Retention packaging structure

Abstract

Packaging structures are disclosed that are adapted for insertion into an outer container and/or that are foldable to form a container. The packaging structures include a panel having an article support portion having a support surface. A flexible film overlies the support portion and is secured to the support portion, so as to lie substantially adjacent the support surface. At least one access opening is defined by a region where the film is not secured to the support portion and through which an article may be inserted between the flexible film and the support portion. Insertion of such an article causes the flexible film to stretch, exerting a force on the article for holding it against the support portion and preferably resisting lateral shifting of the article from the desired location between the flexible film and the support surface.

1 . A packaging structure adapted for insertion into an outer container, comprising:
 a panel having an article support portion having a support surface free of fold lines;   a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface; and   at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, whereby insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging structure of  claim 1  wherein the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges and the support portion extends substantially fully between the end edges and side edges. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging structure of  claim 1  wherein the panel has a first pair of end edges and the support surface has a first pair of end edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the end edges of the panel. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging structure of  claim 1  wherein the support surface has a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges and the flexible film is secured to the support surface generally along the pair of side edges and is free from securement to the support surface along at least a portion of at least one end edge. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging structure of  claim 1  wherein the flexible film is secured to the support surface so as to define a plurality of article-receiving regions between the flexible film and the support surface, and an access opening is associated with each region to permit insertion of an article between the flexible film and the support surface in each region. 
     
     
         6 . A packaging structure having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container, comprising:
 a panel having an article support portion having a support surface;   a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface;   at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, wherein insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface; and   wherein the flexible film is not secured to any portion of the packaging structure that is folded away from the support surface in a manner that would increase the tension in the flexible film.   
     
     
         7 . The packaging structure of  claim 6  wherein the panel has opposed end edges and opposed side edges and the support portion is disposed between the end edges and side edges. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging structure of  claim 6  wherein the panel has a first pair of end edges and the support surface has a first pair of end edges defined by fold lines in the panel that are spaced from the end edges of the panel. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging structure of  claim 6  wherein the support surface has a pair of opposed end edges and a pair of opposed side edges and the flexible film is secured to the support surface generally along the pair of side edges and is free from securement to the support surface along at least a portion of at least one end edge. 
     
     
         10 . The packaging structure of  claim 6  wherein the flexible film is secured to the support surface so as to define a plurality of article-receiving regions between the flexible film and the support surface, and an access opening is associated with each region to permit insertion of an article between the flexible film and the support surface in each region. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging structure of  claim 6  wherein the support portion includes a relief that provides reduced tension in the flexible film at the unsecured edge of the flexible film while inserting an article between the flexible film and the support portion. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging structure of  claim 11  wherein relief is formed by one or more creases in the support portion. 
     
     
         13 . A packaging structure having fold lines by which the structure is adapted to be folded to form a container, comprising:
 a panel having an article support portion having a support surface free of fold lines;   a flexible film overlying the support portion and secured to the support portion whereby the flexible film lies substantially adjacent to the support surface; and   at least one access opening for inserting an article between the flexible film and the support surface, the access opening being defined by a region where the flexible film is not secured to the support surface, whereby insertion of an article through the access opening and between the flexible film and support surface tensions the flexible film so that the flexible film secures the article against the support surface.   
     
     
         14 . The packaging structure of  claim 13  wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces with each support surface being opposed to at least one edge of the flexible film that is not secured to the respective support surface. 
     
     
         15 . The packaging structure of  claim 13  wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces along at least two edges of the flexible film. 
     
     
         16 . The packaging structure of  claim 15  wherein the flexible film is secured to a plurality of support surfaces defining a plurality of regions with each region adapted to receive at least one article between the flexible film and the support surface and the regions being separated by at least two thicknesses of the flexible film when the packaging structure is folded to form a container.