U.S. patent application number 11/941067 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for retention packaging manufacture.
This patent application is currently assigned to KPC-MASTER'S CRAFT INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Richard ANDERSON, Stephen A. KEIGER.
Application Number | 20080110794 11/941067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39368169 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080110794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ANDERSON; Richard ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
RETENTION PACKAGING MANUFACTURE
Abstract
Making a retention packaging includes: (a) positioning both a
film and a support member such that the film extends in covering
relation to a surface of the support member, beyond a leading edge
of the support member, beyond a trailing edge of the support
member, and beyond opposite side edges of the support member; (b)
folding opposite side edges of the film such that the film forms
first overlapping areas beyond and proximate the leading edge of
the support member; (c) permanently joining the first overlapping
areas of the film together; (d) cutting the film proximate the
first overlapping areas; (e) folding opposite side edges of the
film such that the film forms second overlapping areas beyond and
proximate the trailing edge of the support member; (f) permanently
joining the second overlapping areas of the film together; and (g)
cutting the film proximate the second overlapping areas.
Inventors: |
ANDERSON; Richard;
(Massillon, OH) ; KEIGER; Stephen A.; (Copley,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
PO BOX 471581
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Assignee: |
KPC-MASTER'S CRAFT INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Massillon
OH
|
Family ID: |
39368169 |
Appl. No.: |
11/941067 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60865847 |
Nov 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5035 20130101;
B65B 53/02 20130101; B65D 5/5028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/583 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A method of making a retention packaging, comprising the steps
of: (a) positioning both a film and a support member such that the
film extends, (i) in covering relation to a surface of the support
member, (ii) beyond a leading edge of the support member, (iii)
beyond a trailing edge of the support member, and (iv) beyond
opposite side edges of the support member; (b) folding opposite
side edges of the film such that the film forms first overlapping
areas beyond and proximate the leading edge of the support member;
(c) permanently joining the first overlapping areas of the film
together; (d) cutting the film proximate the first overlapping
areas; (e) folding opposite side edges of the film such that the
film forms second overlapping areas beyond and proximate the
trailing edge of the support member; (f) permanently joining the
second overlapping areas of the film together; and (g) cutting the
film proximate the second overlapping areas; (h) wherein the film
is retained to the support member by the opposite side edges of the
film that are folded over opposite side edges of the support member
and the permanently joined overlapping areas of the film that are
beyond and proximate the leading and trailing edges of the support
member.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the film of said step (a) extends
from a roll of the film.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (c) is performed prior
to performance of said step (d).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (c) and said step (d)
are performed concurrently.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (f) is performed prior
to performance of said step (g).
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (f) and said step (g)
are performed concurrently.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (b) is performed prior
to performance of said step (e).
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (b) and said step (e)
are performed concurrently.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (f) is performed prior
to performance of said step (g).
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (d) and said step (g)
are performed concurrently.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (e) is performed prior
to performance of said step (f).
12. The method of claim 1, wherein said step (c) and said step (f)
are performed concurrently.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of scoring
the support member between opposite side edges of the support
member such that a score line transects the support member and
defines first and second sections of the support member that are
pivotably connected to one another along the score line.
