cooking device and the second end can be configured to engage a handle member of the cooking device. The clip member can be configured to be positioned in a handle position where the clip member can be configured to hold the handle member in a substantially fixed position relative to the cooking device when in the handle position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adapter for increasing exterior dimensions of a post mount support block includes a base having two sides that meet to form an angle of approximately ninety degrees, two legs, wherein each of the two legs extends from an outside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, and two flanges, wherein each of the two flanges extends from an inside edge of a different one of the two sides of the base, such that each of the two flanges is positioned in a substantially parallel orientation relative to one of the two legs.

Abstract: A system for securing at least two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units stacked on each other for transportation includes corner brackets on at least the four corners of the lower unit and between the units. Each corner bracket has a banding channel, a plank-receiving channel, and a plurality of protrusions on a top side. The brackets are banded in place using the banding channels. On each longitudinal side, planks are used to extend between corner brackets to help control the loads and to distribute the loads. The corner brackets may be made from a synthetic material and the planks from wood or wood-like material. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A post for supporting trays of a container comprises a plurality of panel sections including a first panel section. The panel sections form first and second corners positioned adjacent to one side surface of the first panel section and that end up at the interior of the post. The upper trays are desirably supported by the interior corners and also by portions of the panel sections that form the interior corners and by a portion of the first panel section to thereby enhance the support provided to the upper trays. Two of the posts can be positioned together in face to face relationship to form a center post for supporting upper trays. Selected panel sections desirably have upwardly extending locking tabs and cross member support receiving slots. Containers comprising plural trays and such posts are also described.

Abstract: The reusable packaging box includes a bottom unit that has a receiving space in which a product may be received, a lower body and an upper body that are provided to each have a box shape with open top and bottom to be coupled to a top of the bottom unit, and a lid that has a receiving space in which the product may be received and is coupled to the top of the upper body. Each of the bottom unit, the upper body and the lower body, and the lid is formed of a material that may absorb an impact and thus may perform both a function of absorbing an impact and a function of packaging an outside of the product.

Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products is provided. The packaging system comprises a plurality of vertically stacked trays for holding the products and corner posts extending between vertically adjacent trays for spacing and supporting the trays. The corner posts and trays are locked together in a number of ways to strengthen and stabilize the system. The system is strong enough not only to support the weight of the products on the trays and withstand the vibration and impact forces that can occur during shipping, but to withstand the weight of one or more units stacked on top.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting stacking of a top heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit on top of a bottom HVAC unit. The apparatus includes a base member configured to mount to a top cover of the bottom HVAC unit. The base member comprises an upper base portion with a top surface configured to receive at least a portion of a base rail of the top HVAC unit. The apparatus further comprises a stacking insert extending away from the base member. The stacking insert has one or more sloped surfaces extending above the top surface of the upper base portion. The top surface extends from a base of the one or more sloped surfaces in a plane substantially parallel to the top cover, when the base member is mounted to the top cover of the bottom HVAC unit.

Abstract: An edge protector is provided for protecting an edge or corner of an article. The edge protector includes a cushion insert having an inner surface adapted to engage the corner of the article, and an outer surface provided with a pair of spaced apart retaining elements. A reinforcing body has an inner surface engaged against the outer surface of the cushion insert and a pair of spaced apart outer edges retained by the retaining elements of the cushion insert.

Abstract: A wear pad for insertion between a load to be lifted and a lifting device, such as a chain or wire cable of a crane, hoist or other lifting device, containing a cylindrical-shaped edge protector with a cut out section and raised edges on the outside surface of each cylindrical end of the edge protector, which edges extend around the circumference of the edge protector. The wear pad may further include an attachment element for attaching the edge protector to the load being lifted by the lifting device, such as a magnet.

Abstract: Orchard bins for the retail food sales industry have special corner members and joining brackets that allow assembly without the use of tools, and also permit disassembly for storage. The connector system for interconnecting two panels together has a connector member with a first surface for positioning on one panel vertical strip and a second surface for positioning on a second panel vertical strip. The first surface and the second surface of the connector member each have at least one cleat aperture thereon, and at least one cleat is provided for attachment to the first panel vertical strip and at least a further cleat for attachment to the second panel vertical strip, the cleats positioned to engage the cleat apertures in the first and second surfaces of the connector member.

