With Protective Media (e.g., Shock Absorbing) Patents (Class 53/472)
  • Publication number: 20090155531
    Abstract: A glass chair mat and method of packaging comprising a sheet of tempered glass with rounded corners and rounded beveled edges. The tempered glass chair mat may be finished to enhance its appearance or left translucent to showcase the flooring underneath. The method of packaging allows a minimal amount of employees to safely package the glass chair mat for delivery to residence and businesses alike. Furthermore, the packaging provides additional protection against damage during transit and assures common carriers are aware of the fragile nature of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: KBJ Enterprises, LLC.
    Inventor: Kenneth B. James
  • Publication number: 20090114560
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and package for shipping and handling fresh cut floral arrangements where fragile flower blooms cover the top and sides of the arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: Syndicate Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Trent A. Harshman
  • Patent number: 7516600
    Abstract: A method of packaging thermally labile goods. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a legend correlating thermally labile goods with a PCM panel color, (b) locating the thermally labile goods to be packaged on the legend and identifying the correlated PCM panel color, (c) obtaining thermally conditioned panels of the correlated PCM panel color from amongst a plurality of differently colored thermally conditioned panels color coded in relation to the phase change temperature of the phase change material contained within the panels, (d) lining the retention chamber of a thermally insulated container with the obtained thermally conditioned PCM panels, (e) placing the thermally labile goods to be packaged into the lined retention chamber, and (f) closing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Minnesota Thermal Science, LLC
    Inventor: George Flora
  • Publication number: 20090082187
    Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine (36) converts a sheet stock material into a dunnage product that is relatively thicker and less dense than the stock material, but is relatively thin and sufficiently flexible to function as a protective wrap. The conversion machine includes a feed mechanism (40) that advances a sheet stock material therethrough and a connecting mechanism (42) downstream of the feed mechanism. The connecting mechanism retards the passage of the sheet stock material therethrough by feeding the stock material therethrough at a slower rate than the feed mechanism feeds the stock material to the connecting mechanism. This causes the stock material to randomly crumple in a longitudinal space between the feed mechanism and the connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism connects multiple overlapping layers of sheet stock material together as they pass therethrough, including connecting at least one crumpled sheet to one side of one other sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, David V. Murphy, Steven M. Toneff, Maurice Jozef Paulus Anthonius Savelberg, Raymond Paulus Hubertus Nolle, Pedro Erik Willem Winkens
  • Publication number: 20090078595
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaging system for producing a foam-in bag and method of mixing foam for the packaging of articles for shipment and storage, and in particular, to an improved, flexible, multilayered packaging system with a vented, deformable outer bag and an inner confinement structure made of paperboard box or a plastic bag with reclosable opening for optimal mixing and controlled release of the foam using preferential paths, score lines, weakness points, and/or obstacles to flow. In addition, the precursor fluids are placed in individually sealed pouches with calibrated and aptly positioned frangible seals to facilitate mixing after rupture inside of the inner confinement structure. In another embodiment, one of the precursor fluids is placed directly in the inner confinement structure, and in yet another embodiment, both sealed pouches are adhesively joined to the inner confinement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kerry McKinley, Thomas V. Trauscht
  • Publication number: 20090064638
    Abstract: A system (10) for dispensing dunnage material includes a chute (30) connectable to a supply (20, 40) of flowable dunnage. A container (12) or a bottom of the chute (30) is moved into a dispensing position where the bottom of the chute (30) is proximate the fill plane of the container (12). A controller (16) selectively opens a shutter (50) at the bottom of the chute (30) to dispense dunnage and then closes the shutter (50) to separate the dispensed dunnage from the dunnage in the chute (30) while also removing the dunnage above the fill plane of the container (12). The chute (30) includes at least one substantially horizontal plate member (54) that is openable to selectively vary the size of an aperture (52) created thereby at the bottom of the chute (30) for dispensing dunnage material therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: James J. Corbett, Joseph J. Harding, Charles D. Molitor, Michael A. Pintz, Scott J. Williams, Rapheal R. Still, Timothy E. Sull, Ronald Rich, David A. Pierson, Paul C. Gilles
  • Patent number: 7464517
    Abstract: A styrofoam material 2 is placed in a corrugated carton 1, and a plastic bag 3 is then loaded into the corrugated carton 1. Air between any two of the corrugated carton 1, the styrofoam material 2, and the plastic bag 3 is evacuated so that the plastic bag 3 is adhered onto dented portions 2a for product placement of the styrofoam material 2, and inner surfaces of the corrugated carton 1. As a result, products 4 can be easily placed on the styrofoam material 2 onto which the plastic bag 3 is loaded without the products 4 getting snagged on the plastic bag 3 and the plastic bag 3 being torn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Akatsuka, Kazuhiro Mashima
