Patent Abstract:
A packaging assembly is disclosed. The packaging assembly is easily assembled and disassembled for convenient use and provides suspension of an enclosed article by way of an arched structure providing protection from impact, shock and vibration. This suspension package and method is called KLOS Pak.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/023,396, filed Jan. 24, 2008 by the present inventor. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure is related to protective packaging and methods. In particular, to a suspension packaging system and method that suspends an article within a container. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Packaging an enclosed article is an art and a science including various requirements of protection, promotion, law, logistics, manufacturing, and materials handling all combined into one. While the functions of a package are various and may include the ability to contain, carry, dispense, identify, and communicate, very rarely can one packaging structure achieve all functions and therefore a combination of more than one packaging structures are combined into a packaging system in order to meet all requirements of an article. Three broad categories cover the scope of a packaging system, primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. While a primary or first packaging structure such as a formed rigid or semi-rigid retail package such as a blister, skin, or clamshell can decorate and promote or encourage purchase of an enclosed article, a secondary or second packaging structure may be required such as wraps, inserts, liners, foam, pads, or other materials to limit movement within an outer container for transportation and warehousing. To further protect an article from the environment of shock, vibration, and compression, a tertiary or third packaging structure such as an outside container crate, or bulk pack may be required. A packaging system therefore, can quickly become bulky and costly, and forbid one or more desired functions in exchange for the necessary function or primary purpose of a package, to protect an article, especially where an article is fragile and can be best protected when suspended within a container. 
     There are several suspension packages such as Suspension Packaging U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,388,701 and 5,894,932 and 5,975,307 that suspend articles inside a container, however, they are limited in materials such as they use corrugated which is a material widely used for containment and not as a protective cushioning. A frame is used to sandwich the article between flexible films and suspend the articles in a container. This hammock like configuration leaves the articles susceptible to vibration and the potential to reach resonance, causing damage. 
     This limits the protection of the article from sinusoidal and random vibration in transportation, where the article bounces up and down with the elasticity of the film hammock configuration while in the container. Even though the suspension feature places the article within the container to protect it from impacts to the outside walls of the container, the article and/or components of an article will still receive g forces and may reach resonance while in transportation and become damaged. Therefore, where articles such as a wine glass would be protected in one of these suspension packages, an electronics article may not. In addition, these suspension packages are hard to assemble if received flat, and bulky if received already assembled causing a high price in warehousing, transportation, and assembly. 
     Although the need for some structural support has been recognized as found in Retention Packaging such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,678,695 and 7,150,356, there is now the limitation of protection from too much packaging contact with the article. In attempting to satisfy the need for structural support the opposite occurs from that of the suspension package that allows space between an impact and the article. If too much packaging material is in contact with an article, shock and vibration travel to the product through the package because there is no space between the impact and the article, and again, while certain articles may do well with a Retention Packaging System, many won&#39;t, limiting the number of articles the Retention Packaging can protect. 
     The present disclosure resolves these issues by suspending an article within a container, keeping it from receiving forces applied to the outside walls of the container, providing structural support by using an arch structure to minimize the contact area, securing it from movement within the packaging system, and providing enough spring in the packaging system to provide cushioning during an impact, drop, and vibration in transportation. 
     In addition to those primary functions of a packaging system, the present disclosure has unlimited benefits of ease of assembly and dispensing due to the generally planar materials used to form an arch for suspending an article. The planar materials offer low cost in shipping, warehousing, and handling. Thus, constructing a packaging system from planar material that can be left in a flat, compact configuration until it is needed, results in much more efficient storage space. 
     In addition to those functions of a packaging system, the present disclosure has the benefits of protecting articles from dust, dirt, and moisture. 
     In addition to those functions of a packaging system, the present disclosure has the benefits of unlimited decoration and communication for retail and gifting. This feature is simply not present in current Suspension and Retention Packaging Systems that focus on the primary functions of protecting the articles they contain. 
