Buffer device with integral body in annular configuration

Abstract

A cushioning device (100) has a unitary body formed of an elastomeric material. The integrated body has: a length, a width, and a thickness; first and second ends (104, 106) opposed to each other in a length direction of the unitary body; first and second coupling mechanisms (108, 110) on the first and second ends of the unitary body; and a slot (116) through the thickness of the unitary body. The length of the unitary body is greater than the width of the unitary body. When the unitary body is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms may be coupled to each other to hold the unitary body in the annular configuration. When the unitary body is in the ring-shaped configuration, the slot enables a side or corner of the object to slide therethrough such that the unitary body in the ring-shaped configuration provides cushioning for the object.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of object cushioning. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cushioning member having a unitary body that can be placed in a ring-like configuration to provide cushioning for the sides or corners of an object. Background Art

[0002] Packaging materials have been used to provide cushioning and void filling. Especially with the rise of e-commerce, protecting consumer goods during shipment has become a common demand. Many solutions have been developed to provide cushioning and void filling. Existing solutions include air porous materials (e.g., BUBBLE WRAP air porous sheets), air pillows (e.g., FILLAIR air pillows), crumpled paper (e.g., corrugated kraft paper), loose fillers (e.g., packaging small pieces of polystyrene foam), bubble wrap in bags (e.g., INSTAPAK bubble wrap in bags), polystyrene foam blocks (e.g., STYROFOAM blocks) and other packaging materials. These packaging materials tend to be lightweight so that the packaging material adds as little weight as possible.

[0003] One difficulty in using lightweight packaging materials is to provide appropriate cushioning for the shipped articles. In particular, the sides and corners of articles, especially heavy articles, need protection, which is difficult for lightweight materials to provide. Some existing side or corner protectors can be specially designed for a specific article, such as polystyrene foam blocks or bubble wrap in bags. However, high-specificity polystyrene foam blocks are not easy to store before use and cannot be used for articles of different shapes. Bubble wrap in bags usually only conforms to a single article, cannot be reused with other articles, and is usually implemented with important machinery. Other existing side or corner protectors (such as air porous materials or crumpled paper) require a high level of technology and the correct execution of the packer to provide appropriate cushioning for the object. Training the packer in this way is difficult, and even the best packers are prone to human error. Other more complex designs have been made to form corner cushions by cushioning materials. Examples of more complex designs include complete end caps formed by folding and joining multiple pieces of cushioning material, such as the end caps shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0210588 and U.S. Patent Nos. 3,994,433 and 6,082,543. However, such multi-piece designs require assembly time and the skill of the packager and are susceptible to human error and other failure modes associated with their complexity.

[0004] It would be advantageous to have a side or corner bumper device that could be easily stored prior to use, had versatility in that it could be used with multiple types of objects, required a lower skill level to use, was not susceptible to human error, and could be easily reused. Summary of the invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In a first embodiment, a cushioning device has a one-piece body formed of an elastic material. The one-piece body has a length, a width and a thickness, wherein the length of the one-piece body is greater than the width of the one-piece body. The one-piece body has a first and a second end opposite to each other along the length direction of the one-piece body. The one-piece body has a first and a second coupling mechanism located on the first and second ends of the one-piece body. When the one-piece body is in an annular configuration, the first and the second coupling mechanism are configured to be coupled to each other to maintain the one-piece body in the annular configuration. The one-piece body has a groove passing through the thickness of the one-piece body. When the one-piece body is in an annular configuration, the groove enables a side or corner of an object to slide through it, so that the one-piece body in the annular configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object.

[0007] In a second embodiment, the elastic material of the first embodiment comprises polyethylene foam.

[0008] In a third embodiment, the slot of any one of the previous embodiments extends along the length direction of the one-piece body.

[0009] In a fourth embodiment, the slot of the third embodiment is substantially centered on the one-piece body in the width direction.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment, the slot of the fourth embodiment is offset from the center along the length of the one-piece body.

[0011] In a sixth embodiment, the side of the groove of any one of the previous embodiments has a sawtooth wave shape.

[0012] In a seventh embodiment, the side of the groove of any one of the first to fifth embodiments has one or more of a square wave shape, a sine wave shape, a convex shape, or a semicircular shape.

[0013] In an eighth embodiment, the sides of the groove of any one of the first to fifth embodiments are straight.

[0014] In a ninth embodiment, the buffer device of any of the preceding embodiments is configured so that the first coupling mechanism has a hammer head shape including a neck, and the second coupling mechanism has a through hole. When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the neck of the first coupling mechanism passes through the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

[0015] In a tenth embodiment, the through hole of the second coupling mechanism of the ninth embodiment is located near one of the first and second ends of the unitary body, and wherein the unitary body further includes a slit between the through hole and one of the first and second ends.

[0016] In an eleventh embodiment, the buffer device of any of the preceding embodiments is configured such that the first coupling mechanism has a trapezoidal shape and the second coupling mechanism has a through hole having a gradient shape. When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the trapezoidal shape of the first coupling mechanism is seated against the gradient shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

[0017] In a twelfth embodiment, the buffer device of any one of the aforementioned embodiments is configured so that the first coupling mechanism has a convex arc shape, and the second coupling mechanism has a through hole having a concave arc shape. When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the convex arc shape of the first coupling mechanism is seated against the concave arc shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, the slot of any of the previous embodiments extends from the long sides of the unitary body.

[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment, the one-piece body of the thirteenth embodiment is further configured to be coupled to a second one-piece body in a ring configuration. The second one-piece body includes: (i) a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length of the one-piece body is greater than the width of the one-piece body, (ii) first and second ends opposite to each other along the length direction of the second one-piece body, (iii) first and second coupling mechanisms located on the first and second ends of the second one-piece body, and (iv) a slot passing through the thickness of the second one-piece body, wherein the slot extends from the long side of the second one-piece body. When the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are coupled together in a ring configuration, the first coupling mechanisms of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are configured to couple to each other, and the second coupling mechanisms of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are configured to couple to each other to hold the one-piece body and the second one-piece body together so that an object can pass through the slots of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body.

[0020] In a fifteenth embodiment, the object of the fourteenth embodiment is an elongated object.