Abstract: A paste bin is disclosed in which the combination of self locking corner irons enable both the elimination of straps utilized to hold the containers together as well as the relatively complex pre-strapping assembly. Accordingly, self locking corner irons are placed on the off pallet sides of the container with two such self locking corner irons being on either vertical side of the off pallet side of the bin. Each of these corner irons consists of eleven gauge (1/8 inch) steel strips bent at 90.degree. to form two longitudinally extending side capturing edges. The vertical dimension of the self locking corner irons is slightly less than all of the height of the sides. On the off pallet side, the edge of the corner irons includes punched intermittent annular inwardly protruding male flanges. These inwardly protruding annular male flange are for receiving the heads of flat head machine screws for permanently fastening the self locking corner irons to the off pallet sides.

Abstract: An edge protector for protecting goods having at least one edge against damage of the edge by a strap wrapping the goods comprises a force-distributing member for distributing a force applied by a wrapping strap to goods wrapped by the strap in such a manner as to protect the edge from damage by the strap. A spring clip connected to the force-distributing member and engageable with the strap secures the edge protector to the strap. The clip comprises a proximal portion attached to the force-distributing member and a distal portion spaced apart from the proximal portion and adjacent to but detached from the distal portion.

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 foot assembly is disclosed which is attachable to a box in order to simulate a pallet. The foot assembly includes a base having a foot extending outwardly from one side of the base. The opposite side of the base is secured to a lower corner of the box. With one foot assembly attached to each lower corner of the box, the foot assemblies space the bottom of the box upwardly from the ground supporting surface thereby simulating a pallet.

Abstract: A strip for placement across a sheet of a stack of banded sheet material and having end segments positionable against the sides of the stack. Flexible webs join the strip segments to the major part of the strip and permit bending of the end segments into place against the stack. Wall surfaces of the strip define an open area into which a clamp and clamped segments of a band may be displaced without damaging contact with the surface of the adjacent sheet of material.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate flexible strip longitudinally aligned, including a first and second aperture directed through the strip adjacent a forward and rear end of the strip to receive a flexible tether line therethrough to secure a stack of frangible sheets against a support platform. A modification of the invention includes removal grommets directed through the openings to vary the effective diameter of each opening, and further may include a selectively securable positioning member onto a bottom surface of the strip to assist in alignment of the strip adjacent a corner of the aforenoted stack.

Abstract: A corner-angle edge protector for strapped packages, bundles or the like, having a strapping-band passage opening which is open via a slot towards the adjacent edge of the corner-angle edge protector. At least the region adjacent the slot to the edge is developed as an elastically outwardly bendable tab which protrudes freely with spacing from the resting plane of the corner protector and the slot extends at an oblique angle to the lengthwise direction of the passage opening.

Abstract: A device for protecting a tarpaulin from damage, as it passes over the sharp corner of a load, which is mounted on a flat bed truck, or other transporting device. The protective device comprises three planar sides and a rounded corner, it is inserted between the load and the tarpaulin, at the corner of the load, and prevents direct bearing of the tarpaulin upon the sharp corner of the load.

Abstract: An edge protector angle piece for a load to be lifted by a lifting device includes first and second angle arms having inner faces for contacting the load and outer faces together forming a continuous cylinder surface of essentially ring-segment shape, having a continuous guide groove therein for accommodating the lifting device. A vertex region is provided between the angle arms. A guide tube is provided on the outer faces at the vertex region in alignment with the guide groove for further accommodating the lifting device.

Abstract: A shipping protector for interposition between a shipping container and an object being shipped is provided with an interior layer of resilient plastic foam material which is self adherent to the pulp protector. The plastic foam material is vacuum formed into the interior of the pump base member and is conformed to the interior relief of the base member for resiliently receiving an object being shipped between pads of the base member.

