Packaging items with tensionable retention elements

Abstract

A box or packaging insert therefor is provided with a tensionable film. The film is tensioned by the action of tabs that swing 180 degrees, by the cinching action of cinching tabs, or by the downward folding of one or more side sections. One or more upwardly extending spacer flaps are provided, which may lock in place by the interaction of notches in the spacer flaps and extensions on the base panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/199,419, filed on Apr. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to packaging in general, and, more particularly, to packaging boxes and/or inserts for accommodating an item or items in a secure manner.

[0003] One example of a prior art insert is shown in FIG. 1. The insert includes a panel (such as corrugated cardboard) with a center base section 10 and two side sections 20 and 22.

[0004] A plastic film 30 extends across the center base section 10 and is adhered to side section 20 and 22 at the glue strips 40. To operate this design, side sections 20 and 22 are folded upwardly about fold lines 50 and 52, lifting the film 30 to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section 10 and the film 30. Then, side sections 20 and 22 are folded downwardly about fold lines 50 and 52 until they 20 are underneath and substantially flat against center base section 10. The downward folding of side sections 20 and 22 stretches and tensions the film 30 about the product(s). The tensioning of the film 30 securely holds the product(s) between the center base section 10 and the film 30.

[0005] In this example, the insert has a series of fold lines 60, 62, 64 and 66 which allow the insert to be folded around the product(s). A tab 70 is provided for insertion into a slot 72 to secure the insert in the folded position.

[0006] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the arrangement of the glue strips 40 forms two pockets 80 and 82 for accommodating the product(s). When the insert is folded around the product(s), the two pockets 80 and 82 face each other.

[0007] Alternative prior art arrangements of glue strips 42, 44, 46 and 48 are illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 5. These provide different formations of the pockets.

[0008] In addition to the above-referenced prior art, the following representative patents in this area are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,905,474 to Haibara; 5,259,507 to Smith; 5,323,896 to Jones; 5,676,245 to Jones; 5,678,695 to Ridgeway et al.; 5,694,744 to Jones; 6,010,006 to Ridgeway et al.; 6,148,590 to Ridgeway et al.; and 6,148,591 to Ridgeway et al.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide alternative arrangements for securing items being shipped in packaging boxes.

[0010] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a packaging box or insert is provided with a tensionable retention or resilient element. The tensionable retention or resilient element is capable of holding down, supporting and/or suspending an item or items being shipped.

[0011] The tensional retention or resilient element may take many forms. For example, it may be in the form of a plastic film. Other suitable materials include fabrics, cellulose, rubbers, polymers, and any other material providing the desired pliability, elasticity, and/or flexibility. The shape of the tensionable retention or resilient element may be in the form of a sheet, tube, pocket or any other suitable configuration. It may also have additional features, such as slits, holes, or punctures to allow the desired result with respect to the item or items to be secured.

[0012] As an example, the invention may be in the form of a packaging insert having a panel (such as corrugated cardboard, or other suitable material) with a base section, one or more foldable side sections, and one or more foldable spacer flaps. One or more tabs may project from one or more side sections. A plastic film extends across the base section and is adhered on one side to a side section and on the other side to one or more tabs.

[0013] To operate such a design, one or more of the side sections is folded upwardly about suitable fold lines, lifting the film to accommodate one or more product(s) between the base section and the film. Then, the side sections are folded downwardly about suitable fold lines until they are underneath and substantially flat against the base section. The downward folding causes one or more tabs to swing approximately 180 degrees, stretching and tensioning the film. On the other side, the downward folding of the side section also tensions the film. Once the side sections are underneath and substantially flat against base section, the spacer flaps are folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the base section. The spacer flaps may be provided with notches which accommodate extensions on the base section, thereby locking the spacer flaps in the upright position.

[0014] As another example, the invention may be in the form of a packaging insert having a panel with a base section, two side sections, and two spacer flaps, with each spacer flap having two cinching flaps. A plastic film extends across the base section and is adhered to the side sections.

[0015] To operate such a design, the side sections are folded upwardly, lifting the film to accommodate one or more product(s) between the base section and the film. Then, the cinching flaps are folded upwardly, and the spacer flaps are folded upwardly, with the cinching flaps positioned on the inside of the side sections. This causes the cinching flaps to press against and cinch the film.

[0016] As another example, the invention may be in the form of a packaging insert having a panel with a base section, a single side section, and one to four spacer flaps. A plastic film extends across the base section and is adhered to the base section and to the side section.

[0017] To operate such a design, the side section is folded upwardly, lifting the film to accommodate one or more product(s) between the base section and the film. Then, the side section is folded downwardly until it is underneath and substantially flat against the base section, thereby stretching and tensioning the film. The spacer flaps are then folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the base section. As alternatives, the extent of the spacer flaps may extend beyond the width of the base section, or the extent of the spacer flaps may be coextensive with the width of the base section. The spacer flaps may be separated from the base section or respective side section by cuts, with the fold lines suitably arranged to give the desired result.

[0018] Various other examples are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIGS. 1 through 5 show prior art configurations, as discussed above;

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a packaging insert in accordance with a first example embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 6A shows a variation of a feature of the packaging insert shown in FIG. 6;

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a packaging insert in accordance with a second example embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a packaging insert in accordance with a third example embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a packaging insert in accordance with a fourth example embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 10 shows a packaging insert in accordance with a fifth example embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIGS. 11 to 14 show a packaging insert in accordance with a sixth example embodiment according to the present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 15 to 19 show a packaging insert in accordance with a seventh example embodiment according to the present invention;

[0028] FIGS. 20 to 25 show a packaging insert in accordance with an eighth example embodiment according to the present invention;

[0029] FIGS. 26 to 29 show a packaging insert in accordance with a ninth example embodiment according to the present invention; and

[0030] FIGS. 30 to 34 show a packaging insert in accordance with a tenth example embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a design comprising a panel (such as corrugated cardboard) with a center base section A, two side sections B1 and B2, and one to four spacer flaps C1 to C4. Two tabs D1 and D2 project from side section B1, and two tabs D3 and D4 project from side section B2. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side section B1 and to the tabs D3 and D4 at the glue strips G.

[0032] To operate this design, side section B1 is folded upwardly about fold lines F5, F6 and F7, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, side section B2 is folded downwardly about fold lines F8, F9 and F10 until it is underneath and substantially flat against center base section A, and side section B1 is folded downwardly about fold lines F5, F6 and F7 until it is also underneath and substantially flat against center base section A. The downward folding of side section B2 causes the tabs D3 and D4 to swing approximately 180 degrees, stretching and tensioning the film. On the other side, the downward folding of side section B1 also tensions the film, along with the action of the tabs D1 and D2 on the film. The tensioning of the film securely holds the product(s) between the center base section A and the film. Once the side sections B1 and B2 are underneath and substantially flat against center base section A, the spacer flaps C1 to C4 are folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the center base section A.

[0033] As an additional or alternative method of operation, one or more product(s) may be accommodated in the space between the film E and the side section B1. In addition, the insert may be placed in a packaging box upside down, i.e., with the film side of center base section A facing down. In such an arrangement, the spacer flaps C1 to C4 may be folded upwardly, i.e., away from the film side of center base section A, in order to provide spacing and/or support above the side 5 section B1, which accommodates the product(s).

