U.S. patent application number 11/815405 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-15 for beverage carton with strap type carrying handle.
Invention is credited to Philippe Marie.
Application Number | 20090014508 11/815405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34307815 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090014508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marie; Philippe |
January 15, 2009 |
BEVERAGE CARTON WITH STRAP TYPE CARRYING HANDLE
Abstract
In a carton for beverage containers having a series of main
panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) for forming a sleeve and having at
least a pair of end closure panels (38, 40) for closing the opposed
ends of a sleeve, a carrying handle (8) is formed from a strap (98)
of material. Each end of the strap is secured between one of said
end closure panels and an additional securing panel (65, 65a). Each
securing panel is connected to an adjacent end closure panel and
folded into overlapping relationship therewith to sandwhich the end
of the strap so that a strong reinforcement to the carrying handle
is provided.
Inventors: |
Marie; Philippe; (Coings,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEADWESTVACO CORPORATION
1021 MAIN CAMPUS DRIVE, CENTENNIAL CAMPUS
RALEIGH
NC
27606
US
|
Family ID: |
34307815 |
Appl. No.: |
11/815405 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
February 2, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2006/003647 |
371 Date: |
September 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.13 ;
229/117.26; 229/208 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00141
20130101; B65D 2571/00728 20130101; B65D 2571/00567 20130101; B65D
2571/0066 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D 5/46192 20130101;
B65D 2571/00493 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117.13 ;
229/117.26; 229/208 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00; B65D 5/46 20060101 B65D005/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 2, 2005 |
GB |
0502089.6 |
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A carton comprising top and base panels hingedly interconnected
by a pair of opposed side panels to form a sleeve, a pair of
opposed end closure structures connected to said sleeve to close,
at least in part, opposed ends of said sleeve respectively and a
handle structure by which the carton can be lifted, said top panel
being of a singly-ply construction, each of said end closure
structures comprising a single-ply top end closure panel hingedly
connected to said top panel along a first fold line extending
between said side panels, said handle structure comprising a handle
strap connected at opposite ends thereof to said top end closure
panels and extending between said top end closure panels, wherein a
securing panel is provided for at least one of said opposite ends
of said handle strap such that said at least one of said opposite
ends is sandwiched by said securing panel and an adjacent one of
said top end closure panels to be securely connected to said
adjacent top end closure panel and wherein said securing panel is
hingedly connected to one of opposed side edges of said adjacent
top end closure panel.
16. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said first fold line
extends substantially entirely between said side panels.
17. A carton according to claim 16 wherein said first fold line is
a single, uninterrupted fold line extending all the way between
said side panels.
18. A carton according to claim 16 wherein said first fold line is
a single, partially-interrupted fold line.
19. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said securing panel is
hingedly connected to said one side edge along a second fold line
that is disposed in alignment with one of opposed side edges of
said top panel when the carton is in a blank form.
20. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said securing panel is
hingedly connected to said one side edge along a second fold line
that is less in length than said one side edge.
21. A carton according to claim 20 wherein an upper end of said
second fold line is spaced from said first fold line.
22. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said securing panel is
adhered to said handle strap and to said adjacent top end closure
panel.
23. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said opposite ends of
said handle strap are attached to inwardly displaceable parts of
said end closure panels respectively.
24. A carton according to claim 23 wherein a portion of each of
said inwardly displaceable parts is positioned to be located
between adjacent articles at a respective one of said opposed ends
of said sleeve to provide a stabilizing spacer between said
adjacent articles.
25. A carton according to claim 15 wherein said handle strap
includes a user portion which is in substantially co-planar
relationship with said top panel when in a stored condition, said
user portion being disposed intermediate said opposite ends of the
handle strap being so connected at said opposite ends to said top
end closure panels as to provide a surplus of material to enable
said user portion to be brought into a position of use, wherein the
handle strap has intermediate parts between said user portion and
said opposite ends, wherein said intermediate parts are unattached
to said top panel and are free to provide said surplus of
material
26. A carton according to claim 25 wherein said opposite ends of
said handle strap are remote from said user portion and are
attached to inwardly displaceable parts of said the end closure
panels.
