CA2159675A1 - Resilient packaging member - Google Patents
Resilient packaging memberInfo
- Publication number
- CA2159675A1 CA2159675A1 CA 2159675 CA2159675A CA2159675A1 CA 2159675 A1 CA2159675 A1 CA 2159675A1 CA 2159675 CA2159675 CA 2159675 CA 2159675 A CA2159675 A CA 2159675A CA 2159675 A1 CA2159675 A1 CA 2159675A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- packaging member
- environmentally
- packing element
- article
- shape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W30/00—Technologies for solid waste management
- Y02W30/50—Reuse, recycling or recovery technologies
- Y02W30/80—Packaging reuse or recycling, e.g. of multilayer packaging
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
- Y02W90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions mitigation
- Y02W90/10—Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics
Landscapes
- Buffer Packaging (AREA)
Abstract
Packaging material which provides resiliency when surrounding fragile articles in a container is fabricated of a formed member and an elastic member which surrounds the formed member. Preferably the packaging elements are formed of renewable, and even biodegradable materials. Corrugated paper, cardboard, or model fiber, inter alia, is formed into suitable shapes, such as end pieces, corner pieces, or frames, and is held in the selected shape by an elastic material, which may be in the shape of a band. Manufacture of these articles thus is facilitated.
Description
RESILIENT PACKAGING MEMBER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for packing fragile items so as to secure them tightly in their packing cartons. In particular, the 5 invention relates to a system in which assembly of individual packing elements is facilitated, using simple materials which also may be environmentally-friendly (e.g. either recyclable or from renewable materials). The ability to use environmentally-friendly materials presents an advantage over previously-known types of packing materials (e.g.
10 styrofoam, plastic membrane) which are energy-inefficient, and which use neither biodegradable nor renewable resources.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Problems arising in the packing of fragile items are very well known. Among the various approaches have been tried are those which 15 do not require filling all of the empty space in containers with packing material. USP 4,923,065 and 5,071,009 describe examples of such approaches, in which, for example, pieces which are intended to fit around the corners of square or rectangular fragile articles. The pieces in these patents are made of cardboard, and are provided with openings 20 which are covered with pliable or elastic membranes of high tensile strength and limited elasticity.
The packing materials in the just-mentioned U.S. patents have at least two deficiencies. First, the cardboard inserts themselves can be difficult to assemble and keep together. At minimum, a somewhat 25 complicated assembly process may be required, perhaps requiring an intricate form for the base material which is used to form the shape of the insert. Second, the membrane which is used to cover the opening of the insert, and which provides the resiliency to hold fragile objects, in some cases heavy objects, in place is not made of renewable materials, thus presenting an environmental risk similar to that presented by materials such as styrofoam, albeit on a smaller scale.
It would be desirable to provide packaging materials which are -easy to assemble, so as to reduce costs. Also, in view of the increasing concern over environmental damage, particularly that caused by the use of non-biodegradable materials and non-renewable resources, it would be desirable to provide packing material, and indeed a packaging system, which employs biodegradable materials and/or renewable resources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a packaging system which enables the tight securing of items, particularly fragile items, in containers in a form which is easy to 1 5 assemble.
It is another object of the invention to provide a packaging system which is energy-efficient manner, using renewable or recyclable materials.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, in accordance with the invention, packaging materials are constituted by corrugated, cardboard, or fiber materials which are formed into corner pieces, end caps, or frames, inter alia, and which are held together by elastic materials which provide not only structural stability for the individual elements, but also retention force for fragile articles being packed The corrugated or related materials, as well as the elastic materials, preferably are made of renewable resources, and hence yield packaging materials which are more sound environmentally than previous versions of such materials. Also, since the elastic materials are used to hold the corrugated formations together, the overall assembly of the materials is simpler than previously was the case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present 5 invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters are used throughout, and wherein:
Figures 1 A and 1 B show one embodiment of the invention, in an unfolded and completed condition, respectively;
Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure 1 A, a piece of material 100 is shown, in the shape of a cut-out which can be folded into a corner piece which will fit over and/or 15 around the corner of a fragile article to be shipped. Arrows are shown to depict the directions in which the various edges of the material 100 will be folded, in this case into a corner piece 1 10, as shown in Figure 1 B. Preferably eight such corners are used in a container, one for each corner of the article. The circular cut-out 105 depicted in the middle, 20 which may be of varying size, can hold a corner of the article being shipped. The cut-out 105 will be covered by an elastic band 120, as shown in Figure 1 B, the elastic providing resilience as the corner of the article is fitted into the circular cut-out.