[0034] FIG. 6A shows a variation of a feature of the packaging insert shown in FIG. 6. Here, the design comprises one or more lifting tabs J cut in the side sections B1 and B2 and foldable with the spacer flaps C1 to C4. It will be appreciated that when the spacer flaps are folded in one direction about the fold lines F1 to F4, the lifting tabs J move in the other direction. Thus, the lifting tabs J provide spacing and/or support on the opposite side from the spacer flaps C1 to C4. It will be appreciated that the lifting tabs J may be used with any of the other embodiments with spacer flaps, as described below, and that the lifting tabs J need not be cut out of the side sections, but may be cut out of whichever panel is suitable with respect to the particular design, such as base section A.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a design substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 6. This design comprises a panel with a center base section A, two side sections B1 and B2, and one to four spacer flaps C1 to C4. Two tabs D3 and D4 project from side section B2. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side section B1 and to the tabs D3 and D4 at the glue strips G. The glue strip G on the tabs D3 and D4 may extend across the center base section A, as shown.

[0036] This design operates similarly to the design of FIG. 6. First, side section B1 is folded upwardly about fold line F5, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, side section B2 is folded downwardly about fold lines F8, F9 and F10 until it is underneath and substantially flat against center base section A, and side section B1 is folded downwardly about fold line F5 until it is also underneath and substantially flat against center base section A. As in the design of FIG. 6, the downward folding of side section B2 causes the tabs D3 and D4 to swing approximately 180 degrees, stretching and tensioning the film. On the other side, the downward folding of side section B1 also tensions the film. Once the side sections B1 and B2 are underneath and substantially flat against center base section A, the spacer flaps C1 to C4 are folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the center base section A. In this embodiment, the spacer flaps C1 to C4 have notches H which accommodate extensions I on the center base section A, thereby locking the spacer flaps C1 to C4 in the upright position.

[0037] FIG. 8 shows a drawing of an alternative design, comprising a panel with a center base section A, two side sections B1 and B2, and two spacer flaps C1 and C2. Spacer flap C1 has two cinching flaps D1 and D2, and spacer flap C2 has two cinching flaps D3 and D4. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side sections B1 and B2 at the glue strips G.

[0038] To operate this design, side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, cinching flaps D1 to D4 are folded upwardly about the respective fold lines F5, and spacer flaps C1 and C2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F3 and F4, with the cinching flaps D1 to D4 positioned on the inside of the side sections B1 and B2. This causes the cinching flaps D1 to D4 to press against and cinch the film E, thereby tensioning the film E to secure the product(s).

[0039] The design in FIG. 9 comprises a panel with a base section A, a single side section B1, and one to four spacer flaps C1 to C4. A plastic film E extends across the base section A and is adhered to the base section A and to the side section B1 at the glue strips G.

[0040] To operate this design, side section B1 is folded upwardly about fold line F5, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the base section A and the film E (or, as mentioned above, between the side section B1 and the film E). Then, side section B1 is folded downwardly about fold line F5 until it is underneath and substantially flat against base section A, thereby stretching and tensioning the film. The spacer flaps C1 to C4 are then folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the base section A (or in the opposite direction, if the product is placed between the side section B1 and the film E).

[0041] The design in FIG. 10 is substantially similar to that in FIG. 9. The differences are that the width of the base section A is coextensive with the extent of the spacer flaps C1 to C4, the spacer flaps C1 and C2 extend from the base section A and are foldable with respect to the base section A about fold lines F1 and F2, and the spacer flaps C3 and C4 are separated from the side section B1 by cuts and are foldable with respect to the base section A about fold lines F3 and F4. The operation is similar to that of the design in FIG. 9.

[0042] The design illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14 includes a panel with a center base section A, two side sections B1 and B2, two bottom panel sections D1 and D2, and two spacer flaps C1 and C2. Each bottom panel section D1 and D2 extends from a respective one of the two side sections B1 and B2, and each bottom panel section D1 and D2 include a respective locking tab T1 and T2 having a respective slit G1 and G2. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side sections B1 and B2 or bottom panel section D1 and D2 at glue strips G.

[0043] To operate this design, side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2 and/or bottom panel sections D1 and D2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F3 and F4, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, side sections B1 and B2 are folded downwardly approximately 90 degrees about fold lines F1 and F2 and bottom panel sections D1 and D2 are folded downwardly approximately 90 degrees about fold lines F3 and F4 so that the bottom panel sections D1 and D2 are approximately parallel to the center base section A, stretching and tensioning the film E. The locking tabs T1 and T2 are interlocked via the respective slits G1 and G2 as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thus a space S is formed between the center base section A and the interlocked bottom panel sections D1 and D2. Then, the spacer flaps C1 and C2 are folded upwardly approximately 45 degrees about fold lines F5 and F6 to provide positive closure at the unglued sides of the film E as well as to provide shock absorption and desired spacing when the packaging insert is inserted into an appropriately sized container.

[0044] The design illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 19 includes a panel with a center base section A, two side sections B1 and B2, six spacer flaps C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6 and two spacer tabs T1 and T2 extending from a spacer tab carrier T3. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side sections B1 and B2 at glue strips G. A slit H is formed in the center base section A and arranged and configured to receive the spacer tabs T1 and T2, as described below.

[0045] To operate this design, as shown in FIG. 16, tab carrier T3 is folded downwardly about fold line F9, and spacer tabs T1 and T2 are folded about fold lines F10 and F11.

[0046] Spacer tabs T1 and T2 are inserted into slit H. Side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2, lifting film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. The spacer tabs T1 and T2 may be used to secure and locate the product(s) relative to the center base section A, and the opening J formed by the folding of the tab carrier T3 and the spacer tabs T1 and T2 may also be used to secure and locate the product(s) relative to the center base section A. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, the side sections B1 and B2 are folded downwardly approximately 180 degrees about the fold lines F1 and F2, stretching and tensioning the film E. Then, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, each of the six spacer flaps C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and C6 is folded upwardly approximately 90 degrees about a respective fold line F3, F4, F5, F6, F7 and F8. The packaging insert may then be inserted into an appropriately sized container. The several layers of the center base section A and the two side sections B1 and B2 provides shock absorption for the product(s) accommodated by this design.

[0047] The thickness of these materials as well as the arrangement of the several fold lines may provide spacing between the center base section A and the two side sections B1 and B2, thereby providing increased shock absorption.

[0048] The design illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 25 includes a panel with a center base section A, two first side sections B1 and B2, two second side sections B3 and B4, two first spacer sections C1 and C2 and two second spacer sections C3 and C4. Two spacer tabs T1 and T2 extend from the center base section A, and a plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to first side sections B1 and B2 at glue strips G.

[0049] To operate this design, as shown in FIG. 21, first side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, side sections B1 and B2 are folded downwardly approximately 180 degrees about fold lines F1 and F2, stretching and tensioning the film E. Side sections B2 and B3 are folded in an opposite direction approximately 180 degrees about fold lines F3 and F4, to form a Z-shape configuration underneath center base section A, as shown in FIG. 22. Then, as shown in FIG. 23, spacer sections C3 and C4 are folded about fold lines F7 and F8. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, spacer sections C1 and C2 are folded upwardly approximately 90 degrees about fold lines F5 and F6. As shown in FIG. 25, the spacer tabs T1 and T2 extend from the center base section A unfolded to provide positive stops for the folded spacer sections C3 and C4. Slots H1, H2, H3 and H4 may be provided in the panel for strain relief purposes. The packaging insert may then be inserted into an appropriately sized container.

[0050] The design illustrated in FIGS. 26 to 29 includes a panel with a center base section A, two first side sections B1 and B2, two second side sections B3 and B4 and two spacer sections C1 and C2. A plastic film E extends across the center base section A and is adhered to first side sections B1 and B2 at glue strips G. Four slots Hi, H2, H3 and H4 are formed in the panel, and eight locking tabs T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 are formed in the panel. The arrangement of the four slots Hi, H2, H3 and H4 and the eight locking tabs T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8 permits the panel to be folded into two configurations, as described below.

[0051] To operate this design, first side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, first side sections B1 and B2 are folded downwardly approximately 180 degrees about fold lines F1 and F2, stretching and tensioning the film E. Then, to achieve the first folded configuration, which may be, for example, a configuration for use in transporting the product(s), the second side sections B3 and B4 are folded in an opposite direction approximately 180 degrees about fold lines F3 and F4. In this position, the locking tab T1 is in alignment with slot Hi, locking tab T4 is in alignment with slot H2, locking tab T5 is in alignment with slot H3, and locking tab T8 is in alignment with slot H4. Then, spacer sections C1 and C2 are folded upwardly approximately 90 degrees about fold lines F5 and F6, engaging each locking tab T1, T4, T5 and T8 with the respective aligned slot H1, H2, H3, H4.

[0052] To achieve the second folded configuration, which may be, for example, a configuration for use in displaying the product(s), neither the second side sections B3 and B4 nor the spacer sections C1 and C2 are folded. Rather, when only the first side sections B1 and B2 are folded, locking tab T1 is in alignment with locking tab T2, locking tab T4 is in alignment with locking tab T3, locking tab T5 is in alignment with locking tab T6, and locking tab T8 is in alignment with locking tab T7. Folding the several pairs of aligned tabs, either inwardly or outwardly, maintains the panel in the second folded configuration.

[0053] The design shown in FIGS. 26 to 29 is particularly useful for packaging items, such as picture frames, that benefit from extra cushioning when shipped, but may be usefully displayed in their packaging without requiring much additional space.

[0054] The design illustrated in FIGS. 30 to 34 includes a panel with a center base section A, two first side sections B1 and B2, two second side sections B3 and B4 and one spacer sections C1. A plastic film extends across the center base section A and is adhered to side sections B1 and B2 at glue strips G.

[0055] To operate this design, as shown in FIG. 31, first side sections B1 and B2 are folded upwardly about fold lines F1 and F2, lifting the film E to accommodate one or more product(s) between the center base section A and the film E. Then, as shown in FIG. 32, first side sections B1 and B2 are folded downwardly approximately 180 degrees about fold lines F1 and F2, stretching and tensioning the film E, and second side sections B3 and B4 are folded in an opposite direction approximately 180 degrees about fold lines B3 and B4. Then, as shown in FIG. 33, spacer section C1 is folded upwardly approximately 90 degrees about fold line F5. It should be appreciated that a pair of panels may be used, each of the pair of panels being used to secure one of two opposite ends of the product(s), as illustrated in FIG. 34.

[0056] Another variation, not illustrated, is the use of more than one sheet of film. For example, two or more sheets of film could be used on the same side of the sheet, or on opposite sides of the sheet. It will be appreciated that this provides a plurality of compartments for products, such as between adjacent films, or on opposite sides of the sheet.

[0057] Additionally, the film may be adhered anywhere on the sheet, e.g., on the spacer flaps C1 to C4, to create different and/or additional tensioning. Adherence to various combinations of the various panels is possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0058] It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art that various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, at least one foldable side section, at least one foldable spacer flap, and at least one tab projecting from at least one side section; and

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered on one side to one of said tabs;

wherein one or more of the side sections is folded upwardly about suitable fold lines to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the one or more side sections are folded downwardly about suitable fold lines to be underneath and substantially flat against the base section, whereby the downward folding causes one or more of said tabs to swing approximately 180 degrees, thereby stretching and tensioning the film.

2. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 1, wherein once the one or more side sections are underneath and substantially flat against base section, the spacer flaps are folded upwardly to provide spacing and/or support above the base section.

3. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 2, wherein the spacer flaps are provided with notches which accommodate extensions on the base section, thereby locking the spacer flaps in the upright position.

4. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 2, wherein the insert further comprises one or more lifting tabs that move in a direction opposite from the spacer flaps when the spacer flaps are folded.

5. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, two side sections, and two spacer flaps, with each spacer flap having two cinching flaps; and

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the side sections;

wherein the side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the cinching flaps are folded upwardly and the spacer flaps are folded upwardly, with the cinching flaps positioned on the inside of the side sections, causing the cinching flaps to press against and cinch the film.

6. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, a single side section, and one or more spacer flaps;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the base section and to the side section;

wherein the side section is folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the side section is folded downwardly until it is underneath and substantially flat against the base section, then the spacer flaps are folded upwardly.

7. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 6, wherein the spacer flaps extend beyond the width of the base section.

8. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 6, wherein the extent of the spacer flaps is coextensive with the width of the base section.

9. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 6, wherein the spacer flaps are separated from the base section or respective side section by cuts.

10. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, at least one foldable side section, at least one foldable spacer flap, and at least one tab projecting from at least one side section; and

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered on one side to one of said tabs;

wherein one or more of the side sections is folded upwardly about suitable fold lines to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between one or more of the side sections and the film, then the one or more side sections are folded downwardly about suitable fold lines to be underneath and substantially flat against the base section, whereby the downward folding causes one or more of said tabs to swing approximately 180 degrees, thereby stretching and tensioning the film.

11. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, a single side section, and one or more spacer flaps;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the base section and to the side section;

wherein the side section is folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the side section and the film, then the side section is folded downwardly until it is underneath and substantially flat against the base section, then the spacer flaps are folded in a direction toward the side section.

12. A package insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, two first side sections, two second side sections and two spacer flaps;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to at least one of the two first side sections and the two second side sections;

wherein the at least one of the two first side sections and the two second side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the two first side sections and the two second side sections are folded downwardly, thereby stretching and tensioning the film, and then the two spacer flaps are folded upwardly.

13. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 12, wherein each of the second side sections includes complementary and engageable locking tabs.

14. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 12, wherein the downwardly folded first side sections and second side sections define a space adjacent to the panel.

15. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, two side sections, and two first spacer flaps, the base section including a slot and at least one spacer tab insertable through the slot;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the side sections;

wherein the side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, and then the side sections are folded downwardly and the spacer tab is inserted through the slot, thereby stretching and tensioning the film.

16. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 15, wherein the panel further includes second spacer flaps extending from each of the two side sections.

17. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 15, wherein the base section includes a hole configured to accommodate at least a portion of the one or more products when the spacer tab is inserted through the slot.

18. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, two first side sections, two second side sections, two first spacer sections and two second spacer sections;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the first side sections;

wherein the first side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the first side sections are folded downwardly to stretch and tension the film, the second side sections are folded in an opposite direction to the first side sections, the first spacer sections are folded upwardly and the second spacer sections are folded downwardly.

19. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 18, wherein the base section includes spacer tabs configured to abut the second spacer sections when the second spacer sections are folded downwardly.

20. A packaging insert as claimed in

claim 18, where the panel includes at least one strain relief slot arranged in accordance with at least one folding line of at least one of the first side sections, the second side sections, the first spacer sections and the second spacer sections.

21. A packaging insert comprising:

(a) a panel having a base section, two first side sections, two second side sections, two spacer sections and a locking tab arrangement;

(b) a plastic film extending across the base section and adhered to the first side sections;

wherein the first side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate one or more products between the base section and the film, then the first side sections are folded downwardly to stretch and tension the film, the second side sections being foldable between a first position adjacent to the base section and a section position adjacent to the first side sections, the spacer sections being foldable into an upright position when the second side sections are folded into the second position, the locking tab arrangement being configured to secure the second side sections in the first position and to secure the second side sections in the second position and the spacer sections in the upright position.

22. A packaging insert comprising:

at least two panels, each panel including:

a base section, two first side sections, two second side sections and a spacer section;

a plastic film extending across the base sections and adhered to the first side sections;

wherein the first side sections are folded upwardly to lift the film to accommodate a portion of one or more products between the base section and the film, then the first side sections are folded downwardly to stretch and tension the film, the second side sections are folded in a direction opposite to the first side sections and the spacer section is folded upwardly.