US3918583A

US3918583A - Packaging unit for three dimensional articles and packaging blank for forming the same

Info

Publication number: US3918583A
Application number: US355564A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph H Adams
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-04-30
Filing date: 1973-04-30
Publication date: 1975-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-11

Abstract

A packaging unit for holding and displaying at least one three dimensional article is formed from a single flat packaging blank of cardboard, plastic or other foldable or deformable material which when folded upon itself defines a packaging space or spaces for enclosing the three dimensional articles, said packaging blank having a top closure and a bottom closure to define the height or vertical dimension for confining the article or articles in the packaging space, side panels to define between the inner facing edges thereof the width or horizonal dimension for confining the article or articles in the packaging space, and a front panel and back panel to define the depth or the thickness for confining the article or articles to be displayed, the packaging space being formed when the front and back panels are indexed into engagement with each other by foreshorting at least one of the panels and then sealing the front panel and back panel together either or both of the front and back panels can be provided with apertures or windows for displaying the packaged article. The apertures or windows may also serve to aid in confining the article in the packaging space.

Description

United States Patent [191 Adams Nov. 11, 1975 PACKAGING UNIT FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL ARTICLES AND PACKAGING BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME [76] Inventor: Joseph H. Adams, 648 Valley Road, Brielle, NJ. 08730 [22] Filed: Apr. 30, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 355,564

Primary Examiner-William Price Assistant ExaminerDouglas B. Farrow Attorney, Agent, or FirmDaniel H. Bobis [57] ABSTRACT A packaging unit for holding and displaying at least one three dimensional article: is formed from a single flat packaging blank of cardboard, plastic or other foldable or deformable material which when folded upon itself defines a packaging space or spaces for enclosing the three dimensional articles, said packaging blank having a top closure and a bottom closure to define the height or vertical dimension for confining the article or articles in the packaging space, side panels to define between the inner facing edges thereof the width or horizonal dimension for confining the article or articles in the packaging space. and a front panel and back panel to define the depth or the thickness for confining the article or articles to be displayed, the packaging space being formed when the front and back panels are indexed into engagement with each other by foreshorting at least one of the panels and then sealing the front panel and back panel together either or both of the front and back panels can be provided with apertures or windows for displaying the packaged article. The apertures or windows may also serve to aid in confining the article in the packaging space.

9 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of5 3,918,583

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 FIG.3

FIG.

US. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet2of5 3,918,583

FlG.9

FIG.8

US. Patent Nov.11,1975 Sheet3of5 3,918,583

U.S. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 5 of5 3,918,583

PACKAGING UNIT FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL ARTICLES AND PACKAGING BLANK FOR FORMING THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to upright packaging units for visually displaying an article and more particularly to the packaging of the three dimensional articles from a single flat printing blank of cardboard, plastic or other foldable or deformable material so as to lock or confine the three dimensional article in a package unit which can be presented when assembled either as an upright counter type display unit or hung on a hook or other hanging elements and which in assembled position more advantageously displays the three dimensional aspect of the article.

It is well known to package three dimensional articles in an outer wrapper in order to protect such articles from the elements and to present the article in an attractive form. US. Pat. Nos. 3,185,295; 3,241,660 and 2,515,026 are representative forms of modern packaging.

In the packaging art, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on displaying as much of the packaged article as possible and of utilizing the outer surface of the packaging means for printed matter to aid in the marketing and merchandising of the articles so packaged. This is particularly the case when the article or the con tainer in which the article is held does not readily lend itself to the advantages of modern day graphic arts because of shape, materials from which the article or the container are made or for other reasons.

The modern day packaging of three dimensional articles while concentrating on the above factors must still be capable of protecting the article and preventing damage thereto in the ordinary course of commerce. As a result, packaging has been more or less complex and expensive because of the intricate'design of the packaging blank required and because of extra materials such as is utilized in the plastic encased packaging known in the prior art as blister packaging" or the film packaging as shown in said U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,295.

Where complex packaging blank designs utilize flanges or tabs it has been found that even under ordinary handling these packages have been known to separate and open causing the three dimensional article to escape therefrom and have become due to the ease of access to the article subject to theft, adulteration and contamination.

The present invention provides a packaging unit for packaging one or more three dimensional articles of commerce therein which can be readily formed from a single flat packaging blank having ample area thereon for receiving printed matter to aid in the marketing and merchandising of the packaged article. This packaging unit is characterized by the fact that it holds, locks or contains the three dimensional article in place notwithstanding the extensive area which can be provided for displaying the article or for providing printed information on the outside of the package.

The packaging unit in accordance with the present invention not only protects the product from hishandling, clearly displays the article in the assembled package unit, and provides a larger area for presenting printed or other information thereon but further, in its assembled form locks or contains the article in position so that it resists pilferage and will provide insurance to the ultimate consumer that the article'contained in the package is unused and uncontaminated because evidence of tampering with the package or the product will be immediately apparent.

The present invention also lends itself to semiautomatic packaging at relatively high speeds because the blank is formed along simple mathematical lines which permit the formation of the packaging space by foreshortening the front panel of the packaging blank so it can be indexed onto the rear panel of the packaging blank and when so assembled about an article or articles the packaging unit can lock the articles in assembled position by the simplest of sealing techniques for joining the front panel to the back panel. The foreshortening provides a geometric structure in cross section of spaced coacting side locking element and other confining surfaces which are developed from longitudinally disposed means such as slits or apertures and transverse fold or score lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, the present invention covers a packaging unit for holding and displaying at least one three dimensional article formed from a single flat packaging blank, the article being held within the packaging blank in a packaging space whose depth or thickness parameter is defined by the front panel and back panel of the packaging blank, whose height or vertical parameter is defined by a top closure and a bottom closure and whose width or horizontal parameter is defined by the space between locking side panels which are'formed when the front panel is indexed onto the back panel by foreshortening the same and then joining the panels together when they are in the indexed position.

Additionally, the present invention covers a packaging blank for packaging at least one three dimensional articles wherein the packaging blank has a bottom closure formed at an intermediate point by spaced medially disposed fold or score lines transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging, blank, a front panel and a back panel connected on opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable for engagement with each other, and at least one longitudinal means to provide a pair of spaced side edges are: formed in the packaging blank to coact with suitable transverse score lines par allel to the medially disposed fold or score lines for forming a top closure for confining the article in the packaging space and locking panels having side edges between which the article is held when the front panel is affixed to the back panel of the packaging blank.