     In addition to those functions of a packaging system, the present disclosure has the benefits of unlimited materials. Several materials and combinations of materials can be used to achieve functions and features that any article would require. Thus, increasing the amount, kinds, and types of articles that can utilize the present disclosure. Because articles are different from another amount, kind, or type of article, so are the characteristics and fragileness, requiring different functions and properties from a packaging system. The present disclosure will be able to satisfy many more requirements than the current Suspension and Retention Packaging Systems as well as be able to receive new materials such as biodegradable materials as they are developed, thus providing a plurality of materials to properly protect and provide unlimited decoration for articles requiring advertising, marketing, and gifting, while being lower in overall costs at the same time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and nothing in this summary is intended limit those claims. 
     One aspect of at least one of the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that arch structure of material can be configured to provide positioning, cushioning, and a suspending function within the container. This particular aspect provides several advantages over the available art to provide the following objects: 
     To provide a package which suspends an article within a container. 
     To provide a package which protects an article from dust and dirt. 
     To provide a package which protects an article from shock and vibration. 
     To provide a package which comprises a plurality of materials. 
     To provide a package which comprises a plurality of decoration. 
     To provide a package which provides low cost of warehousing, transportation, and assembly. 
     To provide a package which displays and communicates well for retail and gifting. 
     To provide a package that provides a plurality of functions such as to protect, contain, carry, dispense, identify, and communicate an article. 
     Other objects, advantages, and features will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art and upon consideration of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments and drawings, the disclosure not being limited to any particular preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2   c  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an embodiment illustrating a method for assembling a package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a primary packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is perspective view of a secondary packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is perspective view of a primary and tertiary package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a secondary and tertiary package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a primary and tertiary gift package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of a secondary and tertiary package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a display package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view a packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view a packaging assembly with an additional absorption member in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 13   a  is a cross-sectional view a packaging assembly inverted with an additional absorption member in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 13   b  is a cross-sectional view a packaging assembly inverted in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is cutaway perspective view of a package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a package assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is perspective view of a package assembly particularly adapted for large and/or heavy articles in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is cross-sectional view of a package assembly particularly adapted for large and/or heavy articles in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly having cutouts in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly having cutouts in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly having adhesive features in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly having locking features in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly with extended portions in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly having storage for hardware and accessories in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly having angled portions in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a packaging assembly having structural features in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 27   a  is a top view of a packaging assembly showing assembly members side by side in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 27   b  is a top view of a packaging assembly showing assembly members side by side having decorative features in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 27   c  is a top view of a packaging assembly showing assembly members side by side having decorative features, decorative, structural, cushioning, and cutouts properties in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 28   a  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 28   b  is a perspective view of a packaging assembly and container in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 28   c  is perspective view of a packaging assembly which is positioned inside a container in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a variety of exemplary embodiments of single and bulk package assemblies with a single packaging assembly and a plurality of packaging assemblies respectively in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 30   a  is a perspective view of a package assembly with an inverted packaging assembly and container in accordance with the present Disclosure; 
         FIG. 30   b  is a perspective view of a package assembly with an inverted packaging assembly which is positioned inside a container in accordance with the present Disclosure; and 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a variety of exemplary embodiments of a package assembly with an inverted packaging assembly in accordance with the present Disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. 
     It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method processes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  10  in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. The package assembly  10  may provide a container  12  and a packaging assembly  14  with at least one arched member  15  with an arched contour that is anomalous to the contour of article  16 , for suspending and positioning an article  16  within container  12 . The arched member  15  may comprise vertical portions  17   a  and  17   b  disposed on opposing ends of the arched member  15 . The arched member  15  also may suspend the article  16  away from the inside surfaces of the container  12 . 
     The packaging assembly  14  in the illustrated embodiment may be held in an arched state by the corresponding sides of the container  12 . Alternatively, the arched member  15  may be formed so as to remain in an arched form without external force. Alternatively, the packaging assembly  14  may be formed so as to remain in an arched form without external force [See, e.g.  FIG. 2   c ]. Desirably, the arched member  15  may be resilient for optimally suspending an article  16  in a predetermined manner to respond to anticipated loading. Alternatively, the packaging assembly  14  may be resilient for optimally suspending an article  16  in a predetermined manner to respond to anticipate loading [See, e.g.  FIG. 2   a ]. The vertical portions  17   a  &amp;  17   b  may be sized to correspond to the corresponding dimension (e.g., vertical height) of container  12 . The vertical portions  17   a  &amp;  17   b  may also be fixedly attached to container  12 , as can be determined by those skilled in the art, as well as the vertical portions  17   a  &amp;  17   b  can be removably attached to container  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a , there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an unassembled packaging assembly  20 . The packaging assembly  20  may comprise a resilient member  22 , a retention member  26  and a framing member  28 . The article  24  to be packaged is shown in the relative relationship it may typically be placed, such that as the assembly  20  is assembled by bringing resilient member  22  into contact with framing member  28 , article  24  forces retention member  26  to conform to its shape to the shape of the article  24  through opening  29   a  of the framing member  28 . It will be appreciated that the resulting structure, as will be fully understood shortly, provides both a very secure packaging system as well as a very aesthetically pleasing presentation of the article to the person receiving the article. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2   a , the resilient member  22  may comprise fold lines  23  to direct folding along said line during assembly. The resilient member may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the following materials may be selected by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present disclosure: paper, pulp, mesh, weave, metal, polymer, copolymer, laminate, composite or fiber (including materials not already available which, when not already rigid are flexible and/or semi-rigid will bend and which, when are rigid or formed to bend) as well as any polymer, copolymer, laminate, mesh or flexible film, including materials not already available with tear resistance, resilience, memory. The recited examples of materials are not intended to be limiting but rather exemplary of the myriad of possibilities. Very heavy articles to be contained may require a resilient member to be made of suitable materials such as a metal (e.g., structural steel) or a synthetic material (e.g., carbon fiber composite) to provide proper strength, and which may be formed to bend at fold lines  23 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2   a , it should also be noted that the resilient member  22  may be made of several layers and/or a plurality of resilient members  22  in order to fine tune its functional properties. For example, the present disclosure makes clear that effective suspension and dampening may be achieved using several layers of varying materials to adjust and tune the characteristics of the resilient member  22  to an optimum value in accordance with the application to which the structure is to be placed. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2   a , resilient member  22  may also comprise one or more opening  29   c  therein. The opening  29   c  may be sized such that it corresponds to portions of the article  24 . The opening  29   c  may include complex shapes corresponding to the complex shapes any article to be contained. Desirably, the resilient member  22  may have decorative elements provided thereon for improving further the aesthetic impression made during presentation of the article  24  to an recipient of the article. The resilient member  22  may have instructions or article information printed thereon or decorative indicia placed thereon. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2   a , the retention member  26  may comprise fold lines  23  to direct folding along said line during assembly. The retention member  26  may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the following materials may be selected by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present disclosure: paper, pulp, mesh, weave, metal, polymer, copolymer, laminate, composite or fiber (including materials not already available which, when not already rigid are flexible and/or semi-rigid will bend and which, when are rigid or formed to bend) as well as any polymer, copolymer, laminate, mesh or flexible film, including materials not already available with tear resistance, resilience, memory. The recited examples of materials are not intended to be limiting but rather exemplary of the myriad of possibilities. Very heavy articles to be contained may require a retention member to be made of suitable materials such as a thermoformed polymer to provide proper strength, and which may be formed to bend or scored to fold at fold lines  23 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2   a , it should also be noted that the retention member  26  may be made of several layers and/or a plurality of retention members  26  in order to fine tune its functional properties. For example, the present disclosure makes clear that effective tear resistance, elasticity, and/or tensile strength may be achieved using several layers of varying materials to adjust and tune the characteristics of the retention member  26  to an optimum value in accordance with the application to which the structure is to be placed. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2   a , retention member  26  may also comprise one or more opening  29   b  therein. The opening  29   b  may be sized such that it corresponds to portions of the article  24 . The opening  29   b  may include complex shapes corresponding to the complex shapes any article to be contained. Desirably, the retention member  26  may have decorative elements provided thereon for improving further the aesthetic impression made during presentation of the article  24  to an recipient of the article. The retention member  26  may have instructions or article information printed thereon or decorative indicia placed thereon. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2   a , the framing member  28  may comprise fold lines  23  to direct folding along said line during assembly. The framing member  28  may also be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example the following materials may be selected by those skilled in the art in accordance with the present disclosure: paper, pulp, metal, polymer, copolymer, laminate, composite or fiber (including materials not already available which, when not already rigid are flexible and/or semi-rigid will bend and which, when are rigid or formed to bend), as well as any polymer, copolymer, laminate, mesh or flexible film (including materials not already available with tear resistance, resilience, memory). The recited examples of materials are not intended to be limiting but rather exemplary of possibilities of materials options. 
     As indicated above in connection with resilient member  22  and/or retention member  26 , heavy objects may suggest a framing member  28  be made of suitable materials such as a metal (e.g., structural steel) or a synthetic material (e.g., carbon fiber composite) to provide proper strength. It should also be noted that the framing member  28  may be made of several layers and/or a plurality of framing members  28  in order to aid in fine tuning the functional properties. For example, materials can be combined as separate components of the framing member  28 . The present disclosure makes clear that effective printing and advertising may be achieved using several layers of varying materials to adjust and tune the characteristics of the framing members  28  to an optimum value in accordance with the application to which the structure is to be placed. 
     Continuing to refer to  FIG. 2   a , framing member  28  may also comprise one or more opening  29   a  therein. The opening  29   a  may be sized such that it corresponds to the article  24 . The opening  29   a  may include complex shapes corresponding to the complex shapes any article to be contained, such as the article  24 . Desirably, the framing member  28  may have decorative elements provided thereon for improving further the aesthetic impression made during presentation of the article  24  to an recipient of the article. The framing member  28  may have instructions or article information printed thereon or decorative indicia placed thereon. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an unassembled packaging assembly  21 . As indicated above in connection with  FIG. 2   a  the packaging assembly  21  may comprise a retention member  21   a . The Retention member may comprise a portion  21   b  formed. The retention member  21  may comprise fold lines  21   c  to direct folding along said line during assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   c , there is shown a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an unassembled packaging assembly  25 . As indicated above in connection with  FIG. 1  the packaging assembly  25  may comprise a formed arched member  25   a , a formed retention member  25   b , and a formed frame member  25   c.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is represented an illustrative method of assembling a package assembly  30 . The process represented by the structures indicated at  31  illustrates the components of a packaging assembly having resilient member  31   a , article  31   b , retention member  31   c  and framing member  31   d  being readied for use. The process represented at  31  comprises placing an article  31   b  onto the resilient member  31   a . Next, the retention member  31   c  is laid over the article  31   a  and the framing member  31   d  is then positioned over the retention member  31   c  such that an opening in the framing member  31   d  is positioned over the article  31   b.    
     The process represented by the structures indicated at  32  is illustrative of a process of compressing the components together. The process comprises with the opening in framing member  32   d  directly over article  32   b , the framing member  32   d  is pressed toward the resilient member  32   a  until the members are substantially touching over a substantial part of there opposing faces. By pressing the members together article  32   b  protrudes though the opening in framing member  32   d , thereby causing the deformation of the retention member  32   c . The deformation of the retention member  32   c  is constrained by both to shape of the article  32   b  and the opening in  32   d , thereby creating a pocket around the article  32   b , holding it in place for suspension and display. When the components are pressed in place the result is a packaging assembly  32   n . In the numbering in the figure, “n” is used to represent the combination of “a, b, c, and d.” 
     In a process for forming the structure illustrated at  33  the packaging assembly  32   n  is folded along fold lines  33   e  creating vertical portions in the packaging assembly  33   n  disposed on either end of the center portion  33   g . The folds may be folded to 90 degrees, and it is also consistent with the disclosure to have angles greater or less than 90 degrees. 
     In a process for forming the structure illustrated at  34  an arching portion  34   f  is formed in packaging assembly  34   n . The arch may be held in a arched state by the corresponding sides of the container. The arch may be formed so as to remain in an arched form without external force. The arch may be pre-tensioned for optimally suspending in a predetermined manner to respond to anticipated loading. 
     In a process for forming the structure illustrated at  35  the packaging assembly  35   n  is placed into a container  35   e  forming package assembly  30 . The container  35   e  may provide compressive force as an aid in holding the packaging assembly in and arched configuration. Other methods that interchange or slightly modify one or more processes are within the scope of this application. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  40  in accordance with the present disclosure is represented. The packaging assembly  40  may provide features to aid in display and presentation of article  44  such as a hang tab  42  for hanging in commonly used display structures. The packaging assembly  40  may desirably be the primary packaging of an article  44 . The primary packaging of an article would be a packaging assembly  40  that holds the article  44  for display absent or naked of any other packaging. For example, the packaging assembly  40  may be fabricated from clear materials such that the article  44  can be readily viewed within the package. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  50  is represented. The packaging assembly  50  may provide features to aid in display such as a hang tab  52  for hanging in commonly used displays. A packaging assembly  50  may be the secondary packaging of an article  54 . A secondarily packaged article would come in its own proprietary and/or primary packaging and would then be secondarily packaged within a packaging assembly  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  60  in accordance with the present disclosure is represented. The package assembly  60  may provide features to aid in display and presentation and warehousing and shipping of an article  62  with a primary and secondary packaging assembly  61  within a tertiary container  63 . The package assembly  60  as seen in  FIG. 6  would desirably provide a centered and upright article upon opening the package. Aside from aiding in the presentation aspect of the article  62  the package assembly  60  would suspend the article  62  in the container  63  for protection. It will be appreciated that the package assembly  60  can be structured in accordance with those structures represented in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  70  is represented. The package assembly  70  may provide features to aid in display and presentation, warehousing and shipping of an article  72  with a secondary packaging assembly  71  within a tertiary container  73 . A package assembly  70 , as seen in  FIG. 7 , would provide a centered and upright primary packaged article upon opening the package assembly  70 . In addition to aiding in the presentation of the article  72 , the package assembly  70  would suspend the article  72  in the container  73  for protection. It will be appreciated that the package assembly  70  can be structured in accordance with those structures represented in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  80  is represented. The package assembly  80  may particularly be used in a gift box arrangement having a lid  82 , container  84  and a packaging assembly  86 . Package assembly  86  may provide features to aid in display and presentation of an article  88  as primary packaging within a gift box. The packaging assembly  86  as seen in  FIG. 8  provides a centered and upright article  88  upon opening of the gift box. In addition to aiding in the presentation aspect of the article  88  the packaging assembly would suspend the packaged article within the container  84  for protection. It will be appreciated that the packaging assembly  86  can be structured in accordance with those structures represented in  FIGS. 1-3  and that decorative and informative indicia can be added to the structures appropriate to the gift occasion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  90  is represented. A package assembly  90  may be used in a gift box arrangement having a lid  92 , container  94  and a packaging assembly  96 . Packaging assembly  96  may provide features to aid in display and presentation of an article  98  as secondary packaging within a gift box. A packaging assembly  96  as seen in  FIG. 9  provides a centered and upright packaged article upon opening the gift box. In addition to aiding in the presentation aspect of the article  98  the packaging assembly  96  would suspend the packaged article within the container  94  for protection. It will be appreciated that the packaging assembly  96  can be structured in accordance with those structures represented in  FIGS. 1-3  and that decorative and informative indicia can be added to the structures appropriate to the gift occasion. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  110  in accordance with the present disclosure. The package assembly  110  may be used in a retail or trade show display arrangement having, a lid  118 , container  117 , display  116 , and a plurality of packaging assembly  112 . Packaging assembly  112  may provide feature to aid in display and presentation of article  114  as a primary packaging within a display  116 . In a retail environment, the packaging assembly  112  may be used to attractively display articles  114 . The package assembly  116  may contain structures and features that enable them to be stacked or combined in a way that promotes retail floor display. For example, package assembly  110  may include a feature of having a removable display  116  for displaying the contents thereof, or a removable lid  118  to aid in displaying or in shipping. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  119  in accordance with the present application is represented. The packaging assembly  119  has an arched member  119   a , which supports the article  118 . Where the arched member  119   a  makes contact with the article  118 , there are contact points  118   a ,  118   b . The arched member  119   a  dampens and absorbs forces over the length of the arch, thereby protecting the article  118 . The retention member  119   b  holds the article  118  in place by forming around the article  118  as a result of the arched member  119   a  and framing member  119   c  coming together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a cross-sectional side view of another illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  120  in accordance with the present application is represented. The packaging assembly  120  has an arched member  122   a , which supports the article  128 . The arched member  122   a  dampens and absorbs forces over the length of the arch, thereby protecting the article  128 . Further dampening and protection may be achieved with the addition of an adsorption member  125 . The absorption member  125  makes contact with the article  128  at the contact points  120   a ,  120   b , adding more protection to article  128  in addition to the support and protection provided by arched member  122   a . Those skilled in the art will be able to select a single layer of material, or multiple layers of the same or differing materials, from which to fabricate the absorption member  125  in accordance with the present disclosure. The retention member  122   b  holds the article  128  in place by forming around the article  128  as a result of the arched member  122   a  and framing member  122   c  coming together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13   a , a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  130  in accordance with the present application is represented. The packaging assembly  130  has an arched member  130   a , which supports the article  133 . The arched member  130   a  dampens and absorbs forces over the length of the arch, thereby protecting the article  133 . Further dampening of forces may be achieved with the addition of an absorption member  134 . The absorption member  134  makes contact with the article  133  at the contact point  131 , adding more protection to article  133  in addition to the support and protection provided by arched member  130   a . As described above in connection with absorption member  125 , those skilled in the art will be able to select a single layer of material, or multiple layers of the same or differing materials, from which to fabricate the absorption member  134  in accordance with the present disclosure. The retention member  130   b  holds the article  133  in place by forming around the article  133  as a result of the arched member  130   a  and framing member  130   c  coming together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13   b , a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  135  in accordance with the present application is represented. The packaging assembly  135  has an arched member  137   a  that is in contact with the article  138 . Where the arched member  137   a  makes contact with the article  138  there is a contact point  136 . The arched member  137   a  supports the article  138  and dampens and absorbs forces over the length of the arch, thereby protecting the article  138 . The retention member  137   b  holds the article  138  in place by forming around the article  138  as a result of the arched member  137   a  and framing member  137   c  coming together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a cutaway view of an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  140  in accordance with the present disclosure is represented. The package assembly  140  suspends the article  141  in the interior of the container  142  away from the walls of the container  142  which are susceptible to impact. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  150  in accordance with the present disclosure is represented. The package assembly  150  may comprise a container  151  having flaps  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d , and a packaging assembly  153  disposed within the container  151 . The packaging assembly may contact the container at contact points  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c , and  155   d . When it is desirable to reduce the degrees of freedom within any system to make the system more predictable and therefore more effective for a targeted task, container  151  may provide locking and affixing means. Flaps  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  provide a locking or affixing means at points  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c , and  155   d , by impeding movement of packaging assembly  153  while inside container  151  and thereby providing more effective suspension for article  154 . The packaging assembly may contact the container at contact points  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c , and  155   d . By dimensioning the packaging assembly at certain points there is a reduction in the degrees of freedom for all remaining points within the packaging assembly. By reducing the degrees of freedom within any system makes the system more predictable and therefore more effective for a targeted task. Flaps  152   a ,  152   b ,  152   c , and  152   d  provide a locking or affixing means at points  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c , and  155   d , by impeding the kinematic path of the points  155   a ,  155   b ,  155   c , and  155   d  and thereby providing more effective suspension for a given article  154 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a heavy duty package assembly  160 . The perspective view illustrates a structure capable of accepting hardware and mechanical and chemical fastening mechanisms and is particularly adapted for storing and shipping large and/or heavy articles. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  170  in accordance with the present disclosure is represented. The package assembly  170  may comprise a container  171  having a packaging assembly  173  disposed within the container  171 . By affixing the packaging assembly  173  to the container  171  there is a reduction in the degrees of freedom within the packaging assembly. Mechanical fixtures  174  and fasteners  175  may provide a locking or an affixing means of reduction in the degrees of freedom and thereby providing more effective suspension in a targeted application. By reducing the degrees of freedom within any system makes the system more predictable and therefore more effective for a targeted task. The container  171  can be fabricated from any suitable material with sturdy materials such as metal, wood, plastics and composites being usable. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of the separated components of a packaging assembly  180  with adhesives  181  &amp;  182  applied to various surfaces of the members. The adhesives  181  &amp;  182  may provide additional means of fine tuning the suspension of the packaging assembly by locking predetermined members together thereby forcing the members to act together for a composite effect. The adhesives  181  &amp;  182  can be any number of materials having adhesive properties, which can be selected and applied by those skilled in the art using the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , there are shown illustrative embodiment of unassembled packaging assemblies  190  and  200  having cutouts  191 ,  192 ,  201  &amp;  202 . The cutouts  191 ,  192 ,  201  &amp;  202  may aid in accessing the article, by providing finger holds by which to remove the members and thus the article, from a container. Cutouts may also be used to further secure an article in the packaging assembly and may be placed on each or any assembly member where those skilled in the art will be able to determine in accordance with the present disclosure. Additional means of accessing the articles may be tabs or loops provided on the members, and are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  210  having extended portions  211 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , adhesive  212  may be provided for locking together the extended portions  211  providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 22 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  220  having extended portions  221 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 22  a latch  222  may be provided for locking together the extended portions  221  providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 23 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  230  having extended portions  231 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 23  extended angled portions  232  connect extended portion  231  to a corresponding end of an arched member  233  providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  240  having a storage area  241  for accessories or non-suspended articles providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 25 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  250  having an angled portions  252  with locking tabs  251  thereby providing additional means for determining the characteristics of the suspension providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 26 , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  260  having structural beams  262  for providing structural integrity to the container and preventing lateral bending within the packaging assembly  260  and providing desirable packaging properties. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27   a , there is shown a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  270 . The top view of the packaging assembly members,  271   a ,  271   b ,  271   c  are laid flat, and article  272 , and arranged side-by-side for allowing comparison between members. The packaging assembly members represented in  FIG. 27   a  can be readily stored in a flat and stacked relationship allowing for efficient use of the space used to store, assemble, and/or ship the members until they are needed for use, or reuse. As seen in  FIG. 27   a , resilient member  271   a  may comprise article information or decorative indicia placed thereon. Retention member  271   b  and framing member  271   c  may comprise clear materials to view the decorative indicia placed on resilient member  271   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 27   a , there is shown a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  270 . The top view of the packaging assembly members,  271   a ,  271   b ,  271   c  are laid flat, and article  272 , and arranged side-by-side for allowing comparison between members. The packaging assembly members represented in  FIG. 27   a  can be readily stored in a flat and stacked relationship allowing for efficient use of the space used to store, assemble, and/or ship the members until they are needed for use, or reuse. As seen in  FIG. 27   a , resilient member  271   a  may comprise article information, or decorative indicia placed thereon. Retention member  271   b  and framing member  271   c  may comprise clear materials or decorative indicia placed on resilient member  271   a.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 27   b , there is shown a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  273 . The top view of packaging assembly members,  274   a  and  274   b , are laid flat, and article  275 , and arranged side-by-side for allowing comparison between members. The packaging assembly members represented in  FIG. 27   b  can be readily stored in a flat and stacked relationship allowing for efficient use of the space used to store, assemble, and/or ship the members until they are needed for use, or reuse. As seen in  FIG. 27   b , framing member  274   c  may comprise article information or decorative indicia placed thereon. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27   c , there is shown a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  276 . The top view of packaging assembly members,  277   a ,  277   b ,  277   c ,  277   d ,  277   e  are laid flat, and article  278 , and arranged side-by-side for allowing comparison between members. As seen in  FIG. 27   c , the packaging assembly  276  may comprise a printing member  277   d . Those skilled in the art will be able to choose different materials with different properties when desired in accordance with this disclosure. Absorption assembly member  277   b  dampens and absorbs forces adding additional protection for fragile articles. Assembly members  277   a  and  277   b  may comprise cutouts  279   a  and  279   b  which aid in protecting fragile components of an article in accordance with this disclosure. The packaging assembly members represented in  FIG. 27   c  can be readily stored in a flat and stacked relationship allowing for efficient use of the space used to store, assemble, and/or ship the members until they are needed for use, or reuse. When not stored flat it will be appreciated that the structures represented in package assembly  276  can be structured in accordance with those structures represented in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 27   c , there is shown a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  276 . The top view of packaging assembly members,  277   a ,  277   b ,  277   c ,  277   d ,  277   e  are laid flat, and article  278 , and arranged side-by-side for allowing comparison between members. As seen in  FIG. 27   c , the packaging assembly  276  may comprise a printing assembly member  277   d . Those skilled in the art will be able to choose different materials with different properties when desired in accordance with this disclosure. Absorption assembly member  277   b  dampens and absorbs forces adding additional protection for fragile articles. Assembly members  277   a  and  277   b  may comprise cutouts  279   a  and  279   b  which aid in protecting fragile components of an article in accordance with this disclosure. The packaging assembly members represented in  FIG. 27   c  can be readily stored in a flat and stacked relationship allowing for efficient use of the space used to store, assemble, and/or ship the members until they are needed for use, or reuse. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28   a , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a packaging assembly  281  similar to those represented in  FIG. 27   a  shown arranged ready for receiving an article to be safely stored and/or shipped. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28   b , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of package assembly  280  with the packaging assembly  281  represented in  FIG. 28   a  in an exploded view showing a typical fitment of structures inside of a container  282 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 28   c , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  280 , which is ready to be sealed for storage or shipment, which includes packaging assembly  281  and container  282  structures from  FIGS. 28   a - 28   c.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 29 , there are shown illustrative embodiments of package assemblies  280  and  283  in correspondence to the present disclosure are represented. Package assembly  280  representing various decorative aspects of the packaging assembly  281 , and may include a single packaging assembly inside container  282  or as shown in package assembly  283  a plurality of packaging assemblies  281  inside container  284 . Decorative aspects may include color, texture, and prints, or arrangements of a single packaging assembly  281  inside a container  282 , or arranged in bulk inside container  284 , or arranged inside a container for display as indicated above in connection with  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 30   a , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of package assembly  280  with arched member  281  shown in expanded view ready to be inserted in an arched up configuration into a container  282 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 30   b , there is shown an illustrative embodiment of a package assembly  280  ready to be closed with the arched member  281  in an arched up configuration similar to the structures of  FIG. 30   a  inside container  282 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 31 , there are shown alternative illustrative embodiments of package assemblies  280  similar to the structures of  FIGS. 30   a - 30   b  in accordance with the present disclosure. Package assemblies  280 , with arched member  281  inverted inside container  282 , and illustrating various potential decorative aspects of the packaging assembly  281 . Decorative aspects of packaging assembly  281  may include color, texture, prints, and a singular arrangement within a container  282 , or a plurality arrangement within a bulk container or display container as indicated above in  FIG. 29  and  FIG. 10  respectively. 
     In view of the foregoing, those having ordinary skill in the relevant art will appreciate the advantages provided by the features of the present disclosure. Those advantages comprising; cost savings, economy of storage, and the ability to fine-tune the properties of the packaging. 
     In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in single embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim hereinafter presented. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1