  • Patent number: 7464520
    Abstract: A packing member for packing an article, includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating medium; a non-return valve for passing the medium to the medium accommodating portion and stopping the medium away from the medium accommodating portion; an introducing portion for introducing the medium into the medium accommodating portion with the non-return valve from an outside of the packing member to balloon the medium accommodating portion; and a sealing region, disposed upstream of the non-return valve with respect to a direction of the introduction of the medium from the introducing portion toward the non-return valve, for sealing against the introduction of the medium to prevent leakage from the introducing portion to an outside of the packing member, the sealing region being sealed to keep the medium in the medium accommodating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nishi, Atsushi Goto, Taiji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20080289302
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for an item of three-dimensional shape comprising a non-porous deformable outer wrap characterized in being deformable in three dimensions to at least partially surround the item of three-dimensional shape therein. The device includes a mass of loose fill elements disposed within the outer wrap and can occupy a first volume in a first storage state sufficient to permit the packaging device to be stored. The device further provides that the mass of elements disposed within the outer wrap can occupy a second volume in a second use state to shape about the item of three dimensional shape and to permit the elements to deform within the outer wrap to accommodate the three-dimensional shape of the item. The outer wrap and the elements disposed within the outer wrap are biodegradable. The elements are adapted to change from the first storage state of unpopped corn kernels to the second use state of popped popcorn kernels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: BRIAN VULPITTA
  • Patent number: 7398884
    Abstract: A packaging material which impart fragility capability and is easily manufactured and handled in preparing a product for shipment. The material is fabricated as a planar body having fold lines on which the body may be folded to encircle a product being packaged. The planar body is formed with locking features which enable a handler to easily secure the material about the packaged product and with defined openings facilitating handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner, Christopher John Sattora
  • Patent number: 7383953
    Abstract: Provided is a shipping container having a flexible outer casing, a shell insert that is removeably received within the casing's interior and a tillable insert removeably disposed within an interior of the shell for receiving a shipping parcel. The fillable insert structure may be filled with a medium, such as air, to provide a cushioned environment for the parcel, and the shell insert may include a shelf panel which supports an accessory compartment for receiving selected items to accompany the parcel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Eggs Overnight, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent H. Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20080128316
    Abstract: A suspension package assembly can include a package member and a stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. Coupling assemblies inhibit relative movement of the retention member and the packaging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: John McDonald, Frank Comerford, Myles Comerford
  • Patent number: 7377088
    Abstract: A package (10) for a bulb (12) having a bulbous, light-emitting end (14) and a socket end (16), has a first thin-walled plastic body (18a) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (20) and having a closed end (22) and an open end (24), the open end (24) having a diameter D transverse to the longitudinal axis sufficient to admit insertion of the bulbous, light emitting end (14) of the bulb (12), the closed end (22) of the first thin-walled plastic body (18a) formed with at least one internal surface support (26) extending away from the longitudinal axis (20) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis and substantially contiguous with a curve of the bulbous light emitting end (14), the open end (24) providing a circumferential coupling area (28); and a second thin-walled plastic body (18b) formed with a socket receiving end (32) and a mating coupling area (34) formed to conform to the circumferential coupling area (28) and coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Buschmann, James E. Oetken
  • Publication number: 20080098699
    Abstract: A system (10) for automatically dispensing a strip of dunnage to a container (14) includes a dispenser (12) having an outlet (92) from which the dispenser can feed a length of a strip of dunnage lengthwise, a container support (36) for supporting a container (14) thereon, and a pusher device (114) at the outlet (92) for pushing, more particularly propelling, a trailing end of the strip of dunnage from the outlet (92) toward the container support (36). The outlet (92) is aligned with the container support (36). Thus the outlet (92) is positioned relative to a container (14) such that the strip will curl or fold back and forth upon itself within the confines of the container (14) as it is being fed from the outlet (92). A container closer (120, 130 and 32) automatically closes the flaps (80 and 82) of the container (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, David V. Murphy, Harry H. Lu, Kevin W. Park, Thomas A. Bilkie Jr.