27. A carton according to claim 26 wherein said inwardly
displaceable parts each comprises a step that include a tread and
riser, the tread of each step is provided by a respective one of
said top end closure panel and the riser of each step is provided
by said top panel.
28. A carton according to claim 25 wherein said user portion is
formed at least in part form material that is integral with said
top panel.
29. A carton blank comprises a series of hinged panels for forming
a sleeve, a pair of opposed major end closure panels hingedly
connected to a first one of said hinged panels, a pair of opposed
minor end closure panels hingedly connected to a second one of said
hinged panels disposed next to said first hinged panel and a handle
structure comprising a handle strap connected at opposite ends
thereof to said major end closure panels and extending between said
major end closure panels, wherein a securing panel is hingedly
connected to at least one of said major end closure panels such
that an adjacent one of said opposite ends of said handle strap is
sandwiched by said securing panel and said at least one major end
closure panel when the blank is erected into a carton and wherein
said securing panel is disposed alongside an adjacent one of said
minor end closure panels.
30. A carton blank according to claim 29 wherein said securing
panel is formed from material provided between said adjacent minor
end closure panel and said at least one major end closure panel
such that said securing panel is formed from material within a
perimeter of a footprint of the blank.
31. A carton blank according to claim 29 wherein said securing
panel is spaced from said second hinged panel.
32. A carton blank according to claim 31 wherein said adjacent
minor end closure panel is disposed between said securing panel and
said second hinged panel.
33. A blank according to claim 29 wherein said securing panel is
hinged to said at least one major end closure panel along a fold
line that is aligned with one of opposed side edges of said first
hinged panel.
34. A blank according to claim 33 wherein said one side edge of
said first hinged panel is a common side edge between said first
and second hinged panels.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a carton which is particularly but
not only suitable for accommodating beverage containers such as
cans and which incorporates a "strap-type" carrying handle which is
automatically set up into a position of use as the carton is being
closed after having been loaded.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Beverage cartons which include carrying handles and indeed,
strap type carrying handles are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
4,166,570 (Lazerand et al) discloses a packaging carton for
beverage cans which a strap type handle. The handle strap has a
central user portion exposed to view in a handle access aperture in
top wall of the carton, extends across the top wall and has
opposite ends which terminate in respective ones of a pair of end
closure flaps which are hinged to the top wall. The handle strap is
reinforced by a separate strip of reinforcing material, for
example, a fibrous tape.
[0003] WO 97/07031 (Riverwood International Corporation) discloses
a packaging carton for beverage cans having a handle strap secured
at each end thereof to an outer face of an end panel of the carton
between a pair of cuts which extend across the hinge between the
top panel and the respective end panel. As the carton is lifted via
the handle, the provision of a fold line extend between the pairs
of cuts on the top panel allows the portions bounded by the cut
lines to deflect inwardly.
[0004] EP99945335 discloses a carton for beverage containers which
comprises a strap handle wherein the strap is formed from material
which is adhered to the inside surface of the carton. It is
desirable to improve the adhesion of the strap to the carton,
whilst allowing the strap to be free to slide through an aperture
in the top panel of the carton. It is also desirable to achieve
this using a minimum amount of material to manufacture the
carton.
[0005] The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate
the problems of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for
beverage containers which carton includes a series of hinged panels
forming a sleeve and end closure panels hinged to at least one
associated hinged panel for closing, at least in part, the opposite
ends of a sleeve, wherein the carton includes handle means by which
the carton can be carried, the handle means comprising a strap
connected to opposed end panels having a user portion which is in
substantially co-planar relationship with one of the hinged panels
when in a stored condition, the strap being so connected at its
opposite ends to the end closure panels as to provide a surplus of
material to enable the user portion to be brought into a position
of use wherein ends of the strap remote from the user portion are
attached to inwardly displaceable parts of the end closure panels
spaced from the one hinged panel and in that intermediate parts
between the user portion and the ends which are unattached to the
one hinged panel are free to provide the surplus of material,
wherein a securing panel is provided to sandwich the strap to
provide means for securing the strap.
