Containers

Abstract

A container is provided having cushioning means which define at least in part a protected region for receiving an article such as a lap-top computer. The dimensions of the protected region are adjustable and the position of the cushioning means can be adjusted with the article in situ. The container can thereby actively provide the article with an optimised protected region which can confirm closely to articles of different sixes.

1 - 40 . (canceled) 
   
   
       41 . A container having cushioning means which defines at least in part a protected region for protecting the contents thereof against damage, at least part of the cushioning means is movable to adjust the dimensions of the protected region, in which there is provided means for biasing the movable cushioning means towards the contents in use. 
   
   
       42 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the movable cushioning means is movable for compression against the contents so that the protected region can be tightened, in use, with the contents in place. 
   
   
       43 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the cushioning means is biased towards a contracted position and movable towards an expanded position against the biasing means. 
   
   
       44 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the container comprises two major opposite faces and the cushioning means is positioned between the opposite faces. 
   
   
       45 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the container is an insert for a primary container. 
   
   
       46 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the container is formed as a sleeve. 
   
   
       47 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the cushioning means comprise two or more cushioning units movable relative to each other. 
   
   
       48 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the cushioning means comprise a pair of L-shape cushioning units. 
   
   
       49 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the cushioning means comprise one or a plurality of enclosed volumes housing a fluid and defined by an at least partly resilient envelope. 
   
   
       50 . A container as claimed in  claim 49 , in which the fluid is retained in the envelope under pressure. 
   
   
       51 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the cushioning means incorporates at least two different cushioning materials, said two materials having different physical properties. 
   
   
       52 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which at least part of the cushioning means is formed as a separate and removable insert which can be fitted to and removed from the container. 
   
   
       53 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which at least part of the cushioning means is formed integrally as part of the structure of the container. 
   
   
       54 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which at least part of the cushioning means is adjustable laterally within the container. 
   
   
       55 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which at least part of the cushioning means is adjustable longitudinally within the container. 
   
   
       56 . A container as claimed in  claim 41 , in which the container includes one or more panels and the cushioning means are adjustable in one or more directions parallel to the panel/s. 
   
   
       57 . A laptop computer container comprising or including a container according  claim 41 . 
   
   
       58 . A storage member for a laptop computer container, the member comprising one or more storage areas and having releasable attachment means for attachment to a container. 
   
   
       59 . A storage member as claimed in  claim 58 , in which the releasable attachment means comprise a hook and loop fastener. 
   
   
       60 . A storage member as claimed in  claim 58 , in which the storage member is formed at least in part from a waterproof material. 
   
   
       61 . A storage member as claimed in  claim 58 , in which the storage member is waterproof. 
   
   
       62 . A storage member as claimed in  claim 58 , in which the storage areas comprise one or more pockets.