  • Patent number: 7334381
    Abstract: A system for packaging a flat panel product includes a dispensing device for dispensing a length of inner protective packaging material, a folding table for wrapping the inner protective packaging material around the product and folding an outer protective packaging material around the product, and a binding device for binding the outer packaging material, inner packaging material, and product together, suspending the product relative to at least one of the walls of the sidewall and supporting the product laterally. A data entry device provides data related to the length of inner protective packaging material required, and this data is fed to a controller, which controls the dispensing device to provide an appropriate length of material. The data entry device can also provide shipping information, fed to a printer for printing a shipping label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Real Reel Corporation
    Inventors: William James Mertz, II, Scott Michael Miller, Robert James Reynolds, Jr., Timothy Wayne Harville, Melvin Gilbert Shumate, Christopher Wayne Clark, James Carroll Holt
  • Patent number: 7302785
    Abstract: A packaging machine with a movable centering and lowering device for inserting partitions between groups of bottles or cans and a method of operation thereof. The movable centering and lowering device is designed to move with a group of bottles or cans and insert a divider between the bottles or cans in the group as the group moves through the packaging machine. The movable centering and lowering device is also adjustable to permit handling of dividers of different size and configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Robert Van Den Heuvel, Hans-Peter Kuhlmann, Lothar Wess, Thomas Nitsch
  • Patent number: 7278249
    Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically generally on top of the third air cell at ends thereof. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the two vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperate with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fidelity Container Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Kari
  • Patent number: 7260922
    Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller evaluates the one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines to thereby provide diagnostic, inventory and machine usage information. In addition, a method of monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes sensing an operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines and evaluating the operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines. The sensed operating characteristics may be evaluated either local to the conversion machines or at a remote site, thereby providing a substantial amount of flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harding, Richard O. Ratzel
  • Patent number: 7254932
    Abstract: A multi-purpose air-packing method and system enables to pack a product having an irregular shape easily at low cost. The air-packing method includes the steps of placing a product to be protected in a container box; applying a first air-packing device having a plurality of air containers to side surfaces of the product in a manner to surround the product in the container box where each of the air containers has a check valve to maintain compressed air therein independently from one another; and inflating the air-packing device by supplying compressed air to securely hold the product within the container box. Two or more consecutive air containers at one end of the first air-packing device have a cross sectional size smaller than that of other air containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Air-Paq, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuzumi Tanaka, Katsutoshi Yoshifusa
  • Patent number: 7114618
    Abstract: A unitary foam packing element including a planar piece of foam which is precut with a plurality of score lines. The score lines define a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and enable the first planar portion to be folded over onto the second planar portion to thereby form a flat cavity between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The score lines further define an end panel adjacent the second planar portion, which is adapted to be folded along a respective one of the score lines so as to form a first end wall of the flat cavity, and an intermediate portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, which is adapted to form a second end wall of the flat cavity that is opposite the first end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: SCA North America-Packaging Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Hanley Arnold
  • Patent number: 7106202
    Abstract: A container to receive a parcel for shipment to an intended recipient comprises a pouch having a pouch interior and a mouth, a closure movable between open and closed positions, and a protective insert structure removably disposed in the pouch interior to substantially envelop the parcel and reduce risk of damage to it during shipment. In another embodiment, the container comprises a container body, a closure and a air bladder disposed in the container body for receiving and substantially enveloping the items to reduce damage thereto during shipment. Methodologies are also provided for shipping a parcel from a shipper located at an origin address location to an intended recipient located at a destination address location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Kent H. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7085687
