US20040118906A1

US20040118906A1 - Packaging member

Info

Publication number: US20040118906A1
Application number: US10/323,224
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Gustin
Original assignee: ARMORBOARD PACKAGING Inc
Current assignee: ARMORBOARD PACKAGING Inc
Priority date: 2002-12-18
Filing date: 2002-12-18
Publication date: 2004-06-24

Abstract

A packaging member forming an enclosed region for securing an article therein includes a first and a second preformed rigid member. The first and the second member have two legs forming an L-shaped cross section along their length. A flexible layer hingedly connects one leg of the first member to one leg of the second member. Rotating the first member with respect to the second member about an axis along the flexible layer until the other leg of the first member contacts the other leg of the second member forms the enclosed region.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging members, and more particularly to hingedly connected laminated paperboard packaging members for enclosing a product.

Elongated products, especially those having small cross sectional areas typically require special packaging containers for protection from damage while the products are transported. Tubular containers are well known for this purpose. However, tubular containers are expensive to manufacture and require the product be directed into one end of the container which is cumbersome and further requires the “packaging area” for the product to be at least twice the length of the product.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,374 is directed to a packing container utilizing opposed U-shaped members, one being a base unit and the other being a cover unit. The packaging container is formed by placing the cover unit on the base unit such that the side walls of the base unit are within the side walls of the cover unit, to form a rectangular packaging container. While this packaging construction no longer requires the packaging area to be at least twice the length of the product, since the product may be placed within the base unit from above, it is expensive to manufacture because the U-shaped members are expensive to manufacture. In addition, this particular construction requires the manufacture of two different sizes of U-shaped members and wastes packaging material since the packaging container has double side walls which are typically not required for the packaging container. Further, the extra packaging material on the sidewalls adds weight to the packaging container, thereby increasing shipping costs.

Thus, there is a need in the art for a packaging member which may be used to protect elongated products that can easily receive the product therein, is inexpensive to manufacture, and minimizes packaging material while maintaining structural rigidity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a packaging member including a first and a second preformed rigid member having a preselected length. The first and the second member each have two legs forming a substantially L-shaped cross section along the length of the member. A flexible layer hingedly connects one leg of the first member to one leg of the second member. An enclosed region in the packaging member is then formed by rotating the first member with respect to the second member about an axis along the flexible layer until the other leg of the first member contacts the other leg of the second member.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a packaging member for securing an article which includes a preformed member having a preselected length. The member further includes a web having opposed ends and a leg extending from each opposed end, the web and legs collectively defining a substantially U-shaped cross section along the length of the member. The web has at least one score formed substantially along the preselected length of the member and the score is configured to operate as a hinged connection forming two adjacent web portions when the legs are directed toward each other until the legs contact one another to define an enclosed region.

In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a packaging member for securing an article. The preformed packaging member has a preselected length, including a web having opposed ends, a leg extending from each opposed end. The web and legs collectively define a substantially U-shaped cross section along the length of the packaging member. A second member is hingedly connected to one of the legs of the preformed member, and the second member is configured to be rotatable in a direction toward the other leg of the preformed member until the second member contacts the other leg to define an enclosed region for an article of the preformed member member.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a packaging member for securing an article. The packaging member for securing an article includes a preformed member having a preselected length, the member having a first and a second leg forming a substantially L-shaped cross section across the length of the member. The first leg has two substantially parallel scores formed substantially along the preselected length of the member, each score being configured to operate as a hinged connection. The two scores forming three adjacent leg portions in the first leg when the respective ends of the first leg and the second leg are directed toward each other and into contact with one another to define an enclosed region for securing an article therein.

