Suspension packaging system

A suspension packaging system can include a retention member having at least one pocket and a relatively more rigid member configured to be inserted into the pocket and folded into a state in which a tension in the retention member is increased. The more rigid member can be in the form of a tray and can include protrusions over which the pocket is placed. The protrusions can then be moved into engagement with apertures thereby engaging the resilient member between the protrusion and the aperture. Additionally, flaps of a box can be inserted into pockets of a resilient member and rotated so as to generate attention in the retention member so as to provide further cushioning of an article to be packaged therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present inventions are directed to a packaging system. In particular, the present inventions are directed to a suspension packaging system that includes a retention member having at least one pocket.

2. Description of the Related Art

Protective packaging devices are often used to protect goods from shocks and impacts during shipping or transportation. For example, when transporting articles that are relatively fragile, it is often desirable to cushion the article inside a box to protect the article from a physical impact to the box that can occur during loading, transit and unloading.

In most cases, some additional structure is used to keep the article from moving uncontrollably in the box and thus incurring damage. Such additional structures include paper or plastic packing material, structured plastic foams, foam-filled cushions, and the like. Ideally, the article to be packaged is suspended within the box so as to spaced from the walls defining the box, thus protecting the article from other foreign objects which may impact or compromise the outer walls of the box.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973 discloses a number of inventions directed to suspension packaging assemblies which incorporate frame members and retention members. For example, many of the embodiments of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973 include the use of a retention member formed of a resilient material. Additionally, some of the retention members include pockets at opposite ends.

In several of the embodiments disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973, free ends of the frame members are inserted into the pockets of the retention member. The free ends of the frame member are then bent of folded to tension the retention member. Because the retention member is made from a resilient material, the retention member can stretch and thus provide a mechanism for suspending an article to be packaged, for example, within a box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes the recognition that a retention sleeve having pockets can be used with frame members such that at least one of the pockets receives a protruding member of the frame member that is eventually interlocked with another portion of the frame member. As such, this type of retention member can be used in a variety of other types of devices thus improving the cushioning effect provided by these devices and/or providing additional devices.

For example, a retention sleeve having pockets formed therein at opposite ends thereof can be used in conjunction with a cardboard member folded to form a tray. This type of cardboard packaging member has been widely used in the packaging art. In this type of device, a relatively rigid material, such as, for example, but without limitation, corrugated cardboard, is cut into a generally rectangular shape and has foldable edges. Two or more of the edges can be shaped so as to have at least one protrusion at the distal edge thereof. When folded, the protrusion on the distal edge engages in an aperture formed at or near the proximal edge of the folding part. Thus, when folded, the protrusion locks into the aperture thereby forming a peripheral wall extending generally perpendicular to the central portion of the frame member.

With this type of device, the foldable portion can be inserted into a pocket of retention member having at least one pocket. The foldable portion can then be folded with the protruding part inserted into the aperture, thereby ensnaring the distal edge of the pocket between the protruding portion and the aperture. As such, the resilient nature of the retention member can be combined with the structural qualities of the frame member without the need for additional adhesives or connectors.

In accordance with another aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein, a retention member having at least one pocket can be used in conjunction with flaps formed on a box. For example, when a box is assembled leaving one open end, usually there are four flaps remaining. Two of the flaps are folded first and then the remaining two flaps are folded over the first two flaps. The first two flaps to be folded closed can be inserted into pockets of a resilient retention member and thereby used to tension the retention member and provide additional suspension for the article package within the box.

In accordance with one embodiment, a packaging kit comprises at least one resilient retention member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and at least first and second pockets disposed at the first and second ends, respectively. At least one frame member includes a base portion and first and second foldable portions connected to and foldable relative to the base portion. The first foldable portion includes at least a first protrusion. The second foldable portion includes at least a second protrusion. The base portion includes at least first and second apertures configured to receive the first and second protrusions. The resilient retention member is sized such that the first foldable portion can be inserted into the first pocket and the second foldable portion can be inserted into the second pocket, and the first and second foldable portions can then be folded so as to engage the first and second protrusions with the first and second apertures, respectively, with the first and second pockets extending through the first and second apertures.