[0021] In a sixteenth embodiment, the slots of the unitary body of the fifteenth embodiment and the second unitary body are oriented so that closed ends of the slots contact opposing sides of the elongated object.

[0022] In a seventeenth embodiment, a side portion of the slot of any one of the fourteenth and fifteenth embodiments contacts the elongated object to maintain a relative position of the object with respect to each of the unitary body and the second unitary body.

[0023] In an eighteenth embodiment, the slot of any one of the preceding embodiments includes four slots.

[0024] In a nineteenth embodiment, the cushioning device of the eighteenth embodiment is configured to loop around an object when the unitary body is in the loop configuration.

[0025] In a twentieth embodiment, the object of the nineteenth embodiment is generally rectangular in shape with four corners, and each corner of the object is located in one of the grooves of the cushioning device when the unitary body is in an annular configuration around the object.

[0026] In a twenty-first embodiment, the slot of any of the preceding embodiments comprises a plurality of slits.

[0027] In a twenty-second embodiment, the plurality of slits of the twenty-first embodiment extend along the length direction of the unitary body and are substantially centered along the width direction of the unitary body.

[0028] In a twenty-third embodiment, a package includes a container and an object located within the container. The object has a plurality of corners. The package further includes a plurality of cushioning devices, wherein each of the plurality of cushioning devices is located between one of the plurality of corners of the object and the container, and wherein each of the plurality of cushioning devices is a cushioning device according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0029] In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the object of the twenty-third embodiment has a wavy surface.

[0030] In a twenty-fifth embodiment, the object of the twenty-fourth embodiment is a windshield or a windshield.

[0031] In a twenty-sixth embodiment, the object of the twenty-fourth embodiment is a curved flat-screen TV.

[0032] In a twenty-seventh embodiment, at least one of the plurality of corners of the object of any one of the twenty-third to twenty-sixth embodiments is a rounded corner.

[0033] In a twenty-eighth embodiment, the object of any one of the twenty-third to twenty-seventh embodiments has a substantially planar surface.

[0034] In a twenty-ninth embodiment, the object of the twenty-eighth embodiment is a flat-screen TV.

[0035] In a thirtieth embodiment, the container of any one of the twenty-third to twenty-ninth embodiments is a shipping box. Each of the plurality of cushioning devices has a width between a front surface and a rear surface of the shipping box. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated, as well as become better understood, by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1A and 1B depicts a front view and a side view, respectively, of a cushioning device including a unitary body according to an embodiment disclosed herein;

[0038] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Depicted are embodiments according to the present disclosure, Figure 1A and 1B The example of the cushioning device being formed from a flat configuration to an annular configuration is shown;

[0039] Figure 4A and 4B Describe the embodiments disclosed herein respectively, Figure 1A and 1B A front view and a side view of the cushioning device shown with the unitary body in a ring-like configuration;

[0040] Figure 5 Depicted are embodiments according to the present disclosure, Figure 1A and 1B a side cross-sectional view of the cushioning device shown with the unitary body in a ring-like configuration;

[0041] Figure 6 depicts an embodiment of an object having multiple corners cushioned by multiple cushioning device units according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0042] Fig. 7A and 7B A front view and a top view of a package according to an embodiment disclosed herein are depicted, respectively, the package comprising Figure 6 The objects and cushioning devices shown;

[0043] Figure 8 depicts an embodiment of an object having multiple corners cushioned by multiple cushioning device units according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0044] Fig. 9A and 9BA front view and a top view of a package according to an embodiment disclosed herein are depicted, respectively, the package comprising Figure 8 The objects and cushioning devices shown;

[0045] Figures 10A to 10F Depicted are embodiments according to the present disclosure, Figure 1A and 1B Examples of variations of the cushioning device shown;

[0046] Fig.11A , 11B 11C depict a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional end view, respectively, of a cushioning device including a unitary body according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0047] Fig. 12A and 12B The embodiments disclosed in this article are respectively described Fig.11A , 11B and 11C , a front view and a side view of the one-piece body of the cushioning device in a ring-shaped configuration;

[0048] Fig.13A , 13B 13C depict a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional end view, respectively, of a cushioning device including a unitary body according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0049] Fig.14A and 14B The embodiments disclosed in this article are respectively described Fig.13A , 13B and 13C , a front view and a side view of the one-piece body of the cushioning device in a ring-shaped configuration;

[0050] Fig.15A and 15B depicts a top view and a side view, respectively, of a cushioning device having an integral body according to an embodiment disclosed herein;

[0051] Fig.16A , 16B 16C and 16C respectively depict the embodiment according to the present disclosure Fig.15A and 15B A front view, a side view and a cross-sectional front view of the one-piece body of the cushioning device in a ring-shaped configuration as shown in FIG.

[0052] Fig.17A , 17B and 17C depicts front views of three different sized cushioning devices according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0053] Fig.18A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a cushioning device according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0054] Fig.18B Depicts a top view of an embodiment of a system according to embodiments disclosed herein, the system comprising Fig.18A The two buffer devices shown in , the two buffer devices are held together in a ring configuration;

[0055] Fig.18C and 18D A method for cushioning an object according to an embodiment disclosed herein is shown. Fig.18B Top and side views of an embodiment of the illustrated system;

[0056] Fig.19A depicts a top view of an embodiment of a cushioning device according to embodiments disclosed herein;

[0057] Fig.19B and 19C Depicts front and side views of an embodiment of a system according to embodiments disclosed herein, the system comprising Fig.19A The cushioning device shown in , the cushioning device is in a ring-like configuration surrounding the object;

[0058] Fig. 20A and 20B depicts a front view and a side view, respectively, of an embodiment of a cushioning device according to embodiments disclosed herein; and

[0059] Fig.21A and 21B The front view and side view of an embodiment of a buffer device according to an embodiment disclosed herein are respectively depicted. Figure 1A and 1B A variation of the damping device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure describes an embodiment of a cushioning device having a one-piece body formed of an elastic material. The one-piece body has a length, a width, and a thickness; first and second ends opposite each other along the length direction of the one-piece body; first and second coupling mechanisms located on the first and second ends of the one-piece body; and a groove passing through the thickness of the one-piece body. The length of the one-piece body is greater than the width of the one-piece body. When the one-piece body is in an annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms can be coupled to each other to maintain the one-piece body in the annular configuration. When the one-piece body is in an annular configuration, the groove enables the side or corner of an object to slide through it, so that the one-piece body in the annular configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object.