One advantage of the present invention is that the packaging member has no overlapping walls, thereby eliminating the weight and expense due to excess material.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the packaging member is inexpensive to manufacture due to use of standard angle pieces which are commonly employed in the industry.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging member of the present invention. [0012]
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the packaging member of the present invention taken along line [0013] 2-2 from FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an end view of the packaging member of the present invention in an unassembled position. [0014]
FIG. 4 is an end view of a further embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention in an unassembled position. [0015]
FIG. 5 is an exploded end view of a still further embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention in an unassembled position. [0016]
FIG. 6 is an end view of another embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0017]
FIG. 7 is an end view of still another embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0018]
FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial end view of a corner from an embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 9 is an end view of an embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0020]
FIG. 9A is an end view of a further embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0021]
FIG. 10 is an exploded end view of a still further embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0022]
FIGS. [0023] 11-13 are additional embodiments of the packaging member of the present invention.
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention is directed to a [0025] packaging member 10 for protecting an article (not shown) that is placed inside packaging member 10 prior to transporting the article. Packaging member 10 includes an opposed pair of rigid members 12, 14, commonly referred to as corner posts or angles. Angles 12, 14 each have a pair of respective legs 16, 18 and 20, 22. Each pair of legs 16, 18 and 20, 22 are substantially perpendicular to one another and have an L-shaped cross section along their length, the legs 16, 18 and 20, 22 collectively define the structural sides of packaging member 10 when assembled. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, angle 12 has an inner surface 30, outer surface 32 and legs 16, 18. Angle 14 has an inner surface 34, outer surface 36 and legs 20, 22. A hinge 24 is secured to the outer surface 36 of angle 14 substantially adjacent to end 42 of leg 20 and is secured to outer surface 32 of angle 12 substantially adjacent to end 38 of leg 16. Ends 38 and 42 of legs 16 and 20 are separated by a gap 46 prior to assembly of the packaging member 10. To assemble packaging member 10, angle 12 is rotated with respect to angle 14 about an axis 48 along hinge 24, preferably defined by the intersection of outer surface 36 and end 42 of leg 20 as will be discussed in additional detail below. This rotation of angle 12 brings end 38 into contact with the inner surface 34 of angle 14 substantially adjacent to end 42 of leg 20, forming a corner 52 and also brings inner surface 30 adjacent end 40 of leg 18 into contact with end 44 of leg 22, forming a corner 54 that is opposite to corner 52. Alternately, angle 14 can be rotated with respect to angle 12 to assemble packaging member 10. At this point, inner surfaces 30, 34 of respective angles 12, 14 define a rectangular enclosed region 28 for protecting an article placed therein. The article is preferably placed on an angle 12, 14 prior to rotating the other angle 14, 12. To maintain the position of angles 12, 14 once an angle 12, 14 has been rotated, flap 26 which is separately secured to outer surface 32 of angle 12 adjacent to end 40 of leg 18 is rotated about an axis 50 preferably located at the junction of outer surface 32 of angle 12 and end 40 of leg 18 until flap 26 contacts outer surface 36 of angle 14 adjacent to end 44 of leg 22. A bonding means 56 is provided along flap 26 to secure flap 26 to outer surface 36 of angle 14 substantially adjacent to end 44 of leg 22, thereby providing an efficient, stable packaging member 10 for transporting articles therein. Optionally, in addition to or in place of flap 26, tape, straps, or other securing materials may also be employed to secure packaging member 10 in its closed or assembled condition. Although not shown, the opposed open ends of packaging member 10 may be sealed or plugged by blocks, such as wood, or any available material suitable for this purpose.
