IP Library Granted Patent US 7,731,032
Granted Patent B2
US 7,731,032 · App. 11/606,470 · Granted Jun 8, 2010

Suspension packaging assembly

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,731,032
App. No.
11/606,470
Granted
Jun 8, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

A packaging assembly includes a frame member and a retention member which is not permanently affixed to the frame member. The frame member can include a variety of features which allow the retention member to be tightened around an article to be packaged and thus protected from shocks and impacts during transport, display, and/or retail use. The retention member can be formed as a sleeve or with pockets for engaging the frame member.

Claims (19)

1. A packaging assembly, comprising:

a frame member comprising a main frame portion, a first rotatable portion and a second rotatable portion, the first and second rotatable portions being rotatable relative to the main frame portion, the main frame portion being disposed between the first and second rotatable portions, the main frame portion comprising first and second surfaces opposite to each other; and

a retention member extending over the first surface of the main frame portion and comprising a first end portion and a second end portion wherein the retention member comprises a first pocket at the first end portion, wherein the first pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of the first rotatable portion so as to form a packaging assembly;

wherein the first rotatable portion is rotatable relative to the main frame portion between a first rotational position and a second rotational position within the container so as to allow movement of the main frame portion relative to a surface on which the packaging assembly disposed such that the first and second rotatable portions are located between the main frame portion and the surface,

wherein the retention member is configured to generate tension to bias the first rotational portion away from the second surface of the main frame portion when the first rotatable portion is located at a third rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

2. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein an angle defined by the second surface of the main frame portion and the first rotatable portion is smaller than about 90 degrees at the first and second rotational positions.

3. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a container configured to contain the frame member, wherein the container comprises a wall having the surface, wherein the container has an inner height less than a maximum height of the frame member.

4. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a container configured to contain the frame member, wherein the container comprises a wall having the surface, wherein the first rotatable portion comprises a distal end configured to apply the resilient force to the surface.

5. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame member is configured to generate the resilient force capable of rotating the first rotatable portion in the second rotational direction.

6. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein the retention member comprises a second pocket at the second end portions, wherein the second pocket is configured to receive at least a portion of the second rotatable portion.

7. A packaging kit, comprising:

a frame member comprising a main frame portion, a first rotatable portion and a second rotatable portion, the first and second rotatable portions being rotatable relative to the main frame portion, the main frame portion being disposed between the first and second rotatable portions, the main frame portion comprising first and second surfaces opposite to each other; and

a retention member comprising first and second end portions configured to be engaged with the first and second rotatable portions, respectively, so as to form a packaging assembly, wherein the retention member comprises a first pocket located at the first end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the first rotatable portion;

wherein the first rotatable portion is rotatable relative to the main frame between a first rotational position and a second rotational position so as to allow movement of the main frame portion relative to a surface on which the packaging assembly is configured to be disposed such that the first and second rotatable portions are located between the main frame portion and the surface,

wherein the retention member is configured to generate tension to bias the first rotational portion away from the second surface of the main frame portion when the first rotatable portion is located at a third rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

8. The packaging kit of claim 7 , wherein the first rotatable portion is configured to be rotated until an angle defined by the second surface of the main frame portion and the first rotatable portion is smaller than about 90 degrees at the first and second rotational positions.

9. The packaging kit of claim 7 , further comprising a container configured to contain the frame member, wherein the container comprises a wall having the surface, wherein the container has an inner height less than a maximum height of the frame member.

10. The packaging kit of claim 9 , further comprising a container configured to contain the frame member, wherein the container comprises a wall having the surface, wherein the first rotatable portion comprises a distal end configured to apply the resilient force to the surface when the frame member is contained in the container.

11. The packaging assembly of claim 1 , wherein the frame member and the retention member are configured to carry an article therebetween such that the main frame portion supports the article.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 29, 2011
From: MCDONALD, JOHN; COMERFORD, MYLES; COMERFORD, FRANK
To: CLEARPAK, LLC
Reel/Frame 026675/0820 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation 1072625600 · Dec 2, 2003
Division 0969079000 · Oct 17, 2000
Provisional Application 6022772400 · Jul 31, 2000
Related Publication 20070080095A1 · Apr 12, 2007