A package having a flexible inner sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The package has an article reservoir for accepting an article to be shipped. The expansion chambers can be inflated or otherwise expanded to provide structure to the package and to protect the article in the article reservoir. The package also includes an external wrap surrounding at least a portion of the package to provide a relatively planar outwardly-facing surface.

A buffer member includes: a resin sheet welded in a bag-like shape; and a medium sealed in the resin sheet, wherein the resin sheet includes a plurality of buffer areas each having a shape extending longitudinally in a first direction and arranged adjacent to each other in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, each buffer area of the plurality of buffer areas includes a first buffer chamber having a shape extending in the first direction, a second buffer chamber having a shape extending in the first direction and formed at a position separated from the first buffer chamber in the first direction, and a connecting flow passage connecting the first buffer chamber and the second buffer chamber.

A bundle of tubular and/or rod-shaped glass articles is provided that includes a longest dimension, a plurality of layers (N.sub.L) of the glass articles, and a thread-like element. The longest dimension extends in a first direction. The glass articles in each layer are arranged side by side in a second direction. The plurality of layers are arranged side by side in a third direction. The first, second, and third directions being perpendicular to one another. The thread-like element is around two of the glass articles in at least one layer so that the two glass articles are spaced apart.

An inflation feature for a shipping package, an inflation rig assembly for inflating a shipping package, and a method of inflating a shipping package. The method includes providing an inflation feature and an inflation rig assembly with corresponding alignment features, positioning the inflation feature of a shipping package, in an uninflated state, on to the inflation rig assembly in a first position, moving the inflation rig assembly to a second position, such that the shipping package is in fluid communication with an expansion material source, and inflating the shipping package to an inflated state.

A product packaging system in one embodiment includes a stack of products defining a pair of opposing major side surfaces, a top surface, a bottom surface, and pair of opposing end surfaces; protective corrugated sheets covering two or more of the stack side, top, and bottom surfaces; and a protective end pad covering each of the stack end surfaces. Each protective corrugated sheet includes a pair of longitudinally-extending and protruding corner reinforcement structures disposed along corner regions of the stack. The reinforcement structures are three-dimensional structures having different possible configurations which provide crush-resistance in the assembled product package. The product package collectively comprising the foregoing components is insertable into an outer shipping carton for transit. Some embodiments include banding which holds the stack of products together. In one embodiment, the products may be mirrors.

A protective carrying case for a firearm is disclosed, wherein the protective carrying case includes a top component, a bottom component, and semi-hexagonal ends, wherein the top component and the bottom component are constructed from carbon fiber. The protective carrying case additionally includes a retaining element with vacuum split functionality to retain elements within the case.

A packaging assembly (10) for an appliance (14) includes a first shock-absorbing member (18) that defines a cavity (22) to receive a top (26) of the appliance (14) and a second shock-absorbing member (42). The first shock-absorbing member (18) defines a first groove (30) and a second groove (34). Each of the first groove (30) and second groove (34) is defined in a top surface (38) of the first shock-absorbing member (18) and extends along a length thereof. The second shock-absorbing member (42) defines a recess (46) to receive a bottom (50) of the appliance (14). The first shock-absorbing member (18) and the second shock-absorbing member (42) are configured to retain the appliance (14). A first support feature (54) is disposed within the first groove (30) of the first shock-absorbing member (18). A second support feature (58) is disposed within the second groove (34) of the first shock-absorbing member (18). Each of the first support feature (54) and the second support feature (58) is constructed of a wood plastic composite.

A compartment for storing fuel in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds fuel, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A compartment for storing fuel in a vehicle having a protective outer structure and an inner structure. The protective outer structure is maintained in position relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. The inner structure, which holds fuel, is positioned in the outer structure. The inner structure is maintained in position relative to the outer structure and relative to the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle. During an impact to the vehicle, the inner structure is configured to move independent of the outer structure.

A shipping assembly to transport various components of a hammer mill including a hammer, a spacer, and/or a lock collar. The shipping assembly may hold a hammer in a pair of jaws that aligns an opening in the hammer with a spacer held in a collar or a lock collar held in a pair of exterior prongs so that a rod can be inserted through the components. A handle may be received through a stop arm to further secure the hammer mill components and simplify install into the hammer mill.