Plastic laminated edge protector

Abstract

An elongated edge protector is for protecting an edge or corner of an article. The edge protector includes a plurality of paperboard plies laminated together and formed into a rigid substantially right angled member. The right angled member has a pair of transversely oriented legs joined at an apex, each of the apex and the legs having inside and outside faces. A layer of plastic laminate is adhered to the outside faces of the legs, and preferably overwraps the edges of the right angled member, such that the laminate is adhered to both inside and outside faces of the legs. In a preferred embodiment, a paper label is laminated to the outside faces of the legs, wherein the layer of plastic laminate is adhered to the paper label.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to elongated edge protectors for protecting an edge or corner of an item being shipped or transported. More specifically, the present invention relates to an elongated edge protector having a core formed from laminated strips of paperboard and an outer protective layer of plastic adhered thereon. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Packages, articles, products, palletized loads, and the like are often subject to damage during shipping or transit from one place to another. As a result, it is customary in the packaging and shipping industry to provide means for protecting these various items being shipped. For example, edge or corner protectors are commonly secured to the edges or corners of the item to provide cushioning and protection. Edge or corner protectors are typically formed from one or more pieces of paperboard, cardboard and / or corrugated cardboard folded into a rigid V-shaped member having a pair of transversely or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention provides such a durable edge or corner protector which resists damage from normal use and resists wear and tear caused by external elements such as for example rainy weather.

[0014] The layer of plastic laminate provides a protective barrier which keeps the core of paperboard plies dry and thereby prevents damage and wear and tear to the paperboard plies. The layer of plastic laminate further provides durability and strength to the edge protector. The layer of plastic laminate prevents the paperboard core from marking the product being shipped. The paper label and plastic laminate give the edge protector a cleaner look as compared to the edge protectors taught by the prior art.

Problems solved by technology

Packages, articles, products, palletized loads, and the like are often subject to damage during shipping or transit from one place to another.

However, known edge or corner protectors are themselves susceptible to damage during transport and damage from the elements, such as extreme weather conditions.

Often, items being shipped are stored for long period of time, many times in outdoor, unprotected storage areas.

As such, these items are subjected to snow, wind, rain or moisture, which can degrade the quality of the edge or corner protector and limit its useful life.

Additionally, when currently available laminated paperboard corner protectors are subjected to moisture, the paperboard material deteriorates and may stain or mark the product surface.

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