Packaging apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus or structure that aids in protecting a packaging assembly from damage. The apparatus or structure is also contemplated to protect the items retained in the packaging materials as well as facilitate storing the packaging materials.

1 . A packaging assembly, comprising: 
 an item for packaging;    a container sized to receive the item, the container including a front side, the front side including an opening formed therein, the opening bounded by a continuous edge of the front side, the edge having a shape defining a first area having a first dimension; and    a molded insert, the molded insert formed from transparent material, the molded insert including a perimeter defining a second area having a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension, the molding insert further including a generally planar peripheral portion terminating at the perimeter, a central portion having a first maximum height and a continuous sidewall projecting from the planar portion and having a second height greater than the first maximum height;    wherein the continuous sidewall extends beyond the front side of the container and follows a path that matches the shape of the continuous edge.    
   
   
       2 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall of the molded insert includes an outer sidewall, a top wall, and an inner sidewall, the inner and outer sidewalls being parallel to each other and the top wall being generally perpendicular to the inner and outer sidewalls.  
   
   
       3 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the second height of the sidewall is greater than a height of any other portion of the molded insert.  
   
   
       4 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the sidewall is bounded by planar portions of the molded insert on all sides.  
   
   
       5 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous edge of the container defines a generally rectangular pattern.  
   
   
       6 . The packaging assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the sidewall of the molded insert defines a corresponding generally rectangular pattern.  
   
   
       7 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous edge of the container defines an irregular geometric shape.  
   
   
       8 . The packaging assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the sidewall of the molded insert defines a corresponding generally irregular geometric shape.  
   
   
       9 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the continuous edge abuts the continuous sidewalls along its entire dimension.  
   
   
       10 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the central portion is planar.  
   
   
       11 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the control portion includes a series of regular or irregular projections.  
   
   
       12 . The packaging assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the series of regular or irregular projections are sized and shaped to match corresponding portions of the item for packaging.  
   
   
       13 . The packaging assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle, the handle being formed by the generally planar peripheral portion of the molded insert.  
   
   
       14 . A packaging assembly, comprising: 
 a container, the container including an edge defining a boundary to an opening; and    a molded insert, the molded insert including a planar periphery, a continuous sidewall having a first height and a central portion having a central portion planar portion adjacent the sidewall;    wherein the continuous sidewall has a shape that corresponds to the boundary of the opening of the container.    
   
   
       15 . The packaging assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the insert is transparent.  
   
   
       16 . The packaging assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the sidewall includes an inner wall that is parallel to an outer wall and a top wall joining the inner and outer walls.  
   
   
       17 . The packaging assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the molded insert includes a generally planar peripheral portion.  
   
   
       18 . The packaging assembly of  claim 17 , when a handle is formed in the generally planar peripheral portion.