Figure 1 B also shows the assembled piece 1 10, having a truncat-25 ed triangular shape, and the coverage of the overall corner piece 1 10 bythe elastic band 120 in order to hold the piece 110 together. In particular, the band 120 fits over the top of the piece 1 10 (though for convenience this portion of the band is not shown, in order to show the truncated triangular shape of the upper portion of the piece 110,) and conforms itself around the back corner of the truncated triangular shape, as shown. The band then extends around the bottom of the piece 1 10, and comes up the front to complete the circuit. The folded-in portions of material 100 are held in place by the band, without need for an additional adhesive or other assembly process.
Elastic bands of varying widths, lengths, elasticities, elongations (i.e. extendability as a multiple of formed length,) and memory retention may be used, depending on size and resiliency requirements, among other things. In the interest of providing an environmentally friendly product, the elastic preferably is natural rubber, latex, or gum rubber, though other types of rubber or other elastic materials may be used if desired. Also, the size of the corner piece can be varied as desired, depending on the size of the fragile article to be packed, the need for resiliency, etc. The material which is used to form the shape of the corner piece preferably is corrugated paper, but also may be cardboard, corrugated cardboard, model fiber, or paperboard, again in the interest of using a renewable, and even recyclable resource. However, the invention is not necessarily so limited.
Among various advantages of the invention, many of which have been described earlier, the overall structure of the packaging element is of sufficient strength to withstand the force of the elastic material which surrounds it. The structure also allows cushion space for the rubber or other elastic material to absorb force, such as the force resulting from dropping a container, and to rebound without damaging the article in the container. Also, the rubber or other elastic material which is used provides a material which will not break down, even upon repeated drops of the container holding the article.
The inventive packaging element can be formed manually or in an automated process. Also, many other shapes are possible, in addition to the corner piece described above with respect to Figures 1 A and 1 B.
The following describes two other embodiments which presently are preferred .
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in this 5 case, an end cap 210 which will fit around one end of a fragile article to be shipped. The cap 210 is closed on one side, as shown by the cutaway portion 215. An elastic band 220 goes around the four sides of the cap 210 to hold the sides together, and to provide some tightness of fit of a fragile article in the cap 210. One end of the fragile article is 10 fitted against the side 215, and is held there snugly by virtue of the pressure applied by the band 220.
The band 220 can surround the piece completely, even overlap-ping the four sides of the cap 210, or it can merely provide structural stability, as shown, in addition compressing the end cap 210 so as to fit 15 snugly around the fragile article to be shipped. Also, the number of sides of the cap 210, shown as four in the disclosed embodiment, can be varied depending on the shape of the article to be shipped.
Fabricating the necessary cut-out is well within the abilities of the ordinarily skilled artisan in this field, and so need not be described here 20 in further detail.
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in this case, a frame for a fragile article to be shipped. Similarly to Figure 2, Figure 3 shows the formed frame 310, with an elastic band 320 fitted around it. The fragile article to be shipped fits inside the sides of the frame 310 25 (a four-sided frame being shown here, though the number of sides will of course depend on the shape of the article being shipped). As in the other embodiments, the band 320 provides structural security for the frame 310, and enables an elastic and/or more snug fit around the fragile article to be shipped. The band can overlap the sides of the frame, or can fit within the side edges of the frame as shown in the Figure, depending on requirements.
Various modifications to the embodiments described above will be readily apparent to those of working skill in this technical field. For 5 example, the invention is applicable to the manufacture of packing pieces besides corner pieces, end caps, and frames, the only limitation at present being the size of the available elastic to hold the piece together.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but instead is to be accorded the widest scope consistent 10 with the novel features disclosed herein, in accordance with the appended claims.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for packing fragile items so as to secure them tightly in their packing cartons. In particular, the 5 invention relates to a system in which assembly of individual packing elements is facilitated, using simple materials which also may be environmentally-friendly (e.g. either recyclable or from renewable materials). The ability to use environmentally-friendly materials presents an advantage over previously-known types of packing materials (e.g.