[0007] Preferably, the securing panel is hinged to an end closure
panel.
[0008] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the securing panel is adhered to the end closure panel
and to the strap.
[0009] Alternatively, a portion of said inwardly displaceable parts
is positioned to be located between upper portions of adjacent
articles at that end of the carton to provide a stabilizing spacer
therebetween.
[0010] A second aspect of the invention provides a carton for
beverage containers which carton includes a series of hinged panels
forming a sleeve and end closure panels hinged to at least one
associated hinged panel for closing, at least in part, the opposite
ends of a sleeve, wherein the carton includes handle means by which
the carton can be carried, the handle means comprising a strap
connected to opposed end panels having a user portion which is in
substantially co-planar relationship with the one hinged panel when
in a stored condition, the strap being so connected at its opposite
ends to the end closure panels as to provide a surplus of material
wherein ends of the strap remote from the user portion are attached
to inwardly displaceable parts of the end closure panels and
intermediate parts between the user portion and the ends which are
unattached to the one hinged panel are free to provide the surplus
of material to enable the user portion to be brought into a
position of use, the inwardly displaceable parts each comprising a
step, the tread and riser of the step being provided by an end
closure panel, wherein a securing panel is provided to sandwich the
strap to provide means for securing the strap.
[0011] Preferably, the step is positioned to be located between
upper portions of adjacent articles at that end of the carton to
provide a stabilizing spacer therebetween.
[0012] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the ends of the strap are attached to inwardly
displaceable parts of gusset and/or side panels.
[0013] Preferably, the tread abuts a side portion of the article
and wherein the riser of the step extends inwardly of and beyond
the abutment point between the tread and article side portion
thereby to retain the step in a set up condition.
[0014] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the strap abuts a side portion of the article, the strap
being so constructed and arranged to improve the stability of the
handle means.
[0015] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the user portion of the handle strap is connected to a
portion of a side wall of the carton.
[0016] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the user portion is formed from material which is
integral with the side wall.
[0017] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the step is automatically put into its operative
position when the gusset panel is folded into its end retaining
position.
[0018] Preferably, the step includes a fold line intermediate the
fold lines by which it is hinged to the side panel and to the
gusset panel, the step folding in a toggle action along the fold
lines when the gusset panel is folded into its end retaining
position.
[0019] A third aspect of the invention provides a carton for
beverage containers which carton includes a series of hinged panels
forming a sleeve and end closure panels hinged to at least one
associated hinged panel for closing, at least in part, the opposite
ends of a sleeve, wherein the carton includes handle means by which
the carton can be carried, the handle means comprising a strap
connected to opposed end panels having a user portion which is in
substantially co-planar relationship with the one hinged panel when
in a stored condition, the strap being so connected at its opposite
ends to the end closure panels as to provide a surplus of material
to enable the user portion to be brought into a position of use,
wherein a securing panel is provided to sandwich the strap to
provide means for securing the strap.
[0020] Preferably, ends of the strap remote from the user portion
are attached to inwardly displaceable parts of the end panels and
intermediate parts between the user portion and the ends which are
unattached to the one hinged panel and free to provide the surplus
of material.
[0021] Preferably, the inwardly displaceable parts each comprise a
step, the tread of which is provided by an end panel and the riser
of which is provided by the one hinged panel and wherein the step
is positioned to be located between upper portions of adjacent
articles at that end of the carton to provide a stabilizing spacer
therebetween.
[0022] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the user portion of the handle strap is connected to a
portion of a top wall of the carton.
[0023] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the central user portion is formed from material which
is integral with the top wall.