Further referring to FIGS. [0026] 1-3, angles 12, 14 are now discussed. Angles 12, 14 are preferably formed by bonding layers (not shown) of paperboard together that have a preselected width and length corresponding to the desired width (horizontal distance) and height (vertical distance) of the legs of the angle and length (depth) of the angle. A bend, preferably of ninety degrees is then placed in the bonded layers or paperboard to produce angles 12, 14 having substantially L-shaped cross sections. The composition of the angle 12, 14 may include any material that may be formed into a substantially rigid L-shaped cross section. Preferably legs 16, 22 and legs 18, 20 of respective angles 12, 14 are of substantially the same span (width or height), thereby forming a rectangle when the packaging member 10 is assembled. The rectangular shape of packaging member 10 provides a stable structure amenable to efficient stacking. In addition to the stable shape, if the corresponding leg spans of angles 12, 14 are substantially equal, a single angle piece or component can be manufactured and then used for either angle 12 or 14. However, to accommodate the shape of an article, it may prove advantageous to form legs 16 and 22, as well as legs 18 and 20 of different spans, so long as one angle 12, 14 can rotate to the other angle 14, 12 to assemble the packaging member 10 similar to that shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the thicknesses of angles 12, 14 range from about 0.060 inches to about 0.500 inches, and the preferred rectangular constructions include 2 inches wide by 2 inches high, or 2″×2″, as well as 3″×3″, 4″×4″, 1″×3″, 2″×4″ and 3″×5″. However, other thicknesses and constructions may be employed which may be significantly larger or smaller than the preferred size ranges, such limitations being imposed by the capabilities of the particular machine utilized to form the angles. While the angles are shown having flat or “squared” ends, it is understood that any shape which permits the angles to be brought into a closed contact to form the packaging member of the present invention, including tapered or even curved ends, may be used herein.
[0027] Hinge 24 shall now be discussed. Hinge 24, which hingedly connects angle 12 to angle 14, is preferably constructed of a flexible layer, such as paper, tape, cloth or any flexible material that may be secured to the outer surface of an angle. Hinge 24 may be secured to the outer surface of an angle by employing adhesives, tape, bands, rivets, Velcro®, staples, nails, brads, nuts and bolts, application of heat and/or pressure or any other means suitable to preferably attach a flexible material layer to the outer surface of the angle, although it is also possible to attach the flexible layer to the inner surface of the angle. Preferably, hinge 24 includes a narrow strip of flexible material, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein one end of hinge 24 is secured along outer surface 36 of angle 14 adjacent to end 42 of leg 20 and the other end of angle 24 is secured along outer surface 32 of angle 12 adjacent to end 38 of leg 16. However, if desired, for reasons possibly including manufacturing convenience, the flexible material layer defining hinge 24 may be secured to any additional portion of angle 14, up to and including the entire span of outer surface 36 of angle 14 as shown in FIG. 4. In this construction, the flexible layer defining flap 26 is similarly secured to angle 12 up to and including the entire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12. Angle 12 can be rotated with respect to angle 14 prior to securing flap 26 to angle 14 to produce the packaging member 10, or angle 14 can be rotated with respect to angle 12 to achieve the same result. Although not shown, a single flexible member defining both hinge 24 and flap 26 may be secured to the entire span of outer surface 36 of angle 14 and to the entire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12, if desired. Alternately, referring to FIG. 5, a closing member 58, which combines the features of hinge 24 and flap 26 in a single span of flexible material, is secured along the entire span of outer surface 32 of angle 12, the portion of closing member 58 extending past end 40 in a direction away from angle 12 performing the function of flap 26, and the portion of closing member 58 extending past end 38 in a direction away from angle 12 performing the function of hinge 24. In other words, hinge 24 may extend in secured contact with any proportion of the outer surfaces of the angles so long as there is sufficient flexible material to permit operation as a hinge.
[0028] Flap 26, similar to hinge 24, is constructed of a flexible layer that is preferably connected to the outer surface 32 of leg 18 of angle 12 or to outside surface 36 of leg 22 of angle 14. Upon assembly of packaging member 10, wherein angle 12 and angle 14 are rotated toward each other about an axis along hinge 24 as will be discussed in further detail below, leg 18 adjacent to end 40 of angle 12 is then brought into contact with leg 22 adjacent to end 44 of angle 14. Preferably, a portion of flap 26 is secured to the outer surface of one of the legs, such as surface 32 of leg 18, so that the remaining portion of flap 26 is loose, extending past the end 40 of leg 18. The loose portion of flap 26 that extends past the end 40 of leg 18 is then attached of the outer surface 36 of leg 22 of angle 14 that is adjacent to end 44 by bonding means 56 to secure packaging member 10 in its closed or assembled position. Optionally, in addition to or in place of flap 26, tape, straps, or other securing materials or methods previously discussed may also be employed.