14. A method of making first and second retention packagings via an
assembly line, comprising (a) for each of the first and second
retention packagings, (i) positioning both a film and a support
member such that the film extends, (A) in covering relation to a
surface of the support member, (B) beyond a leading edge of the
support member, (C) beyond a trailing edge of the support member,
and (D) beyond opposite side edges of the support member; (ii)
folding opposite side edges of the film such that the film forms
first overlapping areas proximate and beyond the leading edge of
the support member, (iii) permanently joining the first overlapping
areas of the film together, (iv) cutting the film proximate the
first overlapping areas, (v) folding opposite side edges of the
film such that the film forms second overlapping areas proximate
and beyond the trailing edge of the support member, (vi)
permanently joining the second overlapping areas of the film
together, and (vii) cutting the film proximate the second
overlapping areas, (viii) wherein the film is retained to the
support member by opposite side edges of the film that are folded
over the opposite side edges of the support member and the
permanently joined overlapping areas of the film that are proximate
and beyond the leading and trailing edges of the support member;
(b) wherein said step (vii) of cutting the film at the second
overlapping areas with regard to the first retention packaging is
performed concurrently with said step (iv) of cutting the film at
the first overlapping areas with regard to the second retention
packaging.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/865,847, filed
Nov. 15, 2006, which provisional patent application is incorporated
by reference herein.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0002] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official government records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Retention packaging designs are well known. A typical
retention packaging includes a rigid platform or backing against
which an object is held and a pliable film that covers the object
and that is tensioned in order to securely hold the object against
the backing. Known retention packaging designs are disclosed, for
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973 to McDonald et al. ("McDonald")
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,003 to Wilkinson ("Wilkinson"), each of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] In this respect, McDonald discloses a retention packaging
that includes a backing having end flaps and a middle portion. An
object is supported on the middle portion of the backing and a
pliable film is extended over the object. The film furthermore
includes pockets at opposite ends thereof that surround and enclose
the end flaps of the backing. When the end flaps are folded down in
a direction away from the object, the film is tensioned and
stretched over the object and, thereby, retains the object against
the middle portion of the backing. A stated benefit of the
retention packaging of McDonald is that the film and the backing
may be separately manufactured at different facilities
geographically distant from one another and then shipped to and
assembled at a common location by simply inserting the end flaps of
the backing into the pockets formed in the ends of the film.
[0005] In contrast to McDonald, Wilkinson discloses a retention
packaging that includes a backing and a pliable film that extends
between opposite ends of the backing. The film is folded over and
affixed to the rear of each of the opposite ends of the backing.
When the backing is folded, the film is stretched over an object
placed between the backing and the film, and the object is thereby
suspended on the backing by the tensioned film.
[0006] While the retention packaging of McDonald and the retention
packaging of Wilkinson are fit for their intended purposes, an
improved retention packaging and method of manufacture nevertheless
are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes many aspects and
features.
[0008] In a first aspect of the invention, a retention packaging
includes: a support member having first and second sections each
defining a support surface for receiving an object thereon for
shipping; and a film disposed in covering relation to the support
surface of the support member and retained to the support member at
the first and second sections. The first and second sections are
pivotably connected to one another along a fold line that
substantially transects the support member. The film includes
opposite ends each enclosing a respective opposite end of the
support member and defining overlapping areas of the film that are
permanently joined together. The first section of the support
member extends between the overlapping areas of one of the opposite
ends of the film, and the second section of the support member
extends between the overlapping areas of the other of the opposite
ends of the film.
[0009] In various features of this aspect: the fold line generally
bisects the support member; the film is retained to the support
member only by extension of the first and second sections of the
support member between the overlapping areas of the film; the first
and second sections of the support member are disposed in
substantially overlapping, abutting relation to one another; edges
of the first and second sections of the support member coincide
with one another; the first and second sections of the support
member are approximately equal in length and width; the first and
second sections of the support member have approximately equal
surface area; the overlapping areas of the film that are
permanently joined together are heat sealed, adhered, or welded
together; the film comprises a stretchable film; the film comprises
polyethylene; the film comprises a heat shrinkable material; the
support member is scored along the fold line; and the support
member comprises a rigid material. Furthermore, the support member
may be formed, for example, from chip-board, corrugated fiberboard,
cardboard, a plastic sheet, or plywood. The support member also may
be hinged or perforated along the fold line.
[0010] In additional features of this aspect, the retention
packaging includes an object suspended on a support surface of the
support member by the film; and the retention packaging includes an
object suspended on each support surface of the support member by
the film.
[0011] In still yet another feature of this aspect, the
aforementioned retention packaging is disposed within a shipping
container having an interior cargo space defined by a length, a
height, and a width, wherein the first and second sections of the
support member are disposed in substantially overlapping, abutting
relation to one another and wherein each of the first and second
sections has a length and width that is generally the same as the
length and width of the interior cargo space of the shipping
container.