[0024] According to an optional feature of this aspect of the
invention, the stabilizing step automatically is put into its
operative position when the end panel retention means is folded
into its end retaining position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Three embodiments of the invention will now be described by
way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank of a carton according to
one embodiment of the invention incorporating a handle strap;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the blank of the carton showing
adhesive applied during construction;
[0028] FIG. 3 a plan view of the blank of the carton illustrating
sandwiching of the handle strap between two layers of material;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating folding of the blank
during the construction of the carton;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a further folding
operation performed on the blank during the construction of the
carton;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the
blank shown FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton shown in FIG. 6
illustrating the handle structure in a set up condition;
[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carton shown in FIG. 6
illustrating the assess feature removed;
[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carton according to a
second embodiment and
[0035] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a carton according to a
third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, an
article carrier is formed from a unitary blank 10 made from paper
board or other suitable foldable sheet material, which can be
adapted to accommodate the variety of articles B, for example
twenty-four bottles arranged in four rows of six bottles each. It
is envisaged the carrier can be adapted to accommodate a different
number of bottles according to user requirements.
[0037] Turning to the carton blank 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, the
blank includes a first base panel 12, lower side panel 14, upper
side panel 16, top panel 18, second upper side panel 20, second
lower side panel 22, hinged one to the next in a longitudinal plane
along fold lines 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 respectively. A glue flap 94
is hinged to base panel 12 along fold line 21.
[0038] The blank further comprises an end closure structure 34, 36
including a pair of opposed upper end closure panels (or
"adpanels") 38, 40 hinged to top panel 18 along interrupted fold
lines 44 and 44a respectively, positioned along the longitudinal
edges of top panel 18 and a pair of lower end closure panels 39, 41
hinged to base panel 12 along fold line 43, 45 respectively.
[0039] The construction of the blank 10 along the opposing side of
the top panel 18 and bottom panel 12 comprises an end closure
structure 36 which is similar to end closure structure 34 and
therefore like parts at one end of the top panel 18 are designated
by reference numerals to like parts of the opposite end with the
addition of suffix `a` and are not described in any greater
detail.
[0040] The end closure structure 34 includes gusset panels 46 and
48 connected together by panel portion 50 along fold line 55.
Gusset panels 46, 48 extend outwardly from upper and lower side
panels 20, 22 respectively and connected thereto by fold lines 52,
54. A further overlapping panel 56 is connected to end panel 38 by
lateral fold line 30 and to gusset panel 46 along fold line 58. The
gusset panels 46, 48 and overlapping panel 56 are adapted to form a
corner structure as is well known in the art.
[0041] Likewise, the opposing corner of the end closure structure
34 also includes gusset panels 60 and 62 connected together by
panel portion 64 along fold line 67. Gusset panels 60, 62 extend
outwardly from lower and upper side panels 14, 16 and connected
thereto by fold lines 66, 68. A further overlapping panel 70 is
connected to upper end panel 38 by lateral fold line 28 and to
gusset panel 62 along fold line 72.
[0042] The blank 10 further comprises a sandwich panel 65 hinged to
upper end closure panel 38 along fold line 63. Whilst it is
envisaged that the sandwich panel 65 could be hinged to any free
edge of the upper end closure panel 38, the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 1 utilises material from within the perimeter
of the blank 10 in this way the "footprint" of the blank is not
increased and therefore does not increase the quantity of material
required to form the blank. The sandwich panel 65 is formed from
material which would typically be lost as waste and therefore
additional paperboard or similar material is not required to form
the sandwich panel 65. The sandwich panel 65 is arranged so that it
can be secured to the inside face of the end closure panel 38 and
thereby sandwich an end of a handle strap 98 so that the handle
strap 98 is securely fastened to the carton 11. It is envisaged
that the sandwich panel 65 could be connected by a frangible
connection rather than a fold line, which frangible connection
could be broken upon folding and subsequent adhesion of the
sandwich panel 65 to the upper end closure panel 38.
[0043] The carton further comprises a handle structure 8 in which
the top panel 18 may further comprise a central user portion 74,
frangibly connected to the top panel 18. In this embodiment, the
central user portion 74 is substantially rectangular in shape and
comprises a pair of support panels 76, 78 extending into a central
user aperture 79 and connected to the side edges of central user
portion along fold lines 80, 82 respectively. The central user
aperture 79 is defined by four substantially triangular tabs 79
hinged to the top panel 18, to form a parallelogram which is
substantially diamond shaped, however other shapes could be
employed. Two tabs 79 separated by a weakened line or cut line are
located on opposed sides of a handle strap 98. The handle strap 98
is applied to the inner surface of the blank 10, preferably being
secured to the central user portion 74 and the opposed upper end
closure panels 38, 40 by glue at glue points G or by other means
known in the art. It is further preferred that the handle strap 98
is formed from paper board, laminated paper board, fibrous tape or
other suitable plastics material.
