Shipping Protector

This invention relates to shipping protectors and more particularly to an edge protector, a corner protector and a face protector for providing protection between a shipped article and its packaging or external restraints.

It is current practice in the shipping arts to employ package cushioning to protect an article during shipping. The cushioning typically is interposed between the article being shipped and the exterior packaging which may comprise, for example, a corrugated container or box, corrugated endcaps or top and bottom caps, or shrink or stretch wrap film. The exact nature of the article shipped can vary widely, from furniture to machine parts, other industrial or consumer products, or any other item. Package cushioning is typically made of foam material, single or multiple plies of honeycomb or corrugated, or of molded fiber, wherein the cushioning takes on a particular shape to fit along corners or edges of the article being shipped.

In accordance with known protectors, for example an edge protector as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,120,441 (Hurley) and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the edge protector is formed from two molded fiber walls 10, 12, with first edges joined to place the walls in substantially 90.degree. relation when in place. The walls are indented at intervals with ribs 26 at 90.degree. angles, denoted .THETA..sub.3, to the longitudinal length of the edge protector, forming portions 22 which project inwardly toward the object being shipped to maintain the object in spaced relation to the shipping container. A continuous groove 28 may be defined at the joining position of walls 10, 12.

Since the particular shipping use of a given protector may vary, it is desirable to manufacture the protectors in standard lengths, and enable the end user to relatively easily trim the protector to its particular desired size. Spaced tear slots 32 enable separation of the edge protector into separate pieces. Some prior art protectors employ two parallel slightly raised portions in spaced relation to each other to define a pseudo tear line along the center bottom of selected ribs. However, the protectors using such parallel raised portions do not provide a "clean" break or tear line.

A current trend in shipping, called "RTA"--Ready-to-Assemble, is to ship furniture, for example book cases, in a disassembled state, wherein plural panels or the like are stacked within the shipping container, one atop the other, in order to save space, whereupon at arrival at the destination, the furniture item is removed from the shipping container for assembly. Shipping space is thereby conserved. However, with prior art type shipping protectors, portions of the stacked furniture pieces can fit within the ribbed protector portions, with the result that the particular piece, which may comprise a shelf, for example, can slide into a rib portion during shipping, thereby defeating the cushioning effect of the edge protector. Since the shelf is no longer maintained in spaced relation to the shipping container, the shelf may be subject to damage, since it is separated from the container wall only by the thickness of the shipping protector wall, instead of having a spaced shock absorbing piece thereagainst. Further, if the portion of the article fits within the rib area, the article portion will likely move around during shipping, resulting in abrading between the adjacent stationary pieces and the moving piece. FIG. 1 illustrates a shelf 30 undesirably sliding into rib portions 26' and 26". The edges of the shelf, and especially the shelf corner 34 are then not protected to the desired degree and can be damaged in the event of an external impact to the shipping container, since the shelf is not resting against portions 22, which would provide the desired spacing and cushioning between the shelf 30 and the shipping container.

A further issue which can arise when employing edge protectors in accordance with the prior art (see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,916, Galea) is that the edge protector, especially when manufactured of molded fiber, has a tendency to hinge about line 13 along the longitudinal ridge where the first and second edges of the edge protector join together. Such hinging action can be objectionable in certain applications, since the hinging may tend to cause the edge protector to split down line 13 or at other locations along the longitudinal ridge, reducing the protection afforded by the protector.

It is often desirable in shipping to employ straps or banding or pressure-sensitive tape to hold edge protectors in secure relation to the article being shipped. Such banding may comprise a metal or nylon strap, for example. In accordance with prior art protectors, the use of a banding strap can lead to undesirable crushing of the edge protector, especially in the region where the first and second edges are joined. Such crushing is objectionable as it destroys the physical spacing between the corner edge of the article being protected and the banding.

Heat shrink or stretch type film wrapping, suitably of plastic, is also employed with some applications to surround the shipped article and any protectors. With heat shrink and stretch type wraps, after initial wrapping, the wrap tends to "relax" somewhat and sag. Prior art type edge protectors are thus not held as securely to the article as desired. Further the smoother outward surfaces of prior art edge protectors, especially those of foam construction or single or multi-ply corrugated or chipboard or honeycomb, do not provide a suitable surface for engagement by the shrink or stretch wrap.