[0012] In a second aspect of the invention, a shipping container
includes a box having an interior cargo space defined by a length,
a height, and a width, and a retention packaging positioned within
the interior cargo space of the box. The retention packaging
includes a support member that defines a support surface and having
first and second sections pivotably connected to one another along
a fold line that transects the support member, and a film disposed
in covering relation to the support surface of the support member
and retained to the support member at the first and second
sections. The film includes opposite ends each defining overlapping
areas of the film that are permanently joined together, with the
first section of the support member extending between the
overlapping areas of one of the opposite ends of the film, and with
the second section of the support member extending between the
overlapping areas of another of the opposite ends of the film. The
first and second sections of the support member are disposed in
substantially overlapping, abutting relation to one another and
each of the first and second sections has a length and width that
is generally the same as the length and width of the interior cargo
space of the box.
[0013] In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of making a
retention packaging includes the steps of: (a) positioning both a
film and a support member such that the film extends in covering
relation to a surface of the support member, beyond a leading edge
of the support member, beyond a trailing edge of the support
member, and beyond opposite side edges of the support member; (b)
folding opposite side edges of the film over the opposite side
edges of the support member; (c) folding opposite side edges of the
film such that the film forms first overlapping areas proximate and
beyond the leading edge of the support member; (d) permanently
joining the first overlapping areas of the film together; (e)
cutting the film proximate the first overlapping areas; (f) folding
opposite side edges of the film such that the film forms second
overlapping areas proximate and beyond the trailing edge of the
support member; (g) permanently joining the second overlapping
areas of the film together; and (h) cutting the film proximate the
second overlapping areas. The film is retained to the support
member by the opposite side edges of the film that are folded over
the opposite side edges of the support member in conjunction with
the permanently joined overlapping areas of the film that are
proximate and beyond the leading and trailing edges of the support
member.
[0014] In various features of this aspect: the film of step (a)
extends from a roll of film; step (d) is performed prior to
performance of step (e); step (d) and step (e) are performed
concurrently; step (g) is performed prior to performance of step
(h); step (g) and step (h) are performed concurrently; step (c) is
performed prior to performance of step (f); step (c) and step (f)
are performed concurrently; step (e) is performed prior to
performance of step (h); step (e) and step (h) are performed
concurrently; step (d) is performed prior to performance of step
(g); and step (d) and step (g) are performed concurrently.
[0015] Still yet in accordance with another feature, the method
further includes the step of scoring the support member between
opposite side edges of the support member such that a score line
transects the support member and defines first and second sections
of the support member that are pivotably connected to one another
along the score line. Additionally, the overlapping areas may
include coinciding edges of the film that are sealed using heat
sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or sealing using an adhesive such as
glue or other bonding agent. Moreover, the coinciding edges may be
completely sealed along their extent or sealed only at distinct
points along their extent.
[0016] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that the present
invention further includes the various possible combinations of
such aspects and features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Further aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent from the following
detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shipping container
including a box containing a retention packaging in accordance with
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the
retention packaging retains an object for shipment.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the box and
retention packaging of FIG. 1 taken along the line 2-2.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the retention packaging of FIG.
1, shown before the object has been loaded therein.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side plan view of the retention packaging of
FIG. 3 shown before the object has been loaded therein.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the retention packaging of
FIG. 3 with an object placed therein and the support member
partially folded about the fold line.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a side plan view of the retention packaging and
object of FIG. 5 in a shipping configuration.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the retention packaging and
object of FIG. 6 after heat shrinking of the retention packaging of
FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration from a side point of view
of a method and system of manufacturing the retention packaging of
FIG. 3 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration from a top point of view
of a portion of the manufacturing method and system of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0028] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0029] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0030] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0031] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0032] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit
aspects of the invention, its applications, or its uses.
[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a retention packaging 10 disposed
in a shipping container for transport. For purposes of
illustration, the shipping container is illustrated in the form
factor of a box 16. The retention packaging 10 retains an object 18
from movement within the box 16 during transport in order to avoid
jostling of, and possible damage to, the object 16. More
particularly, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a box 16 containing a
retention packaging 10 in accordance with a first preferred
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side,
cross-sectional view of the box 16 and retention packaging 10 taken
along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0035] The retention packaging 10 includes a support member 12 and
a film 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the retention packaging 10 is
disposed in a shipping configuration, which is described in greater
detail below. However, it will be noted that, when in the shipping
configuration, the film 14 of the retention packaging 10 is
stretched over the object 18 and is tensioned so as to inhibit
movement of the object 18 during transport of the box 16. The
Ordinary Artisan will understand that the film 14 may be formed
from any suitable plastic film material. Examples include
polypropylene, PVC, linear low density polyethylene, or hybrid
biaxially oriented shrink film. Further, the film 14 may have a
memory characteristic such that when the object 18 is removed from
the retention packaging 10, the film 14 will retain an impression
therein of the object 18 so that the object 18--or an object having
a similar shape--may then be placed in the retention packaging 10
for subsequent transport, with the film 14 corresponding to the
shape of the object for a shape-conforming fit of the object.
