Packaging insert

Abstract

A collapsible insert for a carton for a product having a collapsible protruding member has a central panel with columnar channels formed at either end. The channels conform to the shape of the carton corners. The vertical columns have notched regions for receiving a product having a collapsible protruding member extending from the base thereof, such as a lawn mower deck and handle. The hollow columns provide spaces for articles to be packaged with the product. The central panel has a handhold opening to reinforce the carton handhold. The central panel's handhold opening is also reinforced.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An insert for a carton for a product having a collapsible member extending from a base of the product, the insert comprising: 
 a central panel having opposing end regions and a columnar channel member formed at each said end region, said channel members collapsible to a condition substantially coplanar with said central panel.    
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1 , said channel members defining slotted regions for receiving and substantially immobilizing the base and the collapsed member extending from the base.  
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 2 , wherein the collapsed member is segmented and creates a substantially Z-shaped configuration with said base and said slotted regions are adapted for receiving said Z-shaped configuration.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of the segments of the collapsed member is U-shaped and said slotted regions are adapted for receiving said U-shaped member.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1 , said central panel defining a handhold aperture for alignment with a handhold aperture of the carton and wherein a region adjacent said handhold aperture is reinforced.  
     
     
         6 . An insert for a carton for a product having a U-shaped, segmented collapsible member extending from a base of the product forming a Z-shaped configuration therewith, the insert comprising: 
 a central panel having tubular members formed at end regions thereof, said tubular members defining notched regions adapted for receiving the base and the member of said product and wherein each said tubular member is collapsible into flat-face condition substantially coplanar with said central panel.    
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 6 , wherein each said column is formed by an extension from said central panel terminating in an end portion that is affixed to said central panel.  
     
     
         8 . The invention of  claim 7 , wherein said central panel defines a handhold aperture disposed for alignment with a second handhold aperture of said carton and wherein said end portion is affixed to said central panel so as to at least partially overlap a circumference of said handhold aperture at a notched region of said end portion thereby reinforcing a region of said handhold aperture.  
     
     
         9 . The invention of  claim 7 , said extension comprising a plurality of adjoining column panel members.  
     
     
         10 . An insert for a carton for a product having a collapsible member extending from a base of the product of the product, the insert comprising: 
 a pair of columnar channel members collapsible into substantially flat-face contacting relationship adapted for being closely received at a pair of opposing corners of the carton interconnected by a central panel, said columnar channel members having a height substantially equal to a height of said carton so as to reinforce vertical stacking strength of the carton and defining slotted regions for receiving and substantially immobilizing the base and the collapsible member of the product.