It is also desirable to have shipping protectors fail in a controlled or predictable manner without the likelihood of damage to the article being shipped. This is especially important when shipping furniture items or the like. Further, if the shipping protector presents an unblunted profile at the edges thereof, in the event of impact or as a result of vibration during the shipping process, the sharp protector edge can mar the article being shipped, especially in the case of furniture which may be shipped with a newly applied finish that is still somewhat prone to plastic deformation.

According to the present invention, a protector for placement along an edge, corner or face of a shipped article comprises an edge portion which has plural first lands in spaced relation thereon to define a first face of the protector adapted to contact the article being protected. Furrows separate the lands wherein the furrows are oriented at angles of less than 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the protector.

The protector may employ first and second edge portions, where the first and second edge portions each have plural lands with furrows therebetween, wherein the furrows are oriented at angles of less than 90.degree. to provide a herringbone pattern. Alternatively, an angled-aligned pattern orientation may be employed. A further embodiment makes use of anti-hinging means to strengthen the protector against hinging type flexing during use.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved edge, corner or face protector for use in shipping.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved protector which maintains the protected article in contact with the land portion of the protector, for preventing the article from entering the rib portion of the edge protector.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved shipping protector which includes a banding region adapted to receive a securing strap or band therein without substantial crushing of the edge protector.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved shipping protector which is resistant to hinging movement.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved shipping protector which has a progressive failure profile allowing initial deformation while providing residual protection after multiple shocks or against an excessive shock.

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 is a view of an edge protector in accordance with the prior art, illustrating entry of a portion of an article into the rib channels of the protector;

FIG. 2 is an inside perspective view of an edge protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an outside perspective view of an edge protector according to the present invention when installed on an article being shipped;

FIG. 4 is an inside perspective view of an edge protector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention employing a modified ribbing structure;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an edge protector according to the present invention illustrating the transition shape between lands and ribs;

FIG. 6 is a view showing the non-entry of articles into the rib channels of the edge protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an inside perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an edge protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an inside perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the edge protector according to the present invention employing closed-ended rib portions;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an edge protector according to the present invention when installed on a furniture article;

FIG. 10 is a partial inside perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a protector;

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the protector of FIG. 2 taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a view of another embodiment of a protector;

FIG. 13 is a view of a further embodiment of a protector employing "killed" ribs;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of a multiple rib height embodiment of a protector according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an edge protector according to an embodiment of the present invention when installed on a furniture article, illustrating the banding region; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a corner protector employing multiple height ribs.

Referring now to FIG. 2, which comprises an inside perspective view of an edge protector 38 according to the present invention, the edge protector comprises first and second edge portions 40, 42 which are suitably joined together at tunnel portion 44. Formed along each of the edge portions are a series of spaced lands 46 and 48, lands 46 being positioned at the first edge 40 and lands 48 being positioned on the second edge 42. The lands project inwardly such that the inward face of the protector provides a series of land faces 50 which are adapted to contact respective faces, for example, of an article being shipped, also known as the "product". The two edge portions are constructed so that they form an angle of .THETA..sub.1 which is slightly less than 90.degree. relative to the two inner faces of the edge portions. The respective lands on a given face are separated from one another by rib portions 52 which define furrows between the land portions. Tunnel 44 separates the innermost edges of lands 46 and 48, to thereby define the tunnel which runs along the center of the edge protector 38. After a given number of lands 46 and 48 are placed in spaced relation to one another, with tunnel 44 therebetween, tunnel 44 is interrupted by anti-hinge member 54 which suitably substantially connects a portion of a particular land 46' to its corresponding land 48' on the opposite side of the edge protector.