[0036] It also is contemplated that the film 14 further may be heat
shrunk over the object 18 prior to the retention packaging 10 being
placed into the box 16 (provided the film is heat shrinkable). The
heating shrinking would be performed according to conventional heat
shrinking methods and, therefore, a detailed description of such
heat shrinking is not included herein.
[0037] Typically, once an object 18 to be shipped has been placed
in the retention packaging 10 and the retention packaging 10 has
been arranged in the shipping configuration, the retention
packaging 10 is placed in the box 16, with the support member 12
resting against a base 20 of the box 16. The film 14 of the
retention packaging 10 holds the object 18 against the support
member 12 and suspends the object 18 away from walls 22 of the box
16 so that the object 18 does not collide with the walls 22 of the
box 16 during transport. The support member 12 of the retention
packaging 10 also provides a buffer between the object 18 and the
base 20 of the box 16. An additional buffer (not shown) also may be
provided on top of the retention packaging 10 to secure the
retention packaging 10 in its abutment with the base 20 of the box
16.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a top plan view, and FIG. 4 is a side plan view,
of the retention packaging 10 of FIG. 1 before the object 18 has
been loaded therein. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support member
12 of the retention packaging 10 includes a quadrilateral perimeter
having opposite ends 24 and sides 26. A fold line 40 transects the
support member 12 and defines a first section 28 and a second
section 30. Each section 28,30 has, respectively, a top surface
32,34 and a bottom surface 36,37. The film 14 is disposed in
covering relation to the top surfaces 32,34 of the first and second
sections 28,30 of the support member 14, with the opposite ends 24
of the support member 12 extending within the receiving areas 46 of
the film 14. A retaining space 50 is thereby defined between the
film 14 and the support member 12 wherein an object 18 to be
transported or shipped may be placed. Horizontal planes of the
first and second sections 28,30 of the support member 12 are
generally aligned when the retention packaging 10 is in this
configuration, which results in relaxation of the film 14 compared
to the shipping configuration. An object may be placed on either of
the top surfaces 32,34. Once an object 18 to be shipped is inserted
into the retaining space 50 and placed on the top surface of one of
the two sections 28,30 of the support member 12, the section of the
support member 12 that is not supporting the object 18 is rotated
away from the object 18. Consequently, it is preferred that the
object 18 not overlap a perimeter 52 of the section of the support
member 12 on which it is placed.
[0039] Described in more detail, the fold line 40 demarcates the
first and second sections 28,30 from each other and provides an
axis of rotation for the first and second sections 28,30 relative
to one another. Preferably, the fold line 40 bisects the support
member 12 such that the surface areas of the first section 28 and
the second section 30 are approximately equal. The film 14 includes
opposite ends 42 and sides 44. The film 14 is disposed in covering
relation to the support member 12. More particularly, the film 14
extends in covering relation to the top surfaces 32,34 of the first
and second sections 28,30 of the support member 12. The film 14
further extends beyond the ends 24 of the support member 12, and
ends 42 of the film 14 respectively wrap around the ends 24 of the
support member 12 and partially cover portions of the bottom
surfaces 36,37. The opposite ends 42 of the film 14 also are folded
around the corresponding opposite ends 24 of the support member 12
such that folded portions of the film 14 define receiving areas 46
within which opposite ends 24 of the support member 12 are received
and at least are partially enclosed. For each receiving area 46,
overlapping areas comprising coinciding edges 48 of the portion of
the film 14 forming the receiving area 46 are permanently jointed
together to maintain the fold forming the receiving area 46.