[0061] Figure 1A and 1BThe cushioning device 100 is depicted in a front view and a side view, respectively. The cushioning device 100 includes a unitary body 102. As used herein, the term "unitary body" refers to a body formed from a single unit or unified entity. The unitary body 102 is formed from an elastic material. In some embodiments, the elastic material is a polyethylene foam material. In other embodiments, the elastic material is another type of foam material, a foam material, or any other type of elastic material. In the depicted embodiment, the unitary body 102 has a length (when viewed from the side) of Figure 1A and 1B from left to right), width (when viewing Figure 1A when viewed from top to bottom) and thickness (when viewed from top to bottom) Figure 1B The unitary body 102 is shown in a top-to-bottom direction. The length of the unitary body 102 is greater than the width of the unitary body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the unitary body 102 is generally in the shape of a rectangular prism.

[0062] The unitary body 102 of the cushioning device 100 includes a first end 104 and a second end 106. The first and second ends 104 and 106 are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 102. In the depicted embodiment, when viewed Figure 1A and 1B , the first end 104 is located on the right side of the unitary body 102 and the second end 106 is located on the left side of the unitary body 102. It will be understood that the unitary body 102 can be rotated so that the first end 104 will be located on the left side of the unitary body 102 and the second end 106 will be located on the right side of the unitary body 102.

[0063] The unitary body includes a first coupling mechanism 108 and a second coupling mechanism 110. In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 108 is located on the first end 104 of the unitary body 102, and the second coupling mechanism 110 is located on the second end 106 of the unitary body 102. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 108 may be located on the second end 106, and the second coupling mechanism 110 may be located on the first end 104. The unitary body 102 is Figure 1A and 1B As discussed in more detail below, the one-piece body 102 can be bent into a ring-like configuration. When the one-piece body 102 is in the ring-like configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 108 and 110 are configured to couple to each other to maintain the one-piece body 102 in the ring-like configuration.

[0064] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 108 has a hammerhead shape including a neck 112. The second coupling mechanism 110 has a through hole. In the depicted embodiment, the width of the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110 is equal to or greater than the width of the neck 112. Thus, when the first and second coupling mechanisms 108 and 110 are coupled to each other, the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 passes through the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110. In the depicted embodiment, the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110 is located near the second end 106 of the unitary body 102, and the unitary body 102 also includes a slit 114 between the through hole and the second end 106. As discussed below, portions of the unitary body 102 on either side of the slit 114 can be pulled apart so that the neck 112 can slide through the second end 106 and into the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110. Other embodiments of first and second coupling mechanisms that can be used in a unitary body are discussed below.

[0065] The unitary body 102 of the cushioning device 100 also includes a groove 116. When the unitary body 102 is in the ring configuration, the groove 116 enables the side or corner of an object to slide therethrough, so that the unitary body 102 in the ring configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object. In the depicted embodiment, the groove 116 is substantially centered on the unitary body 102 in the width direction and extends in the length direction of the unitary body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the groove 116 is off-center on the unitary body 102 relative to the length direction. In some embodiments, the groove 116 is located on the unitary body 102 in the length direction on half of the unitary body 102. In the depicted embodiment, when viewing the unitary body 102, the unitary body 102 is substantially centered on the unitary body 102 in the width direction and extends in the length direction of the unitary body 102 ... the depicted embodiment, the unitary body 102 is substantially centered on the unitary body 102 in the width direction and extends in the length direction of the unitary body 102. In the depicted embodiment, the unitary body 102 is substantially Figure 1A 102, the groove 116 is located on the unitary body 102 on the left side on half of the unitary body 102. In other embodiments, the groove 116 can be centered along the length of the unitary body 102. In this case, when the unitary body 102 is bent into a ring-shaped configuration, the groove 116 can be located at the apex of the ring-shaped configuration of the unitary body 102. Although the embodiments described herein show the groove being located off-center along the length, the groove in any embodiment can also be centered along the length.

[0066] The groove 116 can have a side with a specific shape. In the depicted embodiment, the side of the groove 116 has a sawtooth wave shape. In other embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, the side of the groove in the one-piece body can have one or more of a square wave shape, a sine wave shape, a convex shape, or a semicircular shape. In yet other embodiments, the side of the groove in the one-piece body of the groove can be straight. The side of the groove can have any other shape. In some embodiments, the side of the groove 116 can be selected based on a specific use or based on a specific object that is expected to insert its side or corner into the groove 116.

[0067] As described above, the buffer device 100 can be Figure 1A and 1B The flat configuration shown is formed into a ring-like configuration. Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of cushioning device 100 being formed from a flat configuration to an annular configuration is depicted. Figure 2 , the unitary body 102 has been bent so that the second end 106 is approaching the first end 104. The bend of the unitary body 102 exposes the groove 116 on the outside of the bend. It will be apparent that the unitary body 102 can be bent in either direction - either Figure 2 direction as shown or the opposite direction - to achieve a circular configuration.

[0068] Figure 3 The unitary body 102 is depicted as having been further bent until the first and second ends 104 and 106 contact each other. Figure 3 At the moment shown, the portions of the second end 106 on either side of the slit 114 have separated, allowing the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 to slide between the slits 114. Figure 3 In the position shown, the second end 106 can be further pushed in the direction of the first end 104 until the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 is fully located in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110. After the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 is fully located in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110, the first coupling mechanism 108 and the second coupling mechanism 110 are coupled to each other to maintain the one-piece body 102 in the ring configuration.

[0069] Figure 4A and 4B depicts a front view and a side view, respectively, of the cushioning device 100 with the unitary body 102 in a ring-like configuration; Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of the cushioning device 100 is depicted with the unitary body 102 in a ring-like configuration. The first and second coupling mechanisms 108 and 110 are coupled to each other - the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 is located in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110 - to maintain the unitary body 102 in the ring-like configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the neck 112 of the first coupling mechanism 108 has completely passed the slit 114, so that the portions of the unitary body on both sides of the slit 114 can return to their original positions and prevent the neck 112 from being removed from the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 110. As shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the annular configuration is not necessarily a perfect circle or a perfect ellipse. Instead, the annular configuration merely means that one portion of the unitary body 102 is looped back to another portion of the unitary body 102, so that the unitary body 102 is looped back to itself.

