Modular packaging system for fragile planiform materials

Abstract

A modular packaging system of corrugated fibreboard construction is provided for relatively large-scale, fragile planiform materials, such as glass doors and architectural glass panels. Panels in a predetermined range of dimensions are individually enclosed within an adaptable, protective case. One or more loaded panel cases, in a substantially vertical orientation, are stacked horizontally and strapped together with a pair of buttressing pillars at each end, on opposite faces thereof. Two shock-absorbing base blocks are provided, upon which said panel case or bound stack rests. Each base block is a laminate, constructed of bonded corrugated fibreboard panels, and is disposed underneath the panel case or stack of cases, proximal to a respective lateral edge thereof, with its ends secured within recesses at the base of the pillars bound at that end.

1 . A packaging system for secure and protective containment of fragile, relatively large-scale planiform materials, such as architectural panels, which system comprising:
 (a) one or more panel cases of predetermined surface dimensions, each case enclosing fixedly therewithin a single fragile panel to be packaged, which panel may be of indeterminate surface dimensions, and have a thickness from a predetermined set of thickness values;   (b) two pairs of buttressing pillars, each pair bound level with or proximal to a respective lateral edge of said panel case or a stack thereof, its two pillars disposed opposite to and in alignment with one another, abutting the respective faces of said case or stack, thereby to support it in a substantially vertical orientation;   (c) two shock-absorbing base blocks, formed as elongated beams of rectangular cross-section, each of which blocks disposed underneath a respective end of said case or stack, a section of each of whose ends inserted within a recess at the base of the corresponding pillar of the respective said pair.   
     
     
         2 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of said panel cases comprises:
 (a) a mounting panel, consisting of a substantially rectangular board blank, onto which a fragile panel to be packaged that is equal or smaller in surface dimensions with respect thereto is affixed;   (b) a plurality of corner pads, each formed from a board blank, having two foldable flaps on adjacent sides thereof, thereby to protectively sheath each corner of said fragile panel and affix it to said mounting panel;   (c) one or more envelopes, each formed from a board blank, having at least two foldable flaps on opposite sides thereof, thereby to encase said mounting panel and said fragile panel mounted thereon, or a previously applied such envelope and its contents.   
     
     
         3 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein each of said board blanks is constructed of corrugated fibreboard adapted with pre-pressed fold lines. 
     
     
         4 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein each of said buttressing pillars is constructed of a board blank that is adapted with foldable segments and flaps, and that is patterned geometrically to allow its formation into a double-walled pillar structure of substantially rectangular cross-section, having a recess at its base to accommodate said base block. 
     
     
         5 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein one or more segments of each of said buttressing pillar is disposed internally to span diagonally the interior cavity thereof, thereby to provide reinforcement to said structure. 
     
     
         6 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein said board blank is constructed of corrugated fibreboard. 
     
     
         7 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein each of said buttressing pillars is constructed of a board blank that is adapted with foldable segments and flaps, and that is patterned geometrically to allow its formation into a double-walled pillar structure of substantially rectangular cross-section, having a recess at its base to accommodate said base block. 
     
     
         8 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein one or more segments of each of said buttressing pillar is disposed internally to span diagonally the interior cavity thereof, thereby to provide reinforcement to said structure. 
     
     
         9 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein said board blank is constructed of corrugated fibreboard. 
     
     
         10 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein each of said base blocks is a laminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panels that are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid, shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 5 , wherein each of said base blocks is a laminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panels that are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid, shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein each of said base blocks is a laminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panels that are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid, shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section. 
     
     
         13 . A packaging system as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein each of said base blocks is a laminate, constructed of a plurality of corrugated fibreboard panels that are bonded or strapped together, thereby to form a solid, shock-absorbing block of rectangular cross-section.