[0044] The central user portion 74 is connected at each end to
support panels 81, 83 by weakened or frangible lines 85, 87
respectively, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0045] In one class of embodiments, a stabilizing (or bottle neck
spacer) flap 84 shown in FIG. 1 is struck from the blank in the
upper end closure panel 38 so that stabilizing the flap 84 is
hinged to that panel, but otherwise cut out from the blank.
Likewise, a second stabilizing flap 88 is struck from the other
upper end closure panel 40 and is hinged thereto.
[0046] Turning to the construction of the carton 11, illustrated in
FIGS. 2-5 the blank 10 requires a series of sequential folding
and/or gluing operations which can be performed in a straight line
machine so that the carton 11 is not required to be rotated or
inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not
limited to that described below and can be altered according to
particular manufacturing requirements.
[0047] The carton 11 is usually supplied to a bottler in a flat
collapsed tubular condition. Glue is applied to upper end closure
panels 38, 40 at glue points G as shown in FIG. 2, the sandwich
panels 65, 65a are folded inwardly of the carton 11 along fold
lines 63, 63a respectively as shown in FIG. 3; thus the sandwich
panel 65 is secured to the handle strap 98 and to the respective
upper end closure panel 38, 40. The handle strap 98 is therefore
secured to the carton 11 on both sides, which increases the degree
of security with which the handle strap 98 is fixed to the carton
11. The additional sandwich panel 65 makes the handle strap 98 more
resistant to tearing and shearing forces when being employed by a
user. It is envisaged that alternative suitable means, other than
glue, could be used to secure the sandwich panels 65, 65a to the
upper end closure panels 38, 40 and the handle strap 98.
[0048] The base panel 12 is connected to lower side panel 22 by
securing the glue flap 94 to the lower side panel 22 by glue or
other suitable means. In order to set up the carton 11, the sides
and top 18 and base 12 panels are separated to form a tubular
structure, as is well known.
[0049] Thereafter, articles B are loaded into the part constructed
carton 11 and the end closure structure 34, 36 is formed. In the
first embodiment, the upper end closure panels 38 and 40 are folded
downwardly at each end of the sleeve formed by the wrap around
folding action. Gusset panels 46, 48, 56 and 60, 62, 70 are folded
inwardly about fold lines 52, 54 and 66, 68 respectively whereby
gusset panels 46, 48, 60, 62 come into face to face relationship
with side panels 22, 20 and 14, 16 respectively. Panels 56, 70 come
into face to face contact with their respective adjacent gusset
panels 46, 62.
[0050] Optionally, the faces of gusset flaps 46, 62 in contact with
upper side panels 16, 20 respectively may be secured together by
means known in the art to hold the upper end closure panels 38, 40
in place. Thereafter, lower end closure panels 39, 41 are folded
about fold lines 43, 45 and into abutment with upper end closure
panels 38, 40 and are secured together by glue or other means known
in the art. The end closure structures of the second and third
embodiments are formed in a substantially identical manner and
construction thereof is not therefore described in any greater
detail.
[0051] The arrangement of the gusset panels 46, 48, 60 and 62
requires the ends of the carton 11 to be closed by first folding
the upper end closure panel 38 before folding the lower end closure
panel 39. The lower end closure panel 39 is therefore adhered or
secured by other means to the outer laminated face of the upper end
closure panel 38. Sandwiching of the end of the handle strap 98
between the upper and lower end closure panels cannot therefore be
achieved which is why the arrangements of the exemplary embodiments
of the present invention, hence the provision of an additional
securing sandwich panel 65 is advantageous. Adhering to a laminated
face of paperboard material often provides a weaker bond, whereas
in the arrangement of the present invention it is the plain inner
faces of the upper end closure panel 38 and sandwich panel 65 that
are secured together and this provides a stronger bond in which the
handle strap 98 ends are secured. Additionally the present
arrangements allow the carton 11 to be formed in a packaging
machine where the upper and closure panels is folded prior to
folding of the lower end closure panel.