[0070] As from Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the groove 116 of the depicted embodiment is located on one side of the ring of the unitary body 102 when the unitary body 102 is in the ring configuration. In particular, when observing Figure 4A and Figure 5 116 is located on the bottom left side of the unitary body 102. In this configuration, the side or corner of the object can slide through the slot 116. For example, the side or corner of the object can be scratched through the slot 116 until the object is cushioned in one or more of the following ways: the corner contacts a portion 118 of the unitary body 102 that does not include the slot 116 (for example, when viewing the Figure 4A and 5 The side of the object contacts one edge 120 of the slot 116 (e.g., when viewing the upper right portion 118 of the one-piece body 102). Figure 4A and Figure 5 102), and / or the side of the object contacts the other edge 122 of the slot 116 (e.g., when viewing Figure 4A and Figure 5 , the right edge 122 of the one-piece body 102).

[0071] One benefit of a cushioning device 100 having a unitary body 102 in a ring configuration is that the same cushioning device 100 can be used in multiple orientations. Figure 4A and Figure 5 The orientation shown cushions one corner of an object. Cushioning device 100 can be flipped or rotated to another orientation to cushion another corner of an object. In this way, multiple cushioning devices that are copies of cushioning device 100 can be used to cushion each corner of a multi-cornered object.

[0072] Figure 6 Embodiments of an object having multiple corners that are cushioned by multiple cushioning device units are depicted. In particular, Figure 6 An object 202 is depicted having corners 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044 (collectively referred to as corners 204). In the depicted embodiment, the object 202 is a windshield or windshield, and each corner 204 is a rounded corner. Figure 6 Each corner 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044 is depicted as being cushioned by a cushioning device 2061, 2062, 2063, 2064, respectively (collectively, cushioning devices 206). In some embodiments, each cushioning device 206 is a unit of cushioning device 100. In some embodiments, each cushioning device 206 is one of the various cushioning devices described herein.

[0073] In the depicted embodiment, each buffer 206 is in a ring configuration, with first and second coupling mechanisms coupling first and second ends of the buffer. Each corner 204 of object 202 has been slid through the slot of one of the buffers 206: corner 2041 has been slid through the slot of buffer 2061, corner 2042 has been slid through the slot of buffer 2062, corner 2043 has been slid through the slot of buffer 2063, and corner 2044 has been slid through the slot of buffer 2064. In the depicted embodiment, buffers 206 have been oriented relative to object 202 such that the two coupled ends of each buffer 2061 and 2062 are located on the side of object 202, and the two coupled ends of each buffer 2063 and 2064 are located below the bottom of object 202.

[0074] Object 202 and cushioning device 206 may be inserted into a container to form a package. Fig. 7A and 7B A front view and a top view of a package 200 including an object 202 and a cushioning device 206 are depicted, respectively. The package 200 includes a container 208. The container is Fig. 7A and 7B 202 and the cushioning device 206. In other embodiments, the container 208 may be opaque or translucent. For example, the container 208 may be a shipping container (e.g., a cardboard box), a storage box (e.g., a plastic storage box), or any other type of container. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom of the container 208 is closed and the top of the container 208 is open. The container 208 includes flaps 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 (collectively referred to as flaps 210) that are Fig. 7A and 7B is shown as open.

[0075] When the flap 210 is open, the object 202 and the cushioning device 206 can be inserted into the container 208 until the object 202 and the cushioning device 206 are in a Fig. 7A and 7B The location shown. Fig. 7A and 7B In the illustrated arrangement, each cushioning device 206 is located between one of the corners 204 of the object 202 and the container 208. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, each cushioning device 206 is located between one of the corners 204 of the object 202 and each of: one side of the container 208, one of the top and bottom of the container 208, the front panel of the container 208, and the back panel of the container 208. After the object 202 and the cushioning device 206 are inserted into the container 208, the container 208 can be closed by closing the flap 210.

[0076] As from Figure 7B As can be seen from the figure, object 202 can have a wavy surface. In the depicted embodiment, object 202 is a windshield or windshield having a wavy surface. In other embodiments, object 202 can be any other type of object having a wavy surface, such as a curved flat-screen television. Figure 7B As can be seen in FIG. 2 , the grooves of the cushioning device 206 can accommodate the contoured surface while still providing cushioning for a corresponding one of the corners 204 of the object 202 .

[0077] The packaging 200 may be used to transport or store the object 202, wherein the cushioning device 206 provides cushioning for the corners 204 of the object 202. For example, when the container 208 is closed, a shipping label may be affixed to an outer surface of the container 208, and the object 202 may be shipped in the container 208. In another example, the object 202 may be stored (e.g., in a warehouse) while in the container 208 to provide protection for the object 202 while it is stored.

[0078] Figure 8 Embodiments of an object having multiple corners that are cushioned by multiple cushioning device units are depicted. In particular, Figure 8 An object 302 is depicted having corners 3041, 3042, 3043, 3044 (collectively referred to as corners 304). In the depicted embodiment, the object 302 is a flat-screen television, and none of the corners 304 are rounded corners. Figure 8 Each corner 3041, 3042, 3043, 3044 is depicted as being cushioned by a cushioning device 3061, 3062, 3063, 3064, respectively (collectively, cushioning devices 306). In some embodiments, each cushioning device 306 is a unit of cushioning device 100. In some embodiments, each cushioning device 306 is one of the various cushioning devices described herein.

[0079] In the depicted embodiment, each buffer 306 is in a ring configuration, with first and second coupling mechanisms coupling first and second ends of the buffer. Each corner 304 of object 302 has been slid through a slot of one of the buffers 306: corner 3041 has been slid through the slot of buffer 3061, corner 3042 has been slid through the slot of buffer 3062, corner 3043 has been slid through the slot of buffer 3063, and corner 3044 has been slid through the slot of buffer 3064. In the depicted embodiment, buffers 306 have been oriented relative to object 302 such that the two coupled ends of each buffer 3061 and 3062 are located on the side of object 302, and the two coupled ends of each buffer 3063 and 3064 are located below the bottom of object 302.

