Abstract:
A blank is provided for forming either a packaging structure of a relatively large size or a greater number of smaller sized packaging structures. The blank is provided with predetermined fold lines. Folding the blank along one series of fold lines forms the relatively large packaging structure. Separating the blank along one or more fold lines into plural blanks and folding the plural blanks along another series of fold lines forms multiple smaller packaging structures. A similar technique forms one large or multiple smaller covers for the packaging structures.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to packaging structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to blanks for forming packaging structures and covers that may be subjected to a one-way conversion from a packaging structure or cover of relatively large size to a greater number of smaller sized packaging structures or covers. The present invention is also directed to methods for forming such packaging structures and covers, and systems for combining them with one another.  
           [0002]    Protective packaging structures are often used when an article to be transported requires protection from physical shock, dust, dirt or other contaminants. For example, when shipping articles that may be relatively fragile, it is often desirable to package the article inside a box to protect the article from physical impacts that may occur during loading, transit or unloading. In addition, when shipping sensitive articles, such as computer components, it is often desirable to protect those articles from elements such as dust or moisture.  
           [0003]    Protective packaging structures may also be used for the simple purpose of storing various objects, even if no transit is expected. For example, many people find it convenient to store off-season clothing or various other items in locations throughout their homes. Popular locations include closets, basements, or under beds. Packaging structures may be constructed and marketed to serve these purposes. For example, packaging structures suitable for under-the-bed storage use are generally long, wide and low, so they may fit under a standard bed while still offering valuable storage capacity.  
           [0004]    Packaging structures suitable for each of these purposes have been known in the art for many years. These packaging structures may be formed from cardboard, plastic, metal, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, or the like. Additionally, these materials may be coated or impregnated with various other substances in order to improve certain qualities such as strength, protection of underlying print or images, or to repel moisture. For example, cardboard boxes are often printed upon with ink and then covered with a varnish. The varnish serves to protect the print, strengthen the structure, and repel moisture.  
           [0005]    In accordance with techniques which are generally known in the packaging art, a single panel or blank of material may be cut and folded along predetermined lines to yield packaging structures having the desired size and structural features for a particular application. Generally, such blanks are essentially planar until folded into the packaging structure shape. This efficient design enables the structures to be shipped in a flat configuration, while being readily converted to folded configuration prior to their intended use.  
           [0006]    Packaging structures in accordance with the prior art have been designed such that a given blank forms a single packaging structure size. Therefore, if the end user requires multiple-size packaging structures, that user must purchase blanks of each corresponding size required, the end result of which is that the end user must purchase and store blanks corresponding to each size packaging structure intended to be used. This not only requires sufficient space to store such blanks, but requires sufficient forethought by the end user so that a blank of the correct size is available when needed.  
           [0007]    Therefore, there exists a need for packaging structure blanks configured such that they may yield multiple size packaging structures. Preferably, such blanks will be formed so that they may be readily converted to folded configurations of multiple sizes quickly and efficiently without sacrificing the strength of the packaging structure.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention addresses these needs.  
           [0009]    One aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming packages. The blank includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of spaced side edges and a pair of spaced end edges oriented transverse to the side edges. A first pair of fold lines is spaced from the side edges to define respective folding side portions separated by a remaining portion of the panel. A second pair of fold lines is spaced from the end edges of the panel and oriented transverse to the first pair of fold lines. The second pair of fold lines defines respective folding end portions. The first and second pairs of fold lines delimit a center portion of the panel. A pair of auxiliary fold lines extending between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. Finally, an intermediate fold line extends between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel. The intermediate fold line is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines and is disposed between the pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a first auxiliary folding portion between one of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line and a second auxiliary folding portion between another of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line.  
           [0010]    The panel has an unfolded condition in which the folding side portions and folding end portions are substantially coplanar with the center portion of the panel, and a second condition in which the folding side portions and folding end portions are folded transverse to the center portion of the panel to define a first packaging structure. The panel also has a third condition in which the panel is separated along the intermediate fold line into two subpanels. Each of the subpanels has one of the folding side portions, one of the auxiliary folding portions, and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the subpanel. Further, each of the subpanels is foldable into a condition in which the one folding side portion, the one auxiliary folding portion, and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the subpanel whereby the panel in the third condition defines a pair of packaging structures.  
           [0011]    In one embodiment, the blank may also contain a first additional fold line in each of the folding end portions which defines proximal and distal end segments in each of the folding end portions. In the second condition, each of the folding end portions of the panel are folded along the first additional fold lines so that the distal end segment in each of the folding end portions confronts the proximal end segment and is positioned between the folding side portions.  
           [0012]    The blank may also include means for interconnecting the folding side portions and folding end portions when the panel is in the second condition. The interconnecting means may include a flap formed at each end of each of the folding side portions which is foldable relative to the folding side portions. The flaps may be interposed between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment of the folding end portions when the panel is in the second condition.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment, the blank may also include means for interconnecting the folding side portions and folding auxiliary portions with the folding end portions in the third condition of the panel. Such interconnecting means may include a flap formed at each end of each of the folding side portions and a flap formed at each end of each of the auxiliary folding portions. The flaps may be interposed between the proximal end segments and distal end segments of the folding end portions when the panel is in the third condition. The flaps may be joined to the folding side portions, the auxiliary folding portions and the folding end portions in the unfolded condition of the panel but not joined to the folding end portions in the third condition of the panel.  
           [0014]    In a further embodiment, the blank may also include means for securing the panel in the second condition. Such means may include a patterned cut in each of the folding end portions defining at least one tab. Each tab may project from one of the end edges in a direction away from the center portion of the panel. At least one slot may be formed along each of the second pair of fold lines. Each of the tabs may be engageable in one of the slots when the panel is in the second condition.  
           [0015]    In still another embodiment, a blank for folding packages includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of spaced side edges and a pair of spaced end edges oriented transverse to the side edges. A first pair of fold lines spaced from the side edges of the panel define respective side portions separated by an intermediate portion of the panel. A second pair of fold lines spaced from the end edges of the panel and oriented transverse to the first pair of fold lines define respective folding end portions. The first and second pairs of fold lines delimit a center portion of the panel. A first pair of auxiliary fold lines extends between the end edges in the intermediate portion of the panel. The first pair of auxiliary fold lines is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines and is separated by a remaining portion of the panel. A second pair of auxiliary fold lines extends between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel and is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. A first intermediate fold line extends between the end edges of the panel and is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. The first intermediate fold line is disposed between one of the first pair of auxiliary fold lines and a nearest one of the second pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a first auxiliary folding portion between the one of the first pair of auxiliary fold lines and the first intermediate fold line and a second auxiliary folding portion between the nearest one of the second pair of auxiliary fold lines and the first intermediate fold line. A second intermediate fold line extends between the end edges of the panel end is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. The second intermediate fold line is disposed between another of the first pair of auxiliary fold lines and another of the second pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a third auxiliary folding portion between the another of the second pair of auxiliary fold lines and the second intermediate fold line and a fourth auxiliary folding portion between the another of the first pair of auxiliary fold lines and the second intermediate fold line.  
           [0016]    The panel has an unfolded condition in which the center portion of the panel is substantially planar and the folding side portions and folding end portions are substantially coplanar with the center portion. The panel has a second condition in which the folding side portions and folding end portions are folded transverse to the center portion of the panel to define a first packaging structure. The panel also has a third condition in which the panel is separated along the first intermediate fold line into a first subpanel and a second subpanel.  
           [0017]    The first subpanel has one of the folding side portions, the first auxiliary folding portion, and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the first subpanel. The first subpanel is foldable into a condition in which the one of the folding side portions, the first auxiliary folding portion and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the first subpanel to define a first packaging structure.  
           [0018]    The second subpanel has the second auxiliary folding portion, another of the folding side portions and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the second subpanel. The second subpanel is foldable into a condition in which the another folding side portion, the second auxiliary folding portion, and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the second subpanel to define a second packaging structure. The packaging structures may be of equal or different sizes.  
           [0019]    The panel may also have a fourth condition in which the second subpanel is separated along the second intermediate fold line into a third subpanel and a fourth subpanel. The third subpanel has the second auxiliary folding side portion, the third auxiliary folding side portion, and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the third subpanel. The third subpanel is foldable into a condition in which the second auxiliary folding side portion, the third auxiliary folding side portion, and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the third subpanel to define a first subsidiary packaging structure.  
           [0020]    The fourth subpanel has the fourth auxiliary folding side portion, the another of the folding side portions and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the fourth subpanel. The fourth subpanel is foldable into a condition in which the fourth auxiliary folding side portion, the another of the folding side portions, and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the fourth subpanel to define a second subsidiary packaging structure.  
           [0021]    In another aspect of the present invention, a system for forming packaging structures includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of spaced side edges and a pair of spaced end edges oriented transverse to the side edges. A first pair of fold lines spaced from the side edges of the panel define respective side portions separated by an intermediate portion of the panel. A second pair of fold lines spaced from the end edges of the panel and oriented transverse to the first pair of fold lines define respective folding end portions. The first and second pairs of fold lines delimit a center portion of the panel. A first pair of auxiliary fold lines extends between the end edges in the intermediate portion of the panel. The first pair of auxiliary fold lines is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines and is separated by a remaining portion of the panel. A second pair of auxiliary fold lines extends between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel and is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. An intermediate fold line extends between the end edges of the panel and is oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. The intermediate fold line is disposed between the pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a first auxiliary folding portion between the one of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line and a second auxiliary folding portion between another of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line. The system also includes a cover.  
           [0022]    The panel has an unfolded condition in which the center portion of the panel is substantially planar and the folding side portions and folding end portions are substantially coplanar with the center portion. The panel has a second condition in which the folding side portions and folding end portions are folded transverse to the center portion of the panel to define a first packaging structure having an open top. The panel also has a third condition in which the panel is separated along the first intermediate fold line into a first subpanel and a second subpanel.  
           [0023]    Each of the subpanels has one of the folding side portions, one of the auxiliary folding portions, and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the subpanel. Each of the subpanels is foldable into a condition in which one folding side portion, one auxiliary folding portion and the folding end portions are folded transverse to the main portion of the subpanel to define a packaging structure having an open top.  
           [0024]    The cover may be adapted to enclose the open top of the first packaging structure when the panel is placed in the second condition.  
           [0025]    In still another embodiment, the cover may be formed from a second panel having at least one fold line defining a first section and a second section. The second panel has a first condition in which the first section is attached to the second section. The panel has a second condition in which the first section is separated from the second section along the at least one fold line. The first section is foldable to define a first sub-cover adapted to enclose the open top of one of the pair of packaging structures when the panel is placed in the third condition and the second section is foldable to define a second sub-cover adapted to enclose the open top of the other of the pair of packaging structures when the panel is placed in the third condition.  
           [0026]    Yet another aspect of the present invention provides methods for forming a plurality of packaging structures. One method includes providing a substantially rigid panel having a pair of spaced side edges and a pair of spaced end edges oriented transverse to the side edges; a first pair of fold line spaced from the side edges of the panel to define respective folding side portions separated by a remaining portion of the panel; and a second pair of fold lines spaced from the end edges of the panel and oriented transverse to the first pair of fold lines. The second pair of fold lines defines respective folding end portions and the first and second pairs of fold lines delimit a center portion of the panel. The panel is also provided with a pair of auxiliary fold lines extending between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel and oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines, and an intermediate fold line extending between the end edges in the remaining portion of the panel and oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. The intermediate fold line is disposed between the pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a first auxiliary folding portion between one of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line and a second auxiliary folding portion between another of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line.  
           [0027]    The panel may be separated along the intermediate fold line into a first subpanel and a second subpanel. Each of the subpanels has one of the folding side portions, one of the auxiliary folding portions, and the folding end portions delimiting a main portion of the subpanel. The folding side portion, the auxiliary folding portion, and the folding end portions of the first subpanel may be folded transverse to the main portion of the first subpanel to define a first packaging structure, and the folding side portion, the auxiliary folding portion, and the folding end portions of the second subpanel may be folded transverse to the main portion of the second subpanel to define a second packaging structure.  
           [0028]    Embodiments of the method may include providing a cover for each packaging structure and assembling the cover to the packaging structure to enclose the packaging structure. The covers may be provided as a second panel having a fold line defining a first section and a second section. The second panel may be separated along the fold line to define a first sub-cover and a second sub-cover. The first sub-cover may be assembled to the first packaging structure to enclose the first packaging structure and the second sub-cover may be assembled to the second packaging structure to enclose the second packaging structure.  
           [0029]    The covers may also be provided as a rigid second panel having a pair of spaced side edges and a pair of spaced end edges oriented transverse to the side edges, a first pair of fold lines spaced from the side edges of the second panel to define respective folding side portions separated by a remaining portion of the second panel, and a second pair of fold lines spaced from the end edges of the second panel and oriented transverse to the first pair of fold lines. The second pair of fold lines define respective folding end portions and the first and second pairs of fold lines delimit a center portion of the second panel. The second panel may optionally include a pair of auxiliary fold lines extending between the end edges in the remaining portion of the second panel and oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines, and an intermediate fold line extending between the end edges in the remaining portion of the second panel and oriented transverse to the second pair of fold lines. The intermediate fold line is disposed between the pair of auxiliary fold lines to define a first auxiliary folding portion between one of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line and a second auxiliary folding portion between another of the pair of auxiliary fold lines and the intermediate fold line.  
           [0030]    The second panel may be separated along the intermediate fold line into a first cover sub-panel and a second cover sub-panel. The first cover sub-panel may be folded into a first sub-cover and the second cover subpanel may be folded into a second sub-cover. The first sub-cover may be assembled on the first packaging structure to enclose the open top of the first packaging structure, and the second sub-cover may be assembled on the second packaging structure to enclose the open top of the second packaging structure.  
           [0031]    In other embodiments, the rigid panel provided in the method of forming a plurality of packaging structures may also include providing cutouts within the second panel. The cutouts provide areas where leverage may be obtained by the digits of the human hand upon folding of the first cover sub-panel into a first cover and folding of the second cover sub-panel into a second cover. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]    A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a packaging structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    FIGS.  2 - 4  are perspective views showing a technique for folding the blank of FIG. 1 into a packaging structure;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the separation of the blank of FIG. 1 into two separate blanks;  
         [0036]    FIGS.  6 - 8  are perspective views showing a technique for folding one of the separate blanks of FIG. 5 into a packaging structure;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank for forming a cover for the packaging structures of the present invention;  
         [0038]    FIGS.  10 - 12  are perspective views showing a technique for folding the blank of FIG. 9 into a cover for the packaging structure of FIGS.  1 - 4 ;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the separation of the blank of FIG. 9 into two separate blanks;  
         [0040]    FIGS.  14 - 16  are perspective views showing a technique for folding one of the separate blanks of FIG. 13 into a cover for the packaging structure of FIGS.  5 - 8 ;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the completed packaging structure of FIGS.  1 - 4  with cover;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of two completed packing structures of FIGS.  5 - 8  with covers; and  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank for forming a packaging structure in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0044]    In the following are described multiple embodiments of the packaging structures and covers of the present invention. In describing the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. In this regard, the lines depicted in FIG. 1, as well as in the other figures depicting blanks herein, represent lines along which the blank is creased, crimped, embossed, perforated, scored, cut/scored or otherwise weakened so as facilitate the process of folding such blank into the final shape of the packaging structure in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0045]    Packaging structures disclosed herein may be constructed from any substantially rigid, lightweight foldable material, such as cardboard, plastic, metal, paperboard, corrugated cardboard, or the like. Additionally, these materials may be coated or impregnated with various other substances, such as varnish, in order to improve certain qualities such as strength, protection of underlying print or images, or to repel moisture.  
         [0046]    Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a blank  2  for forming packaging structures in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Blank  2  includes a continuous border  6  completely circumventing its periphery. When positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 1, blank  2  further includes substantially parallel vertical fold lines  8 ,  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16 , and substantially parallel horizontal fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 . The vertical fold lines  8 ,  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  preferably are perpendicular to the horizontal fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 .  
         [0047]    Each of fold lines  8 ,  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  20  and  22  are single fold lines. Fold lines  18  and  24 , however, are double fold lines. As will become more apparent when viewed in accordance with the present invention&#39;s folding procedure described hereinafter, single fold lines are typically utilized to make a fold of approximately 90 degrees. Double fold lines are used when the fold is approximately 180 degrees. In practice, a double fold line is essentially two single fold lines running parallel to each other and spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the material from which the blank is formed, such that each single fold line is folded approximately 90 degrees, for a combined total of approximately 180 degrees.  
         [0048]    Fold lines  8 ,  10 ,  12 ,  14  and  16  and continuous border  6  of blank  2  define vertical folding panels  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34  and  36 . As shown in FIG. 1, vertical folding panel  26  lies between portions of continuous border  6  and vertical fold line  8 ; vertical folding panel  28  lies between vertical fold lines  8  and  10 ; vertical folding panel  30  lies between vertical fold lines  10  and  12 ; vertical folding panel  32  lies between vertical fold lines  12  and  14 ; vertical panel  34  lies between vertical fold lines  14  and  16 ; and vertical panel  36  lies between vertical fold line  16  and portions of continuous border  6 .  
         [0049]    Vertical folding panel  26  has a pair of flaps  58 A and  58 B formed at its extremities. Flap  58 A is defined by a score line  59 A formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  2 . Similarly, flap  58 B is defined by a score line  59 B formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  2 . Vertical folding panel  36  includes similar flaps  58 C and  58 D formed at its extremities, flap  58 C being defined by score line  59 C and flap  58 D being defined by score line  59 D. Both of score lines  59 C and  59 D are formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  2 . In a preferred embodiment, score lines  59 A-D remain connected during all phases of processing, packaging and transporting of blank  2 . These score lines may be intentionally broken by the user with little effort, such that flaps  58 A-D are free to rotate independently of the portion of blank  2  to which they formerly were attached.  
         [0050]    Blank  2  also includes horizontal folding panels  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 . As shown in FIG. 1, horizontal folding panel  38  lies between a portion of continuous border  6  and horizontal fold line  18 ; horizontal folding panel  40  lies between horizontal fold lines  18  and  20 ; horizontal folding panel  42  lies between horizontal fold lines  20  and  22 ; horizontal folding panel  44  lies between horizontal fold lines  22  and  24 ; and horizontal folding panel  46  lies between horizontal fold line  24  and a portion of continuous border  6 .  
         [0051]    In the boundary defined by vertical fold lines  8  and  16  and horizontal fold lines  20  and  22  lies large panel  48 . Large panel  48  constitutes the floor of the packaging structure folded as shown in FIGS.  2 - 4 . As will be appreciated from the explanation of the procedure depicted in FIGS.  2 - 4 , vertical fold lines  10 ,  12  and  14  are not folded in this procedure. Depending on the weight of the load to be placed in the folded packaging structure, additional reinforcement of these fold lines  10 ,  12  and  14 , such as by applying packaging tape (not shown), may be required to prevent accidental bursting at these weakened locations. In preferred embodiments, such reinforcement is not necessary as the fold lines are not weakened to an extent that would require such attention.  
         [0052]    Along the continuous border  6  and protruding therefrom, there are included tab members  50  in preferred embodiments of the present invention. In addition, if tab members  50  are included, fold lines  20  and  22  each will include slots  52  for receiving the tab members  50  when the packaging structures formable from blank  2  are fully folded. The interlocking of the tab members  50  within the slots  52  assists in maintaining the structural rigidity and folded condition of the packaging structures.  
         [0053]    In one method, depicted in FIGS.  2 - 4 , blank  2  may be folded to form a single large packaging structure  4 . As a first step, blank  2  may be placed in the intermediate folded position shown in FIG. 2. This is accomplished by first folding flaps  58 A and  58 C upwardly along fold line  20  and by folding flaps  58 B and  58 D upwardly along fold line  22 . Thereafter, vertical folding panels  26  and  36  are folded upwardly along vertical fold lines  8  and  16 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, horizontal folding panels  38  and  40  are then folded in tandem upwardly along horizontal folding line  20  such that flaps  58 A and  58 C lie interior of horizontal folding panel  40 . Likewise, horizontal folding panels  46  and  44  are folded upwardly, in tandem, along fold line  22 . Horizontal folding panel  38  is then folded along fold line  18  over flaps  58 A and  58 C such that these flaps are interposed between horizontal folding panels  38  and  40 . Horizontal folding panel  46  is then folded along fold line  24  over flaps  58 B and  58 D such that these flaps are interposed between horizontal folding panels  44  and  46 . If the continuous border  6  is provided with tab members  50  and horizontal fold lines  20  and  22  are provided with slots  52 , then the tab members  50  are inserted into the slots  52  to retain the packaging structure  4  in this subsequent folded condition. It will be appreciated that when placing the packaging structure  4  in such a configuration, vertical folding panels  26  and  36  necessarily will be retained in a position nearly perpendicular to the plane of panel  48 . A packaging structure  4  folded in accordance with this procedure is shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0054]    When folded in accordance with the preceding procedure, it will be appreciated that packaging structure  4  will have side walls of either double or single thickness. Specifically, the side walls formed by vertical folding panels  26  and  36  will be single walled, while the side wall formed by horizontal folding panels  38  and  40  will be double walled, as will the sidewall formed in horizontal folding panels  44  and  46 .  
         [0055]    Although the packaging structure  4  has been described with tab members  58 A-D, tabs  50  and slots  52  providing means to retain its folded configuration, it will be appreciated that different means may be employed for this task. Such different means may include the use of tape, staples or glue. Although the remainder of this specification will continue with reference to tab members  58 A-D, tabs  50  and slots  52  for the sake of clarity, it should be understood that the aforementioned different means or any combination of different means, may be employed.  
         [0056]    Rather than folding blank  2  to form a single large packaging structure  4  as described above, blank  2  may be torn, cut or otherwise separated along fold line  12  into two minor blanks  2 ′ and  2 ″, as shown in FIG. 5. The end result of this separation is that blank  2  may be used to form two smaller packaging structures  7  (see FIG. 6). Using minor blank  2 ′ as an example, the following detailed description illustrates the structure of minor blank  2 ′ and its formation into a packaging structure  7  which is smaller than packaging structure  4 .  
         [0057]    Blank  2 ′ includes a continuous border  11  completely circumventing its periphery. Border  11  is defined by portions of border  6  and fold line  12  of blank  2 . When positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 5, blank  2 ′ further includes vertical fold lines  8  and  10 , and horizontal fold lines  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24 .  
         [0058]    As previously described, each of the vertical fold lines  8  and  10  are single fold lines, as are the horizontal fold lines  20  and  22 . Horizontal fold lines  18  and  24 , meanwhile, are double fold lines. As shown in FIG. 5, these fold lines define in blank  2 ′ vertical folding panels  26 ,  28  and  30 , and horizontal folding panels  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46 .  
         [0059]    Vertical folding panel  26  has flaps  58 A and  58 B formed at its extremities. Vertical folding panel  30 , on the other hand, has a pair of flaps  70 A and  70 B which must be created by the end user. The process of creating such flaps will be described hereinafter.  
         [0060]    In the boundary defined by vertical fold lines  8  and  10  and horizontal fold lines  20  and  22 , lies small panel  80 . Small panel  80  constitutes the floor of a packaging structure  7  which results from folding blank  2 ′ as shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 .  
         [0061]    As a first step, blank  2 ′ may be placed in the intermediate folded position shown in FIG. 6. This is accomplished by first breaking score lines  59 A and  59 B to create flaps  58 A and  58 B, as previously described.  
         [0062]    Vertical fold line  10  is then cut from continuous border  11  to horizontal fold line  20  and from continuous border  11  to horizontal fold line  22  to create flaps  70 A and  70 B, respectively. It will be appreciated that the effort used to cut vertical fold line  10  may be greater than that to cut score lines  59 A and  59 B. This is because score lines  59 A and  59 B may be weakened to a greater extent than vertical fold line  10 . It also will be appreciated that flaps  70 A and  70 B are longer than flaps  58 A and  58 B, as they include portions of horizontal folding panels  38  and  46 , respectively.  
         [0063]    Flaps  58 A and  70 A are then folded upwardly along horizontal fold line  20 , and flaps  58 B and  70 B are folded upwardly along horizontal fold line  22 . Thereafter, vertical folding panels  26  and  30  are folded upwardly along vertical fold lines  8  and  10 , respectively, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, horizontal folding panels  38  and  40  are then folded in tandem upwardly along horizontal fold line  20  such that flaps  58 A and  70 A lie interior of horizontal folding panel  40 . Horizontal folding panel  38  may then be folded along fold line  18  over flaps  58 A and  70 A such that these flaps are interposed between horizontal folding panels  38  and  40 . If the continuous border  11  is provided with tab members  50  and horizontal fold line  20  is provided with slots  52 , then the tab members are inserted into the slots to retain the packaging structure in this subsequent folded condition. It will be appreciated that when placing the packaging structure  7  in such a configuration, vertical folding panels  26  and  30  necessarily will be retained in a position nearly perpendicular to the plane of panel  80 .  
         [0064]    To complete formation of packaging structure  7 , horizontal folding panels  44  and  46  are folded over flaps  58 B and  70 B in a manner similar to that used to fold horizontal folding panels  38  and  40 , so that flaps  58 B and  70 B are interposed between horizontal folding panels  44  and  46 . Subsequently, if the continuous border  11  is provided with tab members  50  and horizontal fold line  22  is provided with corresponding slots  52 , the tab members  50  are inserted into the slots to retain the packaging structure  7  in this finished condition. FIG. 8 depicts a completed small package structure  7  formed in accordance with this procedure. It will be appreciated that a second small packaging structure  7  may be constructed from blank  2 ″ in much the same manner.  
         [0065]    Although it has been shown that the panels  80  of packaging structures  7  are about the same size, it will be appreciated that one panel may be larger than the other. In such case, the packaging structure  7  formed from blank  2 ′ will be a different size than the packaging structure  7  formed from blank  2 ″.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank  102  for forming covers for the packaging structures which may be formed from blank  2 . Blank  102  includes a continuous border  106  completely circumscribing its periphery. When positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 9, blank  102  further includes substantially parallel vertical fold lines  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116 , and substantially parallel horizontal fold lines  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124 . The vertical fold lines  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116  preferably are perpendicular to the horizontal fold lines  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124 .  
         [0067]    Each of the fold lines  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 ,  120  and  122  are single fold lines. Fold lines  118  and  124 , however, are double fold lines. As previously described, single fold lines are typically utilized to make a fold of approximately 90 degrees while double fold lines are used when the fold is approximately 180 degrees.  
         [0068]    Fold lines  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  and  116  and continuous border  106  of blank  102  define vertical folding panels  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . As shown in FIG. 9, vertical folding panel  126  lies between portions of continuous border  106  and vertical fold line  108 ; vertical folding panel  128  lies between vertical fold lines  108  and  110 ; vertical folding panel  130  lies between vertical fold lines  110  and  112 ; vertical folding panel  132  lies between vertical fold lines  112  and  114 ; vertical folding panel  134  lies between vertical fold lines  114  and  116 ; and vertical folding panel  136  lies between vertical fold line  116  and portions of continuous border  106 .  
         [0069]    Vertical folding panel  126  has a pair of flaps  158 A and  158 B formed at its extremities. Flap  158 A is defined by score line  159 A formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  102 , while flap  158 B is defined by a score line  159 B formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  102 . Vertical folding panel  136  includes similar flaps  158 C and  158 D formed at its extremities, flap  158 C being defined by score line  159 C and flap  158 D being defined by score line  159 D. Both score lines  159 C and  159 D are formed substantially, but not entirely, through the thickness of blank  102 . In a preferred embodiment, score lines  159 A-D remain connected during all phases of processing, packaging and transporting of blank  102 . These score lines may be intentionally broken by the user with little effort, such that flaps  158 A-D are free to rotate independently of the portion of blank  102  to which they formerly were attached.  
         [0070]    Blank  102  further includes horizontal folding panels  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and  146 . As shown in FIG. 9, horizontal folding panel  138  lies between a portion of continuous border  106  and horizontal fold line  118 ; horizontal folding panel  140  lies between horizontal fold lines  118  and  120 ; horizontal folding panel  142  lies between horizontal fold lines  120  and  122 ; horizontal folding panel  144  lies between horizontal fold lines  122  and  124 ; and horizontal folding panel  146  lies between horizontal fold line  124  and portions of continuous border  106 .  
         [0071]    In the boundary defined by vertical fold lines  108  and  116  and horizontal fold lines  120  and  122 , lies large panel  148 . Large panel  148  constitutes the top of a cover folded as shown in FIGS.  10 - 12 . As will be appreciated from the explanation of the procedure depicted in FIGS.  10 - 12 , vertical fold lines  110 ,  112  and  114  are not folded in this procedure.  
         [0072]    Along the continuous border  106  and protruding therefrom, there are included tab members  150  in preferred embodiments of the present invention. In addition, if tab members  150  are included, fold lines  120  and  122  will include corresponding slots  152  for receiving the tab members  150  when the covers formable from blank  102  are fully folded. The interlocking of the tab members  150  within the slots  152  assists in maintaining the structural rigidity and folded condition of the covers.  
         [0073]    In preferred embodiments, an aperture may be defined in each of horizontal folding panels  138  and  146 . Horizontal folding panel  138  may include an aperture  154 A centrally located therein, while horizontal folding panel  146  may include an aperture  154 B centrally located therein. As a result of their central positions, each of these apertures is bisected by vertical fold line  112 .  
         [0074]    In addition, blank  102  may include further apertures defining cutouts when blank  102  is fully folded into a cover as described below. In all, there is typically four such cutouts  156 A-D. The first cutout  156 A is centrally located between vertical fold lines  108  and  110  on horizontal fold line  118 . In this location, the cutout  156 A is bisected by horizontal fold line  118 , and has substantially equal portions located within horizontal folding panels  138  and  140 . The second cutout  156 B is centrally located between vertical fold lines  114  and  116  on horizontal fold line  118 . As with cutout  156 A, this cutout  156 B is bisected by horizontal fold line  118 , and has substantially equal parts within horizontal folding panels  138  and  140 . The third cutout  156 C is centrally located between vertical fold lines  114  and  116  on horizontal fold line  124 . In this location, cutout  156 C is bisected by horizontal fold line  124 , and has substantially equal parts located within horizontal folding members  144  and  146 . The fourth cutout  156 D is centrally located between vertical fold lines  108  and  110  on horizontal fold line  124 . As with the third cutout  156 C, this cutout  156 D is bisected by horizontal fold line  124 , and has substantially equal parts within horizontal folding members  144  and  146 . It will be appreciated that the purpose of these cutouts  156 A-D is to provide areas where leverage may be obtained on the finished cover by the digits of the human hand, as described hereinafter.  
         [0075]    In one method depicted in FIGS.  10 - 12 , blank  102  may be folded to form a single large cover  104 . As a first step, blank  102  may be placed in the intermediate folded position shown in FIG. 10. This is accomplished by first folding flaps  158 A and  158 C upwardly along fold line  120  and by folding flaps  158 B and  158 D upwardly along fold line  122 . Thereafter, vertical folding panels  126  and  136  are folded upwardly along vertical folding lines  108  and  116 , respectively. As shown in FIG. 11, horizontal folding panels  138  and  140  are then folded in tandem upwardly along horizontal fold line  120  such that flaps  158 A and  158 C lie interior of horizontal folding panel  140 . Horizontal folding panel  138  is then folded over flaps  158 A and  158 C such that these flaps are interposed between horizontal folding panels  138  and  140 . If the continuous border  106  is provided with tab members  150  and horizontal fold line  120  is provided with slots  152 , then the tab members  150  are inserted into the slots  152  to retain the cover  104  in this subsequent folded condition. It will be appreciated that when placing the cover  104  in such a configuration, vertical folding panels  126  and  136  necessarily will be retained in a position nearly perpendicular to the plane of panel  148 .  
         [0076]    Finally, to complete formation of cover  104 , horizontal folding panels  144  and  146  are folded over flaps  158 B and  158 D, first by folding along fold line  122  and then by folding along fold line  124 , such that flaps  158 B and  158 D are interposed between horizontal folding panels  144  and  146 . Following this procedure, if the continuous border  106  is provided with tab members  150  and horizontal fold line  122  is provided with corresponding slots  152 , the tab members  150  are positioned within the slots  152  to retain the cover  104  in this finished condition. A packaging cover  104  folded in accordance with this procedure is shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0077]    Rather than folding blank  102  to form a single large cover  104  as described above, blank  102  may be torn, cut or otherwise separated along fold line  112  into two minor blanks  102 ′ and  102 ″, as shown in FIG. 13. The end result of this separation is that blank  102  may be used to form two smaller covers  107 . Using minor blank  102 ′ as an example, the following detailed description illustrates the structure of minor blank  102 ′ and its formation into a cover  107  which is smaller than cover  104 .  
         [0078]    Blank  102 ′ includes a continuous border  111  completely circumscribing its periphery. Border  111  is defined by portions of border  106  and fold line  112  of blank  102 . When positioned in the orientation shown in FIG. 13, blank  102 ′ further includes vertical fold lines  108  and  110 , and horizontal fold lines  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124 .  
         [0079]    As previously described, each of the vertical fold lines  108  and  110  are single fold lines, as are horizontal fold lines  120  and  122 . Horizontal fold lines  118  and  124 , meanwhile, are double fold lines. As shown in FIG. 13, these fold lines define in blank  102 ′ vertical folding panels  126 ,  128  and  130 , and horizontal folding panels  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  and  146 .  
         [0080]    Vertical folding panel  126  has flaps  158 A and  158 B formed at its extremities. Vertical folding panel  130 , on the other hand, has a pair of flaps  170 A and  170 B which must be created by the end user. The process of creating such flaps will be described hereinafter.  
         [0081]    In the boundary defined by vertical fold lines  108  and  110  and horizontal fold lines  120  and  122 , lies small panel  180 . Small panel  180  constitutes the top of a cover  107  constructed in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS.  13 - 16 .  
         [0082]    As a first step, blank  102 ′ may be placed in the intermediate folded position shown in FIG. 14. This is accomplished by first breaking score lines  159 A and  159 B to create flaps  158 A and  158 B, as has been previously described.  
         [0083]    Vertical fold line  110  is then cut from continuous border  111  to horizontal fold line  120  and from continuous border  111  to horizontal fold line  122  to create flaps  170 A and  170 B, respectively. It will be appreciated that the effort used to cut vertical fold line  110  may be greater than that to cut score lines  159 A and  159 B. This is because score lines  159 A and  159 B may be weakened to a greater extent than vertical fold line  110 . It also will be appreciated that flaps  170 A and  170 B are longer, respectively, than flaps  158 A and  158 B derived from vertical folding member  126 .  
         [0084]    Flaps  158 A and  170 A are then folded upwardly along horizontal fold line  120 , and flaps  158 B and  170 B are folded upwardly along horizontal fold line  122 . Thereafter, vertical folding panels  126  and  130  are folded upwardly along vertical fold lines  108  and  110 , respectively, as shown in FIG. 14. Horizontal folding panels  138  and  140  are then folded in tandem upwardly along horizontal fold line  120  such that flaps  158 A and  170 A lie interior of horizontal folding panel  140 .  
         [0085]    As shown in FIG. 15, horizontal folding panel  138  may then be folded along fold line  118  over flaps  158 A and  170 A such that these flaps are interposed between horizontal folding panels  138  and  140 . It will be appreciated that the portion of aperture  154 A remaining in blank  102 ′ aligns with cutout  156 A when the cover  107  is placed in such a position. If the continuous border  111  is provided with tab members  150  and horizontal fold line  120  is provided with slots  152 , then the tab members  150  are inserted into the slots  152  to retain the cover in this subsequent folded condition. It will be appreciated that when placing the blank  102 ′ in such a configuration, vertical folding panels  126  and  130  necessarily will be retained in a position nearly perpendicular to the plane of panel  180 .  
         [0086]    To complete formation of cover  107 , horizontal folding panels  144  and  146  are folded over flaps  158 B and  170 B in a manner similar to that used to fold horizontal folding panels  138  and  140 , so that flaps  158 B and  170 B are interposed between horizontal folding panels  144  and  146 . It will be appreciated that the portion of aperture  154 B remaining in blank  102 ′ aligns with cutout  156 D when blank  102 ′ is placed in such a position. Subsequently, if the continuous border  111  is provided with tab members  150  and horizontal fold line  122  is provided with corresponding slots  152 , the tab members  150  are positioned within the slots  152  to retain the cover  107  in this finished condition. FIG. 16 depicts a completed cover  107  formed in accordance with this procedure. It will be appreciated that a second cover  107  may be constructed from blank  102 ″ in much the same manner.  
         [0087]    As with panel  80  of packaging structure  7 , although it has been shown that the panels  180  of packaging structures  107  are all about the same size, it will be appreciated that one panel may be larger than the other. In such event, the packaging structure  107  formed from blank  102 ′ will be a different size than the packaging structure  107  formed from blank  102 ″.  
         [0088]    Upon completion of the packaging structure  4  as shown in FIG. 4, and completion of the cover  104 , as shown in FIG. 12, a completed box  1  may be formed by placing the cover  104  over the packaging structure  4  such that the interior portions of each are facing each other with sides of corresponding length aligned with one another. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of panel  148  are slightly larger than the dimensions of panel  48 . Typically, the dimensions differ by about 2-6 times the thickness of the packaging structure blank  2 . This enables cover  104  to nestle upon packaging structure  4  in the configuration shown by FIG. 17. Cutouts  156 A-D enable an end user to easily remove the cover  104  from the packaging structure  4  by providing a location where leverage may be obtained upon the cover  104 .  
         [0089]    Similarly, FIG. 18 shows two completed boxes formed when blanks  2  and  102  are split to form two separate packing structures and two separate covers. Each panel  180  is slightly larger than its corresponding panel  80  to enable each cover  107  to nestle upon the corresponding packaging structure  7  in the configuration shown by FIG. 18.  
         [0090]    Although the cover previously described is the preferred cover, various other covers may be employed to serve the same function. Such covers include simple flat panels made of various materials such as cardboard or plastic, or pliable materials such as canvass or plastic wrap, or any other item which serves to protect the object placed within the packaging structure.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 19 is a plan view of a blank  202  for forming either a single packaging structure, two packaging structures, or three packaging structures in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. As with the previous blanks, blank  202  may be folded as shown, or may be separated along fold lines into smaller blanks. If folded as shown, blank  202  will create a single large packaging structure. Alternatively, blank  202  may be split in thirds and folded into three smaller packaging structures of about the same size. It will be appreciated that other intermediate size packaging structures may also be formed. Blank  202  may also be split into a small blank about one-third the size of blank  202 , and a medium blank about two-thirds the size of blank  202 . Folding of these blanks is conducted in a manner similar to that described for the other embodiments of the present invention. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that another blank may be provided for forming covers for the one, two or three packaging structures formed from blank  202 . Formation of these covers is conducted in substantially the same manner as previously described.  
         [0092]    Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. In this regard, it is to be understood that although 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 packaging structures and associated covers have been explicitly detailed, it is the intention of this disclosure to cover all such combinations of packaging structures and covers wherein a single blank may be manipulated in the manner described into multiple package structures and covers, including 4 in 1, 5 in 1, 6 in 1, etc.