U.S. patent application number 12/570132 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-18 for utility and protective packaging system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Uneka Concepts, Inc.. Invention is credited to Christopher George Palmer, Edward Earnest Schlitt.
Application Number | 20100038270 12/570132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38532204 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100038270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palmer; Christopher George ;
et al. |
February 18, 2010 |
UTILITY AND PROTECTIVE PACKAGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A utility and protective packaging system (10) is provided for
containing and protecting electronic component objects (14) such as
digital video recorders during storage and shipping. The system
(10) is originally constructed in a planar sheet (16) form which is
then folded into a tray (12). The tray (12) is configured as a
squat "I" shape with the object (14) contained within the stem. The
tray (12) includes a pair of side flaps (36) which are folded into
side rectangular tubes (44) to provide cushioning and lateral
impact protection to the object (14). A pair of end flaps (38)
enclose the object and are provided with access ports (30)
permitting operation and programming of the component when it is
contained within the tray (12).
Inventors: |
Palmer; Christopher George;
(Pleasanton, CA) ; Schlitt; Edward Earnest;
(Danville, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IPLO-Intellectual Property Law Offices
95 SOUTH MARKET STREET SUITE 570
San Jose
CA
95113
US
|
Assignee: |
Uneka Concepts, Inc.
Pleasanton
CA
|
Family ID: |
38532204 |
Appl. No.: |
12/570132 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11687526 |
Mar 16, 2007 |
7614501 |
|
|
12570132 |
|
|
|
|
60785762 |
Mar 21, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
206/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/2009 20130101;
B65D 81/05 20130101; B65D 75/14 20130101; B65D 5/2057 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
206/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A utility and protective packaging system for solid objects
comprising: a planar sheet of packaging material adapted to have a
planar mode and a folded mode for enclosing and protecting a
generally rectangular solid object, said planar sheet being cut and
creased to form; a center panel; a pair of side flaps, each being
adapted to be folded into a hollow rectangular tube abutting
against the side of the object; a front flap adapted to fold over
and abut against the front surface of the generally rectangular
solid object; and a rear flap adapted to fold over and abut against
the rear surface of the object; wherein said front flap and said
rear flap are provided with access ports corresponding to active
areas on the generally rectangular solid object to facilitate
external access to the generally rectangular solid object when
contained within the packaging system in said folded mode.
2. The utility and protective packaging system of claim 1, wherein
said side flaps include handling openings formed to facilitate
grasping and lifting when in folded mode.
3. The utility and protective packaging system of claim 1, wherein
said hollow rectangular tube is open to each end to facilitate
insertion of items.
4. The utility and protective packaging system of claim 1, and
further including flanged projections on said side flaps adapted to
mate with receiving slits to secure said rectangular tubes into
shape; and tab projections on said end flaps adapted to mate with
projection apertures to secure said end flaps in position to
complete an object enclosing cavity.
5. The utility and protective packaging system of claim 1, and
further including spacer projections extending outward from said
side flaps.
6. The utility and protective packaging system of claim 1, wherein
said side flaps extend laterally beyond the extent of said center
panel and buttresses extend from said center panel to said side
flaps.
7. A protective storage and shipping tray for generally
rectangular-solid-shaped components, comprising: a unitary planar
sheet cut and ad adapted to be folded to form an enclosing cavity;
wherein, when said planar sheet is folded side flap portions of
said planar sheet substantially extend laterally and longitudinally
beyond said cavity and form a tube to provide cushioning and impact
protection to any contents of said cavity.
8. The protective storage and shipping tray of claim 7, wherein:
said tube includes handling openings formed to facilitate grasping
and lifting.
9. The protective storage and shipping tray of claim 7, wherein:
said tube is rectangular and hollow having open ends to receive
accessories therewithin.
10. A protective packaging system for use in combination with an
electronic component, comprising: a sheet of planar material which
is created in a planar mode and is custom cut and provided with
folding creases in order to be configured into a folded mode into a
tray for enclosing an electronic component; wherein a plurality of
access ports are provided in said planar material to correspond
with connectors, displays and/or controls on the electronic
component such that the electronic component may be fully operated
while completely enclosed within the protective packaging.
