Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Lawrence J Ullmann

Michael D Loeschen

John M Kruelle

Theodore J Butch, Jr

Lawrence A DeReu

An edge protector includes a first section formed from a laminate of paper or paperboard plies. The first section being formed in an angled configuration defining first and second legs and defining a first apex therebetween. In addition, the first apex defines first inside and second outside corners and the first and second legs and the first apex define a first width. The edge protector also includes a second section formed from a laminate of paper or paperboard plies overlying a core element. The core element and laminate are formed in an angled configuration similar to the first section. The second section defines third and fourth legs and defines a second apex therebetween. In addition, the second apex defines third inside and fourth outside corners, and the third and fourth legs and the second apex define a second width that is less than the first width. The plies overlying the core element wrap around the fourth outside corner and extend inwardly toward the third inside corner. The first and second sections are affixed to one another with the first and third legs abutting one another and the second and fourth legs abutting one another.

Enhanced edge protector

An edge or corner protector, or corner post support structure, for protecting an edge or corner region of an article, product, package, or palletized load, comprises a core member having leg members disposed at a 90.degree. angle with respect to each other, and laminated layers of paper disposed upon interior surface portions of the leg members with the laminated layers having different width dimensions so as to render the leg with different thickness dimensions as one proceeds away from the apex portion of the edge or corner protector and toward the distal edge portions of the edge protector. The thickest portions of the leg members are disposed within the vicinity of the distal edge portions such that the thinnest portions define a gap region for housing the corner or edge portion of the article or product while the thickest portions engage the sides of the article or product. Packaging strapping forces are relieved within the corner or edge region and are redistributed upon portions of the strapping remote from the corner or edge region.

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Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Lawrence J Ullmann