- dexed onto the rear panel and affixed thereto.

placed inan upright position to better display the packaged articles on counters and shelves, and for single or mutliple level displays when hung on racks. The assembled packaging units also provide proof positive due to the signs of torn or ripped sections of the package where theft occurs or where attemps are made to aduterate, remove or contaminate the packaged articles.

The parameters of the vertical, horizontal and depth dimension of the three dimensional articles are defined by simple geometric relationships which may be hand cut and scored and can be struck into the packaging blank by conventional steel ruled dies, or made by various other methods. Because of this feature, the sizes and shapes of the packaging blanks can be readily changed as to length and position of the cuts and score lines for achieving these parameters. Accordingly, the present packaging is adapted to receive any shape or size of three dimensional article of commerce by simple adjustment of the geometry of the cuts, score lines, and perforations as may be required.

These and other features of the invention will be best understood and appreciated from the following description of the several embodiments of the invention selected for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Hg. 1 is an extended view of a packaging blank from which one form of packaging unit is formed.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section taken variously at lines 22 on FIG. 1 of the drawings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging unit formed from the packaging blank shown in FIG. 1 being formed into assembled position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled packaging unit of FIG. 3 with an article in assembled position.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a back view ofthe packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an extended view of another form of packaging blank for forming another type of packaging unit in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the packaging blank shown in FIG. 10 during the intermediate step of assembly for forming the packaging space to receive the article to be packaged.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the packaging unit formed from the packaging blank shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the. packaging unit shown in FIG. 12.

Hg. 14 is a side elevational view of the packaging unit shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an extended plan view of still another form of packaging blank for forming another type of packaging unit in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the packaging unit shown in FIG. 15 showing the intermediate step of assembly with the front panel formed and being indexed for engagement with the back panel to form the packaging space for receiving the article to be packaged.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the packaging blank shown in FIG. 15 assembled into a packaging unit with a three dimensional article held therein.

FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of the assembled packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the packaging and article shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the packaging unit and article shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is an extended plan view of still another packaging blank for use with more than one three dimensional article.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the packaging blank shown in FIG. 21 with the front panel assembled and being indexed for engagement with the back panel.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the packaging blank shown in FIG. 21 formed into a packaging unit with a plurality of three dimensional articles therein.

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the packaging unit and articles shown in FIG. 23 showing a plurality of these packaging unit mounted on a single hook.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of a plurality of packaging units as shown in FIG. 23 mounted on a single hook.

SINGLE SIDE LOCKING TYPE PACKAGING UNIT Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 4 to 9 show the single side locking panel form of packaging unit in accordance with the present invention designated 1 having articles generally designated 2 mounted therein which is made from a single flat packaging blank generally designated 10 and shown in more detail in the extended plan view of FIG. 1 and in cross section at FIG. 2.

Packaging blank 10 will be made of relatively light cardboard or plastic or any other relatively flat thin sheeting which can be bent and deformed to provide the packaging unit or assembly for holding and displaying the three dimensional article or articles in accordance with the present invention.

Blank 10 as shown in FIG. 1 is an elonated rectangular member having a top edge 11, a bottom edge 12 and side edges 13 and 14. The top edge and bottom edge are generally parallel to each other and the side edges are also generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the respective top edge and bottom edge.

The length and width of packaging blank 10 will be a function of the size, volume and number of three dimensional articles to be packaged and there will be formed by the blank a confining packaging space generally designated 15 for the article or articles which will have a height or vertical dimension a depth or thickness dimension and a width or horizontal dimension correlated to corresponding dimensions of the respective article or articles and generally determined in the order indicated in defining the packaging blank for forming the packaging unit is shown in FIG. 3 and 4 to 9 of the drawings.

While the top edge and bottom edge are shown parallel and the respective side edges are shown parallel, it will be understood that the shape of these edges of the packaging blank can vary and this is not a related criteria to the formation of the packaging space 15 for the three dimensional article formed by the packaging blank.

Thos skilled in the art will also understand that packaging blank 10 and each of the other types of packaging blanks illustrated herein are formed by striking. the

blank with steel ruled dies which may slit, stamp lines of perforations or make fold or score lines in the packaging blank as may be required and as is more fully described hereinafter in respect of each of the forms of packaging blanks illustrated so that on bending or deformation of the packaging blank, the packaging space 15 having the proper dimensions to hold and to display the three dimensional article will be provided.

Machinery for utilizing such steel ruled dies and for stamping the packaging blanks to produce such slits, lines of perforations and fold or score lines are well known and accordingly is not more fully described herein. It will be understood that any other suitable methods for producing the slits, lines of perforations or score lines may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. The only requirement is that with whatever machinery or method is used the cuts, lines of perforations and fold or score lines must be disposed and applied so that on foreshortening of the packaging blank to form the packaging space, the portions of the front and/or back panel will bend or deform in the proper direction to produce the required packaging space forthe article or articles to be packaged.

The steps of sliting, formings lines or perforations or scoring the packaging blanks by steel ruled dies may be done on individual blanks or on large sheets of cardboard or plastic materials from which the individual packaging blanks are separated, and the application of the steel ruled dies can be done before or after the packaging blanks have been printed.

The packaging blank or any of the other packaging blanks illustrated herein are preferably heat and seal coated or treated after they are stamped and before they are printed so that these portions to be sealed to each other after the formation of the packaging space can be brought into engagement by simple heat sealing, by adhesive or other suitable sealing means.

Therefore, depending on the size of the article or articles to be packaged we find by reference to FIG. 1 that one design of steel cut die will provide at an intermediate point a pair of parallel score lines as at 16 and 17 transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 10.

Score lines

16 and 17 are disposed in predetermined spaced relationship to each other equivalent to the depth of the three dimensional article to be held when the packaging blank and the three dimensional articles are formed into a packaging unit and this portion of the packaging blank between

score lines

16 and 17 forms the bottom closure 18 for the packaging space 15.

The portion of the packaging blank between the score line 16 and the top edge 11 constitutes the front panel 20 of the packaging unit and the portion of the packaging blank between the score line 17 and the bottom edge 12 constitutes the back panel 21 of the packaging unit. The front panels and back panels respectively are connected on opposite sides of the bottom closure 18 all of which is shown in FIG. 1.

Front panel 20 is longer than back panel 21 by an amount equal to at least the predetermined spacing between the score lines 16 and 17 forming the bottom closure 18 of the packaging space 15. This additional length is needed to permit the formation of the packaging space by foreshortening the front panel when the packaging blank 10 is bent and portions of the front panel formed by the slits and lines of perforations cut therein and score lines thereon and deformed so as to index the front panel 20 onto the back panel 21.

Thus with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings, it will be noted that spaced slits 25 and 26 are cut through the front panel 20 intermediate the score line 16 and the top edge 11.

Slits

25 and 26 will have a pre determined length such that the uppermost end of the slits will be a distance from the score line 16 equal to the sum of the height or vertical dimension of the article or articles to be packaged plus the spaced distance between the score lines 16 and 17 which as noted above is equal to the depth of thickness of article 2.

This additional length allows for the formation of a top closure 27 which is established between the

slits

25 and 26 by a line of perforations 28 connecting the ends of the

slits

25 and 26 to each other and a pair of aligned score lines 29a and 2912, a spaced distance from the line of perforations 28 equal to the spaced distance be

tween score lines

16 and 17.

It is noted that the paired

score lines

29a and 29b are disposed on opposite sides of a window or aperture 30 which is formed in the front panel between the

slits

25 and 26. A similar window or aperture 31 is formed in the back panel 21 and will be brought into alignment with the window or aperture 30 when the front panel is indexed into engagement with the back panel to form the packaging space 15.

The windows or

apertures

30 and 31 serve to display the sides of the article held in the packaging space 15. By reason of locking shoulders as at 32a and 32b for

window

30 and 33a and 33b for window 31 which engage an annular rim or flange 34 on the articles being packaged the window or

apertures

30 and 31 will aid and abet the other elements formed by the packaging blank which hold the article or articles in the packaging unit, all of which is shownin FIGS. 4 and 9 of the drawmgs.

In order for the top closure 27 to coact with the bottom closure 18 to provide the height of vertical dimension of the packaging space 15 for confining the article or articles in the packaging unit, it is necessary to provide means to permit the front panel to deform or foreshorten itself when the packaging blank is bent along the score lines 16 and 17 so that the front panel 20 will index or align for engagement with the back panel 21, as is illustrated in FIG. 3 ofthe drawings.

The means for accomplishing this fortuitously acts to define the width or horizontal dimension of the packaging space 15 because it also forms the means for locking the article or articles packaged within the packaging space 15 from sidewise movement of sidewise removal from the packaging space once the packaging unit has been assembled.

Thus, with further reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 of the drawings, the lowermost end of

slits

25 and 26 are shown to extend to a point such that when the packaging space is formed the lowermost end of slits will lie in the approximate plane of the medial portion of the height or vertical dimension of the article or articles disposed to fit into the packaging space when the packaging unit is formed.

This point is easily determined from the length of the article and relatively short articles allow for a packaging unit with a single pair of spaced oppositely disposed side locking means of the type shown in the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings. Relatively long articles, narrow and relatively long articles and thin and relatively long articles require different locking designs some forms of which are hereinafter illustrated in the various forms of the invention described below.

The locking means is formed by a pair of aligned score lines as at 35a and 35b extending transversely of the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 10 outward and on opposite sides from the lower most ends of the

slits

25 and 26 and a corresponding pair of aligned

perforations

36a and 36b.

Aligned perforations

36a and 36b are spaced from the

score lines

35a and 35b a distance equal to the distance between the score lines 16 and 17 but on the side of the score lines 35a and 351; remote therefrom.

The score lines 35a and perforations 36a on one side of the slits and the score lines 35b and perforations 36b on the other side of the slits will form a pair of side locking panels as at 37 and 38 which are on opposite sides of the

slits

25 and 26 when the front panel 20 is foreshortened to form the packaging space 15.

FIG. 1 shows further that the slits and 26 are parallel to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 10 while the score lines and lines of perforations variously identified by

numbers

16, 17, 35a, 35b, 29a and 29b and 28 are not only transverse to the longitudinal line and to the

slits

25 and 26 but further are parallel to each other.

In assembling the packaging unit the significance of this becomes clear by reference to FIG. 3 which shows that by reason of the difference in length, the front panel 20 can be foreshortened to index and align the front panel 20 for engagement with the back panel 21.

This foreshotreneing of the front panel will form the

side locking panels

37 and 38 and top closure 27 and the effect of this foreshortening of the front panel to form these elements of the packaging unit is to provide the desired packaging space 15 wherein the vertical or height dimension is defined by the top closure 27 and the bottom closure 18, the horizontal or width dimension is defined by the portion of the

slits

25 and 26 which now become the

inner edges

37a and 38a of the

side locking panels

37 and 38 respectively and the depth of thickness dimension is defined by the portions of the front panel and the back panel adjacent to the top closure, the side locking panels and the bottom closure.

Foreshortening of the front panel 20 can be affected by bending the front panel about the respective score lines in the desired direction as can be seen in crosssection at FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of the drawings. The effect ofthis will be to form in the area ofthe packaging space above and below the

side panels

37 and 38 geometric configurations similar to parallelograms. All the parallelograms shown in crosssection at FIGS. 3, 4 and 6 of the drawings are substantially squares and have parallel sides and right angles therein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that this shape can be varied and changed and the angle of the locking

panels

37 and 38 changed by varying the position and the spacing between the

respective core lines

350 and 36a and 35b and 36b.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 9 of the drawings show that if the article or articles 2 to be packaged are placed in position as the packaging space is formed the annular rim 34 on articles 2 will engage the locking

shoulders

32a and 32b of the aperture or window and 33a and 33b ofthe aperture or window 31 so that not only will a portion of the article be visible through the open sides of the packaging unit but additionally the article will be visible and extend through the apertures or

windows

30 and 31 and will be locked by engagement with the locking shoulders formed therein.

The front panel and back panel can be heat sealed to each other by any conventional and well known heat sealing techniques such as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, they can be adhesively coated so that they will stick together when brought into assembled position.

When thus assembled the article or articles 2 will be held locked and confined in assembled position by the top closure 27 and bottom closure 18 by the

inner edges

37a and 38a of the

side locking panels

37 and 38 and by the associate portions of the front panel 20 and back panel 21 and by the locking shoulders of the apertures or

windows

30 and 31 as has been above described.

A small protective edge as at 39 at the top of aperture or

window

30 and 40 at the top of the aperture or window 31 is provided to protect and seal the upper end of the article or articles 2 when the packaged unit is formed. Openings as at 41 and 42 will be indexed onto each other when the front panel is sealed to the back panel means for hanging the packaging unit in addition to the fact that it can be used as an upright display by setting or placing the same on the bottom closure 18.

There has been thus described one form of packaging unit for three dimensional articles in accordance with the present invention which can be made from a single flat relatively thin packaging blank.

The lines of perforations as at 36a, 36b and 28 are utilized in place of score lines to facilitate opening the packaged unit when it is decided to use or remove the article from the packaged unit.