11. The protective packaging system of claim 10, wherein: said
sheet of planar material includes a center panel, a pair of opposed
side flaps extending from opposite sides of said center panel, a
front flap extending from said center panel and a rear flap
extending from said center panel.
12. The protective packaging system of claim 11, wherein: each said
side flap includes a base extension portion extending in a coplanar
fashion from said center panel, a side exterior panel folded at a
right angle from the plane of said base extension portion, a side
top panel folded inward at a right angle from said side exterior
panel and a side interior panel folded downward from said side top
panel to form a rectangular tube with said base extension portion,
said side exterior panel and said side top panel.
13. The protective packaging system of claim 12, wherein: said base
extension portion, said side exterior panel, said side top panel
and said side interior panel are wider than said center panel such
that said rectangular tube extends laterally beyond said center
panel.
14. The protective packaging system of claim 12, wherein: each said
side exterior panel includes a handling hole cutout in the center
thereof adjacent to said base extension.
15. The protective packaging system of claim 11, wherein: said
front flap includes an end panel folded upward at a right angle
from said center panel and a top overlap panel folded inward from
said end panel for extending over a portion of said electronic
component.
16. The protective packaging system of claim 11, wherein: said rear
flap includes an end panel folded upward at a right angle from said
center panel and a top overlap panel folded inward from said end
panel for extending over a portion of said electronic
component.
17. The protective packaging system of claim 12, wherein: said
front flap includes an end panel folded upward at a right angle
from said center panel and a top overlap panel folded inward from
said end panel for extending over a portion of said electronic
component; and said rear flap includes an end panel folded upward
at a right angle from said center panel and a top overlap panel
folded inward from said end panel for extending over a portion of
said electronic component.
18. The protective packaging system of claim 17, wherein: said base
extension portion, said side exterior panel, said side top panel
and said side interior panel are wider than said center panel such
that said rectangular tube extends laterally beyond said center
panel.
19. The protective packaging system of claim 17, wherein: flanged
projections are formed on each said side interior panels to mate
with receiving slits formed at the intersection of said center
panel and said base extension portion; and tab projections are
formed on the edges of each said top overlap portions to mate with
projection apertures formed on corresponding side top panels.
20. A utility and protective packaging system for a generally
rectangular solid object, comprising: a planar sheet of packaging
material adapted to have a planar mode and a folded mode for
enclosing and protecting a generally rectangular solid object, said
planar sheet being cut and creased to form; a center panel; a pair
of side flaps, each being adapted to be folded into a rectangular
tube abutting against the side of the object; a front flap adapted
to fold over and abut against the front surface of the object; a
rear flap adapted to fold over and abut against the rear surface of
the object; wherein said side flaps extend laterally beyond the
extent of said center panel and buttresses extend from said center
panel to said side flaps.
Description
[0001] The following is a divisional application from copending
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/687,526, which in turn claims priority
from a provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/785,762, filed 21
Mar. 2006 to the same inventors.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to storage and
shipping packaging and more specifically to packaging for generally
rectangular objects, particularly electronic gear such as
electronic entertainment components, digital video recorders, cable
control boxes, modems and video components.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Electronic components require protective packaging to
minimize the risk of damage during shipping and storage, prior to
delivery to a customer. Needs exist to provide economical, simple
and environmentally friendly packaging, without degrading the
quality of protection to the enclosed components.
[0004] Typical efforts have involved boxes with cushioning elements
added to shield the contents from turbulence, impact and crushing
damage. The cushioning elements have included "peanuts" of
compressible plastic materials, shredded or crumpled newspapers,
air-filled plastic backs and the like. These items can be effective
but create handling problems both at the beginning and the end of
the shipping chain. Storing and disposing of these items can be
cumbersome and potentially environmentally unfriendly. In addition,
in order to provide sufficient protection, the packaging is often
unduly bulky and unwieldy.
