WO2012170190A2

WO2012170190A2 - Integrated packaging device

Info

Publication number: WO2012170190A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/038817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Glinert; Mark Campbell; Phil Miller
Original assignee: Multi Packaging Solutions, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-05-23
Filing date: 2012-05-21
Publication date: 2012-12-13
Also published as: WO2012170190A3

Abstract

A foldable packaging which may include a die-cut form that is initially substantially planar and foldable to provide a container that can be assembled in minimal steps without need for cutting or adhering.

Description

INTEGRATED PACKAGING DEVICE

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Application Serial No. 61/488,891 (filed May 23, 2011), the entirety of the contents of that application being hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present teachings relate generally to foldable packaging, and more specifically to a die-cut form that is initially substantially planar and foldable to provide a container that can be assembled in minimal steps without the need for additional cutting or adhering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Paper and plastic based packaging materials are frequently utilized for containing and/or transporting a wide range of consumer goods. The paper and/or plastic based nature of these packaging materials results in products that are relatively lightweight, inexpensive, reasonably sturdy and can be easily disposed of and/or recycled. Many of these packaging materials are produced in a flat format and can be folded to create a container. One particular use for such flexible and lightweight packaging materials lies in gift packaging. It is not uncommon for consumers to avoid maintaining an ample supply of gift packaging at home as it is difficult to predict the size, shape and theme of the gift packaging that may be required for any given event. While some gift packaging products, such as wrapping paper may be modified to fit the size and shape of a particular gift, many consumers would rather avoid the time associated with wrapping a gift. Thus, many consumers do not purchase the necessary gift packaging until after they have purchased a gift. Upon purchase of a gift, consumers must often go to a separate department, or a separate retail establishment to purchase any necessary gift packaging materials. Further, many consumers purchase a gift en route to the event where the gift will be given and thus prefer packaging that does not require the use of wrapping paper, scissors, or tape. It would therefore benefit consumers to have packaging of appropriate size, shape and theme sold in conjunction with a gift so that purchase of a separate gift packaging will not be necessary. It would also be desirable to have a gift packaging that requires minimal effort on tha part of the consumer (e.g., minimal assembly steps) and does not require the use of scissors or any additional adhesive.

[0004] U.S. Patent Nos. 6,971 ,524; 7,252,197; and 7,661 ,536 disclose a unitary foldable packaging for receiving an item. The packaging does not include attachment of an item intended for placement within the packaging, and the packaging requires multiple assembly steps.

[0005] US. Patent No. 5,556,83 discloses a one-piece foldable packaging for receiving an item. The packaging includes cut lines and requires multiple assembly steps. The packaging does not disclose a means for attachin an item for placement within the packaging, to the packaging:

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 7.918,338 discloses a, one-piece convertible hangtag display. The packaging does not include any means for attachment of an item intended for placement within the packaging.

[0007] Accordingly, in view of the above, there exists a need for product; packaging whic overcomes some or all of the above drawbacks in the art. For example, there is a need for a packaging that is connected to an item intended for placement within the packaging. There is also a need for a product packaging that can be utilized with a minimal number of assembly steps and requires no additional cutting or adhering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present teachings meet some or all of the above needs by providing a packaging that includes a box portion, an intermediate portion, and a panel, whereby the packaging is assembled in minimal steps and requires no additional cutting or adhering. The box portion may include a plurality of adjacent walls including a top wall, a bottom wall and three side walls, the top wall and bottom wall each.being located in between two side walls. One or more of the adjacent walls may include a plurality of tabs extending outwardly from an edge of the adjacent wall. The box portion may further include an adhesive for locating a first side wall in planar contact with a second side wall. The intermediate portion may be attached to the box portion and located along an edge, of the bottom wall and an edge of one side wall of the box portion. The panel may be permanently attached to the intermediate portion. The panel may also include a top edge having a length, the top edge located adjacent and connected to the intermediate portion, a bottom edge substantially parallel to the top edge having a length equal to that of the top edge, and two substantially parallel side edges. The length of the top edge and bottom edge of the panel may be equal to the length of the fop wall and one side wall of the box portioh to which the intermediate portion is connected. Thus, upon locating the first side wall of the box portion in contact with the second side wall of the box portion, the panel can be folded onto the box portion to substantially cover the box portion.