10 styrofoam, plastic membrane) which are energy-inefficient, and which use neither biodegradable nor renewable resources.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Problems arising in the packing of fragile items are very well known. Among the various approaches have been tried are those which 15 do not require filling all of the empty space in containers with packing material. USP 4,923,065 and 5,071,009 describe examples of such approaches, in which, for example, pieces which are intended to fit around the corners of square or rectangular fragile articles. The pieces in these patents are made of cardboard, and are provided with openings 20 which are covered with pliable or elastic membranes of high tensile strength and limited elasticity.
The packing materials in the just-mentioned U.S. patents have at least two deficiencies. First, the cardboard inserts themselves can be difficult to assemble and keep together. At minimum, a somewhat 25 complicated assembly process may be required, perhaps requiring an intricate form for the base material which is used to form the shape of the insert. Second, the membrane which is used to cover the opening of the insert, and which provides the resiliency to hold fragile objects, in some cases heavy objects, in place is not made of renewable materials, thus presenting an environmental risk similar to that presented by materials such as styrofoam, albeit on a smaller scale.
It would be desirable to provide packaging materials which are -easy to assemble, so as to reduce costs. Also, in view of the increasing concern over environmental damage, particularly that caused by the use of non-biodegradable materials and non-renewable resources, it would be desirable to provide packing material, and indeed a packaging system, which employs biodegradable materials and/or renewable resources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the invention to provide a packaging system which enables the tight securing of items, particularly fragile items, in containers in a form which is easy to 1 5 assemble.
It is another object of the invention to provide a packaging system which is energy-efficient manner, using renewable or recyclable materials.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, in accordance with the invention, packaging materials are constituted by corrugated, cardboard, or fiber materials which are formed into corner pieces, end caps, or frames, inter alia, and which are held together by elastic materials which provide not only structural stability for the individual elements, but also retention force for fragile articles being packed The corrugated or related materials, as well as the elastic materials, preferably are made of renewable resources, and hence yield packaging materials which are more sound environmentally than previous versions of such materials. Also, since the elastic materials are used to hold the corrugated formations together, the overall assembly of the materials is simpler than previously was the case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present 5 invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters are used throughout, and wherein:
Figures 1 A and 1 B show one embodiment of the invention, in an unfolded and completed condition, respectively;
Figure 2 shows another embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure 1 A, a piece of material 100 is shown, in the shape of a cut-out which can be folded into a corner piece which will fit over and/or 15 around the corner of a fragile article to be shipped. Arrows are shown to depict the directions in which the various edges of the material 100 will be folded, in this case into a corner piece 1 10, as shown in Figure 1 B. Preferably eight such corners are used in a container, one for each corner of the article. The circular cut-out 105 depicted in the middle, 20 which may be of varying size, can hold a corner of the article being shipped. The cut-out 105 will be covered by an elastic band 120, as shown in Figure 1 B, the elastic providing resilience as the corner of the article is fitted into the circular cut-out.
Figure 1 B also shows the assembled piece 1 10, having a truncat-25 ed triangular shape, and the coverage of the overall corner piece 1 10 bythe elastic band 120 in order to hold the piece 110 together. In particular, the band 120 fits over the top of the piece 1 10 (though for convenience this portion of the band is not shown, in order to show the truncated triangular shape of the upper portion of the piece 110,) and conforms itself around the back corner of the truncated triangular shape, as shown. The band then extends around the bottom of the piece 1 10, and comes up the front to complete the circuit. The folded-in portions of material 100 are held in place by the band, without need for an additional adhesive or other assembly process.
Elastic bands of varying widths, lengths, elasticities, elongations (i.e. extendability as a multiple of formed length,) and memory retention may be used, depending on size and resiliency requirements, among other things. In the interest of providing an environmentally friendly product, the elastic preferably is natural rubber, latex, or gum rubber, though other types of rubber or other elastic materials may be used if desired. Also, the size of the corner piece can be varied as desired, depending on the size of the fragile article to be packed, the need for resiliency, etc. The material which is used to form the shape of the corner piece preferably is corrugated paper, but also may be cardboard, corrugated cardboard, model fiber, or paperboard, again in the interest of using a renewable, and even recyclable resource. However, the invention is not necessarily so limited.