[0005] Some types of components, such as digital video recorders
(DVRs) and cable control boxes, require testing and custom
programming between the manufacturing site and the end user. For
example, a local cable provider may need to configure the
programming of a DVR or cable box to fit local parameters prior to
installing at a home. It can be problematical to remove the
component from the shipping packaging, operate it and then either
return it to packaging or leave it unprotected for the final
shipment stages to the end user. Bulky and cumbersome conventional
packaging solutions lead to lost time and wasted efforts, not to
mention damaged components during unnecessary handling steps.
[0006] While some prior art systems have addressed some of the
above noted concerns, none have suitably addressed them all, and
today there remains a need for protective packaging systems for
electronic components. Accordingly, a need remains for new
approaches to protectively package components such as DVRs and the
like which may require intermediate processing between the
manufacturer and the end user, typically a home installation.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a system for protecting a component object from compression
and impact damage during shipment and storage.
[0008] Another object of the invention of the present invention is
to provide a unitary packaging structure, without the need for
additional protective cushioning elements which must be disposed of
after use.
[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
environmentally friendly utility and protective packaging system
for relatively delicate electronic components.
[0010] Still another object of the invention is to provide
packaging which permits in situ access to the operational portions
of the object, such that testing, programming and other operational
tasks may be performed without removing the component form the
packaging.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
storage and transport packaging system which confirms to industry
standards for protection and drop testing.
[0012] Briefly, one preferred embodiment of the present invention
is a utility and protective packaging system particularly well
adapted to store and transport electronic components, particularly
those components which may need active handling at intermediate
locations between manufacturer and end user. The preferred
embodiment is a planar sheet member custom configured with
dimensions and access ports configured to a particular component
object. The planar sheet is precut to have a center panel, a pair
of side flaps and a pair of end flaps which can be folded about an
object to form an enclosing tray. The preferred tray includes side
rectangular tubes formed by folding the side flaps, the rectangular
tubes being hollow for receiving objects and for protecting the
object against side impact and crushing. The tray is also self
fastening with mating projections and apertures for receiving those
projections to hold the tray together.
[0013] An advantage of the present invention is that the object is
accessible while contained within the tray, such that maintenance,
testing, programming and the like may be accomplished without
removing or opening the packaging.
[0014] Another advantage of the present invention is that access
ports may be custom provided in the packaging to conform to the
needs of a particular component.
[0015] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
packaging system may be constructed as a planar sheet and shipped
to the component manufacturer in a compact fashion.
[0016] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
packaging system may be manufactured from environmentally friendly
materials and is sufficient by itself to provide the protection to
the object, thus avoiding the need for further cushioning
materials.
[0017] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides ready storage capacity for accessories, manuals and the
like accompanying a component object.
[0018] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
tray is providing with convenient handling holes for easy grasping,
both as an individual unit and in stacks.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of
the description of the best presently known modes of carrying out
the invention and the industrial applicability of the preferred
embodiments as described herein and as illustrated in the several
figures of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The purposes and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction
with the appended drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the utility and protective
packaging system of the present invention, shown from the front and
in the folded (object containing) mode, shown with a component
object contained therewithin;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the present invention, shown in its
planar (pre-folding) mode;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, of
the present invention, shown from the rear; and
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the system in the folded or
tray mode.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0025] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a utility
and protective packaging system 10 which will, in ordinary use be
configured into a tray 12 which is specifically adapted to enclose,
confine and protect an object 14. The object 14 will ordinarily be
a rectangular solid and will usually be an electronic component
such as a DVR, cable system control box, computer blade component,
stereo system component or the like. The packaging system 10 is
illustrated in the various figures of the drawing and is described
below in reference to such figures.
[0026] The packaging system 10 begins its existence as a planar
sheet 16 (see FIG. 2) formed of cardboard or similarly planar
protective material, which has been precision cut and creased in
order to be folded. The planar sheet 16 exists in a planar mode 18
prior to use (FIG. 2), where is may be stacked and shipped in
elongated sheet form until put into use. When the object 14 is
placed on the sheet, it may then be folded and frictionally fit
("snapped") into a folded mode or "tray mode" 20 (see FIGS. 1, 3
and 4), with the object 14 captured inside the tray 12.
[0027] In order to facilitate the conversion of the planar sheet 16
from the planar mode 18 to the tray mode 20, the planar sheet 16 is
provided with a number of preformed folding creases 22 (all formed
on the upper/interior surface of the planar sheet 16). Further
various projections 24 with corresponding apertures 26 are formed
for various purposes, as are some slots 28 and access ports 30, as
will be discussed hereinafter.
[0028] The planar sheet 16 includes a center panel 32 in the
approximate center thereof. The center panel 32 forms the "floor"
upon which the object rests. Various extensions 34 (also known as
"flaps") are formed extending outward from the center panel 32.
These include a pair of opposing and generally symmetrical side
flaps 36 and a pair of opposing and generally symmetrical end flaps
38 (with the orientation references being taken from the object 14
itself and the "end" referring to the front and rear of the object
14).
[0029] The side flaps 36 include a left side flap 40 and a right
side flap 42. These are symmetrical and each includes a number of
discreet portions, extending consecutively outward from the floor
of the center panel 32. Each flap includes portions which fold to
form a side rectangular tube 44.
[0030] Immediately extending from each side of the center panel 34
(and effectively being a part of that portion) is a base extension
46, which extends to a folding crease 22 where it becomes a side
exterior panel 48, which extends to a folding crease 22 and becomes
a side top panel 50, extending to anther folding crease 22 and
finally becomes a side interior panel 52. Each folding crease 22 on
a side flap 36 is parallel to each other and is formed on the same
side of the material so the various portions fold inward to form
the side rectangular tube 44. The integrity of the side rectangular
tube 44 is maintained by a pair of flanged projections 54 extending
therefrom to mate with a corresponding pair of receiving slits 56
formed at the juxtaposition of the center panel 34 and the base
extension 46. The side interior panel 52 abuts against the object
14 in the tray mode 20 so as to hold the object securely in
position.
[0031] The side exterior panel 48 also includes a plurality of side
spacer projections 58, with corresponding projection apertures 60
on the respective base extension 46 and side top panel 50, formed
at the folding creases 22 on each edge. The folding creases 22 are
interrupted at the locations of the projections 24 and the shape of
each projection 24 is cut so as to extend outward when the sheet 16
is folded. The side spacer projections 58 help maintain separation
when multiples of the trays 12 are stored together.
[0032] The side rectangular tubes 44 have side exterior panels 50
and side interior panels 52 dimensioned to be slightly higher than
the thickness of the object 14, in order that the tubes 44 extend
slightly beyond the object 14 when the invention 10 is in tray mode
20. This permits the tubes 44 to minimize the potential for
crushing impact on the object 14 during storage and transport. The
tubes 44 also extend laterally substantially beyond the borders of
the object 14. This provides drop protection when the tray 12 lands
on edge.
[0033] A further aperture 26 is provided at the bottom center edge
of each side exterior panel 48. This provides a handling hole 62.
The entire tray may be easily gripped and handled by inserting
hands or tools into the opposing handling holes 62.
[0034] The end flaps 38 include a front flap 64 and a rear flap 66.
While very similar, these are not quite as symmetrical in a typical
configuration as are the side flaps 36. This is because the end
flaps 38 are custom configured for the particular object 14 to be
contained. As the particular electronic component is likely to have
differently placed power and signal connections on the rear
surface, and different locations for controls and displays on the
front surface, the corresponding flaps will look different and have
the access ports 30 shaped and placed differently. Nonetheless, the
particular portions will be similar and arrayed in the same
order.
[0035] In the case of the end flaps 38, the centermost folding
crease 22 is placed directly at the edge of the center panel 34,
and an end panel 68 is adapted to fold upward directly adjacent to
the object 14. Another folding crease 22 creates a demarcation
between the end panel and an adjacent top overlap panel 70. The
extreme side edges of the top overlap panels 70 are provided with
tab projections 72. The tab projections 72 are adapted to mate with
corresponding projection apertures 60 on the side top panels 50 in
order to provide a relatively secure, releasable snap fit closure
when the tray mode 20 is complete.
[0036] In the preferred embodiment 10, the top overlap panels 70
are narrower than one-half of the corresponding distance between
the edges of the center panel. This means that the top overlap
panels 70 of the front flap 64 and the rear flap 66 do not meet,
but leave a significant gap therebetween. This facilitates
ventilation and cooling of the component object 14 when it is
operated while in the packaging system 10, since the typical object
14 will have ventilation holes on its top surface.
[0037] In a manner similar to the situation with the side flaps 36,
the end panels 68 are provided with end spacer projections 74 which
are exposed when the folds are accomplished. The end spacer
projections 74 provide vertical protection to the object during
storage and handling.
[0038] The side rectangular tubes 44 extend longitudinally well
beyond the end panels 68. This gives the overall tray 20 the
broad-stemmed capital "I" shaped appearance which inspired the
BUTTERFLY.TM. trademark utilized in connection with the preferred
embodiment. This shape provides significant protection from
crushing impact to the front and rear surfaces of the object during
transportation and storage. In order to provide structural support
to the extended portions of the side rectangular tubes, the base
extensions 46 are provided with front buttresses 76 and rear
buttresses 78. In a typical arrangement, the front buttresses 76
are acute triangular extensions, while the rear buttresses 78 tend
to be larger and less regular in shape in order to provide greater
access to connections located near the rear edges of the component
object 14.
[0039] When all of the flaps are fully engaged into the tray mode
20, they define, with the center panel, a cavity 80 for containing
and securing the object 14. Typically, the cavity 80 is dimensioned
to provide minimal sliding room for the object in order to minimize
the potential for turbulence during transport.
[0040] One of the unique features of the present invention is that
the electronic component object 14 may be operated and programmed
while it is still contained in the packaging 10. This is due to the
configuration of the tray 12 and the provision of custom placed
access ports 30 corresponding to the access requirements of the
particular component object 14. Since the positioning and
dimensions of the access ports 30 are customized for each
particular component object 14 to be contained within the tray, the
particular arrangement depicted in the drawings is by way of
example only. It is understood that the particular dimensions of
the center panel 32 and the extensions 34 will also be customized
for containing particular objects. Although there is a certain
amount of conformity in the structure of electronic components
there are enough variations that detailed shaping is required in
each instance.
[0041] The usually preferred material for forming the packaging
system is multilayer biodegradable cardboard. However, other
suitable sheet materials, having appropriate cushioning properties
and structural integrity, may be substituted.
[0042] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not as limitation.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0043] The utility and protective packaging system 10 of the
present invention is adapted first for applicability in shipping
and storage situations and accessibility to the packaged object 14
while still within the packaging 10. The preferred packaging has
access ports 30 which are custom configured to correspond to the
contacts, signal connectors, displays, control buttons and power
connectors on the particular object 14 to be enclosed in the cavity
80.
[0044] The packaging system 10 will be laid out and cut from sheet
material to form the planar sheet 16 configured in accordance with
the needs of the particular object 14 to be contained. Modern
computerized cutting and pressing equipment is capable of
relatively easily configuration to create whatever shapes,
dimensions and folding creases are appropriate for a particular
component. Ordinarily, the designer will only need to reset
dimensions and the location of access ports to conform to whatever
desired contents are expected. After manufacture, the planar sheet
16 is ordinary left in planar mode 18 and delivered to the assembly
location particular to the object 14. The first step in assembly is
then to place the object 14 on the center panel 32. The side flaps
36 are folded first, in either order. Folding on the appropriate
folding creases 22, the side exterior panel 48 is folded at a right
angle to the base extension 46 so it extends slightly above the top
surface of the object 14. It is noted that this folding causes some
side spacer projections 58 to extend below the surface of the base
extension 46 and also forms the handling hole 62 in the center
bottom. Folding the side top panel 50 another ninety degrees causes
some side spacer projections 58 to protrude above the surface and
uncovers some projection apertures 60 adjacent to the intersection
of the side top panel and the side exterior panel. Finally, the
third fold is made to cause the side interior panel 52 to extend
back downward, parallel to the side exterior panel 48. The flanged
projections 54 on the side interior panels 52 project through and
engage with the receiving slits 56 formed at the intersection of
the center panel 32 and the base extension 46. The mating between
the flanged projections 54 and the receiving slits 56 secures the
structure together to form the side rectangular tube 44, which is
hollow throughout its length. The side interior panels 52
effectively abut against the side surfaces of the object 14.
