PACKAGING

Abstract

A blank formable into packaging defining an interior and having a thickness includes a main panel, a first side expansion assembly connected to the main panel, a second side expansion assembly connected to the main panel opposite the first side expansion assembly, a bottom expansion assembly connected to the main panel adjacent both the first side expansion assembly and the second side expansion assembly, and a top panel assembly. The top panel assembly includes a selectable thickness bend element. The top panel assembly encloses the packaging by securing to the bottom expansion assembly. The selectable thickness bend element bends at varying locations within the top panel assembly. The first side expansion assembly, the second side expansion assembly, and the bottom expansion assembly are configured to expand such that the packaging can be arranged in a plurality of arrangements.

Claims

1. A blank formable into packaging defining an interior and having a thickness, the blank comprising: a main panel; a first side expansion assembly connected to the main panel; a second side expansion assembly connected to the main panel opposite the first side expansion assembly; a bottom expansion assembly connected to the main panel adjacent both the first side expansion assembly and the second side expansion assembly; and, a top panel assembly, the top panel assembly comprising a selectable thickness bend element, the top panel assembly configured to enclose the packaging by securing to the bottom expansion assembly, the selectable thickness bend element configured to bend at varying locations within the top panel assembly, and the first side expansion assembly, the second side expansion assembly, and the bottom expansion assembly configured to expand such that the packaging can be arranged in a plurality of arrangements.

2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the blank is formed of one of corrugated cardboard, paperboard, paper, and kraft paper.

3. The blank of claim 1, wherein the selectable thickness bend element comprises a first bend line, a second bend line, a third bend line, and a fourth bend line.

4. The blank of claim 3, further comprising: an interior panel arranged between the selectable thickness bend element and the main panel; and an exterior panel arranged adjacent to the selectable thickness bend element, the exterior panel arranged opposite the selectable thickness bend element from the interior panel; the exterior panel comprising an interior portion, an exterior portion, and a tearaway assembly.

5. The blank of claim 4, wherein the tearaway assembly comprises a first line, a midsection, and a second line.

6. The blank of claim 4, further comprising: the first line comprising a tearaway line; the second line comprising a tearaway line; the first line perforated to allow tearing away of the midsection; and the second line perforated to allow tearing away of the midsection.

7. The blank of claim 4, further comprising: a first upper wing panel connected to the interior panel, the first upper wing panel partially defining an outer edge of the blank; and a second upper wing panel connected to the interior panel, the second upper wing panel partially defining an outer edge of the blank.

8. The blank of claim 7, further comprising: a first lower wing panel connected to a first bottom panel by a fifth bend line; a second lower wing panel connected to a second bottom panel by a sixth bend line; the first lower wing panel partially defining a first outer edge of the blank; and the second lower wing panel partially defining a second outer edge of the blank.

9. The blank of claim 1, further comprising: the first side expansion assembly comprising a first panel connected to a second panel; the first panel comprising a top section connected to a bottom section by a first bend line of the selectable thickness bend element; the second panel comprising a top section connected to a bottom section by a second bend line of the selectable thickness bend element; and the first bend line and the second bend line forming a single continuous curve.

10. The blank of claim 9, wherein the top section of the first panel, the bottom section of the first panel, the top section of the second panel, and the bottom section of the second panel are about triangular in shape.

11. A packaging element formed from a blank, the packaging element comprising: a main panel; a flexible first side expansion assembly connected in bendable relation to the main panel; a flexible second side expansion assembly connected in bendable relation to the main panel; a flexible bottom expansion assembly connected in bendable relation to the main panel; a first back panel connected to the first side expansion assembly; a second back panel connected to the second side expansion assembly, the first back panel affixed to the second back panel; and, a top panel connected to the main panel, the top panel comprising a selectable thickness bend element, the top panel configured to be affixed to at least one of the first back panel and the second back panel.

12. The packaging element of claim 11, further comprising: a bend line connecting the first back panel to the main panel; the first back panel comprising a lateral end opposite the bend line, a top end adjacent to the lateral end, a bottom end opposite the top end, and the bottom end adjacent to the lateral end; the lateral end comprising an upper section, a lower section, and a midsection; and the midsection comprising a slant to transition between the upper section and the lower section.

13. The packaging element of claim 11, wherein the second back panel comprises an adhesive.

14. A packaging element comprising: a front; a back; a first side expansion assembly connecting the front to the back; a second side expansion assembly connecting the front to the back; a bottom expansion assembly connecting the front to the back, wherein the front, the back, the first side expansion assembly, the second side expansion assembly, and the bottom expansion assembly together define an interior and an opening allowing access to the interior, the interior defining an interior volume; and a top panel assembly connected to the front proximate the opening and arranged to be affixed to the back in one of multiple locations, wherein each expansion assembly is configured to flex such that the front is movable with respect to the back, wherein the packaging element is configurable to be arranged in one of a minimally-expanded state, a moderately-expanded state, and a substantially-expanded state, and wherein the top panel assembly is configurable to cover the opening and to be affixed to the back regardless of the state in which the packaging element is configured.

15. The packaging element of claim 14, further comprising: a main panel, a cover panel, a first back panel, a second back panel, a bottom expansion assembly, and a top panel assembly; the first side expansion assembly connecting the first back panel to the main panel by a first bend line, the second side expansion assembly connecting the second back panel to the main panel by a second bend line; the bottom expansion assembly connecting the cover panel to the main panel; the top panel assembly connected to the main panel by a bend line; and a main body defined by the first back panel, the second back panel, the expansion assemblies, the cover panel, and the main panel; wherein the top panel assembly further comprises a selectable thickness bend element, the selectable thickness bend element comprises a first bend line, a second bend line, a third bend line, and a fourth bend line.

16. The packaging element of claim 15, wherein the minimally-expanded state comprises: the top panel assembly bent along the first bend line of the selectable thickness bend element, the top panel assembly adhered to the main body with an adhesive liner; and the minimally-expanded state defining an interior volume less than the moderately-expanded state, the minimally-expanded state defining an interior volume less than the substantially-expanded state.

17. The packaging element of claim 15, wherein the moderately-expanded state comprises: the top panel assembly bent along the second bend line of the selectable thickness bend element, the top panel assembly adhered to the main body with an adhesive liner; and the moderately-expanded state defining an interior volume greater than the minimally-expanded state, the moderately-expanded state defining an interior volume less than the substantially-expanded state.

18. The packaging element of claim 15, wherein the substantially-expanded state comprises: the top panel assembly bent along one of the third bend line and the fourth bend line of the selectable thickness bend element, the top panel assembly adhered to the main body with an adhesive liner; and the substantially-expanded state defining an interior volume greater than the minimally-expanded state, the substantially-expanded state defining an interior volume greater than the moderately-expanded state.

19. The packaging element of claim 15, wherein each bend line defines a curve in shape.

20. The packaging element of claim 15, wherein each bend line comprises at least one of score lines, creased regions, and perforations.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain various principles of the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank formable into packaging in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of packaging being formed from the blank of FIG. 1 in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view the packaging of FIG. 2 in a fully formed ready state.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 3 being held in an expanded state by a user.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 3 in a minimally expanded state.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 3 in an intermediately expanded state.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 3 in a substantially expanded state.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a blank view of a blank formable into packaging in accord with another aspect of the current disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of packaging formed from the blank of FIG. 8 in accord with one aspect of the current disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0020] The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

[0021] As used throughout, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a first widget and a second widget, even if only a widget is referenced).

[0022] Ranges can be expressed herein as from about one particular value and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about or substantially, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0023] For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes, and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

[0024] As used herein, the terms optional or optionally mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description comprises instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0025] The word or as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase at least one of A and B as used herein means only A, only B, or both A and B; while the phrase one of A and B means A or B.

[0026] As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term monolithic in the description of a component means that the component is formed as a singular component that constitutes a single material without joints or seams. Unless otherwise specified herein, any structure disclosed in the drawings or in the written description as being so formed can be monolithic whether or not such an explicit description of the structure is included herein.

[0027] To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of left, right, front, rear, top, bottom, upper, lower, inside, outside, inboard, outboard, horizontal, and/or vertical may be referenced. Unless stated otherwise, front describes that end of a break check valve nearest to an outlet of the valve, and rear is the end of the break check valve which can be opposite or distal the front. Horizontal or horizontal orientation describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. Vertical or vertical orientation describes that which is in a plane which can be angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

[0028] Disclosed is packaging and a blank formable into packaging and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed packaging is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

[0029] One embodiment of a blank 1000 for use in forming packaging 2000 (seen with reference to FIG. 2) is disclosed and described with reference to FIG. 1. In various aspects, the packaging 2000 can be a mailer. The blank 1000 can be formed of corrugated cardboard in various aspects. In various aspects, the blank 1000 can be formed of paperboard. In various aspects, the blank 1000 can be formed of paper or kraft paper. In various aspects, the blank 1000 can be formed from a variety of materials known in the art.

[0030] The blank 1000 can comprise a main panel 1010. The main panel 1010 can be located about centrally in the blank 1000 and can define a large portion of the blank 1000 in various aspects. The main panel 1010 can be connected to a top panel assembly 1050 by a bend line 1012. Bend lines of the current disclosure can comprise score lines, creased regions, perforations, or various other methods of weakening the material of the blank 1000 in a particular region to provide a predictable location at which bending or folding can occur. One of skill in the art would understand that inclusion of various types of bend lines known in the art would not depart from the scope of the current disclosure.

[0031] The main panel 1010 can be connected to a bottom expansion assembly 1450 by a bend line 1014. In the current aspect, the bend line 1014 can define a curve in shape. Throughout the disclosure, various shapes of various bend lines can be shown as curved or straight in various arrangements. No particular shape should be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosure. In various aspects, various shapes of the bend line 1014 can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The main panel 1010 can be connected to a first side expansion assembly 1150 by a bend line 1016. The main panel 1010 can be connected to a second side expansion assembly 1250 by a bend line 1018.

[0032] The bottom expansion assembly 1450 can be connected to a cover panel 1020 by a bend line 1022. Similar to the bend line 1014, the bend line 1022 can be curved in various aspects. In various aspects, the bend line 1022 can be various shapes as would be known to one of skill in the art. The cover panel 1020 can comprise a bottom end 1026, a first lateral end 1072, and a second lateral end 1073.

[0033] The first side expansion assembly 1150 can be connected to a first back panel 1170 by a bend line 1152. The second side expansion assembly 1250 can be connected to a second back panel 1270 by a bend line 1252. The second back panel 1270 can be generally rectangular in shape and can comprise a lateral end 1272 opposite the bend line 1252, a top end 1274 adjacent to the lateral end 1272, and a bottom end 1276 opposite the top end 1274 and adjacent to the lateral end 1272. The first back panel 1170 can be of a variety of shapes in a variety of aspects. In the current aspect, the first back panel 1170 can comprise a lateral end 1172 opposite the bend line 1152. The lateral end 1172 can comprise an upper section 1173, a lower section 1175, and a midsection 1177. In the current aspect, the upper section 1173 and the lower section 1175 can be about parallel with the bend line 1152. The upper section 1173 can be distal to the bend line 1152 while the lower section 1175 can be closer to the bend line 1152. The midsection 1177 in the current aspect can be slanted to provide a transition between the upper section 1173 and the lower section 1175. A top end 1174 can be arranged adjacent to the lateral end 1172 and the bend line 1152 proximate the upper section 1173, and a bottom end 1176 can be arranged opposite the top end 1174 and adjacent to the bend line 1152 and the lateral end 1172 proximate the lower section 1175.

[0034] The second back panel 1270 in the current aspect can comprise an adhesive 1280. In various aspects, the adhesive 1280 can be a glue strip. In various aspects, various apparatus for fastening can be utilized, including glues, tapes, starches, mechanical fasteners, interlocking mechanical arrangements, and various other parts and systems known to those of skill in the art.

[0035] The top panel assembly 1050 can comprise a variety of features in various aspects. One of skill in the art would not consider any particular features of the top panel assembly 1050 to be limiting on the scope of the current disclosure. The top panel assembly 1050 can comprise a central folding panel 1052. The central folding panel 1052 can comprise a selectable thickness bend element 1055. The selectable thickness bend element 1055 can comprise a variety of bend lines, weakened regions, cuts, slits, perforations, or various other methods known to one of skill in the art to allow bending at various locations within the selectable thickness bend element 1055. In the current aspect, the selectable thickness bend element 1055 can comprise a first bend line 1056, a second bend line 1057, a third bend line 1058, and a fourth bend line 1059. Each bend line 1056,1057,1058,1059 can allow bending at a slightly different location to allow user selectable sizing of packaging 2000 (seen with reference to FIG. 2) from the blank 1000. In various aspects, the packaging 2000 can be referenced as a mailer, an envelope, or any similar terms as would be understood by one of skill in the art.

[0036] An interior panel 1061 can be arranged between the selectable thickness bend element 1055 and the bend line 1012. An exterior panel 1065 can be arranged adjacent to the selectable thickness bend element 1055 and on the opposite end of the selectable thickness bend element 1055 from the interior panel 1061. The exterior panel 1065 can comprise an interior portion 1067 and an exterior portion 1069. The interior portion 1067 can be connected to the exterior portion 1069 by a tearaway assembly 1068. The tearaway assembly 1068 can comprise a first line 1071 and a second line 1079 separated by a midsection 1075. The first line 1071 and the second line 1079 can be tearaway lines in various aspects. In the current aspect, each line 1071,1079 can be perforated to allow tearing away of the midsection 1075 when desired. The top panel assembly 1050 can define a top end 1084, a first lateral end 1082, and a second lateral end 1083. Each of the first lateral end 1082 and the second lateral end 1083 can be tapered when part of the exterior panel 1065.

[0037] The interior panel 1061 can be arranged adjacent to a first upper wing panel 1091 and a second upper wing panel 1092. The first upper wing panel 1091 can be connected to the interior panel 1061 by a bend line 1093 and the second upper wing panel 1092 can be connected to the interior panel 1061 by a bend line 1094.

[0038] The first side expansion assembly 1150 can be arranged between and partially encompass the bend line 1016 and the bend line 1152. The first side expansion assembly 1150 can comprise a first panel 1161 connected to a second panel 1162 by a bend line 1163. Each of the first panel 1161 and the second panel 1162 can be about rectangular in shape. The first panel 1161 can comprise a top section 1164 and a bottom section 1165 separated by a bend line 1166. The second panel 1162 can comprise a top section 1167 and a bottom section 1168 separated by a bend line 1169. Each of the bend line 1166 and the bend line 1169 can be curved in various aspects. The bend line 1166 and the bend line 1169 can form a single continuous curve in the arrangement of the blank 1000 shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The first side expansion assembly 1150 can comprise a first bottom panel 1181 connected to a second bottom panel 1182 by a bend line 1183. Each of the first bottom panel 1181 and the second bottom panel 1182 can be about triangular in shape. The first bottom panel 1181 can be connected to the bottom section 1165 of the first panel 1161 by a bend line 1186. The second bottom panel 1182 can be connected to the bottom section 1168 of the second panel 1162 by a bend line 1189. Each of the bend line 1186 and the bend line 1189 can be curved in various aspects. The bend line 1186 and the bend line 1189 can form a single continuous curve in the arrangement of the blank 1000 shown in FIG. 1. The second bottom panel 1182 can comprise an outer edge 1185

[0040] The second side expansion assembly 1250 can be arranged between and partially encompass the bend line 1018 and the bend line 1252. The second side expansion assembly 1250 can comprise a first panel 1261 connected to a second panel 1262 by a bend line 1263. Each of the first panel 1261 and the second panel 1262 can be about rectangular in shape. The first panel 1261 can comprise a top section 1264 and a bottom section 1265 separated by a bend line 1266. The second panel 1262 can comprise a top section 1267 and a bottom section 1268 separated by a bend line 1269. Each of the bend line 1266 and the bend line 1269 can be curved in various aspects. The bend line 1266 and the bend line 1269 can form a single continuous curve in the arrangement of the blank 1000 shown in FIG. 1.

[0041] The second side expansion assembly 1250 can comprise a first bottom panel 1281 connected to a second bottom panel 1282 by a bend line 1283. Each of the first bottom panel 1281 and the second bottom panel 1282 can be about triangular in shape. The first bottom panel 1281 can be connected to the bottom section 1265 of the first panel 1261 by a bend line 1286. The second bottom panel 1282 can be connected to the bottom section 1268 of the second panel 1262 by a bend line 1289. Each of the bend line 1286 and the bend line 1289 can be curved in various aspects. The bend line 1286 and the bend line 1289 can form a single continuous curve in the arrangement of the blank 1000 shown in FIG. 1. The second bottom panel 1282 can comprise an outer edge 1285.

[0042] The bottom expansion assembly 1450 can be arranged between and partially encompass the bend line 1014 and the bend line 1022. The bottom expansion assembly 1450 can comprise a top panel 1461 connected to a bottom panel 1462 by a bend line 1463. The bottom expansion assembly 1450 can comprise a first top panel 1464, a second top panel 1465, a first bottom panel 1466, and a second bottom panel 1467. Each of the first top panel 1464, the second top panel 1465, the first bottom panel 1466, and the second bottom panel 1467 can be about triangular in shape. The first top panel 1464 can be connected to the top panel 1461 by a bend line 1468. The second top panel 1465 can be connected to the top panel 1461 by a bend line 1469. The first bottom panel 1466 can be connected to the bottom panel 1462 by a bend line 1470 and to the first top panel 1464 by a bend line 1471. The second bottom panel 1467 can be connected to the bottom panel 1462 by a bend line 1472 and to the second top panel 1465 by a bend line 1473.

[0043] A first lower wing panel 1491 can be connected to the first bottom panel 1466 by a bend line 1493. A second lower wing panel 1492 can be connected to the second bottom panel 1467 by a bend line 1494. The first lower wing panel 1491 can define an outer edge 1495. The second lower wing panel 1492 can define an outer edge 1496.

[0044] The first upper wing panel 1091 can be connected to the top section 1164 of the first panel 1161 by a bend line 1095. The second upper wing panel 1092 can be connected to the top section 1264 of the first panel 1261 by a bend line 1096. The first upper wing panel 1091 can comprise an outer edge 1097. The second upper wing panel 1092 can comprise an outer edge 1098. The second panel 1162 can comprise an outer edge 1098, and the second panel 1262 can comprise an outer edge 1099.

[0045] The first bottom panel 1181 can be connected to the first top panel 1464 by bend line 1501. The first bottom panel 1281 can be connected to the second top panel 1465 by bend line 1502. The bend line 1501 can define a transition between the first side expansion assembly 1150 and the bottom expansion assembly 1450. The bend line 1502 can define a transition between the second side expansion assembly 1250 and the bottom expansion assembly 1450.

[0046] The packaging 2000 can be formed from the blank 1000 as seen with reference to FIG. 2. In forming the packaging 2000, the cover panel 1020 can be moved into contact with the main panel 1010 by folding along bend line 1463. The bottom panel 1462 can be rotated into contact with the top panel 1461 by such bending along bend line 1463 as well. The first bottom panel 1466 can be rotated into contact with the first top panel 1464 by bending along bend line 1471, and the second bottom panel 1467 can be rotated into contact with the second top panel 1465 by bending along bend line 1473. As such, bend lines 1463,1471,1473 can all be bent to produce a straight line bend within the bottom expansion assembly 1450.

[0047] Following the arrangement of the cover panel 1020 in contact with the main panel 1010, the first back panel 1170 can similarly be arranged overlapping and in contact with the cover panel 1020 and the main panel 1010. The first back panel 1170 can be placed in such arrangement by bending along bend line 1163. The second bottom panel 1182 can be rotated into contact with the first bottom panel 1181 by bending along bend line 1183. Similarly, the second panel 1162 can be rotated into contact with the first panel 1161 by bending along bend line 1163.

[0048] The first back panel 1170 can be adhered to the cover panel 1020. In various aspects, various methods of fastening or adhering can be utilized within the scope of the current disclosure. In various aspects, tapes, glues, epoxies, or other adhesives can be utilized. In various aspects, chemical or mechanical fastening elements can be utilized, including joints, welds, or various other methods known in the art. In various aspects, mechanical fasteners can be used, including mechanical joints, key/fit arrangements, and the like. One of skill in the art would understand that appropriate joining elements can be utilized without departing from the scope of the current disclosure. In the current aspect, the first back panel 1170 can be adhered to the cover panel 1020 using glue. In various aspects, the first back panel 1170 can be left unadhered to the cover panel 1020.

[0049] The packaging 2000 can be finally assembled into a mail-ready state as seen with reference to FIG. 3. As can be seen, the second back panel 1270 can be arranged overlapping and adhered to the first back panel 1170 and the cover panel 1020. In the view of FIG. 3, the cover panel 1020 can be almost completely obscured from view by the first back panel 1170 and the second back panel 1270. In such view, a small portion of the cover panel 1020 proximate the bend line 1014 can be seen. In various aspects, the first back panel 1170 and the second back panel 1270 can be configured to cover the cover panel 1020 completely.

[0050] The second back panel 1270 can be arranged in contact with the first back panel 1170 and the cover panel 1020 by bending along bend line 1263. The second panel 1262 can be rotated into contact with the first panel 1261 by bending along bend line 1263. The second bottom panel 1282 can be rotated into contact with the first bottom panel 1281 by bending along bend line 1283.

[0051] In the arrangement of FIG. 3, the expansion assemblies 1150,1250,1450 can be prepared to become expanded in response to filling the packaging 2000 with material. In the current aspect, the packaging 2000 can be utilized as a mailer to mail documents, photos, or other various items that would require some packaging protection in the mail. The packaging 2000 can be produced from corrugated material including corrugated cardboard. In various aspects, the corrugated material can be E-flute 32ECT. Depending on application, various size corrugated board can be utilized, including G-flute, F-flute, D-flute, EE-flute, or various other sizes as known to one of skill in the art.

[0052] The packaging 2000 can be produced into the flattened arrangement previously termed the ready state during manufacturing. Such flattened arrangement can be beneficial for shipping the packaging 2000 to vendors such as mailing services or retailers who could sell the packaging 2000 to customers. The packaging 2000 can be define an interior that can itself define an interior volume of the packaging as would be understood by one of skill in the art. In the ready state or flattened arrangement of FIG. 3, the interior volume can be minimal as the cover panel 1020, the first back panel 1170, and the second back panel 1270 can be in contact with the main panel 1010. The packaging 2000 can be utilized in multiple depth arrangements. The packaging 2000 can a plurality of corners 2011,2012,2021,2022. The overlapping geometry of the corners 2011,2012,2021,2022 together with the structural integrity of the corrugated board can combine to promote rugged, structurally-strong corners 2011,2012,2021,2022 that can be ideal for mailing objects, photos, or documents that can be susceptible to damage at corner locations.

[0053] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3, an adhesive or adhesive strip 2050 can be applied to the exterior portion 1069 of the exterior panel 1065. In the current aspect, the adhesive strip 2050 can be glue applied to a surface of the exterior portion 1069. An adhesive liner 2055 can be arranged over the adhesive strip 2050 to prevent the adhesive strip 2050 from adhering to anything before the packaging 2000 is utilized. A tearaway liner 2068 can be arranged over the tearaway assembly 1068 in various aspects.

[0054] The packaging 2000 can be expanded as shown with reference to FIG. 4. As can be seen, a user 5000who can be a customer in various aspectscan expand the packaging 2000 into an expanded state or opened arrangement by engaging the first side expansion assembly 1150 and the second side expansion assembly 1250. Such engagement can include forcing portions of each of the first side expansion assembly 1150 and the second side expansion assembly 1250 toward each other in space. Such engagement can include applying force to bend lines 1163,1263 and/or to panels 1161,1162,1261,1262. In applying force to such locations, the packaging 2000 can bend along bend lines 1152,1252,1016,1018 as well as bend lines 1163,1263 to allow the first back panel 1170 and the second back panel 1270 to travel away from the main panel 1010. The bottom expansion assembly 1450 can be allowed to bend and thereby allow the cover panel 1020 to travel away from the main panel 1010. As such, the packaging 2000 in the expanded state can define an opening 2100 that can begin proximate bend line 1012, and the packaging 2000 can define an interior 2150 into which objects (as previously mentioned) can be placed. In various aspects, the packaging 2000 need not be expanded as much as shown with reference to FIG. 4. The opening 2100 can allow access to the interior of the packaging 2000. Although the opening 2100 can defined by the packaging 2000 regardless of the expansion status of the packaging 2000, the opening 2100 can be seen most readily in the view of FIG. 4.

[0055] In the expanded state or opened arrangement, the interior of the packaging 2000 can be changed such that the interior volume can be increased as would be understood by one of skill in the art. In the expanded state or opened arrangement, the interior volume can be near maximum. In interior volume can be changed by moving various elements of the packaging 2000including, in various aspects, the first back panel 1170 and the second back panel 1270away from the main panel 1010. The packaging 2000 can be expanded as needed to accommodate varying sizes of objects to be placed within the interior 2150. The top panel assembly 1050 can also be seen as distinct from a main body 2200. The main body 2200 can be defined by the first back panel 1170, the second back panel 1270, the expansion assemblies 1150,1250,1450, the cover panel 1020, and the main panel 1010. Various elements of the main body 2200 can be either adhered or connected together such that the elements move together or in response to each other.

[0056] Various use states of the packaging 2000 can be seen with reference to FIGS. 5-7. With specific reference to FIG. 5, the packaging 2000 can be utilized with a single document, a single photo, or a small number of items or particularly thin items located within the interior 2150. As can be seen, the packaging 2000 can be in a minimally expanded state to accommodate the relatively thin payload inside. In the minimally expanded state, the interior volume can be relatively small as compared to various other states noted elsewhere in this disclosure. The top panel assembly 1050 can be seen bent along bend line 1012 and adhered to the main body 2200 thereby defining the packaging 2000 at its thinnest profile in use. To adhere the top panel assembly 1050 to the main body 2200, the adhesive liner 2055 can be removed from the adhesive strip 2050, and the adhesive strip 2050 can subsequently be placed in contact with the main body 2200.

[0057] As seen with reference to FIG. 6, the packaging 2000 can be arranged into an intermediately expanded state in which the packaging 2000 can contain a moderate number of documents, photos, or other objects of a cumulatively moderate thickness within the interior 2150. In the intermediately expanded state, the interior volume can be moderate as compared to other states described elsewhere in this disclosure. The top panel assembly 1050 can be arranged bent along bend line 1012 and along bend line 1056 of the selectable thickness bend element 1055. As such, the interior panel 1061 can serve as a side of the packaging 2000 to contain objects within the interior 2150. The top panel assembly 1050 can become adhered to the main body 2200 by the adhesive strip 2050 engaging the main body 2200 as described above.

[0058] As seen with reference to FIG. 7, the packaging 2000 can be can be utilized in a substantially expanded state in which the packaging 2000 can contain a large number of documents, photos, or other objects of a cumulatively large thickness. In the substantially expanded state, the interior volume can be at or near maximum and can be substantially large compared with other states described elsewhere in this disclosure. The top panel assembly 1050 can be bent along bend line 1012 and also along bend line 1058 or bend line 1059 in various aspects. In the substantially expanded state, the interior panel 1061 can serve as a portion of the side of the packaging 2000 as described with reference to FIG. 6. However, portions of the selectable thickness bend element 1055 can also serve as portions of the side along with the interior panel 1061. The top panel assembly 1050 can become adhered to the main body 2200 by the adhesive strip 2050 engaging the main body 2200 as described above.

[0059] Should a user wish to open the packaging 2000 after the adhesive strip 2050 engages the main body 2200, the tearaway assembly 1068 can be forcibly removed from the packaging 2000 thereby separating the exterior portion 1069 from the interior portion 1067 of the exterior panel. As the adhesive strip 2050 can be located on the exterior portion 1069 only in various aspects, the physical separation of the exterior portion 1069 from the interior portion 1067 can allow the rest of the top panel assembly 1050 to become freed from the adhesive, allowing the top panel assembly 1050 to open and to allow access to the interior 2150.

[0060] Another aspect of a blank 3000 can be substantially similar to the blank 1000 but can comprise some different dimensions, as seen with reference to FIG. 8. The blank 3000 can be provided to illustrate an example of variant sizing for the blank 3000 that can be formed into packaging 4000 (seen with reference to FIG. 9). The blank 3000 can comprise a main panel 3010, a cover panel 3020, a first back panel 3170, a second back panel 3270, and a top panel assembly 3050. A first side expansion assembly 3150 can connect the first back panel 3170 to the main panel 3010. A second side expansion assembly 3250 can connect the second back panel 3270 to the main panel 3010. A bottom expansion assembly 3450 can connect the cover panel 3020 to the main panel 3010. The top panel assembly 3050 can be connected to the main panel 3010. As seen with reference to prior aspects, connections of the various elements can be bend lines or cuts as described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0061] As seen with reference to FIG. 9, the packaging 4000 formed from blank 3000 can be substantially similar to packaging 2000 formed from blank 1000 and can accommodate documents, photographs, and objects of a larger size than packaging 2000.

[0062] One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0063] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.