[0009] The teachings presented herein also include a one piece package comprising: a protective backing portion (e.g., a panel) that extends generally the length of the package; at least one support portion (e.g., an intermediate portion) formed adjacent the backing portion and being adapted so that the package can be carried on a support arm of a display apparatus; and a box portion having greater than four generally planar sides (e.g., walls), which box portioh is integrally formed with and is attached to the backing portion and adjacent to the support portion, the box portion having a first outward facing side and a second side located between the protective backing portioh and the first outward facing side, the box portion being detachable from the backing portion and support portion along an edge of the box portion in a manner that does not destroy the box portion, and being adapted to receive and thereafter enclose an article therein.

[0010] The one piece package may be defined by a single sheet of material having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and having an initial unassembled state, with a plurality of score lines and cut-outs, and an assembled state by which a plurality of folds are made about the score lines for defining the package. The one piece package may include an adhesive body that adheringly connects at least two spaced apart portions (e.g., side walls) of the single sheet of material to at least partially define the box portion. The one piece package may include a strip of adhesive that adheringly connects an edge of the single sheet of material to a transversely opposing edge. The single sheet of material may include a first portion for defining at least part of the backing portion, and a second portion that is generally longitudinally spaced from the first portion when the package is in the initial unassembled state but is folded along at least one score line to a generally opposing relation to the first portion when the package is in the assembled state. The single sheet of material may include a pair of opposing elongated portions that are aligned generally parallel with the longitudinal axis in the initial unassembled state, but which each are folded along at least one generally longitudinally oriented score line so that each of the opposing elongated portions forms a side wall of the box portion in the assembled state. The single sheet of material may include a plurality of laterally projecting wing portions for defining a plurality of generall rectangular side walls. The single sheet of material includes a plurality of generally transversely oriented laterally projecting wing portions at least one of which includes a projecting tab and which in the assembled state is in generally opposing alignment with at least one slits in the single sheet of material for allowing the tab to be inserted into the slit in retentive engagement to form an end closure. The single sheet of material may include a detachment structure along at least one edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached from the backing portion. The single sheet of material may include a detachment structure along at least one generally linear edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached from the backing portion.

[0011] The present teachings further provide for a method for forming a packaging by providing a box portion, intermediate portion, and a panel, locating an item onto the panel, assembling the box portion, removing the item from the panel, locating the item within the box portion, and removing the panel and intermediate portion from the box portion. The box portion may include a first side wall having a free edge, a bottom wall attached to the first side wall along an edge opposing the free edge of the first side wall, a second side wall having a free edge and attached to a top wall along an edge opposing the free edge, a third side wall located in between the bottom wall and top wall, and a plurality of tabs extending from at least one edge of the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall and the third side wall. The intermediate portion may be removably attached to the top wall and second side wall. The: panel may include a top edge having a length, the top edge located adjacent and connected to the intermediate portion. The panel may also include a bottom edge substantially parallel to the top edge having a length equal to that of the top edge, and two substantially parallel side edges. The box portion may be folded so that the first side wall and second side wall are located in planar contact with and adhered to one another and an open interior cavity is formed within the walls. The box may be folded so that at least two of the tabs are folded to form a flat box bottom. The item may be located within the interior cavity of the box portion so that the item rests on the flat box bottom or on one or more of the box portion walls.

[0012] Advantageously, the packaging may be formed (e.g., die-cut, scored and/dr pre- brokeri) from a single sheet form (e.g., a coated paperboard form) and folded upon itself to form a small flattened packaging that fits within the dimensions of the panel (e.g., the backing portion). Among the various features that the packaging may exhibit that can contribute to its advantages are that from its folded and flattened format, the packaging onl requires engaging the flat box bottom and removing the intermediate portion and panel for use. Further, the packaging may be assembled arid utilized without additional cutting or adhering.