In accordance with another embodiment, a packaging kit comprises at least a first resilient retention member having at least a first pocket, and a base member having a base portion. A first aperture is disposed on the base portion. At least a first foldable portion is connected to and is rotatable relative to the base portion. The first foldable portion includes a protrusion sized to fit within the first aperture. The first foldable portion is sized to fit within the first pocket. The retention member is sized such that tension is generated in the retention member when the first foldable portion is inserted into the first pocket and the first protrusion is inserted into the first aperture.

In accordance with additional embodiment, a packaging kit comprises at least a first resilient retention member having at least a first pocket, and a base member having a base portion. A first aperture is disposed on the base portion. At least a first foldable portion is connected to and is rotatable relative to the base portion. The first foldable portion includes a protrusion sized to fit within the first aperture. Additionally, the kit includes means for ensnaring a portion of the first pocket between the aperture and the protrusion.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided for packaging an article with a base member having a base portion and a foldable portion, the foldable portion having a protrusion configured to engage an aperture disposed on the base portion, and with a resilient retention member having at least one pocket. The method comprises inserting the foldable portion into the pocket, folding the foldable portion toward the base portion, engaging the protrusion with the aperture with a portion of the pocket being disposed between the protrusion and the pocket such that the portion of the pocket is pushed through the aperture by the protrusion, and supporting an article with the retention member.

For purposes of summarizing the inventions and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the inventions have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the inventions herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present inventions will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the inventions not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An improved packaging system is disclosed herein. The packaging system includes an improved structure which provides new alternatives to known suspension packaging devices.

In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as “upper,” “lower,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “midpoint,” and “end” are used here to simplify the description in the context of the illustrated embodiment. Because other orientations are possible, however, the present inventions should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other orientations of the various components described above are possible.

FIG. 1illustrates a retention member10. The retention member10is preferably formed of a resilient body12. For purposes of convenience for the following description, the body12is identified as having a midpoint M positioned in the vicinity of the middle of the resilient body. The resilient body12also includes pockets14,16at opposite ends thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member10is formed of a single piece of resilient material, and is sized to cooperate with another member having foldable portions, described in greater detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pockets14,16are formed of folds18, formed in the resilient body12which have been attached (e.g., heat sealed) along lateral opposite edges thereof. In this embodiment, the heat sealing process forms the heat sealing lines22,24,26,28. The heat sealing lines22,24,26,28can be continuous or formed of a plurality of heat-sealed points. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous methods for forming pockets in a resilient sheet material such as the resilient body12. However, it has been found that heat sealing is particularly advantageous as it does not require expensive adhesives and the time consuming steps required for using it adhesives.

The retention member10has a length L1that is sized depending on the other devices with which the retention member10is to cooperate. Thus, the length L1can be sized such that when the retention member is in its final state, e.g., engaged with folding members of another device, it generates the desired tension for the corresponding application. Thus, the length L1will be smaller where a higher tension is desired and will be larger where a lower tension is desired. Additionally, the length L1might be different for different sized articles that are to be packaged. One of ordinary skill in the art can determine the length L1for the corresponding application.

The retention member10can be formed of any resilient material. In some embodiments, the retention member10can be made of applicable polyethylene film. However, virtually polymer, elastomer, or plastic film can be used to form the retention member10. The density of the film can be varied to provide the desired retention characteristics such as overall strength, resiliency, and vibrational response. Preferably, the density of the retention member10is determined such that the retention member10is substantially resilient when used to package a particular article.

With reference toFIG. 2, a tray member40is configured to be folded into a shape generally corresponding to a tray. Generally, this type of device is long been known in the art.

