초록 ▼

A collapsible void filler is provided which, when in an expanded state, prevents relative movement between cargo during transit. The void filler is formed as a pair of side panels, a pair of bases secured to the side panels, and at least one beam structure located in the interior defined by the side

A collapsible void filler is provided which, when in an expanded state, prevents relative movement between cargo during transit. The void filler is formed as a pair of side panels, a pair of bases secured to the side panels, and at least one beam structure located in the interior defined by the side panels and the two bases. The side panels include side panel portions which fold about a longitudinal axis when the void filler is collapsed. The bases, which may be formed from one or more base panels, extend transversely between the side panels and move toward and way from one another when the void filler is collapsed and expanded. The beam structures may have several different configurations, each of which has a pair of beam panels hingedly connected to the bases and foldable with respect to one another. The beam structures operate to support the side panels against transverse compression when the void filler is expanded. The void filler is preferably made from a unitary piece of material.

대표청구항 ▼

A void filling device collapsible into a flattened state and expandable into an erect state and adapted to be interposed between spaced cargo when in the erect state to inhibit relative movement during transit, comprising: (a) a pair of side panels each having longitudinally extending first and seco

A void filling device collapsible into a flattened state and expandable into an erect state and adapted to be interposed between spaced cargo when in the erect state to inhibit relative movement during transit, comprising: (a) a pair of side panels each having longitudinally extending first and second side edges, said pair of side panels being spaced apart from one another to define an interior therebetween when said void-filling device is in the erect state, each of said side panels including side panel portions constructed to fold about a longitudinal axis between a folded state when said void-filling device is collapsed and an unfolded state when said void-filling device is erect; (b) a first base panel hingedly secured to the first side edges of said side panels to extend transversely therebetween and a second base panel hingedly secured to the second side edges of said side panels to extend transversely therebetween such that said first and second base panels move toward one another when said side panels are folded into the folded state and move away from one another when said side panels are unfolded into the unfolded state whereby said first and second base panels are closely spaced with one another when said void-filling device is collapsed and spaced-apart from one another when said void-filling device is erect; and (c) a foldable beam structure located in the interior between said side panels and oriented transversely thereto, said beam structure hingedly connected to said first and second base panels to extend therebetween, said beam structure including first and second beam panels foldable with respect to one another about a transverse axis so that, as said first and second base panels move toward and away from one another, said first and second beam panels fold to allow said void-filling device to collapse and expand, said beam structure operative when said void-filling device is in the erect state to support said side panels against transverse compression forces, said void filling device being integrally formed as a single-piece construction.