Abstract: A bracket for strengthening a carton which has a bottom wall, side walls, an end flap and interior flaps, for holding the flaps and for supporting additional cartons in a stack of cartons, comprising a flange parallel to the bottom wall and a pair of members perpendicular to the bottom wall joined by the flange and extending substantially throughout the height of the carton to resist the bending and twisting of the carton. The members are each positioned to substantially enclose one of the corners of the carton and to abut an edge, perpendicular to the bottom wall, of one of the side walls and the end flap. Tabs are provided to align a stack and to lock the carton top closed.

Abstract: This folding packaging case or box of parallelipipedic configuration comprises a bottom, a front panel, a back panel and two lateral panels, and a folding lid, the various panel elements being hingedly interconnected by flexible joints. The bottom comprises at least one joint through which it is hingedly connected to one of the lateral panels, and a peripheral ledge engageable by the peripheral panels so as to lock the peripheral panels in position and thus permit the assembling of the case into a rigid structure.

Abstract: A security container or pallet bin which may be knocked down or quickly erected, includes corner connectors for securing the intersecting side and end walls together. The corner connectors are sheet metal with first and second angled, generally planar legs which abut the adjacent intersecting outer surfaces of the intersecting walls which are jointed to each other along a common corner. The legs of the connector have transversely extending tabs which engage the adjacent upper surface of one of the walls to define the seated position of the connector, and each leg teminates in a flange which extends normal to the associated leg, but which is tapered or inclined with respect to the common corner so that the connector is wider at the bottom than at the top. The flange is received in an accommodating slot formed or cut in the walls so that when the connector is inserted the walls are caused to be cammed or urged together into a tightening relationship.

Abstract: An initially planar thermoplastic article which may be folded about a score line to form a corner support for use in conjunction with strapping material on packages to prevent damage thereto.

Abstract: A corner member for forming a foldable box has a bottom section to be attached to a corner of a bottom panel of the box and two lateral sections to be attached to portions of adjacent lateral panels of the box. The lateral sections are attached to the bottom section individually through hinge sections and are capable of being joined together by a locking mechanism when vertically raised with respect to the bottom section. An assembled box using the above corner member includes a bottom panel, lateral panels framed around the bottom panel, and the above corner member disposed at each corner portion of the box. The corner portions of the bottom panel are attached to the bottom sections of the above corner members, while two adjacent lateral panels are respectively attached to two vertically standing lateral sections of the corner member which are respectively attached to the above bottom section through hinge sections and the lateral panels are thereby framed with one another.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a box and an arrangement permitting the secure but separable connection of an edge part of a first component to an adjacent edge part of a second component. Each edge part is provided with a number of connecting portions designed to produce the connection. The connecting portions for one of the edge parts and the connecting portions for the other edge part are so poritioned with respect to each other as to include, irrespective of their directional orientation lengthwise along the respective edge part, connecting portions which correspond to each other for interacting with one another.

Abstract: A bulk container which is disassemblable such that the interchangeable wall panels and the locking clips which connect the wall panels fit flatly into the flanged base assembly of the container. A base assembly provided with flanged sides holds the disasembled rectangular side panels. Each side panel is provided with a miter strip adjacent each side edge which extends below the lower edge in a leg. The leg supports the panel above the flange of the base assembly. Adjacent the miter strip at each side of the panel is a short slot. Locking clips engage a pair of panels at each corner by engaging the slots. The size reduction afforded by the disassembled condition of the container provides for more efficient shipping and transportation of the containers. Interchangeable parts reduce overall costs and the time required for assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: System for interconnecting panels, especially adapted for use in the temporary interconnection of panes of cartons or containers used for shipping or transportation, the arrangement is particularly adapted to the interconnection of panels in edge-to-edge relation where the panels either lie in the same plane or lie in planes extended at angles to each other particularly in a range between the 180 degrees of the common plane relationship and the 90 degree relationship at the corners of common rectangular cartons.

Abstract: Box cover formed from corrugated material, including a top panel and four edge and side panels forming an enclosure, the corners being held together by a resilient clip.