[0080] Object 302 and cushioning device 306 may be inserted into a container to form a package. Fig. 9A and 9B A front view and a top view of a package 300 including an object 302 and a cushioning device 306 are depicted, respectively. The package 300 includes a container 308. The container is Fig. 9A and 9B 306 to facilitate viewing of the object 302 and the cushioning device 306. In other embodiments, the container 308 may be opaque or translucent. For example, the container 308 may be a shipping container (e.g., a cardboard box), a storage box (e.g., a plastic storage box), or any other type of container. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom of the container 308 is closed and the top of the container 308 is open. The container 308 includes flaps 3101, 3102, 3103, 3104 (collectively, flaps 310) that are Fig. 9A and 9B is shown as open.

[0081] When the flap 310 is open, the object 302 and the cushioning device 306 can be inserted into the container 308 until the object 302 and the cushioning device 306 are in a Fig. 9A and 9B The location shown. Fig. 9A and 9B In the illustrated arrangement, each cushioning device 306 is located between one of the corners 304 of the object 302 and the container 308. In particular, in the depicted embodiment, each cushioning device 306 is located between one of the corners 304 of the object 302 and each of: one side of the container 308, one of the top and bottom of the container 308, the front panel of the container 308, and the back panel of the container 308. After the object 302 and the cushioning device 306 are inserted into the container 308, the container 308 can be closed by closing the flap 310.

[0082] As from Fig. 9B As can be seen in , object 302 has a substantially planar surface. In the depicted embodiment, object 302 is a flat-screen television having a substantially planar surface. In other embodiments, object 302 may be any other type of object having a substantially planar surface. Fig. 9B As can be seen in FIG. 3 , the grooves of the cushioning device 306 can accommodate substantially planar surfaces while still providing cushioning for corresponding ones of the corners 304 of the object 302 .

[0083] Package 300 may be used to transport or store object 302, wherein cushioning device 306 provides cushioning for corners 304 of object 302. For example, when container 308 is closed, a shipping label may be affixed to an outer surface of container 308, and object 302 may be shipped in container 308. In another example, object 302 may be stored (e.g., in a warehouse) while in container 308 to provide protection for object 302 while it is stored.

[0084] As discussed above, cushioning device 100 may be varied in a variety of ways and still provide cushioning to the sides or corners of an object in a manner similar to cushioning device 100 . Figures 10A to 10F Depicted are examples of variations of the cushioning device 100 according to the embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, Figures 10A to 10F Cushioning devices 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006 are depicted respectively. The features of the cushioning devices 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1006 that are numbered the same as those in the cushioning device 100 are similar or identical to the corresponding features in the cushioning device 100.

[0085] The cushioning devices 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005 have grooves 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1165, respectively, instead of the groove 116 shown in the cushioning device 100. The grooves 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1165 are positioned in the cushioning devices 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, respectively, similar to the positioning of the groove 116 in the cushioning device 100. Instead of the sawtooth wave shape of the side of the groove 116, the sides of the grooves 1161, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1165 have different shapes. Fig. 10A The groove 1161 of the buffer device 1001 in FIG. 1 has a side portion with a sinusoidal wave shape. Fig. 10B The groove 1162 of the buffer device 1002 has a convex shaped side. Fig. 10C The groove 1163 of the buffer device 1003 has straight sides. Fig. 10D The groove 1164 of the buffer device 1004 has sides with a square wave shape. Fig.10E The groove 1165 of the buffer device 1005 in the embodiment has sides in a semicircular shape. The sides of the groove of the buffer device can have any other type of shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the sides of the groove in the buffer device is selected based on the desired gripping function of the groove on the object to be slid through it.

[0086] In the embodiment shown above, the slot is shown near the second end and the second coupling means. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first and second ends are interchangeable, and the first and second coupling means are interchangeable. Fig.10F The cushioning device 1006 depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates one of these variations of the cushioning device 100 .

[0087] In the cushioning device 1006, the first coupling mechanism 108 including the neck 112 is located near the second end 106 and the slot 116. The second coupling mechanism 110 and the slot 114 are located near the first end 104. Although the first and second coupling mechanisms 108 and 110 are interchanged from their positions in the cushioning device 100, the cushioning device 1006 can be changed from Fig.10F The flat configuration shown is bent into a ring configuration, wherein the first and second coupling mechanisms can be coupled to each other to hold the cushioning device 1006 in the ring configuration. It will be understood that on any embodiment of the cushioning device described herein, the first and second ends can be interchanged, and / or the first and second coupling mechanisms can be interchanged.

[0088] Another variation is also depicted in cushioning device 1006. The corners of the unitary body 102 in cushioning device 1006 are rounded. It will be appreciated that the rounded corners of the unitary body 102 in cushioning device 1006 will not affect the functionality of cushioning device 1006. It will also be appreciated that the unitary body of any embodiment of the cushioning devices described herein may have rounded corners or any other similar shape or size variation.

[0089] Similar to the possible variations in the shape of the slots and other variations of the cushioning devices described above, any type of coupling mechanism may be used. Figures 11A to 16C Examples of first and second coupling devices that may be used with a cushioning device are depicted. Fig.11A , 11B 11C and 11C depict a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional end view, respectively, of the cushioning device 400. The cushioning device 400 has a unitary body 402, which may be made of an elastic material. The unitary body 402 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width. The unitary body 402 has first and second ends 404 and 406 that are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 402. The unitary body 402 has first and second coupling mechanisms 408 and 410 located at the first and second ends 404 and 406 of the unitary body 402, respectively. The unitary body 402 has a slot 416 that passes through the thickness of the unitary body 402.

[0090] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 408 has a trapezoidal shape. Fig.11A and 11C As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the second coupling mechanism 410 has a through hole with a slit 414. Fig. 11CAs can be seen in FIG. 4 , the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 410 has a gradient shape. When the integral body 402 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 408 and 410 are configured to be coupled to each other to maintain the integral body 402 in the annular configuration.

