U.S. patent application number 11/340085 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for carton with gusseted handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to LaTrece A. Russ.
Application Number | 20070017962 11/340085 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36526720 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russ; LaTrece A. |
January 25, 2007 |
Carton with gusseted handle
Abstract
A carton has a handle having gussets that provide cushioning for
a user's hand during carrying of the carton. The handle also
provides additional strength, rigidity and tear resistance to the
carton.
Inventors: |
Russ; LaTrece A.; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING 32ND FLOOR
P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Assignee: |
Graphic Packaging International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36526720 |
Appl. No.: |
11/340085 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60654347 |
Feb 18, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00549
20130101; B65D 2571/0045 20130101; B65D 2571/00543 20130101; B65D
2571/00561 20130101; B65D 5/4608 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101;
B65D 2571/00728 20130101; B65D 5/542 20130101; B65D 5/0227
20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117.13 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/46 20060101
B65D005/46 |
Claims
1. A blank for erecting into a carton, the blank comprising: a
first panel; a second panel foldably connected to the first panel;
a third panel foldably connected to the second panel; a fourth
panel foldably connected to the third panel; at least one first end
flap extending along a first marginal area of the blank; at least
one second end flap extending along a second marginal area of the
blank; and a handle having a first gusset, a second gusset, a first
tear stop and a second tear stop, wherein the handle is defined at
least in part by a first arcuate concave exterior line, a second
arcuate concave exterior line, and an opening line extending
between the first and second exterior lines, the first and second
gussets, the first and second exterior lines, and the opening line
extend across the second, third and fourth panels, the first tear
stop is spaced from a first end of the first exterior line in the
second panel, and the second tear stop is spaced from a second end
of the first exterior line in the fourth panel.
2. The blank of claim 1, wherein the first and second exterior
lines are substantially continuously arcuate.
3. The blank of claim 2, wherein the first gusset is disposed on a
first side of the opening line, and the second gusset is disposed
on a second side of the opening line.
4. The blank of claim 3, wherein the handle is further defined at
least in part by: a first oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line; and a second oblique line extending
from a point adjacent to the opening line.
5. The blank of claim 4, wherein the handle is further defined at
least in part by: a third oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line; and a fourth oblique line extending
from a point adjacent to the opening line, wherein the first and
second oblique lines extend through the first gusset, and the third
and fourth oblique lines extend through the second gusset.
6. The blank of claim 4, wherein the first oblique line extends
adjacent to a fold line between the second and third panels, and
the second oblique line extends adjacent to a fold line between the
third and fourth panels.
7. The blank of claim 6, wherein the first tear stop comprises a
first substantially V-shaped line and a first longitudinally
extending line, the first longitudinally extending line being
adjacent to and spaced from the first end.
8. The blank of claim 3, wherein the first and second exterior
lines meet at the first end at a first arcuate cut, and at the
second end at a second arcuate cut.
9. The blank of claim 3, wherein the first tear stop comprises a
first substantially V-shaped line and a first longitudinally
extending line, with the first longitudinally extending line being
adjacent to and spaced from the first end.
10. The blank of claim 3, wherein: the opening line comprises a
tear line; and the first and second exterior lines are at least in
part defined by creases.
11. A blank for erecting into a carton, the blank comprising: a
first panel; a second panel foldably connected to the first panel;
a third panel foldably connected to the second panel; a fourth
panel foldably connected to the third panel; at least one first end
flap extending along a first marginal area of the blank; at least
one second end flap extending along a second marginal area of the
blank; and a handle having a first gusset, a second gusset, a first
tear stop and a second tear stop, wherein the handle is defined at
least in part by a first concave exterior line, a second concave
exterior line, an opening line extending between the first and
second exterior lines, a first oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line, and a second oblique line extending
from a point adjacent to the opening line, the first and second
gussets, the first and second exterior lines, and the opening line
extend across the second, third and fourth panels, the first tear
stop is spaced from a first end of the first exterior line and
comprises a first substantially V-shaped line and a first
longitudinally extending line, and the second tear stop is spaced
from a second end of the first exterior line.
