Abstract: A protective guard or set of protective guards for an electronic device may be provided. The protective guard may include sheet of impact absorbing material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first, and an attachment mechanism provided on the second surface. The protective guard may be configured to be attached to an electronic device via the attachment mechanism.

Abstract: To improve a buffer effect on cartridges as well as to make it possible to suppress deformation or breakage of the cartridges in the case where, after a storage case containing the data recording cartridges has been put in an outer case for packaging, the outer case is dropped. A sheet-shaped member is folded so as to cover an upper surface, a lower surface, and one side surface of a storage case 40 to form a backing plate member 30. The backing plate member 30 is formed with first cutout portions 35a for receiving first projecting portions 48a of an upper surface of the storage case 40, and second cutout portions 35b for receiving second projecting portions 48b of a lower surface the storage case 40.

Abstract: A package for receiving a vial may include an inner portion folded into a first shape configured to receive the vial; an outer portion folded into a second shape configured to removably receive the first shape of the inner portion; and an identifying mark or label disposed on the inner portion and viewable when the inner portion is disposed within the outer portion. The inner portion may include top, bottom, and first and second side portions that define a first aperture configured to receive the vial, and a top flap securable to the top or first or second side portions so as to retain the vial within the first aperture. A second aperture defined in the top flap may permit access to contents of the vial without removing the vial from the inner portion, e.g., may have a diameter selected to permit the vial top to protrude therethrough.

Abstract: A bottle protector for use in shipping bottles such as wine bottles or the like. The bottle protector includes a tri-fold bottom member which embraces the lower ends of the bottles positioned therein and a tri-fold top member which embraces the upper ends of the bottles positioned therein.

Abstract: A package for holding and protecting a can includes a six-wall, eight-corner box and inserts in the box where they capture the can at each end of the box. Each insert includes a paper honeycomb panel that corresponds in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the interior of the box and a rigid backing that is attached firmly to one face of the panel. The backing is die cut to provide a segment that corresponds in shape to the ends of the can, with the cut extending partially into the honeycomb cells as well. The cut segment of the backing is forced into the underlying honeycomb cells to provide a pocket that snugly receives an end of the can and a pad behind the pocket. Multiple inserts may be derived from a slab having intermittent cuts at which individual inserts may be detached.

Abstract: When a cushioning member is fitted to a tubular part in a first facing direction, an inner circumferential surface of the tubular part contacts a part of a second protruding portion, a first portion of a first protruding portion contacts a first contact region, a second portion of a third protruding portion contacts a second contact region, a third portion of the third protruding portion contacts a third contact region, and a distance between the first contact region and the second contact region is smaller than a distance between the first contact region and the third contact region, and a length of the second contact region from a base portion in a direction of protrusion is greater than a length of the third contact region from the base portion in a direction of protrusion.

Abstract: When a cushioning member is fitted to a tubular part in a first facing direction, an inner circumferential surface of the tubular part contacts a part of a second protruding portion, a first portion of a first protruding portion contacts a first contact region, a second portion of a third protruding portion contacts a second contact region, a third portion of the third protruding portion contacts a third contact region, and a distance between the first contact region and the second contact region is smaller than a distance between the first contact region and the third contact region, and a length of the second contact region from a base portion in a direction of protrusion is greater than a length of the third contact region from the base portion in a direction of protrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an improved bottle packaging system and shipping container, and more particularly to a container wherein a plurality of inserts are employed to stabilize the bottle(s) and to provide impact resistant cushioning during shipment of liquids and the like. For a 4-bottle (quad) pack embodiment the improved insert design includes a folding bottle separator or insert to receive and secure a bottle bottom, along with a top insert to receive and restrain a bottle shoulder and neck region (bottle top). The inserts, in combination with a two-layer cardboard box may be used to provide a re-usable and recyclable shipping container or package for chemicals and the like.

Abstract: A package contains a package insert (3) for fixing objects (30, 31) in place, comprising a web (6) and, arranged in the web, recesses (10, 11) which each partially receive an object (30, 31). The package insert has mutually opposite sections (4, 5, 48, 50) which are connected to each other and between which in each case a group of two objects is arranged. Each section (4, 5) is provided with predetermined tear lines (15) for predefining tear-off package units (14), in such a way that a package unit (14), with the group of objects fixed therein, can be separated from the package insert (3).

Abstract: An electronic device packaging apparatus for packaging an electronic device includes a box and a cushioning member. The cushioning member is integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member and disposed within the box. The cushioning member includes a central shelf component and a pair of leg components. Each of the leg components has an outer leg component and an inner leg component. The inner leg component with a through hole extends between the outer leg component and the central shelf component. Inner side faces of the outer leg components contact with upper edge portions of the electronic device, respectively.

Abstract: A package assembly for a product includes a cushion pad and a retaining member engaged with the cushion pad for retaining the product on the cushion pad. The retaining member defines a plurality of expandable cuts therein so as to increase the elastic extendibility of the retaining member.

Abstract: In order to improve a surgical screw container comprising a receiving part and a closure part mounted thereon so as to be movable, wherein the receiving part has at least two screw receptacles for accommodating at least two bone screws, wherein the closure part can be brought relative to the receiving part into at least one closure position, in which none of the screw receptacles is accessible for the introduction or removal of a bone screw, such that any loss of screws from the screw container can be practically ruled out it is suggested that the closure part can be brought from the at least one closure position into at least two removal positions, in each of which only a single screw receptacle is accessible for the introduction or removal of a single bone screw.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically generally on top of the third air cell at ends thereof. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the two vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperate with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: A package arrangement for storing a container includes a carton having a receiving cavity, and a die cut insert. The die cut insert is detachably disposed in the receiving cavity of the carton, and includes a top panel having at least a top panel cavity and a bottom panel having at least a bottom panel cavity aligned with the top panel cavity of the top panel, wherein the die cut insert is adapted for substantially retaining the container in the carton when the container is slidably inserted into the die cut insert through the top panel cavity and the bottom panel cavity at a position that an upper portion of the container is encircling supported by the top panel and a lower portion of the container is encircling supported by the bottom panel.

Abstract: A device in the form of a concave receptacle (2) has a base (10) from which extends gradually flaring out, at least locally, an edge (12), the painted surface of the canvas (18) being designed to be urged facing the base (10), without touching it and the corners of the canvas being urged in contact locally with the edge (12).

Abstract: A unitary foam packing element including a planar piece of foam which is precut with a plurality of score lines. The score lines define a first planar portion and a second planar portion, and enable the first planar portion to be folded over onto the second planar portion to thereby form a flat cavity between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The score lines further define an end panel adjacent the second planar portion, which is adapted to be folded along a respective one of the score lines so as to form a first end wall of the flat cavity, and an intermediate portion between the first planar portion and the second planar portion, which is adapted to form a second end wall of the flat cavity that is opposite the first end wall.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: A packaging system for a component is disclosed. The packaging system comprises a box and a compressible and shock-absorbent packing insert. The packing insert is placed in the box after nesting a component within the insert. The insert comprises a main panel, a first end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, a second end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel opposite the first end tube, a first side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the first side tube being adjacent to the first end tube and a second side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the second side tube being adjacent to the second end tube and opposite the first side tube wherein the first and second side tube panels and the first and second side tube panels may include at one or more cutouts to enhance the flexing capability of the packing insert.

Abstract: A shock absorbing container assembly for packaging articles, including an outer container, a sheet member, and an article container. In the closed configuration, the outer container includes an inner top surface and an opposed inner bottom surface that are substantially fixedly spaced apart in a vertical axis. The sheet member has a bottom surface and at least one preformed foldable portion that is folded away from the bottom surface terminating at a free distal edge. The free distal edge bears against the top surface of the outer container when receiving vertically directed forces transmitted by the top surface. The article container for receiving articles is disposed inside the outer container and includes a plurality of intersecting walls. Vertically directed forces transmitted by the sheet member are received by at least two of the walls that have upper ends bearing against the bottom surface of the sheet member and lower ends bearing against the bottom surface of the outer container.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tortilla housing and support apparatus, configured to be manipulated so that the housing performs as a tortilla support device that provides vertical support to at least one tortilla. The tortilla housing and support apparatus is initially used as a tortilla-packaging box, such as tortilla boxes currently in use at supermarkets for housing tortillas. The tortilla housing has a configuration so that it may be manipulated from serving as packaging so that it performs as a tortilla support device.

Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile article comprising an outer sleeve and an inner article receiving structure. The inner structure comprises an inner sleeve having a first pair of opposed side walls secured to a first pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve and a second pair of opposed side walls spaced apart from a second pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve. The inner structure further comprises a first bridging closure panel hingedly connected to one end of the inner sleeve for movement between an open position where the bridging closure panel allows the inner and outer sleeves to collapse into a flat form and a closed position where the bridging closure panel forms a first brace structure between one of the second pair side walls of the inner structure and the adjacent one of the second pair side walls of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A shock absorbing container assembly for packaging articles, including an outer container, a sheet member, and an article container. In the closed configuration, the outer container includes an inner top surface and an opposed inner bottom surface that are substantially fixedly spaced apart in a vertical axis. The sheet member has a bottom surface and at least one preformed foldable portion that is folded away from the bottom surface terminating at a free distal edge. The free distal edge bears against the top surface of the outer container when receiving vertically directed forces transmitted by the top surface. The article container for receiving articles is disposed inside the outer container and includes a plurality of intersecting walls. Vertically directed forces transmitted by the sheet member are received by at least two of the walls that have upper ends bearing against the bottom surface of the sheet member and lower ends bearing against the bottom surface of the outer container.

Abstract: A cushioning support member and a fabricating method thereof, in which a container main body can be constituted by using one piece of corrugated cardboard. The container main body can function simultaneously as a cushioning material which produces a cushioning effect for protecting contents from an external force, and the cushioning support member includes a polygonal bottom surface portion, a plurality of side surface portions formed continuously on sides of the bottom surface portion, and a plurality of supporting piece portions formed on at least two side surface portions of the plurality of side surface portions. The bottom surface portion and the plurality of side surface portions and the plurality of supporting piece portions are formed by one corrugated cardboard.

Abstract: A shipping and display container for bottles or other frangible articles, in which mating insert half sections of cardboard or other material have recessed portions defining supports for nesting and supporting the articles along three spatial axes. An insert section may be used as a display container for the article or articles, and two insert sections placed together in mirror image relationship from opposite sides of the articles and placed in a box form a container for shipment. The insert sections are each formed from a single blank, and may be shipped flat or in an erected or partially erected condition. Panels of the insert sections interlock when erected to hold the insert section in erected condition, and adhesive may be used between some panels to assist in holding the insert section erected and to enhance the strength and rigidity of the insert section.

Abstract: An inflatable air packaging device includes a tubular, inflatable member surrounding an object receiving pocket. The pocket is configured in a shape and size to receive, retain, and suspend an object. The inner and outer surfaces of the member are secured to one another to form a plurality of apertures. Each aperture is configured to receive a portion of the object to suspend the object within the pocket. In one embodiment, there are four apertures which each receive a corner of a rectangular object. The device provides a circular air cushion chamber which is disposed around a perimeter of the object. Forces applied to the device are uniformly distributed around the device to minimize the effect on the object.

Abstract: Gas impermeable thermoplastic films of multilayer construction are disclosed which are particularly suitable for use in the manufacture of inflatable packaging cushions for protection of packaged objects. The multilayer films have outer heat sealable layers which are radio frequency inactive. The inflatable packaging cushion is fabricated by heat sealing the outer layers of the multilayer film together to form gas inflatable pockets using conventional heat sealing techniques. The heat sealed regions have increased mechanical strength without the need for post irradiation treatment. The thermoplastic film includes at least two outer layers of heat sealable material including linear low-density polyethylene polymers separated by a gas impermeable layer, e.g., an oxygen barrier. Additional adhesive layers and/or structural intervening layers may be coextruded in forming the resulting thermoplastic films.

Abstract: The present multi-function packing insert functions as a packing insert for the shipment of components or subassemblies from a vendor to a manufacturer, as a tray and holding fixture during processing of the components or subassemblies on the manufacturer's assembly line, and as the packing inserts for shipping the final assembled product from the manufacturer to the customer. This multi-function packing insert thereby reduces the overall cost of packing materials and reduces material handling and floor space requirements throughout the manufacturing process, since the packing materials received from the vendor(s) are used for that purpose. The coordination of packing insert design between the component and subassembly vendors and the manufacturer enables the manufacturer to reuse the received packing inserts to assemble, package and ship the final assembled product.

Abstract: A combined wrap around carton, bottle and pouf. The package permits display of the bottle and a pouf simultaneously. The bottle is sufficiently rigid to form a portion of the support of the package. The carton includes a central panel having two ends and product receiving structures at each of its ends. In the erected carton, a first product is received within two product receiving apertures and a second product is placed behind the first one. The package is completed with shrink wrap so that the consumer can view the contents of the package.

Abstract: Detonator packaging comprising a casing, a carton for retaining a plurality of casings and spacers for separating and organizing the casing within the carton is disclosed. The casing is formed from a plurality of connected sections of relatively dense material, such as Homeosote. The casing preferably includes two end sections and one or more interior sections retained, or sandwiched, between the two end sections. An opening, or bore, extends through one of the end sections and into one or more of the interior sections. A detonator having an explosive end is inserted into the opening so that the explosive end is retained at least partially within one of the interior sections. A carton is preferably formed of corrugated cardboard and is large enough to hold a plurality, preferably about one hundred fifty, of the casings. Paper or cardboard spacers are used to space the casings from transmission tubes retained within the carton.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insert, a blank for the insert and a combination of carton and insert, plus the combination of insert and cleansing agent bottle and the combination of insert plus cleansing agent bottle plus washing implement. The insert is designed to include five supports, three bottom supports and two top supports as part of the carton blank. The insert relies on the bottle for support. The insert stabilizes the cleansing agent bottle and the washing implement to minimize movement.

Abstract: A combined wrap around carton, bottle and pouf. The package permits display of the bottle and a pouf simultaneously. The bottle is sufficiently rigid to form a portion of the support of the package. The carton includes a central panel having two ends and product receiving structures at each of its ends. In the erected carton, a first product is received within two product receiving apertures and a second product is placed behind the first one. The package is completed with shrink wrap so that the consumer can view the contents of the package.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable cushion inflated through a single inflation valve. A pair of inflated panels held in place by at least one tie strap connecting the panels rest beneath each end of the bottom of an article to be protected. The cushion has a pair of inflatable end chambers interconnected to the bottom panels and a pair of inflatable side chambers interconnected to the end chambers, which when inflated protect the ends and sides of the article. This is facilitated by internal openings which allow the inflated panels to easily bend underneath the ends of the article and around the corners. There are recesses at each corner which extend from each corner of one internal opening toward a peripheral edge of the cushion to provide a wedge-like portion of the side chambers. In one of the embodiments, an additional pair of internal openings facilitates a pair of top inflatable chambers interconnected to the end chambers to rest on the top of the article.

Abstract: A package for storing and shipping a heavy object, such as a compressor for an air-conditioning system, includes a base formed from a rigid material and having recesses which receive feet at the bottom of the object and flaps which fold over the recesses and capture the feet in them, thus securing the object to the base. The package also includes a box having side walls and top and bottom walls. The base, with the object secured to it, fits into the box with the base against the bottom wall of the box and the object surrounded by the side walls of the box. A sleeve fits into the box between the base and the top wall and holds the base against the bottom wall. A tray fits within the sleeve above the object where it rigidifies the sleeve, enabling the sleeve to maintain its cross-sectional configuration, and further serves as a receptacle for accessory items.

Abstract: A reusable shipping container assembly for protecting a plurality of articles during shipping is disclosed. The container assembly includes a semi-rigid rectangular corrugated box having a top wall, a bottom wall and side walls. Within the corrugated box are a plurality of interlocking cushioned "clamps;" one such clamp per article to be shipped. Each interlocking cushioned clamp contains a convoluted foam set consisting of a pair of rectangular-shaped interlocking convoluted foam cushions. Each pair of convoluted foam cushions holds one of the articles to be shipped. Completing the cushioned clamp and enclosing the convoluted foam cushions is a cushioned sleeve having a rectangular cross section. The cushioned sleeve is adapted to snugly enclose the convoluted foam cushions on four sides and to maintain the interlocking convoluted foam cushions in place during shipping.

Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of F-style containers, each having a generally rectangular cross section and a spout and an inverted U-shaped strap handle projecting from the top. The package comprises a box having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall therebetween. There is a bottom liner inside the box, adjacent the bottom. The bottom liner has a plurality of generally rectangular cutouts for receiving and retaining the bottoms of F-style containers. There is also a top liner inside the box, adjacent the top. The top liner comprising spaced apart upper and lower walls, the lower wall adapted to engage the tops of the containers held inside the box and having openings therein for receiving the spouts and handles of the containers held inside the box. The openings allow the spouts and handles of the containers to project into the space between the walls, to protect the spouts and handles, and secure the tops of the containers against lateral movement.

Abstract: There is provided an inflatable cushion inflated through a single inflation valve. A pair of inflated panels held in place by at least one tie strap connecting the panels rest beneath each end of the bottom of an article to be protected. The cushion has a pair of inflatable end chambers interconnected to the bottom panels and a pair of inflatable side chambers interconnected to the end chambers, which when inflated protect the ends and sides of the article. This is facilitated by internal openings which allow the inflated panels to easily bend underneath the ends of the article and around the corners. There are recesses at each corner which extend from each corner of one internal opening toward a peripheral edge of the cushion to provide a wedge-like portion of the side chambers. In one of the embodiments, an additional pair of internal openings facilitates a pair of top inflatable chambers interconnected to the end chambers to rest on the top of the article.

Abstract: A box with elongate flaps is folded in the interior of the box and serve as a support and protection element for an item such as a jar to be positioned therein. The box is in a form of a single piece of cardboard or other material, the box being able to retain and effectively protect the jar or similar item within the box and being of low cost and of easy assembly at the moment of making up the package. The box is formed of a sheet of flexible material provided with four consecutive main panels separated from each other by parallel fold lines, with flaps and, for forming two ends of the box, with two respective closure panels projecting from free ends of the main panels and separated from them by fold lines perpendicular to those separating the panels from each other.

Abstract: The invention is a carton for packaging card-like articles. The carton includes a pair of inclined panels folded inwardly from the top of a pair of side walls. The inclined panels have a plurality of parallel slots therein for receiving the contents and keeping them in an upright spaced relationship. The lid of the carton includes an abutment flap which extends from the lid and is folded inwardly to abut the card-like contents to hold them in a position spaced from the lid. The invention also includes a blank for making such a carton.

Abstract: This invention relates to packing methods and materials for packing electrolytic capacitors and the like. This invention provides packing methods whereby capacitors are held in a container tray with a good order and with no rotational movement of capacitor and packing materials wherein packing of electrolytic capacitors solves the problem of capacitor rotation and allows the capacitors to be easily taken out of the container tray. According to this invention, an electrolytic capacitor loaded container tray is taken out of a receptacle and the electrolytic capacitors held in the container tray in an orderly manner can be smoothly picked up for automatic mounting on printed wiring boards.

Abstract: A packaging liner for use in association with objects of pre-determined length, breadth and depth, for holding at least one object in a secure manner, and having a back panel defining a length greater than the length of the object, and defining a width greater than the width of the object, end panels on each end of the back panel, partial panels connected to the end panels to overlie portions of the back panel, glue flaps on the ends of the partial panels, glued in pre-determined locations to the back panel, to secure the partial panels to the back panel, the partial panels and the back panel defining two parallel spaced apart respective chambers shaped and dimensioned to receive respective objects, and, foldable panels in each of the partial panels, the foldable panel being adapted to be folded to define open sided recesses, each of the recesses having a width equal to the width of an object, and defining a length less than that of an object, so as to receive a single object therein.

Abstract: A cushioned camera case has a tubular body made of thick resilient material without rigid framework and having expansion sections for camera appendages and an easy-open entrance. The tubular body can be cylindrical, rectangular or cubical. The expansion sections can be orifices that are elongated or shaped and positioned for access to particular camera components for allowing certain use of cameras while in the camera cases. This invention can be produced for particular cameras and camcorders or for general use for cameras and camcorders and related items.

Abstract: A packaging carton and insert assembly for use in packaging an article. The assembly has an outer carton and a stiffening insert. The outer carton is collapsible to form a relatively flat profile and has a non-collapsed wedge shaped profile. The insert has a general wedge shaped profile and when inserted into outer carton, wedges two opposite sides of the carton apart to prevent the carton from collapsing.

Abstract: A container for the components of an unassembled ceiling fan includes a first casing of expanded polystyrene foam. The first casing includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive a first component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. A second casing of expanded polystyrene foam includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive at least a second component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. The first and second casings have comparable cross-sectional areas and include structure integral therewith for interlocking the casings to restrict relative movement of the casings. At least the first casing provides sufficient protection to its contents to protect them from damage when the first casing is shipped without the second casing. A box or the like of suitable size receives the first and second interlocked casings to form a package.

Abstract: A boxboard carton for fragile articles such as a glass electric lamp is shaped so that when the object is within the carton the carton will have an octagonal shape and include intermediate supporting panels to engage one end of the lamp and an end closure construction such that end panels will engage the end of the lamp and inner locking panels will engage the sides of the lamp to form an interference fit between the carton panels and the lamp thereby preventing movement of the lamp relative to the carton.

Abstract: A carrying case for carrying a plurality of disposable insulin syringes is constructed in a fashion such that syringes may be carried in the case either in a plunger-extended, filled condition or with the syringe empty and the plunger fully seated in the syringe.

Abstract: An electric lamp bulb (or similar fragile article) is retained in suspended centralized position within a collapsible open-ended carton of rectangular sleeve-like configuration by a dual-panel liner that extends across the interior of the carton and has apertured medial parts which nestingly receive and interlock with the bulbous portion of the lamp bulb. Each of the liner-panels has a pair of hinged flaps that swing in opposite directions and are displaced in criss-cross fashion by the bulbous part of the lamp bulb to form a single aperture in the associated liner-panel and a pair of cradle-like structures. The hinged flaps are so shaped and dimensioned that their free ends are pressed against the adjacent walls and diagonally-opposite corners of the carton by the inserted lamp bulb and thus produce buttressing forces which not only counteract the natural tendency of the carton to collapse but lock the carton in its erected form.

Abstract: A universal supporting base formed of paperboard for holding, within an outer box or wrapper, one of many different size multi-legged articles of furniture.

Abstract: A shipping carton assembly for automobile taillight assemblies. The assemblies are enclosed in cartons and two cartons are stacked on a pallet. There are two tiers of assemblies in each carton and each tier may support, for example, eight taillight assemblies. The assemblies are arranged parallel to each other with each of the ends of the assemblies resting on two parallel laterally-spaced boards; two second boards rest on top of the ends of the assemblies and the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies rest on the second boards. Two third boards rest on the top of the ends of the second tier of taillight assemblies and the entire arrangement of the first tier and second tier are disposed in the carton.

Abstract: A tray is erectable from a blank of sheet material for use in a shrink-wrap package. The tray comprises a first panel constituting a base, a second panel joined along one edge to the first panel, and a third panel joined along one edge to a second edge opposing said one edge of the second panel and extending between said second edge of the second panel and the base of the tray. A portion of the third panel is pierced to expose a cut edge which is profiled to conform substantially with a contour of an item it is desired to package on the tray whereby in use said contour abuts said edge to assist in retention of said item in position on the tray.

Abstract: A self-standing display carton for containing and displaying an article has a generally hourglass configuration and comprises first and second spaced apart end walls and four upstanding sidewalls connecting the end walls. The sidewalls include a first pair of sidewalls, each having a generally U-shaped configuration including first and second end panels and an intermediate panel disposed between the end panels, the end panels inclining inwardly from their respective end wall to their respective intermediate panel. The intermediate panels of the first pair of sidewalls are in substantial abutting relationship and disposed generally perpendicular to the planes of the first and second end walls. Each of the first pair of sidewalls includes an aperture substantially conforming to the configuration of the article to be contained within the carton.