While lines of perforations are illustrated, it will be clear to those skilled in the art. that the lines of perforations can also be fold or score lines, particularly where the particular packaged item may require for security or other purposes.

Further. although the slits, lines of perforations and fold or score line have been described as applied to the front panel 20, they can also be applied to the back panel 21 as also will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The use of the front panel, however, is desirble because it enhances the three dimensional display appearance of the article.

DOUBLE SIDE LOCKING TYPE PACKAGING UNIT In FIGS. 10 to 14 of the drawings, another form of packaging unit is shown for use where it is necessary to package an elongated relatively thin article. This form of the invention differs from the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 in that the article lies within the top and bottom closure, the front and back panels and two spaced side locking means namely, an upper side locking means and a lower side locking means provided for confining the article from sidewise movement or sidewise removal thereof from the packaging unit.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show the packaging unit in accordance with this form of the invention generally designated 101 having the elongated relatively thin article 102 mounted therein which packaging unit is made from a single flat packaging blank generally designated and shown in detail in the extended plan view of FIG. 1 and in corss-section in the partial assembly view of FIG. 2.

Packaging blank 110 will also be made of relatively light cardboard or plastic sheeting or any other relatively flat, thin sheeting which can be bent and deformed to provide the packaging unit or assembly for holding and displaying the three dimensional article in accordance with this form of the invention.

The blank 110 is an elongated rectangular member having a top edge 111, a bottom edge 112 and

side edges

113 and 114.

As in the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 the length and width of the packaging blank 110 will be a function of the size or volume of the three dimensional article to be packaged. There will be formed by folding and deforming the packaging blank 10 a confining packaging space generally designated 115 for the article calculated in the order indicated to have a height or vertical dimension, a depth or thickness dimension and a width or horizontal dimension correlated to the corresponding dimension of the respective article to be packaged as is shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 of the drawings.

Packaging blank 110 is stamped with a steel cut die or other means having a design somewhat different from that above described for the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1 to 9 of the drawings. However, the basic concept of parallel longitudinal slits and transverse and parallel lines of perforations and score lines is still basically maintained to produce the elements which form the packaging space 115. It will be understood that the slits, lines of perforations and fold or score lines may be made by any other suitable machines, jigs or tools or even manually without departing from the scope of this invention.

Thus, in this form of the invention we find at an intermediate point on the longitudinal length of the packaging blank 110 a pair of parallel score lines as at 116 and 117 disposed transversely of the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 110.

Score lines

116 and 117 are disposed in predetermined spaced relationship to each other equivalent to the depth of the three dimensional article 102 to be held in the packaging space when the packaging blank and the three dimensional article are formed into a packaging unit as this portion of the packaging blank between the

score lines

116 and 117 forms the bottom clsoure 118 for the packaging space 115.

The portion of the packaging blank between the score lines 116 and the top edge 111 constitutes the front panel 120 of the packaging unit and the portion of the packaging blank between the score line 117 and the bottom edge 112 constitutes the back panel 121 of the packaging unit. The front panel and back panel respectively are connected on opposite sides of the bottom closure 118 of which is shown in FIG. 10 of the drawings.

Front panel 120 is longer than back panel 121 by an amount equal to the sum of the height or vertical dimension of article 102 and the predetermined spacing between the

score lines

116 and 117 forming the bottom closure 118 of the packing space 115. This additional length is needed to permit-the formation of the packaging space 115 by foreshortening the front panel 120 onto the back panel 121 and to form the elements ofthe packaging unit or assembly 101 from the slits and lines of perforations cut in front panel and the fold or score lines stamped therein now to be described.

Thus, referring to FIGS. 10 to 14 of the drawings, it is again noted that this form of the invention is directed to packaging an elongated and narrow article. Therefore, instead of the single side locking means as is shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings, this form of the invention has at least two spaced side locking means generally designated 122 and. 123.

This is accomplished by a pair of

upper slits

125 and 126 which are struck into the packaging blank parallel to each other and to the longitudinal line of the blank and spaced from the upper slits but in alignment respectively with

slits

125 and 126 are a pair of

lower slits

127 and 128 which are also parallel to each other and to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 110.

Upper slits

125 and 126 are spaced from each other and

lower slits

127 and 128 are spaced from each other, a distance substantially equal to the width of the article 102 to be packaged.

The uppermost end of the

upper slits

125 and 126 will be a distance from the score line 116 equal to the sum of the height or vertical dimension of the article 102 to be packaged plus the distance between the

score lines

116 and 117 forming the bottom closure which is equivalent to the depth of article 102.

The length of

upper slits

125 and 126 will be such that when the upper locking means 122 are formed as is hereinafter described they will bedisposed for engagement with the side edges of article 102at a point approximately in the upper one quarter. to upper one third of the article.

The formation of the upper locking means 122 in this form ofthe invention also permits the formation of the top closure 129 which coacts with the bottom closure 118 to define the height or vertical dimension of the article 102 confined in the packaged unit when it is in assembled form.

The top closure 129 is formed by a score line 130 which extends transversely to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 110 across the entire width thereof from side edge 113 to side edge 114. The score line 130 is spaced from the line of perforations 131 a distance equal to the spaced distance between the

socre lines

116 and 117.

The upper locking means is formed by a pair of score lines as at 132a and 132b which extend outwardly from the lowermost point of the slits 125 and.126 to their respective adjacent side edges 113 and 114 so that they form with associated portions 130a and 130!) of the score line 130 the

side locking panels

133 and 134 on opposite sides of the

slits

125 and 126, all of which is clearly shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 of the drawings.

The

lower slits

127 and 128 have their lowermost ends beginning at the score line 117 and will extend upwardly a length such that when the lower locking means 123 for article 102 is formed they will engage the side edges thereof at a point approximately in the lower one third or lower one quarter of the article such that it coacts with the upper locking means 122 above described to lock and confine article 102 in assembled position.

It will be noted that the

slits

127 and 128 cut through the score line 116. The portion thereof lying between the

slits

127 and 128 forms with the corresponding length of score line 117 the bottom closure 118.

The portions 116a and 11611 lying on the opposite sides of the

slits

127 and 128 remote from the portion of 116, lying between the lines, will form with a pair of score lines 1350 and 135k, connected to the uppermost end of the

slits

127 and 128 and extending outwardly therefrom to the respective adjacent side edges 113 and 114, the respective lower

side locking panels

136 and 137.

In order to assemble the packaging blank into a packaging unit with an article therein reference is had to FIG. 11 which shows that foreshortening of the front panel is accomplished by bending the front panel 120 in the proper direction about the line of perforations and score lines and deforming the front panel to provide the bottom closure 118, the lower

side locking panels

136 and 137, the upper

side locking panels

133 and 134 and top closure 130 which form the packaing space 115 into which the article 102 can be placed.

