Packaging system for cathode ray tube components

1. A packaging system for accommodating and protecting cathode ray tube (CRT) components, the system comprising:

a base portion forming a plurality of receiving cells for a first layer of CRT components;

at least one center portion adapted to be above the base portion of the package system so as to secure a first layer of CRT components between the base portion and the at least one center portion, the at least one center portion including at least three separate and distinct pieces defined by at least one center piece and two outer pieces separate from the at least one center piece, the at least one center portion and the two outer pieces defining a plurality of receiving cells for base parts of a second layer of CRT components; and

a top portion adapted to be above said at least one center portion so as to secure an uppermost layer of CRT components between said at least one center portion and the top portion, the top portion defining a cavity for receiving the uppermost layer of components;

wherein the CRT components are CRT funnels and each of the receiving cells of the base portion includes at least one lip protruding upwardly at an angle so as to engage an inner surface of the respective CRT funnel.

2. The packaging system of claim 1 , wherein the base portion, top portion and the at least one center portion are made from foam.

3. The packaging system of claim 1 , wherein the CRT components are glass.

4. The packaging system of claim 1 , wherein the receiving cells are rectangular.

5. The packaging system of claim 1 , wherein each of the receiving cells of the at least one center portion includes at least one lip protruding upwardly at an angle so as to engage an inner surface of the respective CRT funnel.

6. The packaging system of claim 1 , wherein the CRT components are CRT funnels and the at least one center portion is adapted to contact the base portion.

7. A packaging system for accommodating and protecting cathode ray tube (CRT) components, the system comprising:

a base portion forming a plurality of receiving cells for a first layer of CRT components;

at least one center portion adapted to be above the base portion of the package system so as to secure a first layer of CRT components between the base portion and the at least one center portion, the at least one center portion including at least three separate and distinct pieces defined by at least one center piece and two outer pieces separate from the at least one-center piece, the at least one center portion and the two outer pieces defining a plurality of receiving cells for base parts of a second layer of CRT components; and

a top portion adapted to be above said at least one center portion so as to secure an uppermost layer of CRT components between said at least one center portion and the top portion, the top portion defining a cavity for receiving the uppermost layer of components;

wherein the base portion includes

a first pair of opposed side members,

a second pair of opposed side members,

a first rib extending between the first pair of opposed sides, and

a second rib extending between the second pair of opposed sides,

the pairs of opposed sides and the first and second ribs forming the receiving cells.

8. The packaging system according to claim 7 , the base portion having:

at least one first horizontal ledge disposed on an inner wall of at least one of the first and second pairs of opposed sides,

at least one second horizontal ledge disposed on a wall of the first and second ribs,

the horizontal ledges being adapted to receive a peripheral edge of the base portion of the CRT component.

9. The packaging system according to claim 1 , further comprising inserts arranged between a top layer of CRT components and a layer immediately beneath the top layer.