The tray member40can be constructed from various materials, including but without limitation, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, and/or other appropriate materials. The chosen material for constructing the tray member40can be any substantially rigid but foldable material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated as rigid, the chosen material would preferably have a certain amount of flexibility in the cases of extreme physical impact. In some embodiments, the material used to form the tray member40is a single wall corrugated C-flute cardboard.

FIG. 2illustrates a bottom plan view of the tray member40. The tray member40includes a central base member42and a plurality of foldable portions44,46,48,50. When assembled, the foldable portions44,46,48,50are folded to define peripheral walls extending around the base member42and extending generally perpendicular to the base portion42.

Each of the foldable portions44,46,48,50include a proximal portion52that is disposed proximal to the base portion42and a distal portion54that is disposed distally from the base portion42. The proximal portions52generally define a connection between the foldable portions44,46,48,50and the base portion42.

Each of the proximal portions52include a fold line56. The fold lines56can be formed as perforations in the tray member40, i.e., broken cut lines passing partially or completely through the material forming the tray member40. In the alternative, or in addition, the fold lines56can be crushed portions of the material forming the tray member40. Of course, depending on the material used to construct the tray member40, the fold lines56can be formed as mechanical hinges, thinned portions or any other appropriate mechanical connection which would allow various portions of the tray member40to be folded or rotated with respect to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, the foldable portions44,46,48,50also include medial fold lines58. The medial fold lines58allow each of the foldable portions44,46,48,50to be folded. As such, in this embodiment, each of the foldable portions44,46,48,50can be folded in half to define a double-walled portion around a periphery of the base member42.

The distal portions54also include at least one protrusion60. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the distal portions54include two protrusions60. However, the number of protrusions60on the distal portions54can be varied.

The protrusions60on the distal portions54are configured to engage with apertures62disposed in the vicinity of the proximal portions52. Thus, when the foldable portions44,46,48,50are folded about the medial fold lines58, the protrusion60can be inserted into the apertures62, thereby securing the foldable portions44,46,48,50into place. This technique is well known in the art.

With continued reference toFIG. 2, the illustrated tray member40also includes corner members64disposed on opposite ends of the foldable portions46and48. Each of the corner members64are connected to the respective foldable portion44,48by a corner fold line66.

In order to assemble the tray member40into a tray-shaped device, the corner members64can first be folded upwardly, as viewed inFIG. 2, about the fold lines66. Then, the foldable portions44,48can be folded inwardly toward the base portion44about the fold lines56. Once the foldable portions44,48are folded into a state in which they extend generally perpendicular to the base portion42, the corner member64will be generally aligned with the fold lines56of the foldable portions46,50.

Then the foldable portions44,48can be folded about the medial fold lines58until the protrusions60engage with the apertures62. The foldable portions44,48can be sized such that as the foldable portions44,48are folded about the medial fold line58, the protrusions60snap into the apertures62, thereby locking the foldable portions44,48into that folded state.

With the corner member64aligned with the fold lines56of the foldable portions46,50, the foldable portions46,50can be folded about their medial fold lines58in a similar manner. Thus, when the protrusions60of the foldable portions46,50are engaged with the apertures62, the corner members64are sandwiched within the respective foldable portions46,50, thereby locking the foldable portions44,46,48,50together. This provides an enhanced structural rigidity of the tray member40.

FIG. 3is a bottom plan view of the tray member40in the folded state. When the tray member40is used in conjunction with the retention member10, the pockets14,16of the retention member10can be connected to the foldable portions44,48or the foldable portions46,50.

With reference toFIG. 4, foldable portion50is illustrated as being received with pocket14of the retention member10. As such, the protrusion60is disposed within the pocket14. Additionally, although not illustrated, in this method of assembling the tray member40, the foldable portion46is received within the pocket16of the retention member10.

In order to assemble the tray member40, as noted above, the foldable portion50is folded about the fold line56and the fold line58until the protrusion60is engaged with the apertures62. Additionally, the foldable portion46is also folded in a similar manner. When folded as such, the retention member10is stretched by the foldable portions50,46. The amount of tension generated by the folding of the foldable portions46,50can be adjusted by adjusting the length L1of the retention member10(FIG. 1).

