Edge Protector and Packaging System

Abstract

An improved edge protector and packaging system comprises a generally right angle member having a plurality of right angle bands joined by a plurality of intermediate arms. The edge protector and packaging system allow for the protection of corners typically exposed to damages during transportation and storage. The edge protector and packaging system may be of different sizes to accommodate for a wide variety of shapes and structures having angles exposed to damages that require some kind of protection.

1 . An edge protector comprising at least first and second angled bands and at least one intermediate angled arm, the at least first and second bands being joined by the at least one intermediate arm such as to define a space therebetween. 
     
     
         2 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an inside surface of the first band is in contact with an outside surface of the at least one intermediate arm, and wherein an inside surface of the at least one intermediate arm is in contact with an outside surface of the second band. 
     
     
         3 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one intermediate arm, and the at least first and second bands have the same thickness. 
     
     
         4 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least first and second bands are made from multiple layer materials. 
     
     
         5 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one intermediate arm, and the at least first and second bands are made from the same material. 
     
     
         6 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the edge protector is unitary. 
     
     
         7 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least first and second bands are made from different materials. 
     
     
         8 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the second band is wider than the first band. 
     
     
         9 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least first and second bands are  4  inches wide and have a thickness between 8/100 of an inch to 40/100 of an inch. 
     
     
         10 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the edge protector comprises a plurality of the intermediate arms located between the at least first and second bands, the plurality of the intermediate arms being spaced apart. 
     
     
         11 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein a total length of the plurality of intermediate arms is less than a length of either of the first band or of the second band. 
     
     
         12 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least a third band and at least a second intermediate arm. 
     
     
         13 . An edge protector as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein an inside surface of the third band is in contact with an outside surface of the at least second intermediate arm, and wherein an inside surface of the at least second intermediate arm is in contact with the outside surface of the first band. 
     
     
         14 . An edge protector assembly comprising at least first and second edge protectors as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second edge protectors are interlocked together. 
     
     
         15 . An edge protector assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein a portion of one of the first and second bands of the first edge protector is received in the space defined between the first and second bands of the second edge protector. 
     
     
         16 . An edge protector assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the edge protector assembly is substantially configured to cover the edges of an article for transportation. 
     
     
         17 . An edge protector assembly as claimed in  claim 14 , the edge protector assembly comprising twelve edge protectors interconnected such as to form a prismatic structure. 
     
     
         18 . A method for protecting edges of an article for transport or storage, the method comprising:
 a. placing an edge protector as claimed in  claim 1  on each of the edges of the article;   b. interconnecting extremities of adjacent edge protectors; and   c. securing at least some of the edge protectors to the article.