[0013] The packaging herein offers any of a number of benefits and advantages, including but not limited to one or any combination of the following: the packaging may be shipped and purchased in a flattened format and then assembled for use, the packaging may include a portion that is removably attached and contains an item which is generally a gift to be located within the packaging, the packaging rrtay be partially assembled prior to sale to a consumer so that assembly by a consumer requires no additional cutting or adhering.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a top-down view of a die-cut pattern for forming an illustrative example of the packaging of the present teachings.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging of Fig, 1 shown folded in pre- purchase format.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the packaging of Fig. 1 showing the box portion in assembled form while still attached to the panel.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging of Fig. 1 showing the box portion detached from the panel and the item being removed from the panel for locating within the box portion. [0018] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging of claim 1 showing the item located within the box portion and the box portion closed.

[0019] Fig. 6 is a top-down view of a die cut pattern for forming an additional illustrative example of the packaging of the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In general, the teachings described herein provide for a packaging that includes a box portion, an intermediate portion and a panel. The box portion forms a box structure, the panel contains an item and the intermediate portion connects the panel to the box portion. The box portion includes a plurality of adjacent walls which may include a top wall (e.g., a first outwardly facing wall), a bottom wall (e.g., a second wall) and two or more side walls. The box portion may include exactly two side walls or exactly three side walls. Some or all of the adjacent walls may include one or more tabs extending outwardly from an edge of the wall. During use of the packaging, the one or more tabs may be folded to form a flat box bottom, a flat box top, or both. Prior to providing the packaging to a retail establishment, an adhesive may be applied to one or more side walls, one or more tabs, or both. The adhesive may be applied to one or more of the adjacent walls; The adhesive may be applied to one or more side walls. The adhesive may be applied to one side wall. The.adhesive may attach one side wall to another side wall. The side walls may have similar dimensions so that upon adhering a first side wall to a second side wall, the first side wall substantially covers the second side wall. Once the packaging is provided to a retail establishment, no additional adhesion or cutting may be necessary to assemble and use the packaging.

[0021] The intermediate portion (e.g., the support portion) may be located in between the box portion and the panel. The intermediate portion may be removably attached to the box portion, the panel, or both. The intermediate portion may be permanently attached to the box portion, the panel, or both. The intermediate portion may include an opening for locating the packaging onto a retail display. The intermediate portion may be L-shaped such that it has a length portion and a width portion arranged perpendicular to the length portion. The length portion may be located adjacent the panel and a tab extending from the bottom wall (e.g., bottom wall tab), while the width portion may be located adjacent a side wall and the tab bottom wall ^'tab. The length portion may include a first opening for attaching to a retail display, while the panel includes a second opening for attaching to a retail display. As a result, when the panel is folded onto the intermediate portion and box portion, the openings will fold onto one another to form one opening for attaching to a retail display.

[0022] The panel (e.g., the protective backing portion) may contain an item located thereon. The item may be removably attached to the panel. The item may be a substantially planar item such that the item is in planar contact with the panel. The item may be a non-planar item. The item may be attached to the panel by an adhesive or by a mechanical fastening means. The adhesive may be formulated to allow for ease in separation of the item from the panel. The mechanical fastening means may include a pin, a staple, a hook and loop fastener, a fastener having a friction fit or a snap fit. The item may be tied onto the panel by a string, ribbon, rope or the like. The panel may thus contain adhesives, openings, fasteners, or other features to facilitate attachment of the item to the panel.

[0023] The panel may be removed from the box portion and/or intermediate portion and discarded once the item is removed from the panel. The panel may include a top edge that is adjacent to and connected to the intermediate portion. The panel may further include two substantially parallel side edges. The panel may also include a bottom edge substantially parallel to the top edge. The length of the top edge may be substantially equal to the length of the bottom edge. The length of the top edge and bottom edge may be equal to the combined length of the top wall and one side wall of the box portion. Thus, the panel may be folded over onto the flattened box portion so that the panel substantially covers the box portion. As discussed herein, the panel may also include an opening for locating the packaging onto a retail display.

[0024] The box portion may be partially assembled prior to providing the packaging to a retail location. The box portion may then be fully assembled by a consumer upon purchase of the packaging. The box portion may be originally formed as a unitary planar structure with no folded portions. The planar structure may include a plurality of adjacent and attached walls. The adjacent walls may include a top wall, a bottom wall, and at least two side walls. The top wall and bottom wall may be of similar or preferably substantially identical dimensions. One or more dimensions of the at least two side walls may be smaller than that of the top wall arid bottom wall. As a specific example, the length of the at least two side walls may be substantially equal to the length of the top wall and bottom wall, but the width of the at least two side walls may be less than the width of the top wall and bottom wall . One side wall may be located in between the top wall and bottom wall. Additional side walls may be located adjacent each of the top wall and bottom wall opposing the side wall in between the top wall and bottom wall. The additional side walls may be free-end side walls in that they are connected to either the top wall or bottom wall along one edge but are not connected to any additional walls so that they form a free-end of the box portion. In one embodiment, the box portion may include two free-end side walls, one free-end side wall being connected to the top wall and one free-end side wall being: connected to the bottom wall.

[0025] The packaging may be defined by a single sheet of material having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The packaging may thus may have an initial unassembled state with a plurality of score lines and cut-outs and may also have an assembled state by which a plurality of folds are made about the score lines fo defining the package. The packaging may include an adhesive body that adheringly connects at least two spaced apart portions (e.g., walls) of the single sheet of material to at least partially define the box portion. The at least two spaced apart portions may each side walls. At least one of the spaced apart potions may be attached to the top wall and at least one of the spaced apart portions may be attached to the bottom wall. The adhesive body may include a strip of adhesive that adheringly connects a side edge of the single sheet of material to an opposing edge.

[0026] The single sheet of material may include a first portion for defining at least part of the backing portion (e.g., the panel), and a second portion (e.g., the box portion) that is generally longitudinally spaced from the first portion when the package is in the initial unassembled state. During assembly, the packaging may be folded along at least one score line so that the second portion is in generally opposing relation to the first portion. The single sheet of material may also include a pair of opposing elongated portions (e.g., side walls) that are aligned generally parallel with the longitudinal axis in the initial unassembled state, but which each are folded along at least one generally longitudinally oriented score line so that each of the opposing elongated portions forms a side wall of the box portion in the assembled state. The single sheet of material includes a plurality of laterally projecting wing portions (e.g., tab portions) for defining a plurality of generally rectangular side walls (e.g., a bo top portion and a box bottom portion). The wing portions may contact additional wing portions to form the rectangular box top and bo bottom. Upon folding, the wing portions mayform a box bottom that cannot be opened and shut, but may form a box top that can be opened and shut so that an item can be located into the box portion and removed from the box portion with ease. The wing portions may include a projecting tab which in the assembled state is in generally opposing alignment with at least one slits in the single sheet of material for allowing the tab to be inserted into the slit in retentive engagement to form an end closure (e.g., a box top portion or a box bottom portion). Thus, the slits may allow the. closure to opened and closed as needed,

[0027] The single sheet of material may include a detachment structure along at least one edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached from the backing portion (e.g., the panel). The detachment structure may include a thin extension of material that extends between the box portion and the backing portion whereb the extension of material is easily severed with a minimal amount of force. The detachment structure may include a perforation located along the single sheet of material. The detachment structure may be located along at least one generally linear edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached from the backing portion. The detachment structure may be located along at least two edges of the box portion.