    Abstract: A simulation program that determines a packaging configuration for placement of any math-based part/assembly into a selected shipping container(s) for transfer of the product to customer plants. The simulation program determines either automatically or manually an efficient packaging configuration for placement of any part/assembly into any appropriate shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Eckenwiler, Philip Verdura, Larry G. Lagrange
  • Patent number: 7070238
    Abstract: A custom moldable seating product includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat back, and a moldable element for being carried by the seat. The moldable element is transformable from an initially flexible unactivated state to an activated state, such that the moldable element conforms to a seat occupant positioned on the seat. The moldable element may include a first component contained in a first compartment and a second component contained in a second compartment. The first and second compartments may be contained in an initially flexible enclosure. The first and second compartments may be ruptured to allow the first and second components to mix within the enclosure. The reaction of the first and second components create an expandable foam that conforms to a body part of a seat occupant positioned on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Britax Child Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Cherie Alexander, John Arendt
  • Patent number: 6990786
    Abstract: A method of advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, in which bottle packaging dividers are imprinted with advertising material, and then distributed to retail sellers of wine and spirits so that employees may use the bottle packaging dividers to cushion the wine and spirit bottles sold by them to consumers, while at the same time providing an advertising vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Tracy Marie Kilmartin
  • Patent number: 6990788
    Abstract: An air bladder packing system having an inflatable center body and extensions therefrom. The center body is generally for placement on top of an item placed in an outside box while the fingers are designed for positioning in the spaces between the item and the walls of the box. After placement, the air bladder is inflated to span the space between the item and the box, thereby securely holding the item in the box and providing protection against shifting during transport and providing impact protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Joop Peterse, Eric van Melick, Raymond van den Hengel
  • Patent number: 6964149
    Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Iwamura, Koichi Nakatogawa
  • Patent number: 6952910
    Abstract: In a plastic tube (1) for the production of gas filled bodies, with two superimposed sheets, connected in a gas tight manner to each other along a first longitudinal edge thereof, the upper sheet (2) and the lower sheet (3) are welded together in the transverse direction along gas tight welded seams (5a,5b), arranged in pairs at a separation from each other, in order to form inflatable pockets (7), which seams extend from the first longitudinal edge (4) to a point at a predetermined separation from the opposing second longitudinal edge (6). The pockets each present, between the upper sheet and the lower sheet, a gas filling opening (8) which is accessible from the second longitudinal edge. Also proposed are a method for the production of gas filled bodies using such plastic tubes and a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventor: Johannes Lörsch
  • Patent number: 6952907
    Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: The Ultimate Back Store, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Levin, Barry L. Donahue
  • Patent number: 6948618
    Abstract: A protective packaging system is disclosed, comprising a protective pouch open on one side. A closure tape is attached to the pouch's open side. The pouch also has an attachment block affixed to the outer surface. The attachment block has a layer of adhesive on its non-pouch-proximate face, and an cover panel covering the adhesive. A twist tie is also located on the bottom surface of pouch. The user pre-wraps a fragile object in the pouch, peels the cover panel from the attachment block, and then places the assembly into a box or other container where it adheres to the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Tom Tho-Truong Luu, Ana Nicho Luu
  • Patent number: 6948295
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cardiac Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick L. Biggins
  • Patent number: 6918231
    Abstract: A fruit protection and transportation system providing various apparatus and methods to absorb impact and compression forces to reduce damage to fruit (3). Particular embodiments of the invention comprise a fruit protector blank (1) of resiliently compressible force absorption material having a substantially planar surface (2) that can be conformed to a portion of the exterior surface of various kinds of fruit (3). Other embodiments of the invention provide a molded force absorption cover (21) of resiliently compressible foam material that elastically conforms to a portion of the exterior surface of a fruit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Casey M. Scalise
  • Patent number: 6904734
    Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Hardy
