US20140061085A1 - Retention packaging structure - Google Patents
Retention packaging structure Download PDFInfo
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- US20140061085A1 US20140061085A1 US14/018,576 US201314018576A US2014061085A1 US 20140061085 A1 US20140061085 A1 US 20140061085A1 US 201314018576 A US201314018576 A US 201314018576A US 2014061085 A1 US2014061085 A1 US 2014061085A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- flexible film
- support surface
- article
- packaging structure
- support portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/26—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in laminated sheets or wrapper blanks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/28—Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
- B65D75/30—Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
- B65D75/305—Skin packages
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
- B65D5/5021—Integral elements for containers formed by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/50—Internal supporting or protecting elements for contents
- B65D5/5028—Elements formed separately from the container body
- B65D5/5035—Paper elements
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
Definitions
- the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges, and the support portion extends substantially fully between the end edges and the side edges.
- the panel has a first pair of opposed end or side edges and the support portion has a first pair of opposed end or side edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the opposed end or side edges, respectively, of the panel.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled packaging structure having a panel free of fold lines and a flexible film overlying the panel wherein the film is secured to the panel so as to define a plurality of article receiving regions between the film and the panel, and showing insertion of articles through access openings associated with each region and into respective spaces between the film and panel.
- FIG. 1 a illustrates a first packaging structure, generally at 20 that includes a panel 22 and a flexible film 24 .
- Panel 22 may be of any suitable materials such as fiber board, corrugated and non-corrugated. As illustrated in FIG. 1 a , the panel has opposed parallel side edges 26 and opposed parallel end edges 28 .
- the panel is free of any fold lines, whether formed by compressed lines, slitted lines or other lines of weakness in the panel that allow or accommodate folding or bending along a particular line. “Fold line” as used herein is intended to include any of those configurations.
- FIG. 3 a illustrates another embodiment of the present subject matter in a third packaging structure, generally at 45 , which includes a panel 46 that is dimensionally larger than a flexible film 48 .
- the panel 46 extends between opposed end edges 50 and opposed side edges 52 .
- Fold lines 54 are parallel and spaced from the end edges 50 and define foldable end flaps 56 .
- parallel fold lines 58 are spaced from side edges 52 and define foldable side flaps 60 .
- the present subject matter should be understood to include a packaging structure that only includes end flaps or side flaps if the packaging requirements would accommodate such a configuration. As shown in FIG.
- Flexible film 48 is of substantially the same size and shape as the support portion or surface 62 in this illustrated embodiment and is secured to the support portion or surface.
- the lines of securement such as glue lines or lines of stitching or stapling 64 , extend parallel to and adjacent to the side fold lines 58 .
- the flexible film 48 does not extend beyond the fold lines 54 , 58 of the panel and is not secured to the end or side flaps 56 , 60 .
- the functioning of the film to hold the article 44 results from the attached condition of the flexible film 48 and, in contrast to prior more complex structures, does not result from tension caused by a folding of the end or side flaps to stretch the film.
- the relief could be formed by using one or more slits, alone or in combination with folds, or in other suitable ways and could have many configurations or shapes, as desired or needed to accommodate particular articles within particular containers. Also, this does not present a package that uses folding of portions of a panel, such as end or side flaps, to tension a flexible film, which was noted as being coma on in the prior art.
Abstract
Packaging structures are disclosed that are adapted for insertion into an outer container and/or that are foldable to form a container. The packaging structures include a panel having an article support portion having a support surface. A flexible film overlies the support portion and is secured to the support portion, so as to lie substantially adjacent the support surface. At least one access opening is defined by a region where the film is not secured to the support portion and through which an article may be inserted between the flexible film and the support portion. Insertion of such an article causes the flexible film to stretch, exerting a force on the article for holding it against the support portion and preferably resisting lateral shifting of the article from the desired location between the flexible film and the support surface.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/696,885, filed Sep. 5, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present subject matter relates generally to packaging for supporting articles during shipping or handling. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to retention packaging structures or apparatus adapted for insertion into an outer container and/or which includes an outer container.