[0091] Fig. 12A and 12B The front view and the side view of the integral body 402 of the cushioning device 400 in the ring configuration are depicted respectively. When the integral body 402 is in the ring configuration, the groove 416 enables the side or corner of the object to slide through it, so that the integral body 402 in the ring configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object. Fig. 12B As can be seen in FIG. 4 , when the first and second coupling mechanisms 408 and 410 are coupled to each other, the trapezoidal shape of the first coupling mechanism 408 seats against the tapered shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 410 .

[0092] Fig.13A , 13B 13C depict a top view, a side view, and a cross-sectional end view of the cushioning device 500, respectively. The cushioning device 500 has a unitary body 502 that may be made of an elastic material. The unitary body 502 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width. The unitary body 502 has first and second ends 504 and 506 that are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 502. The unitary body 502 has first and second coupling mechanisms 508 and 510 located at the first and second ends 504 and 506 of the unitary body 502, respectively. The unitary body 502 has a slot 516 that passes through the thickness of the unitary body 502.

[0093] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 508 has a convex arc shape and a neck 512. Fig.13A and 13C As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the second coupling mechanism 510 has a through hole with a slit 514. Fig. 13C As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 510 has a concave arc shape. When the integral body 502 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 508 and 510 are configured to be coupled to each other to maintain the integral body 502 in the annular configuration.

[0094] Fig.14A and 14B The front view and the side view of the integral body 502 of the cushioning device 500 in the ring configuration are depicted respectively. When the integral body 502 is in the ring configuration, the groove 516 enables the side or corner of the object to slide through it, so that the integral body 502 in the ring configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object. Fig. 14BAs can be seen in FIG. 5 , when the first and second coupling mechanisms 508 and 510 are coupled to each other, the convex arc shape of the first coupling mechanism 508 seats against the concave arc shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 510 .

[0095] Fig.15A and 15B A top view and a side view of a cushioning device 600 are depicted, respectively. The cushioning device 600 has a unitary body 602, which may be made of an elastic material. The unitary body 602 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width. The unitary body 602 has first and second ends 604 and 606 that are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 602. The unitary body 602 has first and second coupling mechanisms 608 and 610 located on the first and second ends 604 and 606 of the unitary body 602, respectively. The unitary body 602 has a slot 616 that passes through the thickness of the unitary body 602.

[0096] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 608 has a side groove, and the second coupling mechanism 610 has a side groove. In the depicted embodiment, the side groove of the first coupling mechanism 608 is located on a side of the unitary body 602 opposite to the side groove of the second coupling mechanism 610 in the width direction. When the unitary body 602 is in the ring configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 608 and 610 are configured to couple to each other to maintain the unitary body 602 in the ring configuration.

[0097] Fig.16A , 16B 16C and 16C respectively depict a front view, a side view, and a cross-sectional front view of the integral body 602 of the cushioning device 600 in a ring configuration. When the integral body 602 is in the ring configuration, the groove 616 enables the side or corner of an object to slide through it, so that the integral body 602 in the ring configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object. Fig. 16C As can be seen in FIG. 6 , when the first and second coupling mechanisms 608 and 610 are coupled to each other, the side grooves of the first coupling mechanism 608 and the side grooves of the hole of the second coupling mechanism 610 engage with each other to maintain the unitary body 602 in the annular configuration.

[0098] It will be understood that there are other types and shapes of coupling mechanisms that can be used in a cushioning device to hold the unitary body of the cushioning device in an annular configuration. It will be appreciated that the specific shape and / or size of the coupling mechanism is not important, as long as the coupling mechanism is able to hold the unitary body of the cushioning device in an annular configuration.

[0099] It will also be appreciated that the dimensions of the unitary body and coupling device may vary while still performing the functions of the cushioning device described herein. Fig.17A , 17B17C depicts front views of three different sizes of cushioning devices according to embodiments disclosed herein. In particular, Fig.17A Describes also Figure 1A The buffer device 100 is shown in FIG. Fig. 17B and 17C Depicted are cushioning devices 1007 and 1008, respectively, which are dimensional variations of cushioning device 100. Cushioning device 1007 has a greater length to width ratio than cushioning device 100. Cushioning device 1008 has a lesser length to width ratio than cushioning device 100. In each of cushioning devices 100, 1007, and 1008, the length is greater than the width. It will be apparent that despite the different length to width ratios, each of cushioning devices 100, 1007, and 1008 is capable of providing cushioning for the sides or corners of an object, as described herein.

[0100] Fig.18A A top view of an embodiment of a cushioning device 700 is depicted. The cushioning device 700 has a unitary body 702, which may be made of an elastic material. The unitary body 702 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width. The unitary body 702 has first and second ends 704 and 706 that are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 702. The unitary body 702 has first and second coupling mechanisms 708 and 710 located on the first and second ends 704 and 706 of the unitary body 702, respectively. The unitary body 702 has a slot 716 that passes through the thickness of the unitary body 702. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 716 extends from one long side of the unitary body 702.

[0101] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 708 has a side groove and the second coupling mechanism 710 has a side groove. In the depicted embodiment, the side groove of the first coupling mechanism 708 is located on a side of the unitary body 702 opposite to the side groove of the second coupling mechanism 710 in the width direction. When the unitary body 702 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 708 and 710 are configured to be coupled to each other to maintain the unitary body 702 in the annular configuration. The cushioning device 700 can be annular so that when the unitary body 702 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 708 and 710 are coupled to each other to maintain the unitary body 702 in the annular configuration.

[0102] Fig.18BA top view of an embodiment of a system including two cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 held together in a ring configuration is depicted. Each cushioning device 7001 and 7002 has the shape and features of cushioning device 700. Cushioning device 7001 is oriented with slot 716 facing upward, and cushioning device 7002 is oriented with slot 716 facing downward. A first coupling mechanism 708 of cushioning device 7002 is coupled to a second coupling mechanism 710 of cushioning device 7001, and the second coupling mechanism 710 of cushioning device 7002 is coupled to the first coupling mechanism 708 of cushioning device 7001. The coupling mechanisms 708 and 710 of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 are configured to hold cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 in the ring configuration shown.

