Packaging insert for protecting articles and the like

Abstract

A packaging system for retaining an article therein is provided. The packaging system comprises a first flat sheet member foldable into a first container portion and a second flat sheet member foldable into a second container portion. The second container portion is moveable to a position adjacent the first container portion. The packaging system further comprises a first open area within the first container portion and a second open area within the second container portion. A retention mechanism releasably retains the article within the first container portion wherein the first open area and the second open area substantially surround the article.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A packaging system for retaining an article therein, the packaging system comprising: 
 a first flat sheet member foldable into a first container portion;    a second flat sheet member foldable into a second container portion, the second container portion moveable to a position adjacent the first container portion;    a first open area within the first container portion;    a second open area within the second container portion; and    retention means for releasably retaining the article within the first container portion; 
 wherein the first open area and the second open area substantially surround the article.  
   
     
     
         2 . The packaging system of  claim 1  and further comprising: 
 connecting means for initially releasably connecting the first flat sheet and the second flat sheet.  
 
     
     
         3 . The packaging system of  claim 2  wherein the connecting means is a score line.  
     
     
         4 . The packaging system of  claim 1  wherein the retention means is a stretchable film layer secured to the first sheet member and the second sheet member, the article being positionable between the stretchable film layer and the first sheet member.  
     
     
         5 . The packaging system of  claim 1  and further comprising: 
 a flange portion hingedly connected to the first sheet member, the flange portion movable against the article upon positioning the second container portion against the first container portion.  
 
     
     
         6 . The packaging system of  claim 5  wherein the flange portion supports the article within the first container portion.  
     
     
         7 . The packaging system of  claim 1  and further comprising a portion of the first sheet member and a portion of the second sheet member is positioned between the article and the second open area.  
     
     
         8 . A packaging system for retaining an article therein, the packaging system comprising: 
 a flat sheet member having a plurality of panel members;    wherein the flat sheet member is foldable into a first container portion and a second container portion, the second container portion movable against the first container portion with the article being releasably secured within the first container portion.    
     
     
         9 . The packaging system of  claim 8  and further comprising means for releasably retaining the article within the first container portion.  
     
     
         10 . The packaging system of  claim 9  wherein the means are stretchable film layer secured to the flat sheet member, the article being positionable between the stretchable film layer and the flat sheet member.  
     
     
         11 . The packaging system of  claim 8  and further comprising: 
 a flange portion hingedly connected to the flat sheet member, the flange portion movable against the article upon positioning the second container portion against the first container portion.  
 
     
     
         12 . The packaging system of  claim 11  wherein the flange portion supports the article within the first container portion.  
     
     
         13 . A method for retaining an article within a packaging system, the method comprising: 
 providing a flat sheet member;    releasably securing the article to the flat sheet member;    folding the sheet member into a first container portion and a second container portion, the article being secured within the first container portion; and    moving the second container portion to a position adjacent the first container portion.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  and further comprising: 
 providing retention means for retaining the article within the first container portion.  
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the retention means is a stretchable film layer secured to the flat sheet member, the method further comprising positioning the article between the stretchable film layer and the flat sheet member.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  13  and further comprising: 
 supporting the article within the first container portion.  
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the article is supported by a flange portion hingedly connected to the flat sheet member, the flange portion movable against the article upon moving of the second container portion against the first container portion.