- Retention packaging is commonly used for shipping a variety of articles or products, such as cell phones, laptop computers, books, and a whole variety of other articles. In retention packaging, the article is typically captured between a flexible film, such as plastic film, and a support panel of fiber board or other suitable material. In retention packaging, the film is often attached to foldable side or end panels so that folding of the panels pulls the film into increased tension over the article. While such packaging structures work satisfactorily, they are often complex, require substantial amounts of fiber board and flexible film material, and may be relatively expensive to assemble. Accordingly, there is continuing need for improved and low cost packaging structures that provide sufficient protection for the article contained while providing ease of use with a reduced cost.
- There are several aspects of the present subject matter that may be embodied separately or together in various packages or packaging structures. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein and the description of these aspects together is not intended to be preclude use of these aspects separately or the claiming of such aspects separately or on different combinations as set forth in claims appended hereto.
- In one aspect, a packaging structure is provided that is adapted for insertion into an outer container. The packaging structure includes a panel having an article support portion having a support surface free of fold lines. A flexible film overlies the support portion and is secured to the support portion, so that it lies substantially adjacent to the support surface before an article is inserted or loaded. At least one access opening is defined by a region where the film is not secured to the support surface to allow insertion of an article through the access opening and between the film and the support surface. Consequently, insertion of an article through the access opening between the film and the support surface tensions the film so that the film secures the article against the support surface for shipping and/or handling.
- In accordance with another aspect, the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges, and the support portion extends substantially fully between the end edges and the side edges. In another aspect, the panel has a first pair of opposed end or side edges and the support portion has a first pair of opposed end or side edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the opposed end or side edges, respectively, of the panel.
- In accordance with another aspect, the support portion has a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges and the film is secured to the support surface generally along the pair of side edges and is free from securement to the support surface along at least a portion of at least one end edge.
- In accordance with another aspect, the film is secured to the support portion so as to define a plurality of article-receiving regions between the film and the support surface, and an access opening is associated with each region to permit insertion of an article between the film and the support surface in each region.
- In accordance with a further aspect, a packaging structure is provided having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container. The packaging structure includes a panel having an article support portion having a support surface. A flexible film overlies the support portion and is secured to the support portion wherein the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface. At least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface is provided, with the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, and wherein insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and the support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.
- In accordance with another aspect, a packaging structure is provided having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container. The packaging structure includes a panel having an article support portion having a support surface that is free of fold lines. A flexible film overlies the support portion and is secured to the support portion wherein the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface. At least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface is provided, with the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, and wherein insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and the support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.
- In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 a is an exploded perspective view of a packaging structure including a panel free of fold lines and a flexible film overlying the panel. -
FIG. 1 b is a perspective view showing an assembled packaging structure ofFIG. 1 a including a panel and flexible film, illustrating an article being inserted through an access opening between the flexible film and panel. -
FIG. 1 c is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 1 a, showing the packaging structure with an article inserted between the flexible film and panel, and with the film tensioned so as to retain the article between the film and the panel. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled packaging structure having a panel free of fold lines and a flexible film overlying the panel wherein the film is secured to the panel so as to define a plurality of article receiving regions between the film and the panel, and showing insertion of articles through access openings associated with each region and into respective spaces between the film and panel. -
FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of a packaging structure including a panel having a support portion free of fold lines and a flexible film overlying on the support portion, with an article being inserted through an access opening between the film and support portion. In this embodiment, the panel includes opposed foldable side flaps and end flaps that extend beyond the support portion. -
FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of the packaging structureFIG. 3 a showing the article fully inserted between the film and the support portion of the panel, and with the film tensioned to hold the article in place and against the support surface of the support portion. -
FIG. 3 c is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 3 b, with the end panels and side panels folded to illustrate a configuration for insertion of the packaging structure into an outer container, so as to support the article on the support portion between an upper surface of the outer container and a lower surface of the outer container. -
FIG. 4 a is a perspective view showing an assembled packaging structure in a planar position, with the packaging structure having fold lines and being adapted to be foldable to form a container and having two panels that are free of fold lines and a flexible film overlying the two panels wherein the film is secured to the two panels so as to define a plurality of article receiving regions between the film and the panels. -
FIG. 4 b is a perspective view showing the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 a, showing the packaging structure in a planar position and with insertion of articles through access openings associated with each region and into spaces between the film and the respective panels. -
FIG. 4 c is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 a, showing the packaging structure in a planar position, with articles inserted between the flexible film and the panels, and with the film tensioned so as to retain the articles between the film and the panels. -
FIG. 4 d is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 c, with a first panel that is securing an article being folded upward and the outer flaps of the side panels that are attached to the second panel that is securing an article being folded upward, as initial steps in folding the packaging structure into a closed container. -
FIG. 4 e is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 d, with the side panels that are attached to the second panel that is securing an article being further folded to form the side walls, as further steps in folding the packaging structure into a closed container. -
FIG. 4 f is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 e, with the first panel that is securing an article being folded over to face downward and an opposed panel being folded upward and toward the first panel that is securing an article, as further steps in folding the packaging structure into a closed container. -
FIG. 4 g is a perspective view of the packaging structure ofFIG. 4 f, with the opposed panel being folded over to a closed position with a tab being inserted to complete closure of the container formed by the packaging structure. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an assembled packaging structure that is similar to the packaging structure ofFIGS. 4 a-4 g in a planar position and having two panels and a flexible film overlying the two panels, wherein the film is secured to the two panels so as to define a plurality of article receiving regions between the film and the panels but showing the first panel for securing an article having a relief to permit easier insertion of an article. - It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale. It also should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not limited to the example embodiments illustrated.
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FIG. 1 a illustrates a first packaging structure, generally at 20 that includes apanel 22 and aflexible film 24.Panel 22 may be of any suitable materials such as fiber board, corrugated and non-corrugated. As illustrated inFIG. 1 a, the panel has opposedparallel side edges 26 and opposedparallel end edges 28. The panel is free of any fold lines, whether formed by compressed lines, slitted lines or other lines of weakness in the panel that allow or accommodate folding or bending along a particular line. “Fold line” as used herein is intended to include any of those configurations. - The flexible film may be made of any suitable materials such as polyethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or any other suitable material which preferably is resilient and stretchable. As illustrated in