[0103] Fig.18C and 18D A method for cushioning object 750 is shown. Fig.18B A top view and a side view of an embodiment of a system of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 are shown. In the depicted embodiment, object 750 is a pipe. Object 750 can be any other kind of elongated object, such as a portion of a bicycle frame. Object 750 has been placed in the system of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002, wherein object 750 passes through slots 716 of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002. In the depicted embodiment, the sides of slots 716 contact object 750 to maintain the relative position of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 and object 750. In addition, slots 716 of cushioning devices 7001 and 7002 are oriented so that the closed ends of slots 716 contact opposite sides of object 750.

[0104] Fig.19A A top view of an embodiment of a cushioning device 800 is depicted. The cushioning device 800 has a unitary body 802, which may be made of an elastic material. The unitary body 802 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length is greater than the width. The unitary body 802 has first and second ends 804 and 806 that are opposite to each other along the length of the unitary body 802. The unitary body 802 has first and second coupling mechanisms 808 and 810 located at the first and second ends 804 and 806 of the unitary body 802, respectively. The unitary body 802 has a slot 816 that passes through the thickness of the unitary body 802. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 816 includes four slots that are substantially centered on the unitary body 802 along the width and are spaced at varying intervals along the length of the unitary body 802.

[0105] In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 808 has a side groove and the second coupling mechanism 810 has a side groove. In the depicted embodiment, the side groove of the first coupling mechanism 808 is located on a side of the unitary body 802 opposite to the side groove of the second coupling mechanism 810 in the width direction. When the unitary body 802 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 808 and 810 are configured to be coupled to each other to maintain the unitary body 802 in the annular configuration. The cushioning device 800 can be annular so that when the unitary body 802 is in the annular configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 808 and 810 are coupled to each other to maintain the unitary body 802 in the annular configuration.

[0106] Fig.19B and 19C A front view and a side view of an embodiment of a system are depicted, the system including a cushioning device 800 in a ring configuration around an object 850. In the depicted embodiment, the object 850 is a cell phone. In other embodiments, the object 850 can be any object that is generally rectangular in shape, such as a tablet, a television, a computer monitor, a mirror, a frame, etc. In other embodiments, the object 850 can be any other type or shape of object. In the depicted embodiment, the cushioning device 800 is in a ring configuration, wherein the first and second coupling mechanisms 808 and 810 are coupled to each other to hold the unitary body 802 in the ring configuration. The cushioning device 800 is looped around the object 850, and the object 850 is positioned so that each corner of the object 850 is located in one of the slots 816 of the cushioning device 800. The position of the corners of the object 850 in the slots 816 prevents relative movement of the object 850 relative to the cushioning device 800, so that the object 850 is securely held inside the unitary body 802 of the cushioning device 800.

[0107] Fig. 20A and 20B A front view and a side view of an embodiment of a cushioning device 900 are depicted, respectively. The cushioning device 900 includes a unitary body 902. In the depicted embodiment, the unitary body 902 has a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length of the unitary body 902 is greater than the width of the unitary body 902. The unitary body 902 of the cushioning device 900 includes a first end 904 and a second end 906. The first and second ends 904 and 906 are positioned relative to each other along the length direction of the unitary body 902.

[0108] The one-piece body 902 includes a first coupling mechanism 908 and a second coupling mechanism 910. The one-piece body 902 can be bent into a ring-like configuration. When the one-piece body 902 is in the ring-like configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms 908 and 910 are configured to be coupled to each other to keep the one-piece body 902 in the ring-like configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 908 has a hammerhead shape including a neck 912. The second coupling mechanism 910 has a through hole. In the depicted embodiment, the width of the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 910 is equal to or greater than the width of the neck 912. In this way, when the first and second coupling mechanisms 908 and 910 are coupled to each other, the neck 912 of the first coupling mechanism 908 passes through the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 910. In the depicted embodiment, the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 910 is located near the second end 906 of the one-piece body 902, and the one-piece body 902 also includes a slit 914 between the through hole and the second end 906. To couple the first and second coupling mechanisms 908 and 910, portions of the unitary body 902 on either side of the slit 914 may be pulled apart so that the neck 912 may slide through the second end 906 and into the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 910. Other embodiments of the first and second coupling mechanisms 908 and 910 may be used instead. Fig. 20A and 20B The depicted embodiment.

[0109] The unitary body 902 of the cushioning device 900 also includes a slot 916. When the unitary body 902 is in the ring configuration, the slot 916 enables the side or corner of the object to slide through it, so that the unitary body 902 in the ring configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 916 includes a plurality of slits extending in the length direction. In some embodiments, the slot 916 is substantially centered in the unitary body 902 in the width direction. In the depicted embodiment, the slot 916 is substantially centered between the through hole of the second coupling mechanism 910 and the neck 912 of the first coupling mechanism 908.

[0110] In embodiments where the groove 916 is a slit, the groove 916 can hold the corners of a relatively thin object. For example, the cushioning device 900 can be used instead of Figures 6 to 7B Each buffer device 206 in the embodiment of the present invention, and the buffer device 900 can be used to replace Figures 8 to 9B In those embodiments, each corner 204 of object 202 or each corner 304 of object 302 can slide through one of slots 916 of cushioning device 900. Figures 6 to 7BIn the particular embodiment shown, when the object 202 is a windshield, the object 202 is non-planar. Including multiple slots 916 in each bumper 900 allows different corners of the object 204 to slide into any of the slots 916, which will best accommodate the non-planar shape of the object 202.

[0111] Fig.21A and 21B The front view and side view of an embodiment of a cushioning device 100' are respectively depicted. Figure 1A and 1B 1. A variation of the cushioning device 100 is shown. The cushioning device 100' is similar to the cushioning device 100 in that the cushioning device 100' includes a unitary body 102, first and second ends 104 and 106, first and second coupling mechanisms 108 and 110, a neck 112, a slit 114, and a slot 116. Similarly, the unitary body 102 of the cushioning device 100' may be made of any of the materials described above for the unitary body 102 of the cushioning device 100, such as a resilient material (e.g., polyethylene foam).

[0112] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous for the unitary body to have no sharp corners that are less than or equal to about 90°. Such sharp corners have a tendency to break (e.g., fracture, tear, or otherwise physically deform) when the unitary body 102 is bent or twisted. To avoid breaking at such sharp corners, the cushioning device 100' replaces the sharp corners with rounded corners. In particular, the second coupling mechanism 110 includes a rounded corner 111, the neck 112 includes a rounded corner 113, and the groove 116 includes a rounded corner 117. In some embodiments, the rounded corners have a radius in a range between about 1 mm (0.039 inches) and about 10 mm (0.394 inches), or in a range between about 3 mm (0.118 inches) and about 8 mm (0.315 inches), or in a range between about 4 mm (0.157 inches) and about 6 mm (0.236 inches). In particular, the rounded corners 113 may have a radius of approximately 5 mm (0.197 inches).

[0113] Although cushioning device 100' is a variation of cushioning device 100, it will be apparent that rounded corners may be used with any of the cushioning devices described herein. Thus, to the extent any of the cushioning devices described herein have sharp corners, such as corners having less than or equal to about 90°, these sharp corners may be replaced with rounded corners. In this sense, applicants propose that any use of the term "corner" herein will include either a sharp corner or a rounded corner, and that any depiction of a sharp corner in the figures may be replaced with a rounded corner.

[0114] For purposes of this disclosure, terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "inwardly," "outwardly," "interior," "exterior," "front," "rear," and the like should be interpreted as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. In addition, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, herein are intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "coupled," "connected," and "mounted," and variations thereof, are used broadly herein and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.

[0115] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects that the present disclosure is intended to protect should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. In addition, the embodiments described herein are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, others may make modifications and changes, and equivalents may be adopted. Therefore, all such modifications, changes, and equivalents are clearly intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims.

Claims

1. A cushioning device having an integral body formed of an elastic material, the integral body having: length, width and thickness, where The length of the one-piece body is greater than the width of the one-piece body; first and second ends opposite to each other along a length of the one-piece body; first and second coupling mechanisms located on first and second ends of the unitary body, wherein when the unitary body is in the ring configuration, the first and second coupling mechanisms are configured to couple to each other to maintain the unitary body in the ring configuration; and A slot is formed through the thickness of the unitary body, wherein the slot enables a side or corner of an object to slide therethrough when the unitary body is in the ring-like configuration such that the unitary body in the ring-like configuration provides cushioning for the side or corner of the object.

2. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The resilient material includes polyethylene foam.

3. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The groove extends along the length direction of the one-piece body.

4. The buffer device according to claim 3, wherein: The slot is substantially centered on the one-piece body in the width direction.

5. The buffer device according to claim 4, wherein: The slot is offset from the center along the length of the one-piece body.

6. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The side of the groove has a sawtooth wave shape.

7. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The side of the groove has one or more of a square wave shape, a sine wave shape, a convex shape or a semicircular shape.

8. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The sides of the slot are straight.

9. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The first coupling mechanism has a hammerhead shape including a neck; The second coupling mechanism has a through hole; and When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the neck of the first coupling mechanism passes through the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

10. The buffer device according to claim 9, wherein: The through hole of the second coupling mechanism is located near one of the first and second ends of the unitary body, and wherein the unitary body further includes a slit located between the through hole and one of the first and second ends.

11. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The first coupling mechanism has a trapezoidal shape; The second coupling mechanism has a through hole, and the through hole has a gradient shape; and When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the trapezoidal shape of the first coupling mechanism seats against the tapered shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

12. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The first coupling mechanism has a convex arc shape; The second coupling mechanism has a through hole, and the through hole has a concave arc shape; and When the first and second coupling mechanisms are coupled to each other, the convex arc shape of the first coupling mechanism seats against the concave arc shape in the through hole of the second coupling mechanism.

13. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The slot extends from a long side of the unitary body.

14. The buffer device according to claim 13, wherein: The unitary body is further configured to be coupled to a second unitary body in a ring-like configuration, wherein the second unitary body comprises: length, width and thickness, wherein the length of the one-piece body is greater than the width of the one-piece body; first and second ends positioned opposite each other along a length of the second unitary body; first and second coupling mechanisms located on first and second ends of the second unitary body; and a slot extending through a thickness of the second unitary body, wherein the slot extends from a long side of the second unitary body; Wherein, when the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are connected together in a ring configuration, the first connecting mechanisms of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are configured to be connected to each other, and the second connecting mechanisms of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body are configured to be connected to each other to hold the one-piece body and the second one-piece body together so that an object can pass through the grooves of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body.

15. The buffer device according to claim 14, wherein: The object is an elongated object.

16. The buffer device according to claim 15, wherein: The slots of the unitary body and the second unitary body are oriented such that closed ends of the slots contact opposing sides of the elongated object.

17. The buffer device according to claim 15, wherein: Sides of the slot contact an elongated object to maintain a relative position of the object with respect to each of the one-piece body and the second one-piece body.

18. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The slots include four slots.

19. The buffer device according to claim 18, wherein: The cushioning device is configured to loop around the object when the unitary body is in the ring configuration.

20. The buffer device according to claim 19, wherein: The object is generally rectangular in shape with four corners, and each corner of the object is located in one of the grooves of the cushioning device when the unitary body is in an annular configuration around the object.

21. The buffer device according to claim 1, wherein: The slot includes a plurality of slits.

22. The buffer device according to claim 21, wherein: The plurality of slits extend along a length direction of the unitary body and are substantially centered along a width direction of the unitary body.

23. A package comprising: container; An object located in the container, wherein the object has a plurality of corners; and A plurality of cushioning devices, wherein each of the plurality of cushioning devices is located between one of the plurality of corners of the object and the container, and wherein each of the plurality of cushioning devices is a cushioning device according to claim 1.

24. The package of claim 23, wherein: The object has a wavy surface.

25. The package of claim 24, wherein: The object is a windshield or a windscreen.

26. The package of claim 24, wherein: The object is a curved flat-panel television.

27. The package of claim 23, wherein: At least one of the plurality of corners of the object is a rounded corner.

28. The package of claim 23, wherein: The object has a substantially planar surface.

29. The package of claim 28, wherein: The object is a flat-screen television.

30. The package of claim 23, wherein: The container is a shipping box, and wherein each of the plurality of cushioning devices has a width between a front surface and a rear surface of the shipping box.

Images