Referring back to FIGS. [0029] 1-3, the rotation of angle 12 with respect to angle 14 shall be further discussed. Preferably, angle 12 is rotated about axis 48 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, axis 48 being illustrated in FIG. 3 as a point, since axis 48 extends along the length of angle 14, which is not shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment of the packaging member 10, as illustrated by FIG. 3, a plane defined by outer surface 36 of leg 20 of angle 14 is coincident with a plane defined by outer surface 32 of leg 16 of angle 12. In this position, end 42 is preferably parallel to end 38 and separated from end 38 by gap 46 along hinge 24. Preferably, to avoid structurally damaging hinge 24 due to excessive tensile loading, during or subsequent to assembly of packaging member 10, gap 46 is at least equal in width to the thickness of leg 20. Further, along gap 46 during the rotation of angle 12, hinge 24 remains substantially straight and the flexible material of hinge 24 overlying gap 46 also remains substantially coincident with the plane defined by outer surface 32 of leg 16 of angle 12. Therefore, as angle 12 is rotated about axis 48 in a direction toward angle 14, edge 60, which is defined by the intersection of outer surface 32 and end 38 of leg 16 of angle 12, traces the path of an arc having a radius substantially equal to gap 46. Edge 60 continues to trace this arc as angle 12 is further rotated about axis 48 until edge 60 is substantially coincident with edge 62, which is defined by the intersection of inner surface 34 and end 42 of leg 20 on angle 14. In this position, end 38 rests upon inner surface 34 adjacent to end 42. FIG. 2 illustrates the locations of the elements in this embodiment after the rotation of angle 12 is completed which defines corner 52 as previously discussed. Alternately, angle 14 can be rotated about axis 48 with respect to angle 12 to achieve identical results.
Alternately, referring to FIGS. 3 and 8, a [0030] rotation axis 64 may be employed to rotate angle 12 as discussed above. Axis 64 is defined by the intersection of outer surface 32 and end 38 of leg 16 on angle 12 and is illustrated as a point in FIGS. 3 and 8, for the same reasons as previously discussed for axis 48. In this embodiment, as angle 12 is rotated about axis 48, an edge 66, which is defined by the intersection of inner surface 30 and end 38 of leg 16, traces an arc having a radius substantially equal to the thickness of angle 12. An inner surface 23 of hinge 24 remains substantially coincident with outer surface 36 of leg 20 as angle 12 is rotated. Edge 66 continues to trace this arc as angle 12 is further rotated about axis 64 until edge 66 is substantially coincident with an edge 68, which is defined by the intersection of outer surface 36 and end 42 of leg 20 on angle 14. In this position, end 38 rests upon the portion of inner surface 23 of hinge 24 defined by gap 46 (FIG. 3) that is substantially coincident with outer surface 36 of leg 20. End 42 abuts inner surface 30 of angle 12 adjacent end 42 of leg 16. FIG. 8 provides an enlarged view illustrating the locations of the elements of this embodiment after the rotation of angle 12 is completed thereby defining corner 70, which is similar to corner 52, discussed in detail above. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment wherein corresponding legs 18, 20 and 16, 22 of angles 12, 14 have a substantially equal span. One difference between FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 is the relative positioning of ends 38, 40 of angle 12 with respect to ends 42, 44 of angle 14. In FIG. 2, end 40 is positioned above and abuts end 44 and end 42 horizontally abuts the end portion of leg 20 adjacent end 42. In FIG. 9, end 40 horizontally abuts leg 22 adjacent end 44 and end 42 horizontally abuts the end portion of leg 16 adjacent end 38. Although the FIG. 9 embodiment is equally workable as the embodiment in FIG. 2, the FIG. 9 embodiment may be less desirable than the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 in that the embodiment in FIG. 9 can have a reduced ability to support external vertical loading especially if the external vertical load is concentrated on leg 18 adjacent to end 40. For this loading condition, structural support is provided primarily by hinge 26, as opposed to the supporting arrangement in FIG. 2, in which leg 22 is directly beneath end 40 and provides additional vertical structural support. If additional vertical support is required while maintaining corner 70, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A may be more effectively employed. In FIG. 9A, leg 16 of angle 12 is longer than leg 22 of angle 14 by the thickness of leg 20 of angle 14. Similarly, leg 18 of angle 12 is longer than leg 20 of angle 14 by the thickness of leg 22 of angle 14. While this embodiment provides additional vertical support for reacting to vertical loads applied to leg 18, the span of the legs of angles 12 and 14 are now different, which requires the manufacturing of different angles.