[0028] Prior to providing the packaging to a retail location for sale to consumers, the packaging may be partially assembled into a format that is folded and yet remains flat. The box portion may thus be folded so that a first part of the box portion is folded- onto a second part of the box portion. More specifically, the first and second side walls may be adhered together to form the box portion in a flattened form. Upon adhering the first and second side walls, the footprint of the flattened form box may be substantially equal to the footprint of the panel so that the resulting folded flat packaging forms a condensed, attractive, one-piece item. The box portion may also include a means for maintaining the item within the box portion. This means may include the flat box top and flat box bottom, or may include an additional means located within the box portion in its assembled form. Alternatively, the box portion may be substantially free of any means for maintaining the location of an item within the box portion.

[0029] The packaging may be formed in a standard shape, but produced in a number of varying sizes. For example, the packaging may be formed to fit an item as small as a gift card, or alternatively, as large as a wine bottle, a potted plant, or even larger. The packaging may be folded to form a shape other than a standard six-sided box. The packaging may be folded to form a triangular or circular package. The packaging may form a pouch or envelope.

[0030] Prior to folding, the packaging may be a flat sheet material (e.g., a paperboard form) that is die cut and scored to obtain the; necessary shape and to impart scored fold lines. In its folded format, the packaging may include an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The interior surface may form part of the interior of the box. In its folded format, the box portion may form a standard six-sided box. Prior to folding, the paperboard form may include a total of seven adjacent walls, whereby two such walls are attached to one another to form only one side of the six-sided box. The packaging may also include tabs that are specifically configured to allow the packaging to be folded from a sheet of material into an upright packaging. Upon folding, the tabs may fold onto one another to form a flat top and flat bottom of the box. The tabs may be die cut to complementary shapes and sizes to minimize any overlap of the tabs. The tabs may be further shaped so that they interlock with adjacent tabs to not only form the flat box top and fiat box bottom, but also assist in maintaining the box portion in its assembled and upright format. One or more tabs may include an adhesive to attach at least a portion of one tab to at least a portion of another tab.

[0031] As an additional benefit of the foldable nature of the packaging disclosed herein, the packaging may be free of additional hardware for maintaining the packaging j a folded format. The packaging may be free of fasteners, closures, hooks, handles, clips, eyelets, or any other hardware. The packaging may or may not include handles or gripping features. [0032] The folding process may be guided by score lines imparted into the packaging to facilitate precise folding of the packaging. The scoring may be deep enough so that the likelihood of imprecise fold lines (e.g., fold lines that waver from or extend beyond the score lines) is reduced as compared with structures that do not employ such lines. Further, the scoring depth is also sufficiently deep to avoid folds having too small of scoring depth which may result in crushed comers due to imprecise folds.

[0033] For a paperboard sheet form having a thickness of from about 10 point to about 22 point, the scoring depth for at least a portion of the score lines may be greater than about 0.5 point. The scoring depth for at least a portion of the score lines may be less than about 4 point. The scoring depth for at least a portion of the score lines may be about 2 point. Any perforated portion of a score line may have a scoring depth sufficient to rupture the packaging substrate. Any portion of a score line adjacent to a perforated portion of a score line may have a scoring depth of greater than about 0.5 point. Any portion of a score line adjacent to a perforated portion of a score line may have a scoring depth of less than about 8 point.

[0034] The packaging substrate for forming the packaging may be any material pliable enough to be scored and folded but strong enough to withstand the weight of a contained item. The substrate may be formed of paper materials including but hot limited to paperboard, chipboard, cardboard, fiberboard, natural fibers, mineral fibers or any combination thereof. The material may be a virgin material, a post-consumer recycled material, or both. The substrate material may be a recyclable material and/or a biodegradable material. If the substrate material includes paperboard, the paperboard may be a bleached or unbleached paperboard. For example it may be a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard. The material may contain a major portion that can be recycled. The base substrate material may be formed of a polymeric material including but not limited to thermoplastics, thermoset plastics, elastomeric containing materials or any combination thereof. Examples of polymeric materials, that may be employed include polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene (including polyethylene terephthlate, high density polyethylene and low density polyethylene), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, bio-based plastics/biopolymers (e.g., poly lactic acid), silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)> or any combination thereof. [0035] The gauge of the substrate material may vary depending on the size of the packaging or the desired strength of the packaging. As an example, if the substrate material includes paperboard, the gauge of the paperboard may be greater than about 10 point paperboard. The gauge of the paperboard may be less than about 22 point paperboard.

[0036] The packaging may be assembled at a single location or at different locations. For example, a form may be created at a first site (e.g., a cutting and/or scoring facility) and then provided to a second site (e.g., a folding facility) where it is folded (e.g., to its folded but still flattened form). The packaging may be shipped or otherwise provided in a flat format. The packaging may also be partially folded prior to shipping. The packaging may be substantially completely folded and then shipped. The packaging may be machine folded or folded by hand. The packaging may be partially machine folded and partially folded by hand. The packaging may be partiall machine folded, then shipped such that the folding process is completed by hand.

[0037] The packaging may also include designs or coverings to add a decorative element to the packaging. The packaging may be covered with a decorative coating that is extruded onto the exterior of the packaging, the interior of the packaging, or both. As an example, the packaging material may be covered in a metallic coating (e.g., a metalized polyethylene and/or polyester coating). The packaging may include a foil covering. The packaging may also include a coating for projecting a holographic-type image or pattern. Any coating or other design element may be attached to any surface of the packaging via an adhesive. An coating or other design element may be ink jet or laser printed directly onto any surface of the packaging. The design element may include a sleeve that is placed onto the exterior surface of the packaging. Any surface of the packaging may be embossed, printed, silkscreened, or engraved with a design element. Any design element or coating may be customizable. A customized design element may be added to the packaging at a point of manufacture or may be added to the packaging at a point of sale. The customized design element may be added by the consumer. Any coating or design element may include a pre-loaded adhesive material or other attachment means for simplified placement of the coating or design element onto the packaging. [0038] The design aspect and generally low cost of the packaging described herein makes the packaging useful for mass distribution at large events such as weddings, business conferences, school functions and the like. The present teachings thus also contemplate use of the packaging herein for containing gifts, souvenirs, merchandise, promotional items, or the like.

[0039] Referring initially to Fig. 1 , there is shown an illustrative example of a packaging 10 embodying the present teachings, which is formed from a die-cut pattern 12 made of a suitable paperboard material. The packaging includes a panel 14, an intermediate portion 16 and a box portion 18. The box portion 18 has adjacent walls including a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22 and a plurality of side walls including a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26 and a third side wall 28. The adjacent walls also include tabs such as the top wall tabs 30, the bottom wall tabs 32, and the side wall tabs 34. One or more side walls and/or tabs may include an adhesive 36 located thereon. The intermediate portion and panel each include an opening 37a, 37b for attaching the packaging to a retail location. The panel 14 may include an item 42 located thereon.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, the packaging may be folded into a folded and flattened form 38. The panel 14 may be folded over and behind the box portion 18 and intermediate portion 16 so that the footprint of the folded box portion 18 and intermediate portion 16 is substantially equal to the footprint of the panel 14. The openings 37 of the panel and intermediate portion may align upon folding the box portion and panel to form one opening 37. In the folded flattened form 38, the top wall 20 and third side wall 26 are visible from one side of the packaging, whereas the panel 14 is visible from the opposing side of the packaging.

[0041] Fig. 3 shows the box portion 18 in assembled and upright box form 40, whereby the top wall 20, bottom wall 22, first and second side wall (24, 26) and third side wall 28 (not visible) form the upright box. As shown in Fig. 4, the assembled and upright box form 40 may then be separated from the panel 14 and intermediate portion 16. An item 42, which may be originally located on the panel 14, may then be located within the assembled and upright box form 40. As shown in Fig. 5, the bottom wall tabs 32, top wall tabs 30, and side wall tabs 34 (not visible) may interlock with one another to form a flat box top 44. [0042] Fig. '6 shows an example of an alternative die-cut pattern for forming a packaging in accordance with the present teachings. The packaging includes a panel 14, an intermediate portion 16 and a box portion 18. The box portion 18 includes a plurality of adjacent walls including a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, a first side wall 24, a second side wall 26, and a third side wall 28. Each adjacent wall may include tabs including top wall tabs 30, bottom wall tabs 32 and side wall tabs 34.

[0043] Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51 , 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001 , 0.001 , 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and ajl possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can be seen, the teaching of amounts expressed as "parts by weight" herein also contemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight. Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of a range in terms of at "^*x^" parts by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition" also contemplates a teaching of ranges of same recited amount of "x" in percent by weight of the resulting polymeric blend composition." [0044] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include bdth endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or "approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0045] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term "may"' herein, it is intended that any described attributes^; that "may" be included are optional.

[0046] Plural elements, ingredients, eomponents or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

[0047] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art, upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, ut should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded^' that the inventors did no consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A packaging comprising:

a box portion having:

i. a plurality of adjacent walls including a top wall, a bottom wall and three side walls, the top wall and bottom wall each being located in between two side walls;

ii. a plurality of tabs extending from at least one edge of one or more of the adjacent walls;

iii. an adhesive for locating a first side wall in planar contact with a second side wall;

an intermediate portion removably attached to the box portion and located along an edge of the bottom wall and an edge of one side wall;

a panel being permanently attached to the intermediate portion and having:

i. a top edge having a length, the top edge located adjacent and connected to the intermediate portion;

ii. a bottom edge substantially parallel to the top edge having a length equal to that of the top edge; and

iii. two substantially parallel side edges;

wherein the length of the top edge and bottom edge of the panel is equal to the length of the top wall and side wall of the box portion to which the intermediate portion is connected so that upon locating the first side wall of the box portion in contact with the second side wall of the box portion, the panel can be folded onto the box portion to substantially cover the box portion.

2. The packaging of claim 1 , wherein the panel includes an opening and the intermediate portion includes an openings, the openings having identical shape so that upon folding the panel onto the box portion, the openings line up to form one opening.

3. The packaging of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein two or more of the tabs are shaped to interconnect with one another to form a closed box bottom.

4. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 3, wherein at least one of the side walls of the box portion is free of tabs.

5. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 4, wherein the intermediate portion includes six edges, three of which are removably attached to the box portion.

6. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 5, wherein one edge of the intermediate portion is connected to the panel,

7. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 6, wherein the packaging is free of any mechanical fastener for securing the packaging in its final folded state.

8. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 7, wherein the item is removably fastened to the panel.

9. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 8, wherein the box portion includes an adhesive located on at least one side wall and at least one tab.

10. The packaging of any of claims 1 through 9, wherein the box portion includes an adhesive located on exactly one side wall and exactly one tab.

11. A method for forming a packaging comprising the steps of:

providing a box portion including:

i. a first side wall having a free edge;

ii. a top wall attached to the first side wall along an edge opposing the free edge of the first side wall;

iii. a second side wall attached to the top wall and opposing the first side wall; iv. a bottom wall attached to the second side wall and opposing the top wall;

v. a third side wall having a free edge and attached to the bottom wall along an edge opposing the free edge;

vi. a plurality of tabs extending from at least one edge of the top wall, the bottom wall, the second side wall and the third side wall;

providing an intermediate portion removably attached to the bottom wall and third side wall;

providing a panel including:

iii. two substantially parallel side edges;

locating an item onto the panel;

folding the box portion so that the first side wall and third side wall are located in planar contact and adhered to one another and an open interior cavity is formed within the walls;

folding at least two of the tabs to form a flat box bottom;

removing the intermediate portion and panel from the box portion;

removing the item from the panel;

locating the item within the interior cavity formed within the walls,, wherein the item rests on the flat box bottom or on one or more of the box portion walls.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein a score line is formed between the intermediate portion and the box portion for removing the intermediate portion and panel from the box portion.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the item is a gift card.

14. The method of any of claims 11 though 13, wherein the method does not use any mechanical fastener for securing the packaging in its final folded state.

15. The method of any of claims 1 1 though 14, wherein additional tabs are folded to form a flat box top.

16. The method of any of claims 11 though 15, wherein the intermediate portion is permanently attached to the panel.

17. The method of any of claims 11 though 16, wherein the intermediate portion is removably attached to the panel.

18. The method of any of claims 11 though 1 , wherein the panel is folded onto the box portion in folded form so that the panel substantially covers the box portion.

19. The method of any of claims 1 though 18, wherein the steps of:

folding at least two of the tabs to form a flat box bottom;

removing the intermediate portion and panel from the box portion;

removing the item from the panel; and

locating the item within the interior cavity formed within the walls, wherein the item rests on the flat box bottom or on ope or more of the box portion walls;

are performed by a consumer.

20. A one piece package comprising:

a) a protective backing portion that extends generally the length of the package; b) at least one support portion formed adjacent the backing portion and being adapted so that the package can be carried on a support arm of a display apparatus; c) a box portion having greater than four generally planar sides, which box portion is integrally formed with and is attached to the backing portion in spaced relation to the support portion, the box portion having a first outward facing wall and a second wall located between the protective backing portion and the first outward facing wall, the box portion being detachable from the backing portion along an edge of the box portion in- a manner that does not destroy the box portion, and being adapted to receive and thereafter enclose an article therein.

21. The one piece package of claim 20, wherein the package is defined by a single sheet of material having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal 'axis, and having an initial unassembled state with a plurality of score lines and cut-outs, and an assembled state by which a plurality of folds are made about the score lines for defining the package.

22. The one piece package of claim 20 or claim 21 , wherein the package includes an adhesive body that adheringly connects at least two spaced apart portions of the single sheet of material to at least partially define the box portion.

23. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 22, wherein the package includes a strip of adhesive that adheringly connects an edge of the single sheet of material to a transversely opposing edge.

24. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 23, wherein the single sheet of material includes a first portion for defining at least part of the backing portion, and a second portion that is generally longitudinally spaced from the first portion when the package is in the initial unassembled state but is folded along at least one score line to a generally opposing relation to the first portion when the package Is in the assembled state.

25. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 24, wherein the single sheet of material includes a pair of opposing elongated portions that are aligned generally parallel with the longitudinal axis in the initial unassembled state, but which each are folded along at least one generally longitudinally oriented score line so that each of the opposing elongated portions forms side wall of the box portion in the assembled state.

26. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 25, wherein the single sheet of material includes a plurality of laterally projecting Wing portions for defining a plurality of generally rectangular side walls.

27. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 26, wherein the single sheet of material, includes a plurality of generally transversely oriented laterally projecting wing portions at least one of which includes a projecting tab and which in the assembled state is in generally opposing alignment with at least one slits in the single sheet of material for allowing the tab to be inserted into the slit in retentive engagement to form an end closure.

28. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 27, wherein the single sheet of material includes a detachment structure along at least one edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached from the backing portion.

29. The one piece package of any of claims 20 through 28, wherein the single sheet of material includes a detachment structure along at least one generally linear edge of the box portion for permitting it to be detached f rom the backing portion.

30. A method of concealing an article in a one piece package comprising a step of inserting ah article into the box portion of the one piece package of any of claims 20 through 29.

31. A method making the one piece package of any of claims 20 through 29 comprising the steps of die-cutting a sheet of material, forming score lines in the sheet of material, and forming a detachment structure in the sheet of material; folding the sheet of material along the score lines fpr defining the protective backing portion that extends generally the length of the package; applying an adhesive to at least a portion of the sheet of material, and thereafter attaching a portion of the sheet of material to another portion of the sheet of material to assemble at least four sides of the box portion.

32. Use of a box portion of the package of any of claims 20 through 29 to enclose an article selected from a gift card, a debit card, a credit card, some other stored value financial transaction card, currency, a check or some other financial instrument.