Restraining dense packaging system for LCD glass sheets

Abstract

A reusable dense packaging system used to transport large size display substrates, is provided made up of three main components; a pallet frame, a cover, and restraining means. The restraining means securely hold the glass sheets within the cover and on the pallet frame. Restraining means includes one or more retaining bars moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets and a mechanical system. The mechanical system may include the use of a pressing panel, a belt apparatus, a scissor-like mechanism, positioning devices, or a retaining bar pulling system, each capable of moving towards and away from the front of the glass sheets. Each embodiment allows for packaging from 1 to N glass sheets with flexibility and stability and with manual or automatic operation.

1 . A container for packaging and transporting one or more glass sheets, comprising: 
 a frame having a pallet with a base;    a cover secured to said pallet such that said one or more glass sheets is sealably covered therewith;    a support panel and seat provided with cushioning members; and    restraining means for controllably and adjustably retaining said one or more glass sheets with respect to said support panel of said pallet.    
   
   
       2 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein the restraining means further comprises one or more retaining bars moving towards and away from the front of the one or more glass sheets and a mechanical system for moving said one or more retaining bars.  
   
   
       3 . The container according to  claim 2 , wherein said restraining means is integrated into said cover.  
   
   
       4 . The container according to  claim 2  wherein said restraining means further includes a pressing panel coupled with said retaining bars.  
   
   
       5 . The container according to  claim 4  wherein said mechanical system further includes a plurality of belts and belt restraint devices.  
   
   
       6 . The container according to  claim 3 , wherein said restraining means further includes at least one scissor-like mechanical system coupled to said one or more retaining bars.  
   
   
       7 . The container according to  claim 3 , wherein said restraining means further includes a plurality of mechanical positioning devices coupled to said one or more retaining bars.  
   
   
       8 . The container according to  claim 2  wherein said mechanical system is integrated with said frame.  
   
   
       9 . The container according to  claim 8  wherein said mechanical system includes a retaining bar pulling system.  
   
   
       10 . The container according to  claim 2  wherein the restraining means is operated automatically.  
   
   
       11 . The container according to  claim 2  wherein the restraining means is operated manually.  
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 1  wherein said cover is sealably affixed to the frame via a gasket seal.  
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 4  wherein said pressing panel is removable.  
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 2  wherein said retaining bars operate independently from each other.  
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 11  wherein said restraining means further comprises vertical posts.  
   
   
       16 . The container according to  claim 1  wherein the frame and cover are made of a metal or other composite material.  
   
   
       17 . The container according to  claim 1  can accommodate a range of sizes for said one or more glass sheet sizes.  
   
   
       18 . The container according to  claim 1 , wherein said one or more glass sheets are stacked with no spacing in between.  
   
   
       19 . The container according to  claim 18  wherein non-scratching interleaf materials are positioned between the glass sheets.  
   
   
       20 . The container according to  claim 19  wherein said interleaf materials further comprise non-adhesive plastic films attached on either side of each glass sheet.  
   
   
       21 . The container according to  claim 19  wherein a paper sheet is disposed between each of said interleaf materials.