Various methods are available for permanently joining the edges 48
together. Examples includes heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, and
use of various adhesives, such as glue. Furthermore, a discrete
point or discrete points along the edges 48 may be permanently
joined together or, alternatively, the entire edges 48 of the
portions of the film 14 forming the receiving areas 46 may be
permanently joined together.
[0040] In loading an object in the retention packaging 10, one of
the sections 28,30 is pivoted upwardly about fold line 40 relative
to the other section, thereby loosening the film 14 and forming an
insertion pocket for easy loading of the object onto one of the top
surfaces 32,34. In so folding, the first and second sections 28,30
may tend to form an "L" or "V" shaped configuration. Once the
object is loaded onto a top surface of one of the sections 28,30,
the other section is then pivoted downwardly about fold line 40
relative to the section supporting the object, which begins to
tension and tighten the film 14 about the object.
[0041] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the tensioning of the film as this
pivoting action transitioned to the shipping configuration. In
particular, FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the retention packaging
10, with the object 18 placed therein during transitioning to the
shipping configuration. For exemplary purposes, the object 18 is
shown in FIG. 5 as having been placed upon--and is being supported
by--the first section 28. Accordingly, with continuing reference to
FIG. 5, the second section 30 is rotated about the fold line 40
downwardly and away from the object 18 and the support surface of
the first section 28. As the second section 30 is folded away from
the object 18, the film 14 is tensioned and stretched over the
object 18. The further the second section 30 is rotated, the
tighter the film 14 is stretched across the object 18, and the
stretched and tensioned film 14 extending over the object 18
prevents the object from sliding or shifting in the box 16 during
transport. The second section 30 is folded until the bottom surface
37 of the second section 30 is disposed adjacent--and preferably in
complete overlying abutment with--the bottom surface 36 of the
first section 28 as shown in FIG. 6. In this arrangement, the
retention packaging 10 is disposed in the shipping
configuration.
[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that for the illustrated
embodiment, wherein the first section 28 and the second section 30
are the same size, the receiving areas 46 of the film 14 and
opposite ends 24 of the support member 12 are aligned when the
retention packaging 10 is disposed in this shipping configuration.
As such, the support member 12 provides a double layer of support
for the object 18 placed thereon. Accordingly, the retention
packaging 10 is able to accommodate relatively heavy objects for
shipping and transport. Further, the torque applied to the film 14
when the retention packaging 10 is transitioned to the shipping
configuration is a product of a lever arm that equals the length of
the second section 30 and is approximately half the length of the
support member 12.
[0043] It also is contemplated that the film 14 of the retention
packaging 10 may further be heat shrunk prior to the retention
packaging 10 being placed into the box 16 for shipment (provided
that the film that is used is heat shrinkable). FIG. 7 illustrates
an embodiment of the present invention wherein the retention
packaging 10--and specifically the film 14--has been heat shrunk.
In this regard, FIG. 7 illustrates the retention packaging 10 of
FIG. 6 wherein the film comprises a heat shrinkable material, and
wherein the retention packaging 10 of FIG. 6 has been heat shrunk
via a conventional heat shrinking tunnel or other conventional heat
shrinking means.
[0044] To remove an object 18 from the retention packaging 10, a
person receiving the shipment merely removes the retention packing
10 and object 18 from the box 16 and then rotates the second
section 30 away from its overlapping abutment with the first
section 28. This relaxes and loosens the film 14, thereby
permitting access to the retaining space 50 wherein the object 18
is held. The person then merely reaches into the retaining space
50, takes hold of the object 18, and removes it from the retention
packaging 10.
[0045] The retention packaging 10 does not have to be damaged or
torn in order to retrieve the object 18 there from. One merely
pivots a support section about fold line 40 relative to the other
support section to relax and loosen the film in order to remove the
object 18 that was shipped therein. Further, the retention
packaging 10 thereafter may be used again for shipment of a
similarly shaped object. For reuse, either the original object 18
or an object having the same general shape and size as the original
object 18 is placed in the retaining space 50 of the retention
packaging 10. Then the retention packaging 10 is returned to the
shipping configuration with the film 14 again conforming to the
shape of the object, and the retention packaging 10 with the object
retained therein is then placed in a box (possibly even the same
box 16) for shipment. Furthermore, to the extent that the film 14
is initially stretched so as to retain a shape or memory of the
original object 18, the object with which the retention packaging
is reused is positioned in the same orientation so as to correspond
with and conform to such stretched area of the film 14.
