Insert for foiled food tubs and the like

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stackable packaging insert for storing and transporting articles, such as foiled food tubs. The insert is formed from a blank that can be folded into a tray-like packaging insert with individual compartments. Each compartment has a base and support tabs. Between adjacent bases, the support tabs meet at a triangular connector. When positioned within a container, the support tab ends and triangular connectors rest against the interior walls of the container. Articles within the positioned insert are suspended on the support tabs and triangular connectors.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to packaging inserts and blanks for the same, and more specifically inserts for transporting and cushioning articles such as foiled food tubs.BACKGROUND[0002]The secure packing and transporting of articles to consumers is critical for producers and distributors of goods. Replacing and / or repairing damaged articles is a high financial burden to the responsible party. To avoid this expense, it is cost-effective to protect articles with inserts during storage and transportation. Packaging inserts support the articles during transportation to ensure that the articles arrive at their destination in proper condition. Fragile items such as bottles, vials, dishes, and packaged food tubs should usually be shipped with packaging inserts. Often, articles may simply be stacked in secondary containers without packaging inserts for storage and transportation. While packing articles without protective inserts is simple and economical, articles shi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a packaging insert made from a single blank that can be folded into a fray-like design with individual compartments. The insert has support tabs at the corners of each base that extend outwards, and a triangular connector between adjacent bases. When the insert is placed in a secondary container, the support tabs fold upwards and inwards, resting against the interior wall of the container. Articles placed within the insert are suspended on the support tabs and triangular connectors, providing an air cushion between the layers of articles when multiple inserts are stacked upon each other. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a stable and secure packaging solution for protecting and preserving articles during transportation and storage.

Problems solved by technology

Replacing and / or repairing damaged articles is a high financial burden to the responsible party.

While packing articles without protective inserts is simple and economical, articles shipped without protective inserts are very likely to arrive damaged at their destination.

However, articles packed with these packing supplies are not sufficiently compartmentalized when multiple articles are shipped in a single secondary container and are still likely to arrive at their destination damaged.

Further, such packing supplies are expensive and labor intensive to handle both during packing and unpacking.

Additionally, shrink wrap film is expensive; therefore, it is preferable to transport such tubs in protective inserts that preserve the integrity of the delicate, thin film seals rather than increasing the weight of the film.

The packaging inserts currently in the art do not meet these qualifications.

Specifically, known inserts do not provide individual compartments for each article with corner supports around each compartment.

Additionally, known inserts often consist of multiple pieces and are difficult and time-consuming to assemble and position within the secondary container.

Finally, known stackable inserts do not have air-cushions between multiple layers of articles in stacked inserts within an secondary container to adequately support the packed articles.

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