Abstract: An improved, reusable, modular, knockdown container preserves delicate corners necessary for providing sufficient bearing surface and force direction to maintain the package erect by providing a clip-bearing plate associated with each corner to protect the corner during placement and removal of the clip from the container. Notched, interfitting panels are held erect by a resilient clip which fits into routed troughs on adjacent panels. A clip-receiving recess ensures that the clip does not extend upwardly from the surface of the panel. Access means through the clip allow insertion of a bar to wedge between the bearing plate and the clip in prying the clip from its position holding the adjacent panels. Thus the life of the panel is substantially increased.

Abstract: A pallet container system having strap-like clamping devices to retain five or more rectangular panels in either an erect box-like condition or in a collapsed condition in which the panels are compactly stacked for handling and storage during non-use. The panels are provided with recess formations spaced from each peripheral edge by a common marginal distance related to the combined thickness of five panels. The clamps are preferably L-shaped in configuration to define legs differing in length from each other by the thickness of one panel. In the erect condition, the short leg extends about the edge of one panel and along the surface of another panel oriented at right angles to the one panel so that clamping projections at the ends of the legs engage in the recessed formations. In a collapsed condition, the panels are stacked and the clamp engaged about the edges to retain the panels in an overlying stacked relationship and also to retain a complete set of clamps with the stacked panels.

Abstract: A corner holder for use with a box of corrugated cardboard having a pair of slots in sidewalls thereof adjacent to a corner of the box, comprises a pair of inserts each including a tongue-shaped base plate and a U-shaped flange on the base plate, and a flexible connector web joined between the inserts. The base plate and the flange jointly define a channel or groove extending along opposite side edges and an arcuate bottom edge of the base plate. When the corner holder is installed on the box, the inserts are inserted in the slots, respectively, with edges of the sidewalls which define the slots being fitted in the grooves in the inserts. The corner of the box is thus clamped and reinforced by the corner holder. The box can readily be folded into a collapsed form simply by removing the inserts out of the slots.

Abstract: A space dividing assembly is provided for dividing a drawer or the like into separate compartments. The basic components of the assembly are generally flat rectangular partition members having at least one pair of longitudinal dadoes or grooves formed in the major oppositely facing surfaces which are partially covered by rails to form channels and connector members which interconnect the partition members. The connector members include two perpendicularly extending flanges which are received in the channels between the rails and dadoes of the partition members. The space dividing assembly further includes a four sided storage box or the like having longitudinal dadoes or grooves formed in the major inner surfaces that are partially covered by rails to form channels and can be divided into separate compartments by appropriately sized partition and connector members.

Abstract: A fastening system for structures such as knock-down crates and other multiple panel structures is disclosed. Resilient spring clips prebent to form two angularly disposed arms are provided for releasably locking panels such as the rectangular sides, ends, tops, and base panels of a knock-down shipping container. Each clip has a bent over end on one arm forming a hook adapted to fit into and to be held within a retaining slot in a bracket carried on one panel and further has a detent formed at the end of the other arm adapted to fit within an opening in a bracket on the adjacent panel to resiliently lock the panels in place when the clip is flexed.

Abstract: An angle edge guard for interposition between the interior of a shipping container and the exterior of an object being shipped is formed of two molded pulp walls having first edges joined to dispose the walls in substantially 90.degree. relation when in place. The walls are indented at intervals up to a non-indented common ridge where the two walls join, leaving non-indented face ridges. The indentations form inwardly directed ribs defining therebetween a plurality of grooves including a deep corner groove in juxtaposition with the common ridge and side grooves in juxtaposition with the aforementioned face ridges and communicating with the corner groove.

Abstract: A wooden box-like container for the aging of alcoholic beverages. The container is in the form of a box having six panels or sides in which any three mutually adjacent panels are mutually perpendicular to one another and join one another at a corner. Any one of the panels of a group of three mutually adjacent panels contacts one adjacent panel in face to edge relation and the third panel of the group in edge to face relation. Each of the corners are formed in this fashion and all of the panels are held together in tight box-like form by prestressing means. This preserves the liquid tight contact at the face to edge and edge to face junction of the panels. Where the panels meet a cubical gap is left which is plugged by plug means. The prestressing means may be in the form of clamps of headers connected by prestress rods provided with tightening nuts.