[0052] The sandwich panel 65, 65a as shown in FIG. 1, may be
applied to cartons of alternative configurations. FIGS. 9 and 10
each illustrate a possible alternative embodiment. The second
embodiment shown in FIG. 9 corresponds substantially to the first
embodiment and therefore like parts are designated by reference
numerals which are prefixed with the numeral "2". Only those parts
of the second embodiment which differ from the first embodiment are
hereinafter described. Thus, a stabilizing (or bottle neck spacer)
flap 284 shown in FIG. 9 is struck from the blank, in the upper end
closure panel 238 and the top panel 218 so that the flap 288 is
hinged to the upper end closure panel 288 and to the top panel 218
about fold line 286a, but otherwise cut out from the blank. Flap
288, preferably comprises a tread panel 285a and a riser panel
287a, connected together along fold line 289a, which panels are
adapted during carton construction to define a step (or keel
element).
[0053] The carton further comprises a handle structure 208 in which
the top panel 218 may further comprise a central user portion 274,
frangibly connected to the top panel 218. In this embodiment, the
central user portion 274 is substantially rectangular in shape and
comprises a pair of support panels 276, 278 extending into a
central user aperture 279 and connected to the side edges of
central user portion along fold lines 280, 282 respectively.
Additionally, a handle strap not shown in FIG. 9 can be applied to
the inner surface of the carton 211, being secured to the central
user portion 274 and the opposed end closure panels 238, 240 by
glue at glue points (not shown) or by other means known in the art.
Preferably, the handle strap is also glued, or otherwise secured,
to the tread panels 285a, 287a. It is further preferred the handle
strap is formed from paper board, laminated paper board, fibrous
tape or other suitable plastics material.
[0054] The third embodiment shown in FIG. 10 corresponds
substantially to the first and second embodiments in many respects
and therefore, where possible, like parts are designated by
numerals which are prefixed with the numeral "3". Turning to the
carton 311 illustrated in FIG. 10, this carton includes a base
panel, lower side panel 314 , upper side panel 316, top panel 318,
second upper panel, second lower side panel, hinged one to the next
in a longitudinal plane along fold lines.
[0055] The carton further comprises one or more end closure
structures 334, 336 including a pair of opposed upper ends closure
panels (or "adpanels"), 338 as shown in FIG. 10, hinged to top
panel 318 along fold lines, positioned along the opposing
longitudinal edges of top panel 318. In this embodiment, the end
closure structures 334, 336 also include a pair of lower end
closure panels, 339 as shown in FIG. 10, hinged to the base panel
by a fold line formed along the opposed longitudinal edges of base
panel.
[0056] Each end closure structure 334, 336 may also include gusset
panels 360, 362 connected together by panel portions. Gusset panels
extend outwardly from lower 314 and upper side panels 316
respectively and are connected thereto by fold lines. A further
overlapping panel is connected to upper end panels by a lateral
fold line and to gusset panel along a further fold line. The gusset
panels and overlapping panel are adapted to form a corner
structure, as is well known in the art.
[0057] The construction along the opposing side of the top panel
and bottom, which includes a second end closure structure, is
similar and therefore, like parts at one end of the top panel are
designated by reference numerals to like parts of the opposite end,
but with the addition of suffix `a` and are not therefore described
in any greater detail.
[0058] One or more handle flaps 384, 388, shown in FIG. 10, are
struck from the carton, which in this embodiment is formed from the
gusset panel 360 and/or side panel 314, so that the flap 384 is
hinged to the gusset panel 360 and preferably to the side panel 314
about a fold line, but is otherwise cut out from the blank by
opposed cut lines in substantially parallel spaced arrangement.
Flap 384, preferably comprises a tread panel 387 and a riser panel
389, connected together along fold line 391, which panels are
adapted during carton construction to define a step (or keel
element). In this embodiment the tread panel 387 is separated from
the gusset panel 360 by panel 385 and hinged thereto along fold
line 390 described in more detail below.