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the packaging member of the present invention. [0031] Packaging member 100 includes a substantially U-shaped member 102 having a base 104 with legs 106, 108 preferably extending upwardly parallel from opposed ends of base 104. Legs 106, 108 have respective ends 114, 116 for supporting a substantially flat or planar member 120 having opposed ends 122, 124. U-shaped member 102 and flat member 120 have an outer surface 112 and an inner surface 110 which defines an enclosed region 126 for securing the article therein. Hinge 118 is preferably secured to the outer surface 112 of U-shaped member 102 adjacent to end 116 of leg 108 and to the outer surface 112 of flat member 120 adjacent to end 122 for hingedly connecting flat member 120 to leg 108 of U-shaped member 102. Hinge 118 is otherwise similar to hinge 24 as previously discussed. Hinge 118 can also be secured to the inner surface 112. After the article is placed within U-shaped member 102, flat member 120 is rotated with respect to U-shaped member 102 about an axis along hinge 118 until ends 122, 124 of flat member 120 are supported by respective ends 114, 116 of legs 106, 108. Although a flap similar to that employed in FIG. 2 should not be necessary to secure flat member 120 in the closed or assembled position, a bonding means 128, as previously discussed, may optionally be employed.
In another emodiment as shown in FIG. 7, a [0032] score 130, such as a V-shaped notch, may be formed in flat member 120 adjacent to end 124 so that an applied force (not shown) substantially perpendicular to outer surface 112 at end 124 can form a portion 132 that extends substantially perpendicularly to the plane defined by outer surface 112 of flat member 120. Portion 132 has an outer surface 112 and an extension surface 134. With flat member 120 in its closed position and supported by U-shaped member 102, extension surface 134 of portion 132 preferably abuts the outer surface 112 of the U-shaped member 102 adjacent to end 128 of leg 106 to further secure flat member 120 in place. To even further secure flat member 120, bonding means 128, similar to those employed to secure hinge 24, can also be used. Similarly achieving the collective shape defined by flat member 120 and portion 132, an angle may be formed with a leg having the desired span of portion 132. Referring to FIG. 10, flat member 120 may have opposed notches 136 formed adjacent ends 122, 124 defining opposed surfaces 138 for abutting legs 106, 108 adjacent respective ends 114, 116 along inner surface 110 for forming a more secure connection with legs 106, 108 of flat member 120.
Referring to FIGS. [0033] 11-13, it is apparent that forming a score 152, such as a V-shaped notch, along an inside surface of a web 159 having opposed ends extending into legs 156, 158 of U-channel 150 in a manner similar to that described in FIG. 7 for folding portion 132, may produce hinged angles of the present invention. In other words, an embodiment of the present invention may be achieved by folding along an axis defined by score 152, in effect a hinged connection, so that the enclosed region of the resulting packaging member is defined by legs 156, 158, with adjacent segments of web 159 effectively forming the other two legs of the packaging member. Similarly, another embodiment of the present invention may be achieved by forming a cut 164, or back score, in an outside surface 155 of web 159 having opposed ends extending into legs 156, 158 of U-channel 150. Alternately, a combination of groove 162 and cut 164 may be employed to achieve the desired hinging effect, possibly depending upon the material composition and thickness of the U-channel being manipulated. Although not shown, optional flap members similar to flap 26 previously discussed may be used to secure the packaging member in its closed or assembled position, although tape, straps, or other securing materials or methods previously discussed may also be employed. While it is contemplated that multiple grooves/cuts may be formed in an angle member to achieve the present invention, or even forming three grooves/cuts in a flat member that define respective axes for folding the flat member to form the rectangular packing member that is the present invention, a degree of structural stiffness inherent with an embodiment employing a single groove/cut in a U-channel is forfeited. It is also contemplated that a single groove/cut may be formed in a surface of an angle member, or an aligned pair of grooves/cuts may be formed on opposed surfaces of an angle member to achieve a packaging member that defines a triangle.
One skilled in the art can appreciate that in addition to variations of shape and material composition, hinges and flaps may be located anywhere along the thickness of the angles. In other words, a flexible layer may be secured along the inner surface of the angles and may be formed anywhere between the inner and outer surfaces, including being formed from the same material being used to construct the angles themselves. In other words, the hinge may extend from any position or portion of one end of an angle to any position or portion of the corresponding angle, not being limited to the outer surfaces of respective angle members. Additionally, it is apparent that inclusion of the flap is optional, especially if adhesive, tape, straps or other means of securing the angles in affixed position are employed. [0034]
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. [0035]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A packaging member for securing an article comprising:

a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member each comprising a first leg and a second leg disposed substantially perpendicular to the first leg;

means for connecting the first leg of the first member to the first leg of the second member, the means for connecting being configured to permit the rotation of one member with respect to the other member about an axis of rotation until the second leg of the one member contacts the second leg of the other member to define an enclosed region for an article.

2. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the axis of rotation is substantially parallel to ends of the first legs of the first member and the second member.

3. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting comprises a flexible member attached to outer surfaces and inner surfaces of the first legs of the first member and the second member.

4. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting comprises a flexible member attached to the first legs of the first member and the second member, the flexible member being disposed between inner surfaces of the first legs of the first member and the second member and outer surfaces of the first legs of the first member and the second member.

5. The packaging member of claim 3 wherein the flexible member is composed of paperboard.

6. The packaging member of claim 3 wherein the flexible member is composed of tape.

7. The packaging member of claim 3 wherein the flexible member is composed of cloth.

8. The packaging member of claim 1 further comprising a flap attached to the second leg of the first member, the flap being configured to be attached to the second leg of the second member.

9. The packaging member of claim 8 wherein the flap is composed of paperboard.

10. The packaging member of claim 8 wherein the flap is composed of tape.

11. The packaging member of claim 8 wherein the flap is composed of cloth.

12. The packaging member of claim 8 wherein the means for connecting and the flap comprise a single flexible layer.

13. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein:

the first leg of the first member and the second leg of the first member have a first predetermined length, and

the first leg of the second member and the second leg of the second member have a second predetermined length.

14. The packaging member of claim 13 wherein the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are substantially equal.

15. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the enclosed region defines a substantially rectangular shape.

16. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the first member and the second member have a thickness from about 0.060 inches to about 0.500 inches.

17. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the first member and the second member are configured to define the enclosed region of about 2 inches by 2 inches to about 4 inches by 4 inches.

18. The packaging member of claim 1 wherein the first member and the second member are configured to define the enclosed region of about 2 inches by 2 inches to about 3 inches by 5 inches.

19. A packaging member for securing an article comprising a preformed member having a preselected length, the member comprising a web having opposed ends and a leg extending from each opposed end, the web and legs collectively defining a substantially U-shaped cross section along the length of the member; and, wherein the web has at least one score formed substantially along the preselected length of the member, the score being configured to operate as a hinged connection forming two adjacent web portions when the legs are directed toward each other until the legs contact one another to define an enclosed region.

20. The packaging member of claim 19 wherein the preformed member is composed of laminated paperboard.

21. The packaging member of claim 19 wherein the at least one score is formed in at least one of an outer surface of the member and inner surface of the member.

22. A packaging member for securing an article comprising:

a preformed member having a preselected length, the preformed member including a web having opposed ends, a leg extending from each opposed end, the web and legs collectively defining a substantially U-shaped cross section along the length; and

a second member hingedly connected to one of the legs of the preformed member, the second member being configured to be rotatable in a direction toward the other leg of the preformed member until the second member contacts the other leg to define an enclosed region for an article.

23. The packaging member of claim 22 wherein the preformed member is composed of laminated paperboard.

24. The packaging member of claim 22 wherein the second member comprises at least one score, the at least one score being configured to separate the second member into a first portion and a second portion and provide a second hinged connection to permit the first portion to be moved to a position substantially perpendicular to the second portion, such that when the second member is rotatably directed into contact with the legs, the first portion further secures the second member to the legs of the preformed member.

25. The packaging member of claim 24 wherein the at least one score may be formed in at least one of an outer surface of the second member and inner surface of the second member.

26. The packaging member of claim 22 further comprising a first notch formed along an end of the second member adjacent the hinged connection for contacting one of the legs and a second notch formed along an opposed end of the second member for contacting the other leg, the first notch and the second notch further securing the second member to the legs of the preformed member.

27. A packaging member for securing an article comprising:

a preformed member having a preselected length, the member having a first leg and a second leg forming a substantially L-shaped cross section across the length of the member; the first leg having two substantially parallel scores formed substantially along the preselected length of the member, each score configured to operate as a hinged connection, the two scores forming three adjacent leg portions in the first leg when the respective ends of the first leg and the second leg are directed toward each other and into contact with one another to define an enclosed region for securing an article therein.

28. The packaging member of claim 27 wherein the preformed member is composed of laminated paperboard.

29. The packaging member of claim 27 wherein each of the two scores may be formed in at least one of an outer surface of the first member and inner surface of the first member.