FIG. 1 a, theflexible film 24 also includes opposedparallel side edges 30 and opposedparallel end edges 32. Although illustrated inFIG. 1 a in a generally rectangular configuration, the actual shape of the panel and flexible film may be varied as the particular packaging requirements demand. For example, they could be square, circular, triangular or of other suitable shape, depending on the packaging demands and the shape of the outer container into which they will be placed. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 a, theflexible film 24 may be substantially the same size as thepanel 22. Thepanel 22 has an upwardly facing support portion orsurface 34 over which the film is attached. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 a, theflexible film 24 and thepanel 22 are of essentially the same size, and the end edges and the side edges of each are proximate and may be substantially co-terminating. In this embodiment, the support portion orsurface 34 of thepanel 22 comprises essentially the entire upper surface of the panel, and extends fully between the end edges 28 and side edges 26 of the panel. - In this embodiment the film is attached to the support portion or
surface 34 ofpanel 22 by means such as glue, staples or stitching, but glue may be preferred for production efficiency and low cost. As illustrated, glue is applied to the support portion or surface in astrip 36 generally along and parallel to the opposed side edges 26 of the panel and along one of the end edges 28. Theflexible film 24 is brought into contact with the support portion or surface and attached thereto along the glue lines 36. If desired, the film may be in a stretched condition when it is applied to the support portion or surface or may be in a generally relaxed, unstretched and unstressed condition. In either case the flexible film overlies the support surface and lies closely or immediately adjacent to the support surface in the pre-load configuration, before insertion of an article between them. - For inserting an article between the film and support surface or portion, a region of the film, such as one
end edge 32 of the film, remains unattached to the panel. Accordingly, as best seen inFIG. 1 b, an article, which is generally depicted inFIG. 1 b as a small box (but may be of any desired shape), may be inserted by lifting the free unattached edge of the film away from the support surface or portion and inserting the article through the access opening thus provided and into the region between the film and support portion or surface. The size of the article causes the flexible film to stretch, and the resiliency of the film to exert a downward force on the article, preferably also folding at least slightly around the corners and edges of the article so as to hold the article from shifting laterally within the space between the film and support surface, as illustrated more clearly inFIG. 1 c. As thus assembled, the packaging structure, with inserted article, may be placed in a larger outer container such as a box, envelope or other suitable container for shipping, with sufficient assurance that the article is safely secured within the packaging structure between theflexible film 24 and the support portion orsurface 34 ofpanel 22. -
FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a second packaging structure, generally at 20′ in which theflexible film 24 is secured to the support portion orsurface 34 free of fold lines so as to define a plurality of article receiving regions between the film and support surface. More specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 2 ,flexible film 24 is secured to the support portion orsurface 34 ofpanel 22 by lines of securement, such asglue lines 36, or lines of stitching or stapling. The illustratedglue lines 36 extend along and parallel to opposed end edges 28 of the support portion orsurface 34 and along and parallel to one of the side edges 26 of thepanel 22 and support portion orsurface 34 andintermediate glue line 36 is provided between the twoend edges 28, equally dividing the film into two separate article receiving compartments. As apparent inFIG. 2 , each compartment has an access opening defined by an unattached region between the film and support portion or surface along one of the end edges 32. Of course, the compartments do not have to be the same size, as illustrated inFIG. 2 . Nor do they need to be configured for receiving an article of the same size or configuration. Otherwise, the packaging structure illustrated inFIG. 2 functions similarly to that illustrated inFIG. 1 b, whereby the film is attached to a support portion orsurface 34 that is free of fold lines so that it normally lies closely adjacent to thesupport surface 34. The flexible film may be in a substantially relaxed and unstressed condition when it is secured to the support panel or surface or may be pre-stressed or pre-tensioned. Thus, when a three dimensional article such as thearticles 44 illustrated inFIG. 2 are inserted, the flexible film must stretch, exerting a downward force on the article to hold it against the support portion or surface and also to slightly fold around the edges and corners of each article to hold it in place to resist lateral shifting. -
FIG. 3 a illustrates another embodiment of the present subject matter in a third packaging structure, generally at 45, which includes apanel 46 that is dimensionally larger than aflexible film 48. As can be seen inFIG. 3 a, thepanel 46 extends between opposed end edges 50 and opposed side edges 52. Foldlines 54 are parallel and spaced from the end edges 50 and define foldable end flaps 56. Further, in this embodimentparallel fold lines 58 are spaced from side edges 52 and define foldable side flaps 60. Although illustrated with both end flaps and side flaps, the present subject matter should be understood to include a packaging structure that only includes end flaps or side flaps if the packaging requirements would accommodate such a configuration. As shown inFIG. 3 a, the fold lines 54 and 58 also define and circumscribe an inner support portion orsurface 62 that is free of fold lines or other lines of weakness intended to accommodate a folding of the support portion orsurface 62. As illustrated, the support portion orsurface 62 generally is rectangular although the actual shape of thepanel 46 andflexible film 48 may be varied as the particular packaging requirements demand. -