[0059] Preferably, the handle flap 384 is separated from gusset
panel 360 and lower side panel 314 by apertures 393, 395 to make it
easier for the flaps to be folded out of alignment with the gusset
panel 360 and lower side panel 314.
[0060] The side panel 314 may further comprise a user portion 374,
frangibly connected to the side panel 314 along frangible lines 375
and positioned in a central region of the side panel. In this
embodiment, the user portion 374 is substantially rectangular in
shape and comprises a pair of support panels 376, 378 extending
into a central user aperture 379 and connected to the side edges of
central user portion by fold lines.
[0061] Additionally, a handle strap can be applied to the inner
surface of the carton 310, preferably being secured to the user
portion 374 and the opposed end closure panels by glue or other
means known in the art. Preferably, the handle strap is also glued
to the tread panels 385, 387 of each step. It is further preferred
that the handle strap is formed from paper board, laminated paper
board, fibrous tape or other suitable plastics material.
[0062] Along the opposed lateral edges of user portion 374, there
may further comprise a handle tab 400 struck from lower side panel
314 by lateral cut lines 402, 404. In use the handle tabs 400 guide
the handle strap when displaced outwardly.
[0063] Cut lines 406 struck from lower end panels 339 and 341 may
be included to co-operate with handle flaps 384, 384a.
[0064] In another class of embodiments, the handle structure may
comprise one or more handle flaps (not shown) struck from the
gusset panel 360 or other suitable panel so that the flap is hinged
to that panel along one edge but is otherwise cut out from the
blank in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Likewise a
second flap could be struck from the opposing gusset panel 360a or
other suitable panels and be hingedly connected thereto. A handle
strap would be secured to the opposing handle flaps and preferably
a user portion, but would otherwise be unconnected to the
blank.
[0065] Thus, the cartons of the first, second and third embodiments
are in a set up and loaded condition as shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 10
respectively. The first embodiment advantageously allows the top
and the end of the carton 11 to remain intact thereby improving the
structural integrity of the carton 11 during handling and storage,
caused in part because the fold lines connecting the top and upper
side panels are continuous.
[0066] The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 allows the top of the carton
311 to remain intact and thereby also improves the structural
integrity of the carton during handling and storage, again caused
in part because the fold lines connecting the top and upper side
panels are continuous.
[0067] In order to form the handle structure 8 in the first
embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7, the central user portion 74 can
be detached from the top panel 18 whereby at least a portion of the
handle strap 98 stands proud of the top panel 18. The first and
second end flaps 84, 88, to which handle strap 98 is connected are
able to move inward of the end closure structures so that the
central user portion 74 can be extended above the top panel 18. The
sandwich panel 65 is sized such that it does not overlap the flaps
84, 88 which would restrict there movement and possibly prevent the
extension of the central user portion 74 above the top panel 18.
The support panels 76, 78 are folded under the handle strap, such
that the central user portion 74 is wrapped around the strap, the
central user portion 74 provides a cushion for the handle strap 98.
Further, the central user portion 74 is designed for ease of
use.
[0068] In the second embodiment, the handle is formed by folding
each of the stabilising (or bottle neck spacer) flaps 288. Flaps
288 are formed with cut lines 292a, 294a preferably divergent from
fold line 289a and cut lines 293a, 295a intermediate and
substantially perpendicular to fold lines 286a and 289a about which
flaps can fold in a toggle action to define a step at each end of
the top panel 18. This action can occur automatically upon folding
the end closure panels which brings the flaps into their operative
position in which the flaps are displaced out of the plane of the
top panel inwardly of the carton. Optionally, cut lines 292a, 294a;
293a, 295a are shaped to define a shaped edge adapted to cooperate
with a neck portion of an article. Once displaced the, or each,
stabilizing flap 288 is disposed between neck portions of adjacent
rows of articles within the package to assist in maintaining the
articles in their correct upright positions within the package,
particularly to prevent the articles topping inwardly whereas the
end closure panels prevent the bottles toppling end wise of the
package.
