Shaped loose-fill packaging particle and method for making the same

摘要

A shaped particle for use as a loose fill material to surround and cushion an article packaged within a container includes a strip of stiff yet flexible material having a several convoluted regions for absorbing impact energy. The convoluted regions are adapted to compress together to absorb mechanical energy in response to a mechanical force such as would be encountered during an impact and act as resilient springs or bumpers to protect the article. The shaped particle has characteristics that prevents nesting and facilitates interlocking to prevent migration. The invention also provides a method for making embodiments of shaped particles according to the invention.