Cushioning insert for packages

Abstract

An improved package insert, made from folded panelboard or cardboard, provides reduced risk of damage to various goods during shipping, while being inexpensive to manufacture.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cushioning insert for shipping containers, said cushioning insert comprising: 
 a semirigid panel having a plurality of folds, said folds defining: 
 a rectangular first end portion;  
 a second end portion having two panel layers;  
 an outside edge defined between said first end portion and said second end portion; and  
 a central portion inwardly spaced from said outside edge.  
   
     
     
         2 . The cushioning insert according to  claim 1 , wherein said insert is made from corrugated panelboard.  
     
     
         3 . The cushioning insert according to  claim 1 , wherein said rectangular first end portion defines a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive additional cushioning material.  
     
     
         4 . The cushioning insert according to  claim 1 , wherein said central portion, first end portion, and second end portion define a recess dimensioned and configured to receive additional cushioning material between said central portion and said outside edge.  
     
     
         5 . A method of protecting contents of a package during shipping, the package having a pair of sides, said method comprising: 
 providing a pair of semi-rigid panels;    folding each of said semi-rigid panels to define: 
 a rectangular first end portion;  
 a second end portion having two panel layers;  
 an outside edge defined between said first end portion and said second end portion; and  
   a central portion inwardly spaced from said outside edge. and inserting each of said semi-rigid panels between one of said package's sides and said contents.