[0046] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a preferred method and system 54 of
manufacturing retention packaging 10. More particularly, FIG. 8 is
a schematic illustration from a side point of view of the
manufacturing method and system 54, and FIG. 9 is a schematic
illustration from a top point of view of a portion of the
manufacturing method and system 54.
[0047] In general, the manufacturing system 54 includes: a film
supply roll 56; an endless conveyor belt 58 for conveying and
supporting uncut film 60 as it is removed from the supply roll 56;
an apparatus (not shown) both for folding opposite side edges of
the film 60 around opposite side edges of the support members 12,
and for folding opposite side edges of the film such that the film
forms overlapping areas; and an apparatus 64 for sealing and
cutting the film 60 to form permanent overlapping areas of the film
14. Furthermore, the cutting and sealing apparatus 64 may be one
apparatus as shown or may be two separate apparatus. The
manufacturing system 54 also includes a support member supply 68
that feeds pre-cut support members 12 onto the belt 58 supporting
the film 60.
[0048] The manufacturing system 54 is arranged such that a pre-cut
support member 12 is placed onto the film 60 as the film 60 is
unrolled. A series of support members 12 are arranged along the
conveyor belt on top of the film 60 with some incremental,
predetermined space between each of the support members 12. The
folding apparatus provides a folding surface that encourages
opposite side edges of the film 60 to fold over on itself. This
results in the opposite side edges of the film 60 folding around
opposite side edges of the support member 12 as well as folding
over on itself to form overlapping areas of the film in the spacing
between the support member 12. Then, while the folded side edges of
the film 60 are maintained in said position, the cutting and
sealing apparatus 64 seals and cuts the film 60 in between the
support member 12 at adjacent leading and trailing edges of the
support members 12. A retention packaging 10 is thereby formed
after the overlapping areas of the film 14 have been sealed and cut
on both the leading edge and then trailing edge of a support member
12. The completed retention packaging 10 then continues on the
conveyor belt 58 and is received in a supply container.
[0049] It further is noted that, during manufacturing, the film 14
is disposed below the support member 12 relative to the ground.
Subsequently, for use, the finished retention packaging 10 is
turned upside down such that the support member 12 is disposed
below the film 14, in relation to the ground, for then receiving an
object for shipment.
[0050] FIG. 9 provides a more detailed view of the folding, cutting
and sealing process of the manufacturing system 54.
[0051] As is illustrated in FIG. 9, the support member 12 is
positioned on the film 60 such that the film 60 extends beyond a
leading edge of the support member 12, beyond a trailing edge of
the support member 12, and beyond opposite side edges of the
support member 12. As the belt 58 moves, opposite side edges of the
film 60 are folded such that: the film 60 forms first overlapping
areas beyond and proximate the leading edge of the support member
12; the opposite side edges of the film 60 are folded around the
opposite side edges of the support member 12; and the film 60 forms
second overlapping areas beyond and proximate the trailing edge of
the support member 12. Such folding takes place for successive
support members 12 as they progress along the conveyor belt 58.
[0052] After at least the first overlapping area is folded, the
first overlapping area of the film 60 may be permanently joined
together. The film 60 may also then be cut proximate the first
overlapping area. Similarly, the second overlapping area of the
film 60 may be permanently joined and then the film 60 may be cut
proximate the second overlapping area. Typically, such sealing and
cutting will occur between successive support members 12 so that
sealing and cutting is occurring for a trailing edge of one support
member 12 while simultaneously occurring for a leading edge of a
following support member 12. After the film 14 is sealed and cut,
it is retained to the support member 12 by the opposite side edges
of the film 14 that are folded over opposite side edges of the
support member 12 and the permanently joined overlapping areas of
the film 14 that are beyond and proximate the leading and trailing
edges of the support member 12.
[0053] In addition to the above outlined steps, the manufacturing
process may also include scoring the support member 12 between
opposite side edges of the support member 12 such that a score line
40 transects the support member 12 and defines first and second
sections of the support member 12 that are pivotably connected to
one another along the score line 40.
[0054] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention.
[0055] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments,
it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative
and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the
claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *