CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/455,053 filed Mar. 28, 2023, entitled “Paper Retention Device,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Packaging is used to protect products during shipment and merchandising. It may be desirable in some marketplaces to use recycled materials for packaging and/or to have the packaging itself be recyclable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

According to one embodiment, a retention device includes a back portion, a front portion including a frame forming a cut out, and a mesh element positioned across the cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the frame of the front portion for conforming to a shape of an object positionable between the back portion and the front portion. The retention device is positionable in an open position in which the front portion is positioned away from the back portion. The retention device is positionable in a closed position in which the front portion is positioned adjacent to the back portion for securing the object between the back portion and the mesh element.

The retention device may include various optional embodiments. The mesh element may include a plurality of slits or scores extending at least partially between a front and a back surface thereof. The back portion and the front portion may be coupled together in the closed position to secure the object between the back portion and the front portion. The back portion and the front portion may be foldably connected to one another. The back portion and the front portion may be a blank of a unitary piece of material. The blank may include a corrugated cardboard material. The retention device may not include plastic material. The back portion may further include a second frame forming a second cut out. The retention device may further include a second mesh element positioned across the second cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the second frame of the back portion for conforming to the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion. The retention device may further include a plurality of flaps foldably connected to at least one of the front portion and the back portion. The plurality of flaps may frictionally secure the retention device having the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion in an outer packaging. The retention device may further include a support backing secured to the back portion of the retention device for adding structural support to the back portion.

According to another embodiment, a retention device includes a front portion positionable between a closed position and an open position. The front portion includes a frame forming a cut out, a back portion including an opening for receiving a portion of an object positioned between the back portion and the front portion, and a mesh element positioned across the cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the frame of the front portion for conforming to the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion. In the closed position, the front portion is positioned adjacent to the back portion for securing the object between the back portion and the front portion. In the open position, the front portion is positioned away from the back portion.

The retention device may include various optional embodiments. The mesh element may include a plurality of slits or scores extending at least partially between a front and a back surface thereof. The back portion and the front portion may be coupled together in the closed position to secure the object between the back portion and the front portion. The back portion and the front portion may be foldably connected to one another. The back portion and the front portion may be a blank of a unitary piece of material. The blank may include a corrugated cardboard material. The retention device may not include plastic material. The retention device may include a plurality of flaps foldably connected to at least one of the front portion and the back portion for frictionally securing the retention device having the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion in an outer packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/or simplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations based on the following examples of possible embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a retention device positioned within an outer packaging, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a blank of a material forming a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A-3B illustrate an object being positioned between a front portion and a back portion of a retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B include a top view and a bottom view of the assembled retention device of FIG. 4, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B include a top view and a bottom view of the assembled retention device of FIG. 6, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for transporting an object using a retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, details are set forth by way of example to facilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. It should be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possible embodiments. The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Throughout this disclosure, a hyphenated form of a reference numeral refers to a specific instance of an element and the un-hyphenated form of the reference numeral refers to the element generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown in the drawings), device “12-1” refers to an instance of a device class, which may be referred to collectively as devices “12” and any one of which may be referred to generically as a device “12”. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements.

A retention device may be used to aid in retaining a product in place within an outer packaging, for example to reduce the likelihood of damage to the product due to shifting or movement of the product within the outer packaging during shipping. In some examples, a retention device may be secured around (or receive) a product, and the retention device may then be positioned within an outer packaging. The retention device may be secured within the outer packaging to aid in reducing the shifting or movement of the product within the outer packaging during shipment. In some examples, the retention device is at least partially secured in place relative to the outer packaging via frictional engagement with an inner surface of the outer packaging, though in other examples the retention device may be more securely engaged relative to the outer packaging, for example via engagement between a projection and a recess, adhesive coupling, magnetic coupling, hook and loop fasteners or any other suitable means for coupling the retention device within the outer packaging.

Historically product packaging often contains non-sustainable materials, including but not limited to plastics. For example, retention devices used in product packaging often are manufactured partially, if not entirely, of plastic. A retention device made of paper, without the use of plastics, such as cardboard or cardstock, would increase the sustainability of product packaging and decrease the amount of plastic sent to landfills as product packaging is thrown out. The present disclosure is directed towards a retention device, mechanism, or solution manufactured using paper, without the use of plastic, and which provides for features that are unique to the paper material that can create a sustainable and better retention device at a low cost. The retention device is configured to be positioned within a compartment of an outer packaging or outer packaging to aid in preventing an object from shifting or moving within the outer packaging during shipping, thereby protecting the object from damage during shipping.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the retention device may include a back portion, a front portion with frame portion that forms a cut out (or window feature), and a mesh element. The mesh element may be positioned such that it extends across the cut out. The mesh element may include a paper material that has cutouts, slits, or similar cuts. The mesh element may be adhered to the front portion, for example the mesh element may be adhered to the frame that formed the cut out. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the retention device may be manufactured using paper or paper products as opposed to plastic. An object or product may thereby be position between the mesh portion and the back portion. The front portion and the back portions may also be couplable together via a mechanical, adhesive, or others suitable fastener. The mesh element may flex or bend as to secure the object such that the object is “held” or secured in place between the front and back portion of the retention device to aid in reducing, limiting, or eliminating shifting or movement of the object during shipping. In some embodiments, the retention device may provide a mesh element on each of the back portion and the front portion, such that a product or good positioned between the front and back portion is sandwiched between two mesh elements such that the mesh elements deform around the product or good.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembled retention device 100 disposed within an outer packaging 200. The retention device 100 may be disposed within the outer packaging 200 such that the retention device 100 is frictionally engaged with one or more inner surfaces of the outer packaging 200 to aid in securing the retention device 100 in place relative to the outer packaging 200 during shipping or transportation. The outer packaging 200 may be an outer packaging as shown in FIG. 1, a bag, or the like. Various portions of the retention device 100 may include a cardboard material (e.g., a corrugated cardboard material, paperboard, or other suitable material). The outer packaging 200 may include a similar or different material. The frictional engagement between the retention device 100 and the outer packaging 200 may aid in protecting a product positioned within the retention device 100 by reducing the shifting or movement of the product relative to the outer packaging 200, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage to the product during shipping.

Visible in FIG. 1, the retention device 100 includes a front portion 120 including a frame 102 forming a window feature or cut out 104, and a back portion (not visible in FIG. 1). Though the cut out 104 is shown below as being a rectangular shape, the size, position, and shape of the cut out 104 may vary according to the product to be secured by the retention device 100. Therefore, the cut out 104 may be a different, position, or shape than that in FIG. 1. Similarly, the frame 102 may have a different size, shape, or orientation than that shown in the example of FIG. 1.

According to various embodiments, the retention device 100 may further include a mesh element 106. The mesh element 106 may include a series of cuts, slots, slit, or scores 108 (e.g., slit scored) that allow for the structure of the material of the mesh element 106 (e.g., corrugated cardboard, paper, other cardboard types, or other suitable materials) to flex or bend in response to the presence of the object positioned between mesh element 106 and other portions of the retention device 100, to be described in further detail below. For example, any mesh element described herein may include various paper materials having different gram weights, thicknesses, or the like. In one embodiment, the mesh element 106 may include a relatively thin (e.g., between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm) paper material. In other embodiments, the mesh elements 106 may include a relatively thick (e.g., 0.3 mm or greater) paperboard or cardboard material. As shown in FIG. 1, the mesh element 106 may be positioned across the cut out 104. In various embodiments, the mesh element 106 is adhered to at least a portion of the frame 102. The cuts 108 in the mesh element 106 may allow for the object positioned within the retention device 100 to deform the mesh element 106 such that an outer surface of at least a portion of the mesh element 106 may extend beyond an outer surface of the frame 102. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the slit scored nature of the mesh element 106 allows for the material of the mesh element 106 to bend, flex, and move about the object positioned within the retention device 100 which may aid in retaining the object in place within the retention device 100 during shipping. The retention device 100 may also include a tab 126 on one of the front portion 120 or the back portion and a slot or opening 128 in the other of the front portion 120 or the back portion. The tab 126 may be sized and shaped to be received in the slot 128 to secure the retention device 100 in a closed position.

The retention device 100 may also include one or more flaps or foldable panels 124 that may define one or more outer edges of the retention device 100. The one or more foldable panels 124 may be sized and shaped to frictionally engage with an inner surface of the outer packaging 200 to aid in retaining the retention device 100 in place relative to the outer packaging 200 during shipping to reduce movement of the retention device 100 relative to the outer packaging. By aiding in reducing movement of the retention device 100 relative to the outer packaging 200, the object retained within the retention device 100 may also be retained in place and the risk of damage to the object during shipping may be reduced. The one or more flaps or foldable panels 124 which may aid in securing the retention device 100 in place within an outer structure such as an outer packaging or the like. Each of the one or more flaps 124 may be folded relative to a top surface and a bottom surface of the front portion 120 and/or the back portion 122.

In some embodiments, it is envisioned that essentially the entire retention device 100 may be constructed of cardboard or other paper products, such that the retention device 100 may be recycled or composted in its entirety, without the need for components of the retention device 100 to be separated. In other words, by not including plastic materials in the retention device 100, the entire retention device 100 may be recycled together without having to separate out the varied recyclable materials.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a blank of a material forming a disassembled retention device. The retention device 100 may be substantially similar in form and function as the retention device 100 described with respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, similar numbering is used to refer to similar features unless otherwise noted herein. Retention device 100 is shown in a disassembled position. The retention device 100 may include a front portion 120 and a back portion 122. The front portion 120 may be positionable between a closed position (such as shown in FIG. 1) and an open position (such as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the front portion 120 may be positioned adjacent to the back portion 122 for securing a product between the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 in the closed position. In the closed position, an angle between the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 may be between about 0 and about 25 degrees such that the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 are substantially aligned against one another. Furthermore, the front portion 120 may be positioned away from the back portion 122 in an open position. In some embodiments, the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 are a blank of a unitary piece of material. Accordingly, the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 may be foldably connected to one another via a fold line 202 and the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 may form an angle greater than 0 degrees, greater than or equal to 45 degrees, greater than or equal to 90 degrees, greater than or equal to 180 degrees, etc., in the open position. In other embodiments, the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 are removably coupled to one another and the front portion 120 may be entirely removed from the back portion 122 in the open position.

In various embodiments, the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 may be foldably connected by the fold line 202 such that they hinge or open relative to one another to transition the retention device 100 between the open position and the closed position. It is envisioned that, in some embodiments, the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 may be manufactured from a singular piece of paper-based products, such as corrugated cardboard, paperboard, or the like, as to form unitary body. However, this is not necessary and embodiments wherein the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 are manufactured separately and later coupled together are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

The front portion 120 may include a frame 102 forming a cut out 104 as described above. The frame 102 may include an adhesive 204 along at least a portion of the frame 102 for adhering a mesh element 106. The mesh element 106 may be substantially similar in form and function as the mesh element 106 described with respect to FIG. 1. Accordingly, similar numbering is used to refer to similar features unless otherwise noted herein.

The retention device 100 may be sized and shaped to fit within a compartment of an outer packaging (or outer packaging). The mesh element 106 may be secured to the frame 102 of the front portion 120. Mesh element 106 may include cut or slits 108 that are scored or otherwise cut into the mesh element 106. The cuts or slits 108 may be offset lines such as shown in FIG. 2, although the cuts or slits 108 may include zigzags, loops, grooves, steps, or any other pattern of shape. A variety of differing slit patterns that allow for the mesh element to bulge, or flex are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. The slit patterns may be adjusted in order to increase or decrease the amount of flex as to cater to various applications and/or objects. For example, an asymmetric pattern may be used to better secure obtuse, asymmetrical, or irregular objects.