Referring now to FIG. 3, which is an outside perspective view of an edge protector according to the present invention, showing a typical application, on the exterior of the edge protector, in regions opposite lands 46 and 48, corresponding wide furrows 56 and 58 (not visible in FIG. 3) are formed, corresponding to lands 46 and 48 respectively, while raised portions 60 correspond to furrows 52. The various raised portions, as well as the indented regions 56 and 58 suitably are not substantially smooth surfaces, but instead are provided with a crinkle-like surface finish at the exterior of the edge protector. Opposite tunnel portion 44 is a semicircular or arcuate portion 62 which is also suitably of a roughened texture. In the region of the protector which is suitably opposite anti-hinge portion 54 (although this is not a requirement) is a band receiving region 64 which defines a saddle-like depression out of the plane tangent to the exterior of portion 62.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the placement of the lands and furrows relative to the longitudinal axis of the protector differ from the angles used in accordance with the prior art. Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with the prior art, the ribs and lands were at an angle .THETA..sub.3 of 90.degree., thus enabling undesired entry of certain articles into the rib regions as discussed hereinabove in connection with FIG. 1. Referring again to FIG. 2, in accordance with the present invention, the furrows between the lands are oriented at an angle .THETA..sub.2 which is less than 90.degree., providing a herringbone type pattern to the furrows (which form ribs when viewed from the exterior). A particular embodiment employs an angle of .THETA..sub.2 of 72.degree., although angles greater than 0.degree. and less than 90.degree. may be employed (or greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree.). However, as the angle becomes closer to 0.degree. (or 180.degree.), particular manufacturing requirements for molded products may require that the ribs employ a greater width in order to enable the protector to release from a mold, which can reduce the available weight bearing area remaining for the lands between ribs.

An advantage provided by the edge protector may be better understood by referring to FIG. 6, which is a perspective view of an edge protector 38 in accordance with the present invention, wherein an article, for example shelf portion 30, is abutted against the inner face of the protector. Since the furrow portions 52 are at angles other than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the protector, the shelf 30 is prevented from entering into the rib or furrows 52, since the furrows do not align with the plane of the shelf 30. Accordingly, at least portions of a particular land 46 or several lands 46 and also land or lands 48 are in abutting relation to the shelf, and only part of the shelf spans the furrows 52. The shelf does not enter the furrow since a plane normal to the furrow is skewed relative to the plane of orientation of the shelf. The present invention accordingly provides an improved edge protector which does not allow the shelf to move flush against the furrows and tunnel portion during shipping.

Referring again to FIG. 2, a score line 66 is provided wherein the score line traverses essentially only the furrow portion of a particular furrow, thus providing a separation line along which the edge protector may be relatively easily separated into several pieces. The score line 66 suitably comprises a region of the protector which is of slightly less thickness in the walls, thus providing sufficient strength to remain as one piece if desired, while still enabling relatively easy separation if the user desires to have a edge protector portion of shorter length. The score line is oriented to provide a square face upon separation (i.e. at 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the protector).