Flexible film 48 is of substantially the same size and shape as the support portion orsurface 62 in this illustrated embodiment and is secured to the support portion or surface. The lines of securement, such as glue lines or lines of stitching or stapling 64, extend parallel to and adjacent to the side fold lines 58. As is apparent fromFIG. 3 a, theflexible film 48 does not extend beyond the fold lines 54, 58 of the panel and is not secured to the end or side flaps 56, 60. The functioning of the film to hold thearticle 44 results from the attached condition of theflexible film 48 and, in contrast to prior more complex structures, does not result from tension caused by a folding of the end or side flaps to stretch the film. As described in the prior embodiments, theflexible film 48 is secured to the support portion orsurface 62 in a substantially relaxed and unstressed condition or, if desired, may be pre-tensioned to provide additional retention force on thearticle 44 after it is inserted between thefilm 48 and the support portion orsurface 62. As may be seen inFIG. 3 a thearticle 44 may be inserted between theflexible film 48 and support portion orsurface 62 by slightly raising afree end edge 66 of theflexible film 48 away from the support portion orsurface 62 to allow insertion of thearticle 44 therebetween. InFIG. 3 a, both end edges 66 of the flexible film are substantially unattached to the support surface or portion, providing two access openings at opposite ends of thefilm 48 for the user to use to insert the article between the film and support portion or surface. Of course, one of the end edges 66 may be sealed to the support portion or surface, leaving only a single access opening, if desired. However two access openings at opposite ends of the panel may provide increased flexibility and ease of use for the user. -
FIG. 3 b shows the embodiment ofFIG. 3 a with thearticle 44 fully inserted between thefilm 48 and the support portion orsurface 62. As described earlier, insertion of the threedimensional article 44 results in stretching and increased tensioning of theflexible film 48, such as resilient plastic film. As a consequence, the film exerts downward force on the article, holding it against the support portion or surface and preferably folds slightly around the corners and edges of the article to resist lateral shifting of the article between thefilm 48 and support portion orsurface 62. -
FIG. 3 c illustrates the packaging structure ofFIGS. 3 a and 3 b with the end and side flaps 56, 60 folded as they would be for insertion into an outer container or box. As may be seen inFIG. 3 c, side flaps 60 are folded downwardly and end flaps 56 are folded upwardly. When inserted into an outer container or box, this configuration supports thearticle 44 in a suspended position spaced from the bottom and the top of the outer container, better protecting the article against damage during shipping or handling. -
FIG. 4 a illustrates a further embodiment of the present subject matter in a fourth packaging structure, generally at 70, which includes apanel 72 that is dimensionally larger than aflexible film 74. The embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 a-4 g provides a packaging structure that is adapted to be folded into a container, while also providing for retaining one or more articles between at least one support portion or surface and theflexible film 74. - As can be seen in
FIG. 4 a, relative to a central support portion orsurface 76, thepanel 72 extends between opposed end edges 78 and opposed side edges 80.First fold lines 82 are parallel and spaced from the end edges 78 andsecond fold lines 84 are parallel and spaced between the end edges 78 and thefirst fold lines 82, and define foldable end flaps 86 and ends 88 of thepackaging structure 70 when folded to form a container. Further, in this embodiment parallelfirst fold lines 90 are spaced from side edges 80 andsecond fold lines 92 are parallel and spaced between the side edges 80 and thefirst fold lines 90, and define foldable side flaps 94 andsides 96 of thepackaging structure 70 when folded to form a container. Theflexible film 74 is of substantially the same size and shape as the support portion orsurface 76 and thefoldable end flap 86 and theend 88 spanning therebetween. Theend flap 86 also presents a support portion orsurface 100. - Although illustrated with two sets of fold lines in each direction from the central support portion or
surface 76, the present subject matter with respect to panels foldable into containers should be understood to include a packaging structure that includes at least one set of end flaps and side flaps, but may include a plurality of end flaps and side flaps if the packaging requirements would accommodate such a configuration. As shown inFIG. 4 a, the fold lines 82 and 90 also define and circumscribe the inner support portion orsurface 76 that is free of fold lines or other lines of weakness intended to accommodate a folding of the support portion orsurface 76. As illustrated, the support portion orsurface 76 and the support portion orsurface 100 generally are rectangular, although the actual shape of these portions and of thepanel 72 may be varied as the particular packaging requirements demand. -
Flexible film 74 is secured to the support portion orsurface 76 and to the support portion or surface 100 anend flap 86 in this illustrated embodiment and the lines ofsecurement 98, such as glue lines or ones of stitching or stapling, extend parallel to and adjacent to theside fold lines 90 and to the first andsecond fold lines FIGS. 4 a-4 g, with respect to the support portion orsurface 76, theflexible film 74 does not extend beyond the fold lines 90 toward the side edges 80 or beyond fold lines where there would be folding away from the support portion orsurface 76. Similarly apparent fromFIGS. 4 a-4 g, with respect to at least the oneend flap 86 presenting the support portion orsurface 100, theflexible film 74 does not extend beyond fold lines in the direction toward side edges of theend flap 86 or beyond fold ones where there would be folding away from the support portion or surface. In the region of theend 88, theflexible film 74 is not secured to thepanel 72. - The functioning of the
flexible film 74 to hold anarticle 44 results from the attached condition of theflexible film 74 and, in contrast to prior more complex structures, does not result from tension caused by a folding of end or side flaps to stretch the film. As described in the prior embodiments, theflexible film 74 is secured to the support portion orsurface article 44 after it is inserted between thefilm 74 and the support portion orsurface - As may be seen in
FIG. 4 barticles 44 may be inserted between theflexible film 74 and support portion orsurface free end edge 102 of theflexible film 74 away from the support portion orsurface article 44 therebetween. InFIG. 4 a, both end edges 102 of theflexible film 74 are substantially unattached to the support surface orportion film 74 for the user to use to insert one ormore articles 44 between the film and support portion orsurface flexible film 74 may be secured only along the sides, as with the example embodiment ofFIGS. 3 a-3 c because in the present configuration, thepanel 72 will be folded into a closed container and theends 88 would serve to stop anarticle 44 from sliding entirely beyond thefilm 76 at either end of a support portion orsurface flexible film 74 could be secured at one end, as well, leaving only a single access opening, if desired. However, this would make insertion of multiple articles more difficult and having two access openings at opposite ends of the panel generally may provide increased flexibility and ease of use for the user. -
FIG. 4 c shows the embodiment ofFIG. 4 a witharticles 44 fully inserted between thefilm 74 and the support portion orsurface dimensional article 44 results in stretching and increased tensioning of theflexible film 74, such as resilient plastic film. As a consequence, the film exerts downward force on the article, holding it against the support portion or surface and preferably folds slightly around the corners and edges of the article to resist lateral shifting of the article between thefilm 74 and support portion orsurface -
FIG. 4 d illustrates the packaging structure ofFIGS. 4 a-4 c in an intermediate step of the process of folding thepanel 72 into the configuration of a closed container. In this intermediate position, theend flap 86 that provides the support portion orsurface 100 is folded upward and the side flaps 94 are folded upward to be perpendicular to thesides 96 and the support portion orsurface 76. -
FIG. 4 e illustrates the packaging structure ofFIGS. 4 a-4 d in a further intermediate step of the process of folding thepanel 72 into the configuration of a closed container. In this further intermediate position, thesides 96 are folded upward to be perpendicular to support portion orsurface 76, which results in the previously folded side flaps 94 now being parallel to support portion orsurface 76. In addition,extensions 96 that extend from the ends of thesides 96 have been folded aboutfirst fold lines 82, so as to extend inward to be perpendicular to the support portion orsurface 76 and to provide backing support for theends 88 of the container. -
FIG. 4 f illustrates the packaging structure ofFIGS. 4 a-4 e in yet a further intermediate step of the process of folding thepanel 72 into the configuration of a dosed container. In this further intermediate position, theend 88 that connects the support portion orsurface 76 to theend flap 86 that provides the support portion orsurface 100 is folded upward to be perpendicular to the support portion orsurface 76 and adjacent to theextensions 96′. Theend flap 86 that provides the support portion orsurface 100 also is folded toward a position parallel with the support portion orsurface 76, until it engages the side flaps 94. - In the position shown in