Among various advantages of the invention, many of which have been described earlier, the overall structure of the packaging element is of sufficient strength to withstand the force of the elastic material which surrounds it. The structure also allows cushion space for the rubber or other elastic material to absorb force, such as the force resulting from dropping a container, and to rebound without damaging the article in the container. Also, the rubber or other elastic material which is used provides a material which will not break down, even upon repeated drops of the container holding the article.
The inventive packaging element can be formed manually or in an automated process. Also, many other shapes are possible, in addition to the corner piece described above with respect to Figures 1 A and 1 B.
The following describes two other embodiments which presently are preferred .
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in this 5 case, an end cap 210 which will fit around one end of a fragile article to be shipped. The cap 210 is closed on one side, as shown by the cutaway portion 215. An elastic band 220 goes around the four sides of the cap 210 to hold the sides together, and to provide some tightness of fit of a fragile article in the cap 210. One end of the fragile article is 10 fitted against the side 215, and is held there snugly by virtue of the pressure applied by the band 220.
The band 220 can surround the piece completely, even overlap-ping the four sides of the cap 210, or it can merely provide structural stability, as shown, in addition compressing the end cap 210 so as to fit 15 snugly around the fragile article to be shipped. Also, the number of sides of the cap 210, shown as four in the disclosed embodiment, can be varied depending on the shape of the article to be shipped.
Fabricating the necessary cut-out is well within the abilities of the ordinarily skilled artisan in this field, and so need not be described here 20 in further detail.
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in this case, a frame for a fragile article to be shipped. Similarly to Figure 2, Figure 3 shows the formed frame 310, with an elastic band 320 fitted around it. The fragile article to be shipped fits inside the sides of the frame 310 25 (a four-sided frame being shown here, though the number of sides will of course depend on the shape of the article being shipped). As in the other embodiments, the band 320 provides structural security for the frame 310, and enables an elastic and/or more snug fit around the fragile article to be shipped. The band can overlap the sides of the frame, or can fit within the side edges of the frame as shown in the Figure, depending on requirements.
Various modifications to the embodiments described above will be readily apparent to those of working skill in this technical field. For 5 example, the invention is applicable to the manufacture of packing pieces besides corner pieces, end caps, and frames, the only limitation at present being the size of the available elastic to hold the piece together.
Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but instead is to be accorded the widest scope consistent 10 with the novel features disclosed herein, in accordance with the appended claims.
Claims (13)
1. A packaging member comprising:
a first packing element, made of a first material, formed into a predetermined shape; and a second packing element, made of a second material, different from said first material, said second packing element being disposed around said first packing element so as to retain said first packing element in said predetermined shape, said second packing element further being disposed around said first packing element so as to provide resiliency to said packaging member.
a first packing element, made of a first material, formed into a predetermined shape; and a second packing element, made of a second material, different from said first material, said second packing element being disposed around said first packing element so as to retain said first packing element in said predetermined shape, said second packing element further being disposed around said first packing element so as to provide resiliency to said packaging member.
2. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is a packing corner, of a triangular shape, to be placed in corners of a packing container.
3. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is an end cap, of a shape conforming to at least one side of an article to be packaged.
4. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is a frame, of a shape conforming to and surrounding an article to be packaged.
5. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined shape is a piece which extends along a length or a width of at least one side of an article to be packaged.
6. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first material is a first environmentally-friendly material.
7. A packaging member as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first environmentally-friendly material is corrugated cardboard.
8. A packaging member as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first environmentally-friendly material is paperboard.
9. A packaging member as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first environmentally-friendly material is model fiber.
10. A packaging member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second material is a second environmentally-friendly material.
11. A packaging member as claimed in claim 10, wherein said second environmentally-friendly material is natural rubber.
12. A packaging member as claimed in claim 11, wherein said natural rubber is latex rubber.
13. A packaging member as claimed in claim 11, wherein said natural rubber is gum rubber.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US31752494A | 1994-10-04 | 1994-10-04 | |
| US08/317,524 | 1994-10-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2159675A1 true CA2159675A1 (en) | 1996-04-05 |
Family
ID=23234067
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2159675 Abandoned CA2159675A1 (en) | 1994-10-04 | 1995-10-02 | Resilient packaging member |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2159675A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-10-02 CA CA 2159675 patent/CA2159675A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |