Suspension packaging system

Abstract

A suspension packaging system can include a retention member having at least one pocket and a relatively more rigid member configured to be inserted into the pocket and folded into a state in which a tension in the retention member is increased. The more rigid member can be in the form of a tray and can include protrusions over which the pocket is placed. The protrusions can then be moved into engagement with apertures thereby engaging the resilient member between the protrusion and the aperture. Additionally, flaps of a box can be inserted into pockets of a resilient member and rotated so as to generate attention in the retention member so as to provide further cushioning of an article to be packaged therein.

1 . A packaging kit comprising: 
 at least one resilient retention member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and at least first and second pockets disposed at the first and second ends, respectively; and    at least one frame member having a base portion and first and second foldable portions connected to and foldable relative to the base portion, the first foldable portion including at least a first protrusion, the second foldable portion including at least a second protrusion, and the base portion including at least first and second apertures configured to receive the first and second protrusions;    wherein the resilient retention member is sized such that the first foldable portion can be inserted into the first pocket and the second foldable portion can be inserted into the second pocket, and the first and second foldable portions can then be folded so as to engage the first and second protrusions with the first and second apertures, respectively, with the first and second pockets extending through the first and second apertures.    
     
     
         2 . A packaging kit comprising at least a first resilient retention member having at least a first pocket, and a base member having a base portion, a first aperture disposed on the base portion, and at least a first foldable portion connected to and rotatable relative to the base portion, the first foldable portion including a protrusion sized to fit within the first aperture, the first foldable portion being sized to fit within the first pocket, wherein the retention member is sized such that tension is generated in the retention member when the first foldable portion is inserted into the first pocket and the first protrusion is inserted into the first aperture.  
     
     
         3 . The kit according to  claim 2 , wherein the retention member includes a second pocket and the base member includes a second foldable portion configured to fit inside the second pocket.  
     
     
         4 . The kit according to  claim 2 , wherein the first pocket is formed by heat sealing.  
     
     
         5 . The kit according to  claim 2 , wherein the base member is formed from corrugated cardboard.  
     
     
         6 . The kit according to  claim 2 , wherein foldable portions are disposed along a periphery of the base portion, and wherein the base member includes a plurality of at least one of cut lines and score lines disposed inwardly from the periphery.  
     
     
         7 . The kit according to  claim 6 , wherein the at least one of cut and score lines are arranged concentrically about a central portion of the base portion.  
     
     
         8 . The kit according to  claim 2  additionally comprising at least one cut line disposed in a central portion of the base portion.  
     
     
         9 . The. kit according to  claim 2  additionally comprising at least one cut line extending from a comer of the base portion toward a central portion of the base portion.  
     
     
         10 . The kit according to  claim 2  additionally comprising at least one cut line disposed in the base portion defining a removable wall member.  
     
     
         11 . The kit according to  claim 10 , wherein the removable wall member includes a locking notch, and the base portion includes a locking panel configured to engage the locking notch.  
     
     
         12 . The kit according to  claim 2  additionally comprising a box member configured to form a box, the box member including at least first and second flaps configured to be folded inwardly into the interior of the box, and a second retention member having at least first and second pockets, the first and second flaps being sized to fit within the first and second pockets of the second retention member.  
     
     
         13 . The kit according to  claim 12 , wherein the first and second flaps are sized to be inserted between outer walls of the box and the base member.  
     
     
         14 . A packaging kit comprising at least a first resilient retention member having at least a first pocket, and a base member having a base portion, a first aperture disposed on the base portion, and at least a first foldable portion connected to and rotatable relative to the base portion, the first foldable portion including a protrusion sized to fit within the first aperture, and means for ensnaring a portion of the first pocket between the aperture and the protrusion.  
     
     
         15 . A box comprising a bottom, a plurality of walls and at least first and second upper flaps, the first and second flaps comprising at least first and second fold lines, respectively, and a resilient retention member having at least first and second pockets, respectively, the first and second flaps being configured to fit within the first and second pockets, respectively, and wherein the retention member is configured to stretch under tension when the first and second flaps are folded inwardly toward an interior of the box.  
     
     
         16 . The box according to  claim 15 , additionally comprising a support member disposed within the box, the flaps being sized so as to fit between the support member and side walls of the box, with the first and second flaps fit into the first and second pockets.  
     
     
         17 . A method of packaging an article with a base member having a base portion and a foldable portion, the foldable portion having a protrusion configured to engage an aperture disposed on the base portion, and with a resilient retention member having at least one pocket, the method comprising: 
 inserting the foldable portion into the pocket;    folding the foldable portion toward the base portion;    engaging the protrusion with the aperture with a portion of the pocket being disposed between the protrusion and the pocket such that the portion of the pocket is pushed through the aperture by the protrusion; and    supporting an article with the retention member.