[0045] Once the side flaps 36 have been secured the end flaps 38
may be folded (in either order). The end panels 68 are folded at a
right angle to the center panel 34 so that they effectively abut
against the end (front and back) surfaces of the object 14 and
extend slightly above the top surface of the object 14, exposing
end spacer projections 74 extending below the surface of the center
panel 34. It is noted that the access ports 30 on the end panels 68
are aligned with various controls, displays and connectors of the
particular object 14 in order to facilitate access to those areas.
The top overlap panels 70 are folded at right angles to the end
panels 68, exposing end spacer projections 74 at the fold line 22.
The opposing top overlap panels 70 extend partially across the top
surface of the object 14, leaving a gap to permit ventilation. The
tab projections 72 extend to, and are folded down to mate with,
corresponding projection apertures 60 on the side top panels 52 of
the side flaps 36. This engagement completes the enclosure of the
tray 12 about the object 14 and effectively contains the object
securely within the packaging system 10.
[0046] The side rectangular tubes 44 are hollow and open from each
end thereof and provide effective locations for storing cords and
other accessories needed for operation of the component object 14.
Larger generally planar accessories, such as manuals, may be stored
on top of the object 14 while being frictionally retained beneath
the top overlap panels 70.
[0047] The assembled tray 12 remains intact until the assembly is
delivered to the end user. During shipping, the tray 12 may be
easily handled by using the handling holes to grasp either side of
the tray 12. The spacer projections 24 minimize pressure and
contact with items (such as another tray) "vertically" adjacent
wile the extension of the side rectangular tubes 44 beyond the
boundaries of the object 14 in all lateral direction minimizes
lateral impact. The side tubes 44 also provide compression
resistance from lateral directions.
[0048] It is intended and contemplated that interim procedures,
such as testing, programming and the like will be required
intermediate the packaging and the delivery to the ultimate user.
The packaging system 10 facilitates this by making all necessary
portions of the object 14 accessible while the integrity of the
tray 12 is maintained. Power and connector cords may be removed
from the side rectangular tube 44 and the connections may be made
through the access ports 30 and exposed areas, via the rear
buttresses 78, of the rear surface of the object 14. The controls
and displays on the front surface are also accessible via the
access ports 30 and the exposure provided by the front buttresses
76. Thus the programming and testing may be made without removing
the object 14 from the tray 12. It is also noted that access ports
30 in the center panel 34 provide access to bottom surface items,
such as labeling, battery hatches, bar codes and the like.
[0049] Once the item is finally delivered to the end user, the tray
12 may be disassembled by removing the tab projections 72 from the
corresponding projection apertures 60, removing the object 14 from
the cavity and collapsing the tray by removing the flanged
projections 54 from the receiving slits 56. The packaging system 10
may then be returned to its planar configuration 18 or compactly
folded for easy disposal. Since the selected material is ordinarily
recyclable cardboard, disposal is not unduly harmful to the
environment.
[0050] The unitary nature of the packaging provides excellent
efficiency and convenience for the manufacturer. Once the object 14
is placed within the tray 12, it is provided with durable,
inexpensive and environmentally friendly protection until it
reaches the end user. The accessibility to the object, replete with
protection, permits handling, testing and programming during the
transit to the user. The inventive utility and protective packaging
system 10 provides many significant advantages at each step of the
process of getting a component from the manufacturer to the end
user.
[0051] For the above, and other, reasons, it is expected that the
utility and protective packaging system of the present invention
will have widespread industrial applicability. Therefore, it is
expected that the commercial utility of the present invention will
be extensive and long lasting.
* * * * *