With reference toFIG. 6, the assembled retention member10and tray member40are illustrated therein as supporting an article to be packaged70. As such, the retention member, tray member40, and the article70can be packaged together within a box (not shown) such that the retention member10and tray member40can absorb shocks imparted into the article70.

For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the retention member10and tray member40can deflect together when a load I is applied to the article70. As such, the retention member10and tray member40absorb the shock and thus prevent the article70from being damaged. In some embodiments, a portion of the base member42can be removed. In such an embodiment, either the retention member10or the base member42can primarily support the article70. However, other modifications of the base member42can also be made.

With reference toFIGS. 8-10, a modification of the tray member40is illustrated therein and identified generally by the reference numeral40′. The tray member40′ illustrated inFIGS. 8-10can be constructed substantially identically to the tray member40illustrated inFIGS. 2-7, except as noted as below. Thus, the tray member40′ shown inFIGS. 8-9includes the same reference numerals as the tray member40shown inFIGS. 2-7, however, with a “′” added. The above description applies equally to the common elements unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, the description of those components will not be repeated.

With reference toFIG. 8, the tray member40′ can include one or a plurality of at least one of cut lines and fold lines therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray member40′ includes a plurality of cut lines82disposed in a central area of the base portion42. The cut lines82can be formed by completely or nearly completely cutting through the material forming the base member42.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the cut lines82are generally arranged in the shape of a “I”. Additionally, the base member42includes a plurality of score lines84. The score lines extend generally from the corners of the base member42toward the cut lines82. The score lines84can be formed in the same manner as any of the above noted fold lines52,58,66. Preferably, however, the score lines84include discontinuous cuts extending through the material forming the base member42.

With reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, the cut lines82and score lines84can provide additional flexibility to the base member42, thereby providing additional shock absorption. For example, with the retention member10attached to the tray member40′, the cut lines82can allow a portion of the base member42to separate (FIG. 10) and thereby further absorb energy from an impact or force I applied to the article70. Additionally, the score lines84can further allow the base member42to separate or flex thereby further absorbing energy from the force I applied to the article70.

With reference toFIGS. 11-13, a further modification the tray member40is illustrated therein and identified generally by the reference numeral40″. The tray member40″ shown inFIGS. 11-13is constructed substantially identically to the tray members40,40′, except as noted below. Thus, the tray member40″ shown inFIGS. 11-13includes the same reference numerals as the tray members40,40′, except that a “double prime” has been added. The above description applies equally to the common elements unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, a description of the common elements will not be repeated.

With reference toFIG. 11, the tray member40″ can also include additional score lines90. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional score lines90extend generally parallel to the fold lines56. Optionally, the score lines90can be arranged generally concentrically around the central area of the base member42. The score lines90can be formed in any of the above-noted methods for forming fold lines or score lines, or other methods.

With reference toFIGS. 12 and 13, when a force I is applied to the article70, the score lines90further aid in absorbing the energy created by the force I by allowing the base member42to further bend. Thus, the arrangement, size, and number of cut lines82and score lines84,90can be adjusted to provide the desired energy absorption characteristic of the retention member10and tray member40″.

FIG. 14illustrates yet another modification of the tray member40illustrated inFIG. 2which is identified generally by the reference numeral100. Certain components of the tray member100can be constructed identically or generally the same as corresponding components of the tray members40,40′,40″. Those components are identified with the same reference numeral used with regard to the corresponding components of the tray members40,40′,40″. Thus, a further description of those components will not be repeated. The above description applies equally to the common elements unless otherwise indicated.

The tray member100includes foldable portions46,50arranged opposite each other. Additionally, the tray member100includes foldable portions102,104that are also disposed opposite each other. The foldable portions102,104do not include the medial fold line58that are included with the foldable portions46,50. Rather, the foldable portions102,104are configured to form only a single wall when in the assembled state. Thus, the distal portions54of the foldable portions102,104do not include the protrusions60. Additionally, the proximal portions52of the foldable portions102,104do not include apertures62.

The foldable portions102,104can include corner members64attached to the foldable portions102,104at fold lines66. The foldable portions102,104also include retaining grooves106configured to cooperate with an optional wall member108.

The optional wall member108can be formed by providing one or a plurality of cut or score lines110in the base member42. In the illustrated embodiment, the cut or score lines110extend around a periphery of the wall member108.

The cut or score lines110can also define one or a plurality of anchor grooves112. The anchor grooves112are sized to as to be alignable with the alignment grooves106.

The cut or score lines110can also define a locking notch114. The locking notch114can be used in conjunction with other devices or portions of the tray member100, described in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the tray member100can also include a lock panel120. The lock panel120can be configured to lock the wall member108relative to the base portion42. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock panel120is defined by cut or score lines122. The cut or score lines122can be arranged to define a locking tab124configured to engage the notch114. Additionally, the lock panel120can include a fold line126configured to allow the panel120to be rotated relative to the base member42.

FIG. 15illustrates the tray member100in an assembled state in which the foldable portions46,50,102,104are folded into place so as to define a wall extending peripherally around the base portion42. Prior to or subsequent to assembling the tray member100as such, the wall portion108can be removed from the base portion42. One of ordinary skill in the art can configure the cut or score lines110to allow the wall portion108to be removed or optionally left in place during use.

With reference toFIG. 15A, the wall portion108can be removed from the base portion42and engaged with the foldable portions102,104. For example, the anchor grooves112can be aligned with the alignment notches106. With the alignment grooves106and anchor grooves112nested with each other, as illustrated inFIG. 15A, the wall member108can be held in place so as to define a partition between areas on the bottom of the tray member100.

For example, with reference toFIG. 15B, the wall member108divides the bottom of the tray member into areas130and132. These divided areas130,132can be used separate or keep separate items associated with an item to be packaged.

Returning toFIG. 15A, with the wall member108engaged in the alignment grooves106, the anchor notch114faces upwardly. With reference toFIG. 15B, the anchor panel120can be folded about the fold line126such that the panel120lies generally parallel to the wall108, as illustrated inFIG. 15C. Additionally, the lock tab124can be further folded so as to engage with the lock groove114.

As illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, the locking tab124can form an enlarged head portion. As such, when the locking tab124is fit into the lock groove114, the enlarged head portion of the tab124aids in retaining the tab124in engagement with the groove114.

FIG. 15Eillustrates a bottom plan view of the tray member100in the arrangement illustrated inFIG. 15C. As shown inFIG. 15E, the wall member108is locked in place by the locking panel120with the lock tab124engaged with the lock groove114. As such, the lock panel120aids in helping keep the wall108from collapsing during use.

It is to be noted that with the wall member108removed from the base portion42, the base portion42is provided with enhanced flexibility. Thus, when the tray member100is used to support an article, such as the article70illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, the base portion42can flex and thus absorb additional energy created by a force I acting on the article70, similarly to the behavior of the tray member40′ illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 16illustrates a modification of the tray member100, identified generally by the reference numeral100′. Components of the tray member100′ that are the same or similar to corresponding components of the tray member100are identified with the same reference numerals. The above description applies equally to the common elements unless otherwise indicated. Therefore, a further description of those elements is not repeated below.

The tray member100′ can include a plurality of cut lines140. Additionally, or in the alternative, the tray member100′ can include a plurality of score or fold lines142. The inclusion of cut lines140and/or score or cut lines142allows the tray member100′ to behave in a manner described above with reference to the tray member40″ and with reference toFIGS. 12 and 13.

Additionally, with reference to the tray members100,100′, the foldable portions46,50can be inserted into the pockets of a resilient member, such as the resilient member10illustrated inFIG. 1. Thereafter, the foldable portions46,50can be folded so as to engage the protrusions60with the apertures62. Thus, the tray members100,100′ can perform in accordance with the description set forth above with respect to the suspension assemblies comprising retention member10and one of the tray members40,40′,40″.

FIG. 17illustrates a container member140in an unassembled and unfolded state. The container member140can be formed from a single or multiple pieces of generally rigid material. The rigid material can be the same or similar to the materials described above with reference to a tray member40. Thus, as noted above, in some embodiments, the container member140can be formed from a corrugated cardboard material. However, other materials can also be used.

The container member140includes a plurality of bottom flaps142, a plurality of wall panels144, and a plurality of top flaps146. Additionally, the container member140can include a wall connector member147.

The wall panels144are identified as wall panel144A,144B,144C,144D. The wall panels144A,144B,144C,144D, can be connected along fold lines148. The construction of the bottom flaps142, wall panels144, and connector146can be in accordance with the long and well known technique for forming a cardboard box out of a single piece of cardboard.

For example, the plurality of wall panels144can be folded along the fold lines146and the connector147can be attached to the wall panel144A, so as to form a box. Additionally, the bottom flaps142can be folded and secured in a known manner to form a bottom of a box. Assembled as such, the container member140takes the shape illustrated inFIG. 18.

With reference again toFIG. 17, a further advantage is provided where at least two of the top flaps146are provided with at least one fold line. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of top flaps146are identified as146A,146B,146C,146D. The top flaps146B,146D, which are disposed opposite to each other when the container member140is folded in the state illustrated inFIG. 18A, include proximal and distal fold lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the top flap146B includes a proximal fold line150and a distal fold line152. The top flap146D includes a proximal fold line154and a distal fold line156.

By including at least one fold line in at least one of the plurality of top flaps146, the container member140can be used in conjunction with a retainer member such as the retainer member10illustrated inFIG. 1. For example, with reference toFIG. 19, by folding the top flaps146B,146D about the fold lines152,156, respectively, the distal ends of the flaps146B,146D can be inserted into the pockets14,16of the retention member10. This arrangement is shown inFIG. 19. In use, an article to be packaged70can be disposed within the container member140prior to the connection of the retention member10to the top flaps146. Thus, with the article70in place, the top flaps146B,146D can be further rotated inwardly, into the interior of the box member140, thereby tightening the retention member10. The article to be packaged70can be supported above the bottom of the box member140with any desired device.

However, a further advantage can be achieved where one of the tray members40,40′,40″,100,100′ and a retention member, such as the retention member10are used to support the article70in a position spaced from the bottom of the container member140.

FIG. 20illustrates a tray member identified generally by the T engaged with a retention member identified generally by the reference numeral R supporting the article70above a bottom of the container member140. The tray member T can be any one of the tray members40,40′,40″,100,100′ described above. The retention member R can be any resilient member, including, for example, but without limitation, the retention member10illustrated inFIG. 1.

In this arrangement, the retention member10is engaged with the top flaps146B,146D and the top flaps146B,146D are folded inwardly so as to tighten the retention member10across the top of the article70. Additionally, the corners of the top flaps146B,146D created by the folding of the top flaps about the fold lines152,156can be tucked between the upper periphery of the tray member T and the wall panels144B,144D, respectively. As such, the top flaps146B,146D are held in place and thus, generate tension in the retention member10.

Additionally, the remaining top flaps146A,146C can be folded over the top flaps146B,146D to thereby further retain the top flaps146B,146D in the position shown inFIG. 20. In this arrangement, the retention members10, R can be used to completely suspend the article70in an interior of the box member140in a position spaced from all of the walls and the top and bottom of the box member140. Additionally, where the tray member T includes a base portion42, the additional material of the base member42can be used to further cushion or absorb energy generated by forces acting on the article70, in accordance with the description set forth above with respect toFIGS. 6,7,9,10,12, and13.

Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the packaging system may not feature all objects and advantages discussed above to use certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed packaging assemblies. Thus, at least some of the present inventions, should only be defined by the appended claims.