  • Patent number: 6889739
    Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of inflated plastic dunnage and other fluid filled units is disclosed. In a disclosed and pictured dunnage embodiment, the machine includes a hollow shaft rotatably mounted on a frame. In the preferred embodiment the shaft is solid. With either embodiment a drive is operably connected to the shaft for causing the shaft to rotate about its axis and a drum mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft. The drum is in the form of a pair of closely spaced discs having perimetral, cylindrically contoured sealing surfaces for support and, in cooperation with driven metal belts, transport of a web being formed into dunnage units. Sets of heating and cooling shoes having spaced arcuate surfaces are complementally positioned adjacent the drum surfaces with the cooling shoes downstream from the heating shoes in the direction of dunnage formation rotation. A nozzle is mounted generally tangentially of the drum at a location midway between the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana Liebhart
  • Patent number: 6854246
    Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. A lid is sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container, to, in turn, expand the bag. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Once expanded, the container can be shipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Rocklin Verespej, Joseph C. Hsu, Robert Scholle
  • Publication number: 20040237476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick L. Biggins
  • Publication number: 20040231292
    Abstract: Methods for making a storage package having a breaching bubble(s) opening mechanism are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: William S. Perell
  • Publication number: 20040232031
    Abstract: A packing member for packing an article, includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating medium; a non-return valve for passing the medium to the medium accommodating portion and stopping the medium away from the medium accommodating portion; an introducing portion for introducing the medium into the medium accommodating portion with the non-return valve from an outside of the packing member to balloon the medium accommodating portion; and a sealing region, disposed upstream of the non-return valve with respect to a direction of the introduction of the medium from the introducing portion toward the non-return valve, for sealing against the introduction of the medium to prevent leakage from the introducing portion to an outside of the packing member, the sealing region being sealed to keep the medium in the medium accommodating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nishi, Atsushi Goto, Taiji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040221553
    Abstract: A fluid shock-absorbing/momentum dampening system for packaging delicate objects or equipment (electronic, disk drive, computer, computer screen, optics, lenses binocular, telescope, or other delicate objects or equipment). A system that accelerates a fluid when a member is compressed and/or by using a fluid to reduce an object's kinetic energy, or by using an object's buoyancy to reduce an objects relative momentum. Built by a variety of means a fluid shock absorber/momentum dampen-ER offers superior shock absorption characteristics over conventional approaches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Robert James Rapp
  • Publication number: 20040216429
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a cushioning package containing an article to be packaged. The apparatus comprises a cushioning sheet forming unit 8 to form a cushioning sheet 1 by heat-sealing flexible elongated resin sheets which are continuously fed in a longitudinal direction and placed one on another and advance in a width direction of the sheet, which includes small sacs, an article storage space forming unit 3, which is a sequential unit to said cushioning sheet forming unit, to form an article storage space 1c by placing the cushioning sheet 1 on another, a sheet adhering unit 4 to adhere the overlapped cushioning sheets 1, an article disposing unit 5 to dispose an article C to be packaged in the article storage space 1c, and an air filling unit 6 is to fill the small sacs 11 with air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Mikio Tanaka, Daisuke Uratani, Shuji Uda
  • Patent number: 6804938
    Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The Ultimate Back Store, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Levin, Barry L. Donahue
  • Publication number: 20040128949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corners of a load with cornerboards prior to wrapping the load is provided. The method may include providing a load on a load transport surface, removing a cornerboard from within a magazine by a gripper, and transporting the cornerboard to a corner of the load with the gripper. Relative rotation may be provided between the stretch wrap packaging material dispenser and the load to wrap the stretch wrap packaging material around the cornerboard and the load. If the cornerboard is not pre-formed, it is folded prior to transport to the load. The cornerboard is secured to the corner of the load with the stretch wrap packaging material. In a preferred embodiment, four magazines and four grippers are provided, such that four cornerboards can be carried to the load at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Lantech.com, LLC.