FIG. 4 f, three additional features are illustrated and their use can be appreciated when comparingFIGS. 4 f and 4 g. First, theend flap 86 of thepanel 72 includes anotch 104, such as in a semicircular shape, at itsend 78. Thenotch 104 provides a convenient location to use a finger to hook or grasp theend flap 86, particularly when it is in the position shown inFIG. 4 f and a user wishes to reverse the folding of theend flap 86 to move it to an open position, such as may be see in the previous figures. Second, aslot 106 is shown along thesecond fold line 84 that connects theend flap 86 to theend 88. Theslot 106 includes an upward facing,elongated opening 108 along the end of theend flap 86 and anotch 110 that is in communication with theelongated opening 108 and extends downward into theend 88, for example, in a semicircular shape. Theslot 106 is configured to receive the third feature, which is atab 112 that extends from the opposite end of thepanel 72, from theend 78 of theend flap 86 that is not connected to theflexible film 74. Thetab 112 may be shaped and sized to permit insertion downward into theslot 106, as desired. Indeed, it will be appreciated that thetab 112,slot 106 and notch 104 may be of various shapes and sizes. For instance, thetab 112 may be shaped and sized to be folded toward theend flap 86 and to have some resistance to inadvertently backing out of the inserted position, such as by having a leading end of thetab 112 that is slightly wider than theelongated opening 108 of theslot 106. In any event, thenotch 110 also provides a convenient point of access to thetab 112 for a user's finger when seeking to open the container from the closed position shown inFIG. 4 g. - Turning to
FIG. 5 , a fifth packaging structure, generally at 70′, is illustrated that is identical to the embodiment shown and described with respect toFIGS. 4 a-4 g, except that theend flap 86 that included the support portion andsurface 100 has been modified. In thepackaging structure 70′ shown inFIG. 5 , all of the numbering of the prior embodiment will be used and the corresponding description shall apply, except with respect to theend flap 86′ that includes the modification to the support portion andsurface 100′. In particular, theend flap 86′ includes arelief 114 that is formed, for example, by twocreases 116. Therelief 114 is shown in a triangular configuration that is broader at theend 78 of theend flap 86′, opposite theunsecured edge 102 of theflexible film 74. - This configuration provides a relatively wide area having an increased distance between the
flexible film 74 and the support portion orsurface 100′ at theend 78 of theend flap 86′, so as to reduce the resistance to insertion for thearticle 44. Therelief 114 then narrows along the length of the support portion orsurface 100′. This is not to say that theflexible film 74 necessarily would be slackened at theunsecured edge 102, but in any event, theflexible film 74 would still have to be stretched upon insertion of anarticle 44 and therefore would exert some holding force as thearticle 44 is inserted more fully into the space between the support portion orsurface 100′ and theflexible film 74. It will be appreciated that the relief could be formed by using one or more slits, alone or in combination with folds, or in other suitable ways and could have many configurations or shapes, as desired or needed to accommodate particular articles within particular containers. Also, this does not present a package that uses folding of portions of a panel, such as end or side flaps, to tension a flexible film, which was noted as being coma on in the prior art. - Although described in terms of preferred and alternative embodiments, the present subject matter may be employed in other configurations and with other materials without departing from the principles of the subject matter as described above and as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A packaging structure adapted for insertion into an outer container, comprising:
a panel having an article support portion having a support surface free of fold lines;
a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface; and
at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, whereby insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.
2. The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges and the support portion extends substantially fully between the end edges and side edges.
3. The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein the panel has a first pair of end edges and the support surface has a first pair of end edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the end edges of the panel.
4. The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein the support surface has a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges and the flexible film is secured to the support surface generally along the pair of side edges and is free from securement to the support surface along at least a portion of at least one end edge.
5. The packaging structure of claim 1 wherein the flexible film is secured to the support surface so as to define a plurality of article-receiving regions between the flexible film and the support surface, and an access opening is associated with each region to permit insertion of an article between the flexible film and the support surface in each region.
6. A packaging structure having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container, comprising:
a panel having an article support portion having a support surface;
a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface;
at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, wherein insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface; and
wherein the flexible film is not secured to any portion of the packaging structure that is folded away from the support surface in a manner that would increase the tension in the flexible film.
7. The packaging structure of claim 6 wherein the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges and the support portion is disposed between the end edges and side edges.