The mesh element 106 may be secured to the front portion 120. For example, the mesh element 106 may be dimensioned to extend over the cut out 104 in the front portion 120 and may be secured to a back surface, for example the frame 102, of the front portion 120. The border of the mesh element 106 may be secured to front portion 120 such that a middle region of the mesh element 106 remains free and unsecured.

To aid in securing an object within the retention device 100, the mesh element 106 is configured to bulge or flex in response to an object being pressed against a surface of the mesh element 106. The mesh element 106 may be scored or have slits 108 cut into the surface of the mesh element 106 and, therefore, when a force is applied, the slits or scores allow for the surface of the mesh element 106 to flex and bend such that it may deform to the shape of the object positioned between the mesh element 106 and the back portion 122. In operation, when the retention device 100 is in the closed position, an object positioned therebetween will be positioned between the mesh element 106 and the rigid back portion 122, resulting in the object being forced into the mesh element 106. In response, the non-secured middle region of the mesh element 106 bulges outwards through the frame 102 of the front portion 120.

According to various embodiments, to secure the retention device 100 in a closed position, a securing feature (e.g., a tab feature, a mating feature, another mechanical closure feature, or an adhesive feature), may be positioned on the front portion 120 or the back portion 122, and be configured to mate or interact with another securing feature on the other portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the back portion 122 comprises a tab 126 that is sized and shaped to mate with a slot or opening 128 in the front portion 120 to secure the front portion 120 and back portion 122 together in the closed position. In other embodiments, the tab 126 may be on the front portion 120 and the opening 128 may be on the back portion. In addition to or instead of the securing the retention device 100 in the closed position, the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 may be secured together in a closed position using adhesives or other methods known in the art. The back portion 122 and/or front portion 120 may be constructed of a variety of materials including paper products such as card stock, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, etc.

The retention device 100 may also include one or more flaps or foldable panels 124 which may aid in securing the retention device 100 in place within an outer structure such as an outer packaging or the like. Each of the one or more flaps 124 may be folded relative to a top surface and a bottom surface of the front portion 120 and/or the back portion 122. In various embodiments, the one or more flaps 124 may further aid in securing the retention device 100 in place within an outer packaging based at least in part on the amount of surface area of the one or more flaps 124 that contacts the inside side surfaces of the outer packaging. For example, the surfaces of the one or more flaps 124 may provide enough resistance to sliding when the one or more flaps 124 are frictionally engaged with one or more sides of an outer packaging. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the one or more flaps 124 may be textured or include tape or another adhesive to further maintain the retention device 100 within an outer packaging, thereby reducing movement of an object secured in the retention device 100 during transportation. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more flaps 124 frictionally secure the retention device 100 having the product positioned between the back portion 122 and the front portion 120 in an outer packaging such as an outer packaging. In other embodiments, the retention device 100 may be held in place in the outer packaging using other means or the retention device 100 may be floating in the outer packaging. In one exemplary embodiment, the retention device 100 may be slightly oversized (e.g., dimensioned 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm greater on one or more sides compared to the dimensions of the outer packaging) such that the retention device 100 is held in place by tension on the inner surfaces of the outer packaging.

In some embodiments, the one or more flaps 124 may be integral with back portion 122 and/or front portion 120 as a unitary body, however, this is not required, and the one or more flaps 124 may be constructed independently of the back portion 122 and/or front portion 120 and later coupled thereto. In addition, while FIG. 2 depicts the one or more flaps 124 as extending from the front portion 120, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more flaps 124 may extend from the back portion 122 and one or more (or no) flaps 124 may extend from the front portion 120.

According to some embodiments, the front portion 120 and/or the back portion 122 may include an optional support backing 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the support backing 130 may be positioned at the back portion 122 of the retention device 100. The optional support backing 130 may be configured to provide additional structural support to the back portion 122 to aid in securing the object between the back portion 122 and the mesh element. The optional support backing 130 may be positioned centrally at the back portion 122 and secured using adhesives applied to at least a portion of the back portion 122. The positioning and the dimensions of the optional support backing 130 are merely exemplary and various different shapes and positioned are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure. The optional support backing 130 may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as corrugated cardboard, paper stock, etc.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an object being positioned within a retention device, for example retention device 100. FIG. 3A illustrates the retention device 100 in an open position with an object 302 disposed on the back portion 122. In some embodiments, the object 302 may be adhered to the back portion 122 although the mesh element 606 may be sufficient to maintain the object 302 in the retention device 100 in a closed position during transportation. At least one of the front portion 120 and the back portion 122 includes a plurality of flaps 124 that are folded up (e.g., away from the back portion 122) such that the retention device 100 may be snug fit into an outer packaging 200. In the open position, depicted in FIG. 3A, the front portion 120 is opened away from the back portion 122 such that the object 302 may be positioned between the mesh element 106 and the back portion 122. To transition to the closed position, the front portion 120 may be moved, folded, hinged, or otherwise positioned adjacent to the back portion 122. For example, the front portion 120 may be hinged in a direction 304 toward the back portion 122 to the closed position. According to some embodiments, the back portion 122 may further include a tab 126 that corresponds to a slit or opening 128 on the front portion 120 or vice versa.

FIG. 3B illustrates the retention device 100 of FIG. 3A in the closed position. As visible in this view, the front portion 120 may further include a frame 102 forming a cut out 104. The mesh element 106 extends over the bottom surface of the frame 102 and across the cut out 104, as described above. In the closed position, the object (not visible in the closed position) is positioned between the mesh element 106 and the back portion (not visible in the closed position), thereby securing the object in the retention device 100. The mesh element 106 is configured to bulge or flex about the object to aid in securing the object between the front portion 120 and the back portion. For example, the non-secured middle region of the mesh element 06 bulges outwards through the frame 102 of the front portion 120.

According to various embodiments, the tab 126 of the back portion that corresponds to the slit or opening 128 on the front portion 120 may be inserted into the slit or opening 128 in the closed position to further secure the retention device 100 in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a disassembled retention device. The description of the retention device 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1-3 may be relevant to the description of FIG. 4. Retention device 400 includes a front portion 401 that may be positionable between a closed position and an open position. The front portion 401 may include a first frame 404 forming a first cut out 406 similarly as the frame and cut out described in detail above. The retention device 400 may further include a back portion 402 also including a second frame 410 forming a second cut out 412. A mesh element 413 may be applied across the first cut out 406. A similar mesh element 414 may be applied across the second cut out 412. An adhesive 408 may be applied to at least a portion of first frame 404 and/or second frame 410 for securing a mesh element 414, as described above, such that at least two edges of the mesh element 413 and mesh element 414 are secured to the front portion 401 and/or the back portion 402 and the middle region of the mesh element 413 and mesh element 414 may extend and conform to the size and shape of an object disposed between the front portion 401 and the back portion 402.

Having a mesh element 413 and a mesh element 414 disposed over the first cut out 406 and the second cut out 412 of the front portion 401 and of the back portion 402, respectively, may advantageously receive relatively larger, uniquely shaped, or otherwise non-typical objects as at least two profiles of the object may be accommodated by the retention device 400 as would be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the present disclosure. For example, if an object is generally rounded or cylindrical such as a bottle of product (e.g., makeup, perfume, soap, etc.), there is not generally a flattened side to place against a rigid back portion. Accordingly, the two cut outs having mesh elements disposed over the two cut outs would conform to the bottle and create a plane that contacts an outer structure, such as an outer packaging, to prevent the bottle from rolling around and potentially breaking, leaking, or the like.

The front portion 401 and/or the back portion 402 may include one or more flaps 424, similar to the flaps 124 described in detail above. The one or more flaps 424 may be sized and shaped to frictionally engage with an inner surface of an outer packaging to aid in retaining the retention device 400 in place relative to the outer packaging during shipping to reduce movement of the retention device 100 relative to the outer packaging. The retention device 400 may further include one or more tabs 428. Each tab 428 may include a cut line 430 for coupling the one or more tabs 428 to each other. The cut lines 430 may form opposing split tabs or notches that are aligned and joined to hold the retention device 100 in a closed position. For example, each cut line 430 extends partially across the tab 428 to form an interlocking set of tabs 428 that slide together to form a joint and maintain the retention device 400 in the closed position. In other embodiments, each tab 428 includes a fold line. Each tab 428 may create additional frictional engagement between the retention device 400 and an outer packaging. In at least some embodiments, one or more tabs 428 may be used to withdraw and lift the retention device 400 out of the outer packaging. In yet other embodiments, one or more tabs 428 may fold over a flap 424 and be taped or otherwise secured to the flap 424 to maintain the retention device 400 in the closed position.

In various embodiments, the back portion 402 and the front portion 401 may be foldably connected by a fold line 432 such that they hinge or open relative to one another to transition the retention device 400 between the open position and the closed position. It is envisioned that, in some embodiments, the back portion 402 and the front portion 401 may be manufactured from a singular piece of paper-based products, such as corrugated cardboard, paperboard, or the like, as to form unitary body. However, this is not necessary and embodiments wherein the back portion 402 and the front portion 401 are manufactured separately and later coupled together are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure.

FIGS. 5A and 5B include a top view and a bottom view of the assembled retention device of FIG. 4. In the assembled view, each of the mesh element 413 and mesh element 414 are applied to the front portion 401 and the back portion 402, respectively, as shown in FIG. 5A. The mesh element 413 and mesh element 414 may be applied to a first frame 404 and second frame 410 (not visible in this bottom view) with an adhesive or the like. An object may be disposed between the mesh element 413 and the mesh element 414 and secured when the front portion 401 and the back portion 402 are hinged together via the fold line 432, according to at least some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5B, the mesh element 413 and the mesh element 414 extend across cut out 406 and cut out 412, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a blank of a disassembled retention device. The description of the retention device(s) described with respect to FIGS. 1-5B may be relevant to the description of FIG. 6. The retention device 600 may include a front portion 601 including a frame 604 forming a cut out 606 as described in detail above. The retention device 600 may further include a back portion 602 including an opening 608 for receiving a portion of a product positioned between the front portion 601 and the back portion 602. The back portion 402 and the front portion 401 may be foldably connected by the fold line 630 such that they hinge or open relative to one another to transition the retention device 100 between the open position and the closed position.

A mesh element 610 may be used with the retention device 600 as described in detail above. The mesh element may be positioned across the cut out 606 and adhered to at least a portion of the frame 604 of the front portion 601 for conforming to the product positioned between the back portion 602 and the front portion 601. For example, the front portion 601 and/or the back portion 602 may include an adhesive 607 along at least a portion of the frame 604 or around the opening 608, respectively, for securing one or more edges of the mesh element 610. The adhesive 607 may be disposed on discrete portion of the frame 604 as shown in FIG. 6. The adhesive 607 secures the mesh element 610 in place such that the mesh element 610 does not slide relative to the front portion 601 or the back portion 602 as the retention device 600 transitions between the open position and the closed position. The middle portion of the mesh element 610 may expand and conform to the object as described in detail above.

FIGS. 7A and 7B include a top view and a bottom view of the assembled retention device of FIG. 6. In the assembled view, the mesh element 610 is applied to the front portion 601, as shown in FIG. 7A. The mesh element 610 may be applied to a frame 604 with an adhesive or the like. An object may be disposed between the mesh element 610 and the back portion 602 such that the opening 608 receives at least a portion of the object and the object is secured when the front portion 601 and the back portion 602 are hinged together via a fold line 612, according to at least some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 6B, the mesh element 610 and extend across cut out 606 in the assembled retention device 600.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for transporting an object using a retention device as described herein. Method 800 may be used with any embodiments of a retention device described herein. Method 800 may include more or less steps than those described herein, and the steps may be performed in other configurations than those described herein. Method 800 includes step 802 including positioning an object between a front portion and a back portion of a retention device. The front portion may include a frame forming a cut out and a mesh element extending across the cut out, as described in detail above. The retention device may be opened such that the mesh element and front portion are separated from the back portion. The object may then be positioned on the back portion or on the mesh element, in various embodiments.

Step 804 may include positioning the front portion relative to the back portion such that the retention device is in a closed position having the front portion adjacent to the back portion. In embodiments where the front portion and the back portion are formed of a unitary piece of material, the front portion may be hinged toward the back portion as illustrated at least in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In other embodiments, the front portion may be adhered to the back portion or otherwise secured to the back portion using clips, tabs, folds, tape, etc. Due to the construction of the mesh element, the mesh element may bulge in response to the closing of the retention device. In various embodiments, the front portion and the back portion may be coupled using a securement device, such as a tab or adhesives as discussed above, further securing the object.

Step 806 may include folding a plurality of flaps relative to the front portion such that the retention device fits in an outer packaging. At least one of the front portion and the back portion may include a plurality of flaps that are foldable relative to the front portion and/or the back portion. In at least some embodiments, the plurality of flaps are foldably connected to at least one of the front portion and the back portion for frictionally securing the retention device having the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion in an outer packaging. The outer packaging may be an outer packaging in an exemplary embodiment, but the outer packaging may be a bag or other structure for shipping in other embodiments.

Step 808 may include positioning the retention device having the object positioned between the front portion and the back portion in the outer packaging. Once the object is secured between the mesh element and the back portion, the retention device may then be positioned with an outer packaging or the like.

FIG. 9 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device. Retention device 900 is similar to various embodiments described above. The retention device 900 may include a front portion 920, a back portion 922, a mesh element 906, coupling features such as a tab 926 and adhesive 910, one or more flaps 924, a frame 902 forming a cut out 904, a fold line 912, etc., as described in detail above. In the retention device 900 shown in FIG. 9, the retention device 900 is narrower and smaller to accommodate varying object sizes.

FIG. 10 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device. Retention device 1000 is similar to various embodiments described above. The retention device 1000 may include a front portion 1020, a back portion 1022, a mesh element 1006, coupling features such as a tab 1026 and adhesive 1010, one or more flaps 1024, a frame 1002 forming a cut out 1004, a fold line 1012, etc., as described in detail above. In the retention device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, the retention device 1000 is narrower and smaller to accommodate varying object sizes.

FIG. 11 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device. Retention device 1100 is similar to various embodiments described above. The retention device 1100 may include a front portion 1120, a back portion 1122, a mesh element 1106, coupling features such as a tab 1126 and adhesive 1110, one or more flaps 1124, a frame 1102 forming a cut out 1104, a fold line 1112, an opening 1130 for receiving at least a portion of an object, etc., as described in detail above. In the retention device 1100 shown in FIG. 11, the retention device 1100 includes a larger opening 1130 for receiving at least a portion of an object. Further, the mesh element 1106 includes a different slit scored pattern in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device. Retention device 1200 is similar to various embodiments described above. The retention device 1200 may include a front portion 1220, a back portion 1222, a mesh element 1206, coupling features such as a tab 1226, one or more flaps 1224, a frame 1202 forming a cut out 1204, a fold line 1212, a support backing 1240, etc., as described in detail above. In the retention device 1200 shown in FIG. 12, the retention device 1200 includes a support backing 1240. The support backing 1240 may be secured to the back portion 1222 of the retention device 1200 for adding structural support to the back portion 1222 as discussed above.

FIG. 13 is a top view of blank of a disassembled retention device. Retention device 1300 is similar to various embodiments described above. The retention device 1300 may include a front portion 1320, a back portion 1322, a mesh element 1306, coupling features such as a tab 1326 and a corresponding opening 1328, an adhesive 1310, one or more flaps 1324, a frame 1302 forming a cut out 1304, a fold line 1312, a support backing 1340, etc., as described in detail above. In the retention device 1300 shown in FIG. 13, the mesh element 1306 includes a pattern of slits 1308 that extends across the entire width of the mesh element 1306. Further, the retention device 1300 includes a support backing 1340 for adding structural support to the back portion 1322 as discussed above.

Example 1

According to one example, a retention device includes a back portion, a front portion including a frame forming a cut out, and a mesh element positioned across the cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the frame of the front portion for conforming to a shape of an object positionable between the back portion and the front portion. The retention device is positionable in an open position in which the front portion is positioned away from the back portion. The retention device is positionable in a closed position in which the front portion is positioned adjacent to the back portion for securing the object between the back portion and the mesh element.

Example 2

The retention device of Example 1 further comprising the mesh element including plurality of slits or scores extending at least partially between a front and a back surface thereof.

Example 3

The retention device of any of Examples 1-2 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being coupled together in the closed position to secure the object between the back portion and the front portion.

Example 4

The retention device of any of Examples 1-3 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being foldably connected to one another.

Example 5

The retention device of any of Examples 1-4 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being a blank of a unitary piece of material.

Example 6

The retention device of any of Examples 1-5 further comprising the blank including a corrugated cardboard material.

Example 7

The retention device of any of Examples 1-6 further comprising the retention device not including plastic material.

Example 8

The retention device of any of Examples 1-7 further comprising the back including a second frame forming a second cut out.

Example 9

The retention device of any of Examples 1-8 further comprising a second mesh element positioned across the second cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the second frame of the back portion for conforming to the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion.

Example 10

The retention device of any of Examples 1-9 further comprising a plurality of flaps foldably connected to at least one of the front portion and the back portion.

Example 11

The retention device of any of Examples 1-10 further comprising the plurality of flaps frictionally securing the retention device having the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion in an outer packaging.

Example 12

The retention device of any of Examples 1-11 further comprising a support backing secured to the back portion of the retention device for adding structural support to the back portion.

Example 13

According to one example, a retention device includes a front portion positionable between a closed position and an open position. The front portion includes a frame forming a cut out, a back portion including an opening for receiving a portion of an object positioned between the back portion and the front portion, and a mesh element positioned across the cut out and adhered to at least a portion of the frame of the front portion for conforming to the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion. In the closed position, the front portion is positioned adjacent to the back portion for securing the object between the back portion and the front portion. In the open position, the front portion is positioned away from the back portion.

Example 14

The retention device of Example 13 further comprising the mesh element including plurality of slits or scores extending at least partially between a front and a back surface thereof.

Example 15

The retention device of any of Examples 13-14 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being coupled together in the closed position to secure the object between the back portion and the front portion.

Example 16

The retention device of any of Examples 13-15 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being foldably connected to one another.

Example 17

The retention device of any of Examples 13-16 further comprising the back portion and the front portion being a blank of a unitary piece of material.

Example 18

The retention device of any of Examples 13-17 further comprising the blank including a corrugated cardboard material.

Example 19

The retention device of any of Examples 13-18 further comprising the retention device not including plastic material.

Example 20

The retention device of any of Examples 11-19 further comprising a plurality of flaps foldably connected to at least one of the front portion and the back portion.

The materials, dimensions, and positions of the shape retention device as shown in the figures is merely exemplary and a variety of shapes, dimensions, and position are envisioned within the scope of this disclosure for frictionally securing the retention device having the object positioned between the back portion and the front portion in an outer packaging.

The subject matter of embodiments of this patent is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the disclosure have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.