Rigid u-shaped packaging container with integral handle

Abstract

A packaging container has an integral handle. The container is formed from a preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section having a main body portion with a generally flat bottom wall and upstanding, opposing sidewalls. The unit is foldable at at least two regions to form a base channel and opposing side channels of a protective package for an item. Hand openings are formed in the bottom wall of the opposing side channels configured for a user to insert a hand for use as the handle for the packaging container.

1 . A packaging container having an integral handle comprising: 
 a preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section having a main body portion with a generally flat bottom wall and upstanding, opposing side walls, the unit being foldable at at least two regions to form a base channel and opposing side channels of a protective package for an associated item, hand openings formed in the bottom wall of the opposing side channels configured for a user to insert a hand for use as the handle for the packaging container.    
   
   
       2 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the unit is foldable at two regions to define only a base channel and opposing side walls, and wherein hand openings are formed in each of the side walls.  
   
   
       3 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the hand openings are formed in the bottom wall only and extend across less than an entire width of the bottom wall.  
   
   
       4 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the hand openings are formed as elliptical shaped openings having substantially straight sides.  
   
   
       5 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  wherein each of the opposing side walls includes only one opening.  
   
   
       6 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  including cuts in the opposing side walls at the foldable regions.  
   
   
       7 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  including V-shaped notches in the opposing side walls at the foldable regions.  
   
   
       8 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 1  including a plurality of hand openings formed in each of the opposing side walls.  
   
   
       9 . The packaging container in accordance with  claim 8  wherein the hand openings are spaced from one another a predetermined distance.