12. The blank of claim 11, wherein the first oblique line extends
adjacent to a fold line between the second and third panels, and
the second oblique line extends adjacent to a fold line between the
third and fourth panels.
13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the handle is further defined in
part by: a third oblique line extending from a point adjacent to
the opening line; and a fourth oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line, wherein the first and second oblique
lines extend through the first gusset, and the third and fourth
oblique lines extend through the second gusset.
14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the first and second exterior
lines meet at the first end at a first arcuate cut, and at the
second end at a second arcuate cut.
15. The blank of claim 1 1, wherein: the opening line comprises a
tear line; and the first and second exterior lines are at least in
part defined by creases.
16. A carton, comprising: a first panel; a second panel adjacent to
the first panel; a third panel adjacent to the second panel; a
fourth panel adjacent to the first and third panels; a first end
panel at a first end of the carton; a second end panel at a second
end of the carton; and a handle having a first gusset, a second
gusset, a first tear stop and a second tear stop, wherein the
handle is defined at least in part by a first arcuate concave
exterior line, a second arcuate concave exterior line, and an
opening line extending between the first and second exterior lines,
the first and second gussets, the first and second exterior lines,
and the opening line extend across the second, third and fourth
panels, the first tear stop is spaced from a first end of the first
exterior line in the second panel, and the second tear stop is
spaced from a second end of the first exterior line in the fourth
panel.
17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the first and second exterior
lines are substantially continuously arcuate.
18. The carton of claim 16, wherein the handle is further defined
at least in part by: a first oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line; and a second oblique line extending
from a point adjacent to the opening line.
19. The carton of claim 18, wherein the handle is further defined
at least in part by: a third oblique line extending from a point
adjacent to the opening line; and a fourth oblique line extending
from a point adjacent to the opening line, wherein the first and
second oblique lines extend through the first gusset, and the third
and fourth oblique lines extend through the second gusset.
20. The carton of claim 18, wherein the first oblique line extends
adjacent to a fold between the second and third panels, and the
second oblique line extends adjacent to a fold between the third
and fourth panels.
21. The carton of claim 20, wherein the first tear stop comprises a
first substantially V-shaped line and a first longitudinally
extending line, with the first longitudinally extending line being
adjacent to and spaced from the first end.
22. The carton of claim 16, wherein the first and second exterior
lines meet at the first end at a first arcuate cut, and at the
second end at a second arcuate cut.
23. The carton of claim 16, wherein: the opening line comprises a
tear line; and the first and second exterior lines are at least in
part defined by creases.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/654,347, filed Feb. 18, 2005, entitled "Handle
Design," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Handle designs for cartons are well known in the art.
Conventional handle designs, however, often suffer from many
disadvantages. For example, conventional handle designs may fail
during lifting of the carton due to lack of strength. Lifting may
also cause conventional cartons to bow or to tear at or around the
tear lines forming the handle.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to a first embodiment of the invention, a carton
comprises a handle having first and second gussets defined by an
opening line and exterior lines that extend through multiple carton
panels. Tear stops are spaced from ends of the exterior lines. The
gussets can be accessed at the opening line and folded into the
interior of the carton during use. The exterior lines can have
inwardly concave, arcuate profiles.
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, the handle
provides strength to the carton by the arrangement and shape of the
handle lines. The handle also allows for flexure of the upper
handle surface while reducing the likelihood of tearing or
excessive bowing, etc. The handle additionally allows the top or
upper panel to flex outward or upward slightly while maintaining
the adjacent side panels in a substantially unbowed position. This
flexure enables the carton to maintain contact and/or support for
articles disposed in the carton.
[0005] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated
advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional
embodiments reading the following detailed description of the
embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.
[0006] According to common practice, the various features of the
drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be
expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior side of a blank used to
form a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a handle of the carton
according to the first embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates the carton in a partially erected
configuration.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates the carton in a more fully erected
configuration.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the erected carton.
[0012] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the erected
carton.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates opening of the handle.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates further opening of the handle.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the carton with the handle
opened and in a carrying configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The handle of the present invention generally relates to a
handle for a carton or other vessels. The present invention can be
used, for example, in cartons that contain articles or products
such as, for example, food and/or beverages. The articles can
include beverage containers such as cans, bottles, PET containers,
or other containers such as those used in packaging foodstuffs.
Further, the handle can be used in cartons that contain articles in
boxes such as those used in packaging foodstuffs, household
cleaners, and similar products.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 8 used to form a carton 200
(illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6) according to a first embodiment of
the invention. The blank 8 comprises a bottom panel 10 foldably
connected to a top side panel 20 at a transverse fold line 21, a
top panel 30 foldably connected to the top side panel 20 at a
transverse fold line 31, and a bottom side panel 40 foldably
connected to the top panel 30 at a transverse fold line 41. An
adhesive panel 50 can be foldably attached to the bottom panel 10
at a transverse fold line 51. The top panel 30 may include stress
relief lines 36, 38.
[0018] First and second bottom end flaps 12, 14 may be foldably
connected to opposite ends of the bottom panel 10. First and second
side end flaps 22, 24 may be foldably connected to opposite ends of
the top side panel 20. First and second top end flaps 32, 34 may be
foldably connected to opposite ends of the top panel 30. Third and
fourth side end flaps 42, 44 may be foldably connected to opposite
ends of the bottom side panel 40. The end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42
extend along a first marginal area of the blank 8 and may be
foldably connected along a first longitudinal fold line 62.
[0019] The end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 extend along a second marginal
area of the blank 8 and may be foldably connected along a second
longitudinal fold line 64. The longitudinal fold lines 62, 64 may
be straight fold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations
to account for, for example, blank thickness. When the carton 200
is erected (FIG. 5), the end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 close a first end
of the carton 200, and the end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 close a second
end of the carton 200.
[0020] A dispenser 80 may be formed at one or more locations in the
carton blank 8. The exemplary blank 8 is illustrated with a
dispenser 80 at the second end of the blank. The dispenser 80 may
be formed from, for example, a combination of cut lines, crease
lines, tear lines, fold lines, or other lines of disruption in the
blank 8.
[0021] A handle 100 is formed across the top side panel 20, the top
panel 30, and the bottom side panel 40. The handle 100 is discussed
in detail below with reference to FIG. 2.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, the handle 100 comprises a first
arcuate, exterior line 102, a second arcuate, exterior line 104,
and an opening line 106 extending between the first and second
exterior lines 102, 104. First and second oblique lines 112, 116
extend from points adjacent to, which includes contacting, the
opening line 106 to points adjacent to the first arcuate line 102.
Third and fourth oblique lines 114, 118 extend from points adjacent
to the opening line 106 to points adjacent to the second arcuate
line 104. The first and third oblique lines 112, 114 may extend
generally toward the intersections of the first and second exterior
lines 102, 104, respectively, and the transverse fold line 31. The
second and fourth oblique lines 116, 118 may extend generally
toward the intersections of the exterior lines 102, 104,
respectively, and the transverse fold line 41.
[0023] The lines of the handle 100 define first and second foldable
gussets 130, 132 on respective first and second sides of the
opening line 106. The first gusset 130 comprises a first central
panel 141 and first and second edge panels 151, 161. The second
gusset 132 comprises a second central panel 142 and third and
fourth edge panels 152, 162. The edge panels 151, 152 can extend
from the top side panel 20 to the top panel 30, and the edge panels
161, 162 can extend from the top panel 30 to the bottom side panel
40.
[0024] The arcuate exterior lines 102, 104 may terminate at their
first and second ends at first and second arcuate cuts 154, 164,
respectively. The first and second arcuate cuts 154, 164 are
disposed in the handle 100 to define end edges of the gussets 130,
132 when the handle is opened, and to inhibit tearing beyond the
length of the opening line 106. First and second tear stops 120,
121 may be spaced from the first and second cuts 154, 156. The
first tear stop 120 comprises a first generally V-shaped line 122
and a first longitudinally extending line 124 spaced from the first
end of the exterior lines 102, 104. The second tear stop 121
comprises a second generally V-shaped line 126 and a second
longitudinally extending line 128 spaced from the second end of the
first and second exterior lines 102, 104. Generally, the tear stops
120, 121 are designed to limit or control the tear from the opening
and/or use of the handle 100.
[0025] The first and second exterior lines 102, 104 may be, for
example, formed by a series of cuts and creases (e.g., a cut/crease
line) designed to allow the first and second gussets 130, 132 to
fold inwardly when the handle 100 is accessed. The opening line 106
can be, for example, formed by a series of spaced cuts (e.g., a
cut/space line). The opening line 106 is designed to be opened or
torn upon penetration and may be generally referred to as, for
example, a `tear line.` The opening line 106 may also comprise an
aperture extending along all or a part of the length of the opening
line 106 to facilitate tearing and/or opening at the line 106. The
oblique lines 112, 114, 116, 118 may be, for example, cut/space
lines having smaller cut and space lengths than the opening line
106. The V-shaped lines 122, 126 can be, for example, crease lines
or score lines, and the longitudinally extending lines 124, 128 can
be, for example, cuts. Each of the cuts in the handle 100 can
extend through the blank 8 (100% cuts).
[0026] The first and second arcuate lines 102, 104 can have
generally continuously arcuate profiles, and can be described as
generally continuously inwardly concave toward the opening line
106, and facing each other at their concave faces. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second exterior
lines 102, 104 are continuously arcuate along the edge panels 151,
152, 161, 162 and along the central panels 141, 142. The lines 102,
104 generally define a flattened oval or elliptical outline as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an initial step in erection of the carton
200, in which the blank 8 is folded so that the adhesive panel 50
is brought into contact with the bottom side panel 40 and secured
by a suitable glue or other adhesive. Referring to FIG. 4, the
blank 8 is partially opened so that it has a generally tubular
sleeve shape, and the end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 are folded and
adhered together so that they close the first end of the carton
200.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 5, the end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 may then
be folded and adhered together so that they close the second end to
complete erection of the carton 200. Containers C (shown in FIG. 9)
can be loaded into the partially formed carton 200 at any time
before closing both ends of the carton 200. The end flaps 12, 22,
32, 42 form a first end panel 210, and the end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44
form a second end panel 220. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the
erected carton 200 with the top side panel 20 facing upwardly.
[0029] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a user forming a handle opening
from the handle 100 to place the carton 200 into a carrying
configuration. Referring to FIG. 7, a user may insert one or more
fingers into the handle 100 by pressing into and tearing at the
opening line 106. Referring to FIG. 8, the second gusset 132 may
then be tucked into the interior of the carton 200 as the opening
line 106 tear extends into the bottom side panel 40. Tucking of the
second gusset 132 is enabled in part by deformation of the gusset
132. Deformation of the second gusset 132 can be facilitated by,
for example, folding at the oblique lines 114, 118, which also
allows the edge panels 152, 162 to fold inwardly during tucking of
the gusset 132.
[0030] In a similar manner, the first gusset 130 may be tucked into
the interior of the carton 200. FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the
carton 200 with both sides of the handle 100 opened, and with both
gussets 130, 132 tucked into the carton interior.
[0031] The locations of the folded first and second gussets 130,
132 are indicated by hidden lines in FIG. 9. The carton 200 is now
in a carrying configuration in which a user may grasp the carton at
either side of the handle 100, with the user's fingers pressing
against one of the tucked gussets 130, 132.
[0032] The double-sided handle 100 eases lifting and carrying of
the carton 200 and allows for carrying from either side of the
handle 100. For example, in at least some configurations, the
handle 100 provides comfort to a user carrying the carton 200 by
allowing engagement of the handle 100 without the user's hand
contacting any raw or torn edge of the carton 200, while also
providing cushioning to the user's hands by virtue of the tucked
gussets 130, 132. The handle 100 therefore provides cushioning on
both of its sides, regardless of which side the user decides to
access. While the handle 100 is double-sided, the user can elect to
open a single side of the handle 100 at either of the gussets 130,
132 in order to carry the carton 200. Tucking of the gussets 130,
132 is facilitated by the oblique handle lines 112, 114, 116,
118.
[0033] The handle 100 also provides strength and resistance to
tearing during lifting and carrying of the carton 200. Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 7-9, the handle 100, which may extend downwardly into
one or both of the first and second side panels 20, 40, allows some
of the stress of lifting to be transferred along the vertically
extending side panels 20, 40. Additionally, the profiles of the
exterior lines 102, 104, which may be generally continuously
inwardly concave and arcuate, prevent stress concentrations in the
top panel 30 and side panels 20, 40 along and about the periphery
of the handle 100.
[0034] Additionally, the handle 100 can allow for flexure and
bowing of the top panel 30 while reducing bowing in the first and
second side panels 20, 40. This flexure enables the carton 200 to
maintain contact and/or support for articles disposed in the
carton.
EXAMPLE 1
[0035] A parallelepipedal carton 200 as illustrated in FIGS. 5-6
accommodated eight 12 ounce petaloid bottles in a 2.times.4
arrangement. Referring to FIG. 5, the carton 200 had a height H of
about 6.75 in. and a width W of about 5.125 in. The carton 200 was
constructed of solid unbleached sulfate (SUS) board. The fold lines
62, 64 were cut/crease lines with the cuts extending through the
blank 8 (i.e., 100% cuts). The fold lines 21, 31, 41, 51 were
crease lines. Referring to FIG. 2, the handle 100 had a depth
D.sub.H of about 1.5 in. and a width W.sub.H of about 10.375 in.
The handle 100 was symmetric about the opening line 106. The first
and second arcuate exterior lines 102, 104 were formed from
cut/crease lines with 100% cuts, and the opening line 106 was
formed from a cut/space line with 100% cuts. The oblique lines 112,
114, 116, 118 were also cuts/space lines with 100% cuts.
[0036] According to the embodiments discussed above, although the
exterior lines 102, 104 of the handle 100 are illustrated as
continuously arcuate, the general form of the handle 100 may be,
for example, achieved by sequential linear cuts and/or creases in a
concave arrangement, etc. For example, linear lines or segments may
be used to define an outline that is relatively thick at a central
portion (such as at dimension D.sub.H in FIG. 2), and relatively
thin at the ends or outside edges of the gussets, with the exterior
lines being generally continuously concave and arcuate across the
length of the handle. Such as design could be characterized as
tapered at the edges of the gussets.
[0037] In the above embodiments, the carton 200 is described as
accommodating petaloid bottle containers C in 2.times.4
configuration. Other types of containers, packages, articles, and
other items, however, can be accommodated within a carton according
to the present invention. The dimensions of the blank 8 may also be
altered, for example, to accommodate various container forms. For
example, the carton into which the handle of the present invention
is placed also would work satisfactorily if the carton were sized
and shaped to hold articles in other configurations, such as
3.times.4, 4.times.3, 3.times.6, 2.times.4, 2.times.5, etc.
[0038] The carton 200 is illustrated as having a dispenser 80
allowing access to the carton contents from an end of the carton.
Other opening features, if opening features are desired, can be
provided to provide easy access to the carton contents.
Additionally, positioning assemblies that position the articles
within the carton may be included.
[0039] The handle detailed herein can be provided or used with any
container, box, carton, etc. In fact, multiple handles, such as the
one detailed herein, can be provided in alternate, opposite, or
adjacent panels. Such multiple handles could be used to lift and/or
carry larger, bulkier, or other cartons that would benefit from
such multiple handles.
[0040] The blank 8 according to the present invention can be, for
example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For
example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be
coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed
over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information
or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect
any information printed on the blanks. The blank may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments,
the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that
it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can
also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard
paper, or any other material having properties suitable for
enabling the handle 100 to function at least generally as described
above. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or
more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
[0041] In the present invention, a fold line can be any
substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of
weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically,
but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present
invention, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed
with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed
portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut
that extends partially into a material along the desired line of
weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or
completely through the material along the desired line of weakness;
and various combinations of these features. In situations where
cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will
not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable
user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.
[0042] The above embodiments may be described as having one or
panels adhered together by glue. The term "glue" is intended to
encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton
panels in place.
[0043] The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and
describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows
and describes only selected embodiments of the invention, but it is
to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various
other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable
of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive
concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,
and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art.
* * * * *