Referring now to FIG. 5, which is cross sectional view of the edge protector of FIG. 2, taken along line 5--5 thereof, the configuration of a land 48 relative to rib 52 may be observed. The edges of the lands where the transition occurs between the land and rib at position 76 in FIG. 5 are smoothly radiused and the rib portion 52 extends downwardly at an angle of less than 90.degree., to provide a crushable structure in the event of impact wherein land 48 and/or rib region 52 will progressively deform to provide a progressive controlled failure. Edge portion 76 will smoothly roll rather than forming a sharp edge on impact or application of heavy static loading which could potentially damage the article being protected.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the score line 66 may be observed. When the edge protector is constructed of molded fiber, for example molded paper pulp fiber, the process of forming the score line 66 may comprise using a knife to define the score line after the protector is removed from the mold. In the process of molding fiber, paper pulp is formed from a mixture of paper and water and the protector is typically formed through a molding process and then dried. As the protector comes out of the mold and prior to drying, it is typically 75 percent water and is easily subject to deformation. Accordingly, as the knife is drawn along the article so as to form the score line 66 (or as the article is pressed against the knife), when the knife is removed, the pulp material forms a lip portion 78 as a result of the consistency of the still wet pulp. This raised portion 78 can lead to undesirable marring if it is allowed to contact the article being shipped in particular applications (finished furniture, for example) since once the protector is dried it is fairly rigid and stiff. Accordingly, the edge protector according to the present invention orients the score line 66 so as to be entirely contained within furrow 52 and tunnel 44. Therefore, the raised portions 78 are well below the height of lands 46 and 48, enabling a wide contact area against the article being shipped, rather than having sharp edge contacts against lip portions 78. Marks are thereby prevented in the furniture. These marks could typically arise as a result of the manufacturing process of furniture wherein a finish is applied to the furniture, or the furniture is polished or retouched just prior to shipment. Although the finish may be essentially dry, it is still subject to plastic deformation as a result of pressure thereagainst, so it is desirable to avoid a thin contact line which would be provided by the raised portion 78. Instead, the protector of the present invention provides a wide surface along the face of the lands 46 and 48, spreading the contact pressure over a relatively large area and thereby reducing the likelihood of the finish being marred.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the use of banding saddle 64 may be observed. In FIG. 3, the furniture article 80 is contained within a shipping container 82 which may comprise a corrugated container or box, for example, while a protector 38 according to the present invention is positioned along an edge of the furniture article, to provide protection during shipping so that the furniture edges are not damaged. The protector also keeps the furniture item securely braced within the container. In some applications, a band 84 made of metal or plastic or other fiber may be strapped around the article and the edge protectors, to maintain the protectors in position during shipping. The band saddle 64 accordingly receives the band 84 therein and assists in the band staying in contact with the protector at the desired position. Further, the structure of the band saddle as well as the lack of a tunnel portion (or a more sturdy tunnel portion as a result of anti-hinge member 54) on the inner face opposing the band saddle provides a sturdy crush resistant structure. If the band is applied on a tunnel portion in accordance with prior art protectors, there is a likelihood that when the band is cinched up tight, the tunnel portion will be crushed, resulting in loosening of the band or potentially damaging of the furniture.

FIG. 11, which is a cross sectional view of the protector of FIG. 2 taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 2, illustrates the configuration of the band saddle 64 and anti-hinge member 54. A mini tunnel 45 may suitably be provided where the lands/anti-hinge member meet at the center of the protector, to define a smaller tunnel space than tunnel 44.

FIG. 9, a plan view of an edge protector according to the present invention when installed on a furniture article, illustrates the placement of lands 46 and 48 against adjoining faces of the furniture article 80. The lands and the remainder of the protector 38 hold the article 80 away from the walls of shipping container 82, and provide crushable or deformable structures to absorb impacts and thereby protect edges of the article, for example edge 88.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an embodiment of an edge protector according to the present invention, with a partial sectional view of the protector, illustrating the construction of the banding region. In FIG. 15, the product 80' has a truly rectilinear corner 88'. Mini tunnel 45 provided in the banding region where the main tunnel 44 is interrupted at the junction of the lands between the first and second faces of the protector, results in a small volume where the product corner is not in contact with the protector, so as to reduce the possibility of damage to the sharp corner 88' during shipping.

Referring again to FIG. 5, it may be observed that the outer face of the protector at 86 is somewhat rougher than the inner smooth face thereof. This rough outer face provides an advantage in conjunction with the use of shrink wrap or stretch wrap in shipping wherein the protector may be positioned against the furniture item being shipped and the shrink or stretch wrap is then applied. The roughened exterior surfaces of the protector enable the shrink or stretch wrap to have a tactile surface against which to grab or engage. Further, the configuration of the edge protector wherein the angle .THETA..sub.1 (FIG. 2) is slightly less than 90.degree. allows the protector to be positioned against the article being shipped, and then when pulled tightly thereagainst, the protector tends to flare outwardly somewhat to conform to the 90.degree. angle. However, the initial configuration being less than 90.degree. provides some tension such that the protector is pushing outwardly as it attempts to return to its original configuration (in molded pulp fiber, for example, the items are somewhat resistant to flexing once dried and are thus likely to attempt the return to the original shape). When used in conjunction with shrink or stretch wrap, which has a tendency to sag and loosen somewhat over time, the edge protector also assists in keeping the wrap taut, since as the wrap relaxes, the edge protector will push outwardly away from the article being protected by a slight amount, taking up the slack in the wrap and maintaining it in a taut condition.

The score line 66 is a continuous line in the illustrated embodiment. However, it may be of alternating configuration as shown in FIG. 10, a partial inside perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a protector 38', wherein the line does not extend continuously from one edge through the tunnel along the other edge, but instead is of a perforated type configuration wherein alternating regions of score line 66'/no score line are regularly spaced to still provide relatively smooth separation if desired.

Further, while the illustrated embodiment employs a protector with lands having similar width on two faces of the protector, the two edges may have dissimilar rib sizes or, one edge may be constructed as a continuous land or may comprise relatively large lands 48' as shown in FIG. 7.

Further, the protector is suitably constructed of molded fiber, for example molded paper pulp. However, other materials and constructions are also suitable, for example corrugated, honeycomb material, paper mache, extruded polystyrene, or other foam or plastic material may also be employed in a built-up or laminated or fabricated or glued fashion. The hollow portions 56 and 58 may further be filled with either the same material or similar material of which the protector is constructed or, for example, may be filled with some other void-filling, leveling or shock absorbing material (e.g. a molded fiber protector can employ foam inserts within the hollow portions).

Further, an alternate furrow 52" may be constructed so as to not extend into the tunnel portion, employing a stop portion 92 between the furrow and the tunnel as illustrated in FIG. 13. The stop portion 92 suitably connects adjacent lands and may comprise an extension thereof.

It may be observed with reference to FIG. 2, that the furrow or rib portions extend substantially from the tunnel portion 44 to the distal edges of the respective sides of the edge protector, providing an "open" furrow portion. The hinging characteristics of the protector along the distal edges thereof can be altered if desired by "closing" the end portions of the ribs to provide a rib region 52' (FIG. 8). The open rib construction of FIG. 2 is more inclined to flex about the opening on impact, whereas the structure of rib 52', given an appropriate type of blow, would be more likely to crack in the region indicated by arrow 90 in FIG. 8. Certain shipping applications may require that such cracking occur, for example to provide an indication of whether an undesired impact occurred during shipping or not. Other situations may not wish such failure to occur and accordingly the structure of FIG. 2 is suitably employed.

FIG. 4 is an inside perspective view of an edge protector according to the present invention employing an alternative embodiment ribbing structure for preventing entry of articles into the furrows. The alternative protector 68 employs lands and ribs 70, 72 which are oriented at essentially 90.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the protector. However, each rib or furrow 72 carries a central land 74 therein wherein the central land comprises an elevated portion 74 which is at least partially as high as the lands 70. These elevated portions thereby prevent the entry of a shelf or similar article into the ribs and tunnel portion.

While the illustrated embodiments are edge protectors adapted for use with articles of substantially right angle orientation (i.e. .THETA..sub.4 =90.degree. (FIG. 9)), other angles may be envisioned as necessary. Depending upon the configuration of the article being shipped, .THETA..sub.4 may be greater or less than 90.degree., with attendant changes in the angle .THETA..sub.1 (FIG. 2). Also, the first and second edge portions may be of equal width, wherein line AB (FIG. 2) and BC are of equal length (e.g. 3 inches), but may also employ unequal width portions (e.g. AB.apprxeq.BC).

A still further embodiment of a protector according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 12, wherein ribs or furrows are arranged to define a diagonal pattern when considered in plan view. Entry of an article into the ribs is also thereby prevented.

In a yet further embodiment of a protector according to the present invention, the height and cross-sectional shaping of the rib portions of the protector may differ, providing two or more different height ribs facing outwardly of the protector. The taller ribs extend further outwardly and are accordingly contacted first by a uniformly (with respect to a given locality) applied external force. The taller ribs therefore yield or deform first, partially absorbing the applied load before the load is applied to the less tall ribs. The shorter height ribs are suitably "stiffer", acting as overload or stiffening members if an external force sufficient to deform the taller ribs is applied.

The cross-sectional shape, spacing and height of the various ribs is varied depending upon the particular shipping requirements, the amount of protection to be provided by the edge, corner or face protector and the particular article being protected. The result of the combined varied rib heights and geometries furnishes extended deceleration time of externally applied forces, providing diminished transmission of shock to the article being protected and giving improved residual protection after multiple impacts.

The greater height of a particular rib and the resulting partial deformation thereof further provides advantageous vibration dampening and attenuation protective characteristics to the package at relatively low loading forces. The product is thereby protected from the potentially damaging effects of vibration caused forces, which are ever-present in the transportation environment in which all products are shipped. Improved residual protection is also provided after multiple impacts. Referring to FIG. 14, for example, which is a partial sectional view of a multiple rib height embodiment of a protector according to the present invention, the taller rib 94 has rib walls 93 shaped in a more curved manner, so as to be more prone to gentle deformation as a result of impacts. The shorter rib 96, which may be spaced between adjacent taller ribs with a land 95 therebetween, or which may have multiple taller ribs and lands therebetween (or vice versa), is shaped with a more crush resistant profile, for example one way of achieving this is to employ more vertically oriented walls 98, to provide a hard "final stop" in the event of sufficient impacts to cause the taller ribs to be deformed below the height of the shorter ribs. Other ways are also possible. The product is thereby maintained in spaced relation with the exterior packaging or the like, even in the event of excessive impacts during shipping.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a corner protector employing multiple height ribs. Corner protectors, for example as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,626 (Dorsey), provide protection to a corner of a shipped product. In accordance with a multiple rib height embodiment of the invention, a multiple rib height corner protector 100 has three triangular shaped faces 102, 104 and 106 which are adapted to meet corresponding faces of a shipped article 108. The protector's faces are joined at tunnels 110, 112 and 114. Inwardly facing lands 95' corresponding to lands 95 of FIG. 14 (viewed from the back in FIG. 16) contact respective faces of the article 108. Ribs 116 and 118 are formed on the exterior faces of the protector (with corresponding furrows on the interior faces), wherein ribs 116 are suitably of different height than ribs 118. The lower height ribs 116 may comprise a cross sectional profile corresponding to ribs 96 of FIG. 14, to provide a "hard stop", while ribs 118 may be formed to be more prone to gentle deformation, similar to ribs 94 of FIG. 14. Accordingly, a cross sectional view along a selected face 102, 104 or 106 of protector 100 provides a profile corresponding to the profile of the edge protector shown in FIG. 14. An improved corner protector is thereby provided which at first gently deforms and absorbs impacts, but provides a relatively firm final stop point to maintain a degree of protection even in the event of multiple impacts or the event of an excessively strong impact.

A still further alternative embodiment of a protector according to the present invention does not employ a tunnel 44, suitably for shipping products with non-rectilinear corners.

The protector may suitably be provided with a removable protective liner 35 (shown in phantom in FIG. 5) comprising foam, wadding, molded fiber, for examples, to assist in cushioning the product. Alternatively, coatings may be sprayed on to the edge protector or applied by dipping or otherwise impregnated into the protector to provide added cushioning, environmental resistance to the protector (e.g. against moisture, abrasion resistance), or the like.

While the illustrated embodiments employ edge flange portions 37 at each side of the protector (FIG. 3), alternative embodiments may employ no edge flanges or may employ such a flange 37 on only a single edge or intermittently provide edge flanges.

An improved shipping protector is accordingly provided wherein the protector is resistant to hinging and provides a banding saddle for efficient use of banding straps when shipping. The protector provides an interference fit or non-aligning fit, to prevent the likelihood of shipped articles being aligned with rib portions of the protector and to reduce the likelihood of portions of a product sliding in and out of a rib during shipping. The configuration of the ribs and lands of the protector enable use with relatively thin flat articles, while still preventing entry of the articles into the ribs and undesired movement during shipping. Varied rib configurations, for example in corner, face, or edge protectors, provide progressive failure and final "hard stop" positions in the event of multiple impacts or the like. While edge and corner protectors are illustrated, face protectors employing aspects of the invention may also be provided to cushion a face of a shipped article.

While plural embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.