[0069] In order to form the handle of the third embodiment as
illustrated in FIG. 13 the user portion 374 can be detached from
the side panel 314 and, the handle is then formed automatically by
folding each of the handle flaps 384. More particularly, a keel
structure is formed by folding panels 385, 387 and 389 inwardly of
gusset panel 360 such that tread panel 385, 387 and riser panel 389
are substantially perpendicular or more preferably in an acute
angular relationship. Thus, the flaps 384 can fold in a toggle
action to define a step at each end of the lower side panel 314.
This action can occur automatically when a user pulls on the handle
strap which brings the flaps into their operative position by which
the flaps are displaced out of the plane of the top panel inwardly
of the carton. Once displaced, the or each panel 385 abuts the
product. Advantageously, the strap is held between the carton and
the sandwich panel by the product which permits additional
resistance.
[0070] In other embodiments, the keel structures may be so formed
to allow the tread panel 385, 387 to abut the article. Preferably,
once the step is formed and the tread and riser panels are folded
into perpendicular (or angular) relationship, they are so
constructed to be held in place. More preferably, when the user
forms the step, it is "overcentre" of a notional plane between the
tangential point of contact between the article and strap and the
fold line between the riser and side panel and therefore is
prevented from collapsing back to a co-planar relationship with the
side and gusset panels. In some embodiments, this is achieved
because the tread panel 387 and/or riser panel 389 is greater in
length than the distance "d" between the side panel 314 and the
article A.
[0071] One advantage of this arrangement of handle structure is
that the handle structure is more rigid and once the user portion
has been separated from the side panel it continues to protrude
beyond the side panel whilst providing a handle strap that can be
shaped to the contour of the outermost article A carried by the
carton.
[0072] When the carrier of any of the embodiments is in use there
is a tendency for the handle strap to draw the end closure
structures inwardly thereby to improve the integrity of the carton
and providing a self tightening effect. Furthermore, in those
embodiments where the strap and/or tread and riser flaps are
positioned between neck portions of adjacent bottles, the stability
of the carton is improved due to support from the articles.
[0073] Advantageously, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention illustrate a carton having a strap handle type, the strap
being reinforced by a separate strap formed from material at one
end of the blank from which the carton is formed. The handle strap
is connected to a handle and has a user portion exposed to view in
a handle access aperture but which is otherwise disposed internally
of the carton.
[0074] The carton is set up as an open-ended sleeve for loading and
is then end-loaded where after the carton is completed by closure
of the end closure panel. The end closure panel closing has an
effect on the disposition of the handle strap. As the top end
closure panels are folded into their closing positions the handle
strap becomes slack into a position ready for use. When the carton
is lifted by the central user portion of the handle strap, the
strap bows upwardly and protrudes through the handle access
aperture proud of the top/side wall. The load is transmitted from
the handle strap to the end wall of the carton at each of the
opposite ends of the handle access aperture and is distributed
through the end wall. The sandwich panel 65,65a allows the load to
be distributed across two layers of the carton material, each
disposed on opposite side of the strap thereby increasing the
security of the handle strap to the end closure panels.
[0075] The present invention and its preferred embodiment relate to
an article carrier which is shaped to provide satisfactory strength
to hold articles securely but with a degree of flexibility so that
load transfer to the handle is absorbed by the carrier. The shape
of the blank minimises the amount of paper board required and the
carrier can be applied to an array of articles by hand or automatic
machinery. It is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a
variety of carrier and is not limited to the wrap around type. For
example the top panel 18, side panels 14, 16, 20, 22 and end
closure structure 34, 36 of the aforementioned carton can be
applied to other carton types for example top gripping cartons,
without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art the features of the three
embodiments described may be used in any combination, for example
the second embodiment may incorporate the keel structures disclosed
in the first and third embodiments.
[0076] It will be recognised that as used herein, directional
references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side",
"inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective
panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these
panels from one another. Any reference to hinged connection should
not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line
only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed
from one or more of the following, a score line, a frangible line
or a fold line without departing from the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *