Convertible bread packaging product for loaf bread

Abstract

A convertible bread packaging product is provided for preserving loaf bread. The packaging product includes a foldable paperboard blank having first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges. The blank is folded along respective lateral fold lines and attached along the first and second end edges to define a plurality of joined walls. The walls cooperate to form a protective enclosure having a length dimension greater than its width dimension, and at least one open end for receiving a loaf of bread. The enclosure is movable between a collapsed position for stacking the packaging product prior to use, and an open position for storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A convertible bread packaging product for preserving loaf bread, said packaging product comprising a foldable paperboard blank having first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges, said blank being folded along respective lateral fold lines and attached along said first and second end edges to define a plurality of joined walls, said walls cooperating to form a protective enclosure having a length dimension greater than a width dimension thereof, and at least one open end for receiving a loaf of bread therein, said enclosure being movable between a collapsed position for stacking said packaging product prior to use, and an open position for storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.  
     
     
         2 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 1 , and comprising a plurality of end flaps formed along one side edge of said paperboard blank, and cooperating when folded to form a closed end of said protective enclosure.  
     
     
         3 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 2 , and comprising an adhesive applied to at least one of said end flaps for joining at least two of said end flaps together.  
     
     
         4 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 1 , and comprising an attachment flange formed with the first end edge of said paperboard blank, and adapted for being attached to the second end edge of said paperboard blank.  
     
     
         5 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 4 , wherein said attachment flange extends from one side edge of said paperboard blank to the other.  
     
     
         6 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 4 , and comprising a fold line between said first end edge and said attachment flange.  
     
     
         7 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 4 , wherein said attachment flange has opposing ends each cut at an angle to said fold line to facilitate assembly of said packaging product.  
     
     
         8 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 4 , and comprising an adhesive applied to one of the send end edge of said paperboard blank and said attachment flange to join the second end edge and said attachment flange together.  
     
     
         9 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 8 , wherein the adhesive applied to one of the second end edge of said paperboard blank and said attachment flange extends from one side edge to the other.  
     
     
         10 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 1 , wherein said protective enclosure defines first and second opposing open ends.  
     
     
         11 . A convertible bread packaging product for preserving loaf bread, said packaging product comprising a foldable paperboard blank having first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges, said blank being folded along three lateral fold lines extending respectively from one side edge to the other, and attached at said first and second end edges to define four joined walls, said walls cooperating to form a rectangular enclosure having a length dimension greater than a width dimension thereof, and at least one open end for receiving the loaf of bread therein, said enclosure being movable between a collapsed position for stacking said packaging product prior to use, and an open position for storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.  
     
     
         12 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 11 , and comprising a plurality of end flaps formed along one side edge of said paperboard blank, and cooperating when folded to form a closed end of said protective enclosure.  
     
     
         13 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 12 , and comprising an adhesive applied to at least one of said end flaps for joining at least two of said end flaps together.  
     
     
         14 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 11 , and comprising an attachment flange formed with the first end edge of said paperboard blank, and adapted for being attached to the second end edge of said paperboard blank.  
     
     
         15 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 14 , wherein said attachment flange extends from one side edge of said paperboard blank to the other.  
     
     
         16 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 14 , and comprising a fold line between said first end edge and said attachment flange.  
     
     
         17 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 14 , and comprising an adhesive applied to one of the second end edge of said paperboard blank and said attachment flange to join the second end edge and said attachment flange together.  
     
     
         18 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 17 , wherein the adhesive applied to one of the second end edge of said paperboard blank and said attachment flange extends from one side edge to the other.  
     
     
         19 . A bread packaging product according to  claim 14 , wherein said attachment flange has opposing ends, said ends being cut at an angle to said fold line to facilitate assembly of said packaging product.  
     
     
         20 . A method of preserving loaf bread comprising the step of placing a loaf of bread in a convertible bread packaging product comprising an enclosure movable between a collapsed position for stacking the packaging product prior to use, and an open position for receiving and storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.