When the article has been placed in the packaging space, the front panel and back panel are indexed to each other by bending the same at the score line 117. The back panel and front panel can be connected as by heat sealing or other conventional techniques such as adhesive sealing or mechanical sealing so that the article 102 will be locked in the packaging space, in the height or vertical dimension by the top closure 129 and bottom closure 118, in the width or horizontal dimension'by the confining

edges

133a and 134a of the upper

side locking panels

133 and 134 and the confining

edges

136a and 137a of the lower

side locking panels

136 and 137 and in the depth or thickness dimension by the back panel 121 and front panel 120 as is clearly shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 of the drawings.

Front panel 120 has an aperture or window 138 cut therein which serves to display the article 102 after it is assembled into the packaging unit and an opening as at 139 is formed for hanging the packaging unit for display purposes.

Thus, a second form of packaging unit of relatively simple form made from a single length of relatively thin packaging blank has been illustrated for providing means to package an elongated relatively thin article. This packaging unit as in the form shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 can be utilized as an upright display on counters or shelves by placing the same on the bottom closure 118.

CORNER LCCKING TYPE PACKAGING UNIT In FIGS. 15 to 20 of the drawings, a still further form of packaging unit in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.

This form of the packaging unit is similar to that of the form of the invention described above and shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 of the drawings in that it includes multiple locking means in spaced relation which prevent sidewise movement or sidewise removal of the article from the packaged unit.

However, the form of the invention shown at FIGS. 15 to differs from that shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 in that the locking means engage the ends of the uppermost and lowermost portion of the article and the side edges adjacentthereto and permit substantially all of the article to be clearly displayed and exposed for examination, after the packaging unit has been assembled.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 17 a packaging unit generally designated 201 in accordance with this form of the invention is shown in assembled form with an article 202 mounted therein.

The packaging unit 201 is formed from a single flat relatively thin packaging blank 210 which is shown in detail in FIG. 15 of the drawings.

Packaging blank 210 as in the earlier forms of the invention above described will be bent and deformed to provide the packaging unit or assembly for holding and displaying the three dimensional article and will have a length and width which will be a function ofthe size or volume of the three dimensional article to be packaged.

Thus, packaging blank 210 is shown as an elongated rectangular member having a top edge 211, a bottom edge 212 and

side edges

213 and 214. The packaging blank 210 when bent and deformed will define an upper locking assembly generally designated 215a and a lower locking assembly 2151) which will coact to define a space for confining article 202 therebetwcen. Thus, the upper locking assembly 215a and the lower locking assembly 215b will define between them, the height or 'verticle dimension, the width or horizontal dimension, and the depth or thickness dimension correlated to the corresponding dimensions of the article 202 as is shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 of the drawings.

It is thought clear that the steel cut die for cutting this form of packaging blank will have a different design for making the slits, lines of perforations and score lines on the packaging blank but that the basic concept of the coaction between a longitudinally disposed means and transverse parallel score lines to form the top closure and the side locking means is the same for this form of the invention as in the earlier forms of the invention above described.

Thus, with further reference to FIG. 1, we again find at a point intermediate the length of the packaging blank 210 a pair of parallel score lines as at 216 and 217. The score lines 216 and 217 are disposed in predetermined spaced relation to each other equivalent to the depth of the article 202 and this portion of the packaging blank between

score lines

216 and 217 forms the bottom closure 218 for a packaging space between the upper locking assembly 215a and the lower locking assembly 2l5b.

The portion of the packaging blank 210 between the score lines 216 and the top edge 211 constitutes the front panel 220 of the packaging unit and the portion of the packaging blank between the score line 217 and the bottom edge 212 constitutes the back panel 221 of the packaging unit. The front panel and back panel respectively are connected on opposite sides of the bottom closure 218, as is shown in FIG. 15 of the drawings.

As in the earlier forms of the invention above described, front panel 220 is longer than back panel 221 by an amount equal to the sum of the height or vertical dimension of article 202 and the predetermined spacing between the

score lines

216 and 217 forming the bottom closure 218 for the packaging space between the upper locking assembly 215a and the lower locking assembly 2l5b equal to the depth or thickness of article 202. This additional length is needed to permit the formation of the packaging space by foreshortening the front panel when the packaging blank 210 is bent so as to index the front panel 220 onto the back panel 221 and deform the elements on the front panel formed by slits, and lines of perforations cut therein, and the score lines stamped thereon as is now to be described.

While this form of the invention is also directed to packaging an elongated and relatively thin or narrow article, it differs from the form of the invention shown in FIGS. to 14 in that the front panel when deformed will now provide upper and lower spaced side locking means at the respective corners of the article for preventing sidewise movement or sidewise removal of the article 202 from its assembled position in the packaging unit.

Additionally, however, this form of the invention is designed to expose as much of the product as possible. To accomplish this end, the upper and lower corner locking means and sections of the front panel are combined to provide the upper locking assembly 215a and the lower locking assembly 215!) for this purpose.

Thus, FIGS. 17 to 20 show that the packaging blank 210 has struck or formed in the front panel 220 an aperture or window 225 which will have a height or vertical dimension less by some definitive amount then the height of article 202 to be held in the assembled pack aging unit so that a sufficient portion of the front panel will be left to engage and lock the respective uppermost and the lowermost end of article 202 when the packaging blank 210 is bent and deformed to provide the packaging space for the article 202 is is shown in FIGS. 17 to 20.

The width of the aperture 225 will be substantially equal to the width of the article 202 because the side edges 225a and 225!) will act as the confining portions of the corner locking elements when the packaging unit is assembled in a manner equivalent to the side edges 37a and 38a formed by the

slits

25 and 26 for the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings and the side edges 133a and 134a formed by

slits

125 and 126 and 136a and 137a formed by

slits

127 and 128 for the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 of the drawings.

A corresponding aperture 226 can be formed in the back panel 221 to expose the back of the article 202 when the article is assembled in the packaging unit 201.

While the aperture or window 226 is shown to be substantially identical to the aperture or window 225 it is thought clear that aperture 226 can have any shape or can be any size as may best suit the particular article being packaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In order to form the upper locking assembly 215a and the lower locking assembly 215b, a plurality of transverse score lines are struck in the packaging blank 210 as is shown in FIG. 15 of the drawings.

