Packaging structure

Details Packaging structure Packaging structure

2000-11-03

2001-09-18

Foster, Jim (Department: 3728)

Package making

Methods

Plural covers

C053S456000, C206S583000, C206S591000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06289655

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to protective packaging structures, and relates more particularly to packaging structures wherein an object to be protected is held securely between a flexible film material and a rigid backing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Protective packaging structures are often used when an object to be packaged requires protection from physical shock, dust, dirt and other contaminants. For example, when shipping objects which may be relatively fragile, it is often desirable to package the object inside a box to protect the object from physical impacts to the box which may occur during loading, transit and unloading. In addition, when shipping objects such as computer components, it is often desirable to protect those components from dust and dirt.
Additionally, in most cases, some additional structure is used to keep an object within a box from moving uncontrollably in the box and thus incurring damage. Such additional structures include paper or plastic dunnage, structured plastic foams, and foam filled cushions, among others.
One useful form of packaging for especially fragile objects is referred to as suspension packaging, and examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,743 issued to Louis H. Ridgeway and U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,701 issued to Devin C. Ridgeway. In suspension packaging, the object is suspended between two sheets of plastic film material in a face-to-face relationship. The sheets are usually attached to frames which are sized to fit securely within a selected size box. Thus, the object is not in contact with any substantially rigid surfaces and is protected from physical shock. It is not necessary in all cases, however, for the object to be entirely suspended within the box, such as when packaging less fragile objects. In such cases, the extra space required for full suspension packaging becomes a less efficient use of materials.
A different type of packaging system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,896 to Jones. The packaging system includes a sheet material of corrugated cardboard having a central fold line extending longitudinally along the sheet material, and two fold lines extending transversely thereto. A sleeve or tube made of a flexible and stretchable material is disposed around the sheet material and is of sufficient dimensions to fit in a flat condition loosely over the width of the sheet material. The sheet material is first folded along the central fold line, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, and the object to be packaged is inserted between the sheet material and the flexible tube. The end portions are then folded upwardly along the transverse fold lines into a generally perpendicular position to cause the sheet material to flatten out and hold the object against the sheet material. The assembly may then be placed in a box as shown in FIG.
6
. To ensure that the object is securely held, the tube must be properly dimensioned to fit the particular object being packaged. Thus, objects that vary somewhat in size from the size for which the package is designed (i.e., slightly smaller objects), would not be held securely in the package.
Another type of packaging structure is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,307,804 to Benham and has a paperboard main panel with a cut-out and first and second side support panels defined by parallel hinge lines. A heat shrinkable film is bonded to the support panel so that the article to be packaged may be inserted in the manner shown in FIG.
3
. The package must then be heated so that the heat shrinkable film draws the support panels together to secure the object being packaged.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a package that will successfully hold objects of various sizes against a substantially rigid backing with sufficient tension to cushion the objects and prevent uncontrolled movement of the objects so that they are protected from physical harm.
This invention meets this object with a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines adjacent to the opposite side edges of the panel. The fold lines thus define respective folding side portions and a center portion therebetween. A flexible film material having a first and second edge is superimposed on one surface of the rigid panel and extends over the center panel portion and past the fold lines onto the folding side portion of the rigid panel.
A means for securing the first edge of the film to the respective folding side portion of the rigid panel, such as a glue strip extending along the folding side portion, is also included. The means also cooperates with the folding side portions to tighten the film against objects between the film and the center panel portion when the folding side portions are folded away from the film.
A securing member is also included for securing the second edge of the film, which is not secured to the rigid panel. A respective one of the folding side portions includes a mating member, such as an aperture, configured to receive the securing member. Accordingly, objects may be positioned upon the center portion and the securing member may be mated with the mating member to secure the film to hold the object against the rigid panel. Various specific embodiments with other folds, cuts, etc. are described below.
The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred exemplary embodiments, and wherein:


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