8. The packaging structure of claim 6 wherein the panel has a first pair of end edges and the support surface has a first pair of end edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the end edges of the panel.
9. The packaging structure of claim 6 wherein the support surface has a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges and the flexible film is secured to the support surface generally along the pair of side edges and is free from securement to the support surface along at least a portion of at least one end edge.
10. The packaging structure of claim 6 wherein the flexible film is secured to the support surface so as to define a plurality of article-receiving regions between the flexible film and the support surface, and an access opening is associated with each region to permit insertion of an article between the flexible film and the support surface in each region.
11. The packaging structure of claim 6 wherein the support portion includes a relief that provides reduced tension in the flexible film at the unsecured edge of the flexible film while inserting an article between the flexible film and the support portion.
12. The packaging structure of claim 11 wherein relief is formed by one or more creases in the support portion.
13. A packaging structure having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container, comprising:
a panel having an article support portion having a support surface free of fold lines;
a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface; and
at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, whereby insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.
14. The packaging structure of claim 13 wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces with each support surface being opposed to at least one edge of the flexible film that is not secured to the respective support surface.
15. The packaging structure of claim 13 wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces along at least two edges of the flexible film.
16. The packaging structure of claim 15 wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces defining a plurality of regions with each region adapted to receive at least one article between the flexible film and the support surface and the regions being separated by at least two thicknesses of the flexible film when the packaging structure is folded to form a container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/018,576 US20140061085A1 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Retention packaging structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261696885P | 2012-09-05 | 2012-09-05 | |
US14/018,576 US20140061085A1 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Retention packaging structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140061085A1 true US20140061085A1 (en) | 2014-03-06 |
Family
ID=50185935
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/018,576 Abandoned US20140061085A1 (en) | 2012-09-05 | 2013-09-05 | Retention packaging structure |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140061085A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US20180229868A1 (en) * | 2015-08-04 | 2018-08-16 | Taiyo Shigyo Co., Ltd. | Packaging kit, package, packaging method using packaging kit, packaging kit manufacturing apparatus, and packaging kit manufacturing method |
CN109823699A (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2019-05-31 | 厦门艾美森新材料科技股份有限公司 | A kind of fastening package frame |
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US5934473A (en) * | 1996-06-12 | 1999-08-10 | International Paper Co. | Method for packaging article and cradle insert |
US6158589A (en) * | 1999-09-23 | 2000-12-12 | Motion Design, Inc. | Boxes with internal resilient elements |
US6923324B2 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2005-08-02 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Packaging system |
US20070034406A1 (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2007-02-15 | Amber Schroader | EMI shielding containers |
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2013
- 2013-09-05 US US14/018,576 patent/US20140061085A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US5934473A (en) * | 1996-06-12 | 1999-08-10 | International Paper Co. | Method for packaging article and cradle insert |
US6158589A (en) * | 1999-09-23 | 2000-12-12 | Motion Design, Inc. | Boxes with internal resilient elements |
US6923324B2 (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2005-08-02 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Packaging system |
US20070034406A1 (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2007-02-15 | Amber Schroader | EMI shielding containers |
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US20180229868A1 (en) * | 2015-08-04 | 2018-08-16 | Taiyo Shigyo Co., Ltd. | Packaging kit, package, packaging method using packaging kit, packaging kit manufacturing apparatus, and packaging kit manufacturing method |
US10800560B2 (en) * | 2015-08-04 | 2020-10-13 | Taiyo Shigyo Co., Ltd. | Packaging kit, package, packaging method using packaging kit, packaging kit manufacturing apparatus, and packaging kit manufacturing method |
CN109823699A (en) * | 2019-04-10 | 2019-05-31 | 厦门艾美森新材料科技股份有限公司 | A kind of fastening package frame |
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Owner name: ADE, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEROY, MATTHEW D.;LOFGREN, JASON C.;MARINO, MICHAEL F.;REEL/FRAME:031920/0609 Effective date: 20131030 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |