Patent ID: 8596027

Claim:
A packaging component for use with an article, comprising: a first panel including a first shell having a first surface facing the exterior of the packaging component relative to the article and a first opposing, spaced-apart inward-facing surface, the first shell defining a first cavity, the first panel further including a first core situated in the first cavity, wherein the first core includes a plurality of in-situ expanded polymer particles; a second panel including a second shell having a second surface facing the exterior of the packaging component and spaced apart from and facing away from the first surface, the second shell having a second inward-facing surface opposing, spaced-apart from the second surface, the second shell defining a second cavity, the second panel further including a second core situated in the second cavity, wherein the core includes a plurality of in-situ expandable polymer particles; and a connector including an elongated member having two ends, a first fastener, and a second fastener connectable to the ends, at least one fastener being removably connected to the end of the elongated member, the first fastener being capable of being situated in contact with the first surface and the second fastener being capable of being situated in contact with the second surface to squeeze the article therebetween when the connector is held in tension.