Method of and apparatus for reinforcing combo boxes

Abstract

A reinforcing girdle for combo boxes comprises a continuous length of woven polypropylene fabric having an interior circumference which is closely matched to the exterior circumference of a combo box. The continuous length of fabric is secured around at least the lower portions of the side walls of the combo box to prevent the combo box from bursting during the transportation of meat and meat products therein. The continuous length of woven fabric may be provided with lengths of webbing material which are aligned with the corners of the combo box.

1 . A method of reinforcing combo boxes of the type comprising four side walls which define a predetermined exterior circumference comprising the steps of: 
 providing a continuous girdle formed from woven fabric and having an interior circumference closely matched to the exterior circumference of the combo box; and    extending the girdle around at least the lower portions of the exterior surfaces comprising the side walls of the combo box.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a girdle is carried out by providing a girdle comprising a woven polymeric material.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein the step of providing the girdle is carried out by providing a girdle formed from woven polypropylene fabric.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a girdle is carried out by providing a girdle formed from woven polypropylene fabric which is continuous around its entire circumference.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a girdle is carried out by providing a girdle formed from at least one panel comprising woven polypropylene fabric and having edges which are sewn together to form the girdle.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a girdle includes the additional step of providing reinforcing members formed from webbing material which are secured to the girdle at locations aligned with the corners of the combo box.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a girdle is further characterized by: 
 providing four side wall panels each formed from woven polypropylene fabric;    sewing the four side wall panels together edge to edge thereby forming a continuous side wall having an interior circumference which is closely matched to the exterior circumference of the combo box;    providing four lengths of polymeric webbing material;    securing the lengths of polymeric webbing material to the exterior of the panel with the lengths of webbing material extending substantially vertically and with the lengths of webbing material positioned in alignment with the corners of the combo box.    
   
   
       8 . A girdle for use in reinforcing combo boxes of the type comprising four side walls connected edge to edge and defining a predetermined exterior circumference comprising: 
 a continuous length of woven fabric having an interior circumference which is closely matched to the exterior circumference of the side walls of the combo box;    the continuous length of woven fabric being engaged with at least the lower portions of the side walls comprising the combo box to prevent bursting of the combo box during the transportation of meat and meat products therein.    
   
   
       9 . The girdle according to  claim 8  wherein the girdle comprises a woven polymeric material.  
   
   
       10 . The girdle according to  claim 9  wherein the girdle is formed from woven polypropylene fabric.  
   
   
       11 . The girdle according to  claim 8  wherein the girdle is formed from woven polypropylene fabric which is continuous around its entire circumference.  
   
   
       12 . The girdle according to  claim 8  wherein the girdle is formed from at least one panel comprising woven polypropylene fabric and having edges which are sewn together to form the girdle.  
   
   
       13 . The girdle according to  claim 8  further including reinforcing members formed from webbing material which are secured to the girdle at locations aligned with the corners of the combo box.  
   
   
       14 . The girdle according to  claim 8  further characterized by: 
 four side wall panels each formed from woven polypropylene fabric;    the four side wall panels being sewn together edge to edge thereby forming a continuous side wall having an interior circumference which is closely matched to the exterior circumference of the combo box;    four lengths of polymeric webbing material;    the lengths of polymeric webbing material being seamed to the exterior of the panel with the lengths of webbing material extending substantially vertically and with the lengths of webbing material positioned in alignment with the corners of the combo box.