Thus, a spaced distance from score line 216 equal to the portion of the front panel which is left to engage the lowermost end of the article 202 when it is assembled in the packaging unit a first pair of aligned

score lines

227a and 227b are struck on opposite side of the aperture or window 225 parallel to the score line 216.

And spaced from the first pair of

transverse score lines

227a and 227b will be a second pair of aligned score lines 2280 and 228b which will also be struck on opposite sides of the aperture or window 225 also parallel to the score line 216 and a spaced distance from the score line 216 approximately equal to one quarter to one third of the length ofthe article 202 so that when the front panel is bent and deformed as shown in FIG. 16 there will be formed between the

score lines

227a and 228a and between 227b and 228b the respective lower left side and lower right

side locking panels

229 and 230.

By reference to FIGS. 16, 17, and 19 it can be seen that the lower locking assembly consists of the lower section 231 which remains from the front panel spaced portions of which are connected on the opposite sides of the score lines 227a and 22717 from the

side locking panels

229 and 230. The lower locking assembly covers the front portion of article 202 adjacent the lowermost end and the inner side edges 229a and 230a of the respective lower left locking panel 229 and lower right locking panel 230 surround and engage the respective lower left and lower right corner portions of article 202. In assembled position the lower locking assembly 2151? coacts with an associated lower portion 232 below the aperture 226 onthe back panel 221 to hold and lock the lowermost end of article 202 in position in the packaging unit.

The upper locking assembly 215a is similar to the lower locking assembly 215 except that the transverse score lines also provide a top closure 235 which coacts with bottom closure 218 to define the height or vertical dimension of the packaging space within which article 202 will be confined when the packaging unit is formed.

Thus, a pair of

transverse score lines

236 and 237 are struck in the packaging blank 210 transverse to the longitudinal line thereof and parallel to the

score lines

216 and 217.

The outer score line 236 will be struck a distance from score line 216 equal to the sum of the length of the article 202 plus the depth or thickness of the article. Inner score line 237 will be spaced from the outer score lines 236 approximately a distance equal to the said depth or thickness of the article 202 to provide the top closure 235 when the front panel is deformed as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 of the drawings.

The upper right and upper left locking panels are formed in a manner similar to the lower right and lower

left locking panels

229 and 230.

Thus, a third pair of aligned

transverse score lines

238a and 238b and a fourth pair of aligned transverse score lines 239a and 23912 spaced from the third pair of

score lines

238a and 238b are respectively provided on opposite sides of the aperture or window 225 parallel to each other and parallel to the score lines 216, 217, 236 and 237. The aligned transverse score lines 239a and 23% will be spaced from the

score lines

238a and 238b to form the upper left side locking panel 241 and an upper right side lockin'glpanel 242 respectively such that the lower edges of the

side locking panels

241 and 242 will be disposed approximately a distance one quarter to one third the length of article 202 when the front panel is deformed as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 of the drawings.

When the front panel is foreshortened FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 show that the upper locking assembly consists of the upper section 240 which remains from the front panel spaced portions of which are connected on the opposite side of the

score lines

238a and 238b from the

side locking panels

241 and 242. The upper locking assembly covers the front portion of article 202 adjacent the uppermost end, and the inner side edges 241a and 242a of the respective upper left locking panel 241 and upper right locking panel 242 surround and engage the respective upper left an'd upper right corner portions of article 202 in assembled position the upper locking assembly 215a coacts with-an associated upper portion 243 above the aperture 226 in the back panel 221 to hold and lock the uppermost end of article 202 in position in the packaging unit.

Thus when a packaging unit is formed from the packaging blank of the type shown in FIG. 15 by foreshortening the front panel 220 and indexing the same on the back panel 221 in the same manner above described for the earlier forms of the invention the height or vertical dimension of the packaging space will be delineated between the top closure 235 and bottom closure 218, the width or horizontal dimension will be delineated between the inner edges 229a and 230a the lower

side locking panels

229 and 230 and the inner edges 241a and 242a of the upper

side locking panels

241 and 242 and the depth or thickness dimension will be delineated between the respective upper section 240 and the lower section 231 on the front panel 220 and the

associate sections

232 and 243 on the back panel 221.

In this form of the invention the locking panels are disposed at an angle to the plane of the side edge of the article and thus act to permit a larger area to be dis played while still holding the article from sidewise movement or sidewise removal from the packaging unit.

Thus, there has been described a still further form of packaging unit which can be made from a single flat relatively thin packaging blank which provides a different arrangement for meeting the problems of marketing and displaying articles where substantial portions thereof must be disclosed or preferably are better disclosed to facilitate the sale thereof.

This packaging unit is adapted for upright counter or shelf displays or may be provided with an opening as at 244 which is formed when the holes 244a and 244b are indexed onto each other during the formation of the packaging unit for a hanging type display of the packaging unit.

MULTIPLE ARTICLE TYPE PACKAGING UNIT WITH STACKING MEANS A still further form of packaging unit is shown in FIG. 23 for packaging a multiplicity of article in which the articles are laterally disposed with respect to each other as distinguished from the vertical interlocking arrangement of the articles as was shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings.

In this form of packaging unit, each of the individual articles are substantially separately displayed but all locked in assembled position by the single side lockingpanel type of packaging unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 of the drawings.

This form of the invention differs however in that the packaging blank 310 from which the packaging unit is made, as is shown in detail in FIG. 21, includes a plurality of apertures or windows for each of the articles to be displayed.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 21, the packaging blank 310 includes a top edge 311, a bottom edge 312 and

side edges

313 and 314.

As in the earlier forms of packaging blanks, slits, lines of performations and score lines are made in the packaging blank 310 so that it may be folded to provide the packaging space 315 for forming a packaging unit with articles therein as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.

Thus, packaging blank 310 is shown as having spaced medially disposed transverse score lines 316 and 317 which are perpendicular to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 310. Score lines 316 and 317 are spaced from'each other a distance equal to the depth or thickness ofthe articles 302a, 3021; and 3020 so that when the packaging blank is deformed to form the packaging unit, a bottom'closure 318 will be formed between the score lines 316 and 317.

Between the score lines 316 and top edge 311 a front panel 320 is formed and between the score line 317 and bottom edge 312 a back panel 321 is formed.

In order to hold the article in assembled position. side locking means will be formed by the front panel when it is foreshortened and deformed to provide the packaging space 315 as shown in FIG. 22.

This is accomplished by means of a pair of spaced slits as at 322 and 323 which are spaced from each other a distance wide enough to contain all the articles to be packaged and will be disposed parallel to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank 310. The uppermost end of the

slits

322 and 323 are connected by a first line of perforations as at 324 which is spaced from line 316 a distance equal to the sum of the height or vertical dimension of the articles 302 plus the spaced distance between the score lines 316 and 317 equal to the depth or thickness of these articles.

Between the

slits

322 and 323 are a plurality of apertures or windows as at 325, 326, and 327 equivalent to the number of articles to be displayed and equally spaced from each other are confining bars or sections as at 328 and 329 for holding the medially disposed articles in assembled position as is shown in FIG. 23 of the drawings.

A second line of multiple perforations as at 330a,

3301;, 330a and 330d transversely of the longitudinal line of packaging blank 310 are provided between the line of perforations 324 and the score line'316'; and parallel to and spaced from the line of perforations 324; a distance equal to the spaced distance between score lines 316 and 317 equal to the depth of the articles to be packaged.

' The portion of the front panel between the line of perforation 324 and the transverse line of perforations 330a, 330b, 3306' 330d will form top closures as at 331, 332, 333 and 334 for the respective articles and with the bottom closure will define the height or vertical dimension of the articles tobe packaged.

A pair of aligned perforations 335a and 33512 are disposed on opposite sides of the

slits

322 and 323 medially along the slits. These lines of perforations coact with a pair of aligned score lines 336a and 336b so that when the front panel is bent and deformed as shown in FIG. 22, they will form between them the

side locking panels

337 and 338. The inner edges 337a and 338a of the

side locking panels

337 and 338 provide the confining width or horizontal dimension on lock all the articles in assembled position as is shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 of the drawings.

In assembly, the front panel is bent and foreshortened to index the same onto the back panel so as to form the packaging space 315. Then the

articles

302a, 302a and 3026' are placed in the packaging space so that the inner edges 337a and 3380 of the

side locking panels

337 and 338 will engage the left side of the article 302a and the right side of article 3026' respectively. The front panelis then sealed to the back panel by suit able heat sealing or other techniques to lock the entire assembly into the packaging unit in accordance with the invention.

There is further illustrated at FIGS. 24 and 25 the capability of this type of packaging unit to be stacked in two rows, by means of the hook openings as provided at 340 and 341.

Thus, one packaging unit can be hung on the hook opening 341 and the second packaging unit can be hung on the hoop opening 340 to permit the packaging unit to be displayed with more than one unit visible for showing the articles in therespective packaging units.

The mathamatical simplicity of the perpendicular and parallel lines on the packaging blank for the various forms of the invention above described which provide means for forming the packaging space for holding the article or articles to be packaged lend themselves to semi-automatic packaging techniques for forming packaging units of the present invention in accordance with the following steps:

1. After a packaging blank has been heat seal coated and formed with the slits, perforations and score lines as above described, the flat packaging blank is placed in a 'machine, jig or fixture which will press on the front panel to foreshorten it along the scored and perforated lines so as to create the desired three dimensional packaging space.

2. The product is pushed into the three dimensional space manually or automatically.

3. The back panel and front panel are indexed into alignment with each other so as to hold the three dimensional article in its assembled position.

4. The front and back panel are heat sealed or connected to each other by adhesive or any other suitable techniques as are well known in this art.

As thus assembled, an upright packaging display unit is formed which securely holds, locks and confines the article or articles and provides a relatively large display of graphic advertisements or other marketing or merchandising information, trademarks, instructions and other valuable data. The apertures or windows permit inspections of the labels of the products where it is necessary to reveal the contents thereof in accordance with the law.

Further, it is at once clear that in any packaging unit made from packaging blanks as above described, pilferage or tampering with the package will be immediately noticeable because it is necessary to tear open the package unit or to rip or tear the packaging blank elements in order to reach or remove the article once it is assembled into the packaged unit.

Although several preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, it will be understood that these are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive and than many of the details described may be modified or changed within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is 1. In a packaging unit for holding and displaying at least one three dimensional article therein,

a. a packaging blank forming a packaging space for said three dimensional article having, a top edge, a bottom edge and side edges,

b. means on said packaging blank forming a bottom closure for the packaging space having a width equal to the thickness of the article,

c. said packaging blank having a front panel and back panel connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable about said artic'le,

d. longitudinally disposed meanson said packaging blank includes, at least one pair of slits in the packaging blank to form at least one pairof inner edges a spaced distance from each other equal tothe horizontal dimension of the article, and said pair of slits disposed intermediate the said side edges of the packaging blank, i

e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure and at least one pair of side locking panels and said longitudinally disposed means and the means operatively associated therewith coacting to permit said packaging blank to be deformed whereby thefront panel and backpanel when folded for engagement with each other will be indexed into alignment and will form a packaging space therebetween,

f. said top closure to define with respect to the bottom closure the confining vertical dimension of the packaging space for each article,

g. the inner: edges of said longitudinally disposed means to provide the inner edges of said at least one pair of side locking panels and said inner edges defining therebetween the confining horizontal dimension of the packaging space forsaid article,

h. and means for sealing said front panel and said back panel to each other after said article is con fined and locked in the packagingspace.

2. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein,

a. said means formingthe top closure and the side locking panels includes, a plurality of spaced score lines in said packaging blank transverse to the longitudinal line thereofanddisposed tointersect said pair of slits,

b. said score lines parallel to each other and to the bottom closure for the packaging space.

*3. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 2wherein the means forming the top closure includes, at'least two parallel score lines disposed between the pair of slits and disposed at' the respective ends for engagement with said slits.

4. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means forming at least one pair of side locking panels includes,

a. a first aligned pair of score lines in the packaging blank disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits,

b. a second aligned pair of score lines in the packaging blank disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits a spaced distance from and parallel to said first pair of aligned score lines,

c. and said score lines disposed to form complimentary angles when said packaging blank is defomed to index the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other and to provide the packaging space.

5. A packaging blank for packaging at least one three dimensional article comprising:

a. a flat member made of material that can be cut, scored and bent to form a packaging space for said article,

b. the flat member having at least two medially disposed score lines transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank in spaced relation to each other a distance equal to the depth of the article so as to provide the bottom closure of said packaging space where formed, for said flat member,

c. a front panel and a back panel on said flatmember connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable along said score lines for engagement with each other,

d. longitudinally disposed means on said flat member includes, at least one pair of slits in said flat member parallel to each other and to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank, the respective slits of said pair of slits spaced to form at least one pair of inner edges in said packaging blank a distance from each other equal to the width of the article to be packaged and said pair of slits operatively disposed with the score lines to form the bottom closure,

e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure,

f. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form at least one pair of said locking panels,

g. said first means and said second means adapting said packaging blank to be deformed for indexing the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other when said front and back panel are folded for engagement, and to form the packaging space therebetween,

h. and means for sealing said front panel to said back panel.

6. In a packaging blank as claimed in claim wherein,

a. said means forming the top closure and the side locking panels includes, a plurality of spaced score lines in said flat member transverse to the longitudinal line thereof and disposed to intersect said pair of slits,

7.- In. a packaging blank as claimed in claim 5 wherein,

a. said means forming the top closure includes, at least two parallel score lines disposed between the pair of slits and disposed at either end to engage said slits.

8. In a packaging blank as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means forming at least one pair of side locking panels includes.

a. a first aligned pair of score lines in the flat member disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits,

b. a second aligned pair of score lines in the flat member disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits, a spaced distance from and parallel to said first pair of sligned score lines,

. and said score lines disposed to form complimentary angles when said packaging blank is deformed to index the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other and to provide the packaging space.

9. A packaging blank for packaging at least one three dimensional article comprising:

a. a flat member made of material that can be cut,

scored and bent to form a packaging space for said article, and having means forming peripheral edges thereon,

b. the flat member having at least two medially disposed score lines transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank in spaced relation to each other a distance equal to the depth of the article so as to provide the bottom closure of said packaging space where formed for said flat member,

. a front panel and a back panel on said flat member connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable along said score lines for engagement with each other,

d. longitudinally disposed means in said flat member e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure,

g. said first means and said second means adapting said packaging blank to be deformed for indexing the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other when said front and back panel are folded for engagement and to form the packaging space therebetween,

h. and means for sealing said front panel to said back panel.

Claims

1. In a packaging unit for holding and displaying at least one three dimensional article therein, a. a packaging blank forming a packaging space for said three dimensional article having, a top edge, a bottom edge and side edges, b. means on said packaging blank forming a bottom closure for the packaging space having a width equal to the thickness of the article, c. said packaging blank having a front panel and back panel connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable about said article, d. longitudinally disposed means on said packaging blank includes, at least one pair of slits in the packaging blank to form at least one pair of inner edges a spaced distance from each other equal to the horizontal dimension of the article, and said pair of slits disposed intermediate the Said side edges of the packaging blank, e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure and at least one pair of side locking panels and said longitudinally disposed means and the means operatively associated therewith coacting to permit said packaging blank to be deformed whereby the front panel and back panel when folded for engagement with each other will be indexed into alignment and will form a packaging space therebetween, f. said top closure to define with respect to the bottom closure the confining vertical dimension of the packaging space for each article, g. the inner edges of said longitudinally disposed means to provide the inner edges of said at least one pair of side locking panels and said inner edges defining therebetween the confining horizontal dimension of the packaging space for said article, h. and means for sealing said front panel and said back panel to each other after said article is confined and locked in the packaging space.

2. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a. said means forming the top closure and the side locking panels includes, a plurality of spaced score lines in said packaging blank transverse to the longitudinal line thereof and disposed to intersect said pair of slits, b. said score lines parallel to each other and to the bottom closure for the packaging space.

3. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means forming the top closure includes, at least two parallel score lines disposed between the pair of slits and disposed at the respective ends for engagement with said slits.

4. In a packaging unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means forming at least one pair of side locking panels includes, a. a first aligned pair of score lines in the packaging blank disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits, b. a second aligned pair of score lines in the packaging blank disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits a spaced distance from and parallel to said first pair of aligned score lines, c. and said score lines disposed to form complimentary angles when said packaging blank is defomed to index the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other and to provide the packaging space.

5. A packaging blank for packaging at least one three dimensional article comprising: a. a flat member made of material that can be cut, scored and bent to form a packaging space for said article, b. the flat member having at least two medially disposed score lines transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank in spaced relation to each other a distance equal to the depth of the article so as to provide the bottom closure of said packaging space where formed, for said flat member, c. a front panel and a back panel on said flat member connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable along said score lines for engagement with each other, d. longitudinally disposed means on said flat member includes, at least one pair of slits in said flat member parallel to each other and to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank, the respective slits of said pair of slits spaced to form at least one pair of inner edges in said packaging blank a distance from each other equal to the width of the article to be packaged and said pair of slits operatively disposed with the score lines to form the bottom closure, e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure, f. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form at least one pair of said locking panels, g. said first means and said second means adapting said packaging blank to be deformed for indexing the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other when said front and back panel are folded for engagement, and to form the packaging space therebetween, h. and means for sealing said front panel to said back panel.

6. In a packaging blank as claimed in claim 5 wherein, a. said means forming the top closure and the side locking panels includes, a plurality of spaced score lines in said flat member transverse to the longitudinal line thereof and disposed to intersect said pair of slits, b. said score lines parallel to each other and to the bottom closure for the packaging space.

7. In a packaging blank as claimed in claim 5 wherein, a. said means forming the top closure includes, at least two parallel score lines disposed between the pair of slits and disposed at either end to engage said slits.

8. In a packaging blank as claimed in claim 5 wherein said means forming at least one pair of side locking panels includes, a. a first aligned pair of score lines in the flat member disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits, b. a second aligned pair of score lines in the flat member disposed on opposite sides of said pair of slits, a spaced distance from and parallel to said first pair of sligned score lines, c. and said score lines disposed to form complimentary angles when said packaging blank is deformed to index the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other and to provide the packaging space.

9. A packaging blank for packaging at least one three dimensional article comprising: a. a flat member made of material that can be cut, scored and bent to form a packaging space for said article, and having means forming peripheral edges thereon, b. the flat member having at least two medially disposed score lines transverse to the longitudinal line of the packaging blank in spaced relation to each other a distance equal to the depth of the article so as to provide the bottom closure of said packaging space where formed for said flat member, c. a front panel and a back panel on said flat member connected to opposite sides of said bottom closure and foldable along said score lines for engagement with each other, d. longitudinally disposed means in said flat member includes, a first pair of slits in the packaging blank, and a second pair of slits in the packaging blank in alignment with and spaced from first pair of slits, the respective slits on said first pair of slits and the respective slits on said second pair of slits having a spaced distance therebetween to form spaced inner edges disposed a distance from each other equal to the horizontal dimension of the article, and said first pair of slits and second pair of slits disposed intermediate the peripheral edges of the packaging blank, e. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form a top closure, f. means on the packaging blank operatively associated with said longitudinally disposed means to form at least one pair of said locking panels, g. said first means and said second means adapting said packaging blank to be deformed for indexing the front panel and back panel into alignment with each other when said front and back panel are folded for engagement and to form the packaging space therebetween, h. and means for sealing said front panel to said back panel.