Abstract: A container which may be repeatedly disassembled and reassemblied. The container is formed by several panels, each having portions of their edges notched to two different depths to form projecting, intermediate, and recessed steps which alternate with each other. The intermediate steps of each edge interfit with the projecting steps on the edge of an adjacent panel with the recessed steps of the two interfitting edges adjacent each other. The recessed steps receive a spring metal clip which extends from one panel to another. The clips have inwardly projecting tabs at each end which are inserted into a retaining groove on each panel adjacent the recessed steps. The clip overlies panel indentations which allow a pry bar to be positioned beneath the clip for removal of the clips from the grooves.

Abstract: Right angular corners of knock-down reusable multipanel containers are releasably joined in assembled relationship by metal reinforcing plates and right angular spring clips which span the corners. Formed terminals on the clip arms are received by apertures of the reinforcing plates. One such aperture is relatively large to receive a release implement and the adjacent clip terminal is slotted to receive the release implement after insertion thereof through the aperture. The aperture of the other reinforcing plate is relatively narrow to prevent dangerous separation of the clip from the container following the release of one arm thereof by means of said implement.

Abstract: A rectangular wooden tray having a pair of opposed side panels, a pair of opposed end panels, and a bottom is carried by four wooden legs tied together by a system of cross bracing overlying the bottom of the tray.

Abstract: A knock-down reusable shipping container includes completely separable top, base, end and side walls and fastener means whereby adjoining corners of the separable walls may be securely fastened in assembled relationship and quickly separated. Spring clip fasteners cooperate with reinforcing plates on the respective container walls to produce one way and two way corner connections. Economy of manufacture and minimized labor in the use of the invention are featured.

Abstract: An assembly for a container having a plurality of panels each of which is engaged at marginal edges thereof by a channel shaped rail. Moldings formed with pairs of spaced parallel flanges define recesses for receiving the rails.

Abstract: A storage and carriage bin for use in storing and transporting fruits, vegetables, and various types of industrial equipment. The bin comprises a substantially rectangular container capable of being transported by the well known fork-lift apparatus, said container having a slotted bottom deck supported by a plurality of runners attached thereto. Mounted and secured to the deck are four wall panels arranged in approximate edge-to-edge relationship to each other, and having disposed about the periphery thereof a plurality of twist wires. Each of said wall panels is provided with an upper and a lower longitudinal cleat member having at least one leading edge beveled to insure protection from damage to fruits and vegetables stored therein. Corner brace members are secured to each one of the four corner junctions and are designed to allow the fruits and vegetables to be dumped from the container without damage thereto. Base plates are also provided to insure a rigid construction for the bin.

Abstract: A reinforced paperboard produce container having reinforcing end frames of molded thermosetting plastic or other suitably rigid construction secured to the outer sides of the end walls of a paperboard container body with edge flanges on the frames projecting inwardly over the upper end wall edges and under the bottom wall of the body to provide upper and lower stacking edges. The reinforced containers are of sufficient strength, and interfit in such manner, that a number of them may be stacked with ample strength and stability in vertical columns. The lower stacking edges are recessed or bevelled to permit lifting of the container by a clamp truck. The container has hinged lids or cover panels formed with tabs which engage with formations on the end frames to alternatively releasably lock the lids in closed, or open, folded away positions. The containers replace wood containers previously used, and incorporate useful arrangements for latching the lids closed, for shipment, or open, for display of the produce.

Abstract: A reinforced paperboard produce container having reinforcing end frames of molded thermosetting plastic or other suitably rigid construction secured to the outer sides of the end walls of a paperboard container body with edge flanges on the frames projecting inwardly over the upper end wall edges and under the bottom wall of the body to provide upper and lower stacking edges. The reinforced containers are of sufficient strength, and interfit in such manner, that a number of them may be stacked with ample strength and stability in vertical columns. The lower stacking edges are recessed or bevelled to permit lifting of the container by a clamp truck. The container has hinged lids or cover panels formed with tabs which engage with formations on the end frames to alternatively releasably lock the lids in closed, or open, folded away positions. The containers replace wood containers previously used, and incorporate useful arrangements for latching the lids closed, for shipment, or open, for display of the produce.