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, Phillip R. Moore
  • Publication number: 20040098949
    Abstract: A new and improved method for packaging substrates for shipping or transport. The method of the invention comprises a primary packaging structure in which the substrates are placed in a suitable substrate container; a secondary packaging structure in which the substrate container of the primary packaging structure is vacuum-sealed in an anti-static bag; a tertiary packaging structure in which the secondary packaging structure is fitted with a resilient cushion; and a quaternary or final packaging structure in which the tertiary packaging structure is sealed in a shipping carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shen-Yau Huang, Ming-Chen Tai, Ming-Tsong Wang, Tai-Yau Shen
  • Patent number: 6722502
    Abstract: An inflatable corner cushion for protecting a corner of an object is disclosed. The inflatable corner cushion may have two triangular, inflatable cushions. Each cushion may have two edges meeting to form a V-shape. The two edges may be sealed together along the V-shaped edges such that, when the chambers are at least partially inflated, a combination of the chambers forms a pocket for enclosing a corner of an object. An inflatable coner cushion may be placed on each corner of an object. The objects and cushion may then be placed in a shipping box. In such a condition, the pocket surrounds each corner such that they are protected from impacts from all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Air Packaging Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry F. Newman
  • Patent number: 6718729
    Abstract: A cushioning conversion system and method for transferring a dunnage pad are disclosed. The conversion system includes a cushioning conversion machine and a pad support. The conversion machine produces cushioning dunnage pads and discharges the pads in a predetermined discharge direction. A pad support is movable between a pad receiving position and a pad discharge position. In the pad receiving position, the pad support is oriented relative to the conversion machine to receive thereon dunnage pads discharged from the conversion machine in the discharge direction. In the pad discharge position, the pad support is tilted relative to horizontal for discharge of the dunnage pad from the pad support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Manley
  • Patent number: 6718733
    Abstract: A bottle packaging sleeve, and method of using same, for placing advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, comprising a sheet of cushioning material, the exterior face of which is provided with informational material, the sheet being sufficiently elastic to be fitted onto a bottle. Optionally, the sleeve includes a bottle girth adaptor for coupling a first and second end of the sheet of cushioning material while further adapting to the girth of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Tracy Marie Kilmartin
  • Patent number: 6684600
    Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a strip of a soft material into a container includes a sleeve member rotatable among first, second and third angular positions. First cylinder unit for pushing the strip of the soft material into the sleeve member at the first angular position. Second cylinder unit for compressing the strip of the soft material in the sleeve member at the second angular position. And a third cylinder unit for pushing the compressed form of the soft material into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Sheng-Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 6675557
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid into pre-formed, flexible containers and enclosing the fluid within the containers includes a web of film comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of fluid and having an opening for receiving such fluid. After fluid is placed in each pre-formed container, the opening is sealed closed to thereby enclose the fluid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6672037
    Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Steven Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 6672035
    Abstract: A product (18) is packed in a shock-resistant way in a box-shaped cardboard packing (20) by local application of an adhesive layer (16) on a base surface (17) of a plane cardboard blank, with which layer the product (18) is brought into contact and subsequently the cardboard packing (20) is completed by folding up the other elements of the plane blank (1) and closure of the packing. The plane cardboard blank may be made as a separate packing unit with adhesive layers in the form of adhesive tapes with an outward adhesive surface covered by a protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventors: Lars Simonsen, Jens Aalborg Nielsen, Hans Gram Andersen
  • Publication number: 20030234207
    Abstract: The invention provides a packing article where a packing cost and a transportation fee can be kept low and a buffering function is further enhanced. The invention provides a packing article including: a packing box; a lower-side buffering member to provide packing including a concave portion, which is located at the lower side of the packing box, and which locates an item to be packed in the center; an item to be packed, located in the concave portion of the lower-side buffering member to provide packing; and a partition member located on the upper side of the item to be packed and a storing member, which is located between the partition member and the upper surface of the packing box, and which stores an attached part and/or an instruction manual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motomu Koike