U.S. patent application number 13/836804 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for carton with handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to John Murdick Holley, JR..
Application Number | 20140021082 13/836804 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49945639 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140021082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holley, JR.; John Murdick |
January 23, 2014 |
CARTON WITH HANDLE
Abstract
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can
comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton. At least one end flap can be
foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of
panels. The at least one end flap can at least partially form a
closed end of the carton. At least one handle comprises at least
one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one end flap
along a first fold line. The at least one handle flap comprises a
grip portion at least partially defined by the first fold line and
a second fold line extending in the at least one handle flap. The
first fold line and the second fold line are nonparallel.
Inventors: |
Holley, JR.; John Murdick;
(Lawrenceville, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL, INC. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Graphic Packaging International,
Inc.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
49945639 |
Appl. No.: |
13/836804 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61797758 |
Dec 14, 2012 |
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|
61741314 |
Jul 17, 2012 |
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61741315 |
Jul 17, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/427 ;
229/117.16; 493/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 71/18 20130101;
B65D 2571/00308 20130101; B65D 5/445 20130101; B65D 2571/00302
20130101; B65B 21/242 20130101; B65D 2571/00561 20130101; B65D
2571/00839 20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 2571/00265
20130101; B65D 2571/00728 20130101; B65B 11/004 20130101; B65D
2571/0045 20130101; B65B 5/024 20130101; B65D 5/18 20130101; B65D
71/36 20130101; B65D 5/4608 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D
2571/00524 20130101; B65D 5/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/427 ;
229/117.16; 493/405 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/468 20060101
B65D005/468; B65D 5/44 20060101 B65D005/44 |
Claims
1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton
comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton; at least one end flap foldably
connected to at least one panel of the plurality of panels, the at
least one end flap at least partially forming a closed end of the
carton; at least one handle comprising at least one handle flap
foldably connected to the at least one end flap along a first fold
line, the at least one handle flap comprising a grip portion at
least partially defined by the first fold line and a second fold
line extending in the at least one handle flap, wherein the first
fold line and the second fold line are nonparallel.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first fold line comprises an
arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises an opposing
arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the arcuate fold line.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein at least one end of the opposing
arcuate fold line is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line.
4. The carton of claim 2, wherein a score line extends in the grip
portion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and the
opposing arcuate fold line.
5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first fold line comprises an
arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises a generally
straight fold line.
6. The carton of claim 5, wherein a score line extends in the grip
portion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and the
generally straight fold line.
7. The carton of claim 1, wherein: the at least one end flap
comprises an outer top end flap at least partially overlapping an
inner top end flap; the at least one handle flap comprises an outer
handle flap foldably connected to the outer top end flap, and the
at least one handle further comprises an inner handle flap foldably
connected to the inner top end flap; and the outer handle flap at
least partially overlaps the inner handle flap.
8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the inner handle flap is foldably
connected to the inner top end flap along a third fold line, the
inner handle flap comprises a folding portion at least partially
defined by the third fold line and a fourth fold line extending in
the inner handle flap, and the grip portion of the outer handle
flap at least partially overlaps the folding portion of the inner
handle flap.
9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the third fold line and the
fourth fold line are nonparallel.
10. The carton of claim 8, wherein each of the first fold line and
the third fold line comprises an arcuate fold line, and each of the
second fold line and the fourth fold line comprises an opposing
arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the respective arcuate
fold line.
11. The carton of claim 7, wherein the at least one end flap
further comprises at least one side end flap, the outer top end
flap and the inner top end flap at least partially overlap the at
least one side end flap, and the at least one handle further
comprises at least one side handle flap foldably connected to the
at least one side end flap adjacent a handle opening formed in the
at least one side end flap, the outer handle flap and the inner
handle flap being at least partially aligned with the at least one
side handle flap.
12. The carton of claim 11, wherein the at least one side end flap
comprises a first side end flap and a second side end flap, the at
least one side handle flap comprises a first side handle flap
foldably connected to the first side end flap and a second side
handle flap foldably connected to the second side end flap, and the
first side handle flap at least partially overlaps the second side
handle flap.
13. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one end flap
comprises a top end flap at least partially overlapping a side end
flap, the at least one handle flap is foldably connected to the top
end flap along the first fold line, the at least one handle
comprises a handle opening formed in the side end flap, and the at
least one handle flap is at least partially aligned with the handle
opening.
14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the at least one handle further
comprises a side handle flap foldably connected to the side end
flap adjacent the handle opening formed in the side end flap, the
at least one handle flap at least partially overlapping the side
handle flap.
15. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a top panel and the at least one end flap comprises a top
end flap foldably connected to the top panel, the carton further
comprises a reinforcing insert at least partially in face-to-face
contact with the top panel, the reinforcing insert comprises a
reinforcing end flap at least partially in face-to-face contact
with the top end flap, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a
free edge disposed adjacent the first fold line of the at least one
handle.
16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the at least one end flap
further comprises a side end flap, the top end flap and the
reinforcing end flap at least partially overlap the side end flap,
and the reinforcing insert comprises an intermediate flap at least
partially defined by a cut extending in at least the reinforcing
end flap, the intermediate flap extending obliquely between the top
panel and an interior surface of the side end flap.
17. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of
containers, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels; at least
one end flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the
plurality of panels, the at least one end flap being for at least
partially forming a closed end of the carton formed from the blank;
handle features for forming at least one handle, the handle
features comprising at least one handle flap foldably connected to
the at least one end flap along a first fold line, the at least one
handle flap comprising a grip portion at least partially defined by
the first fold line and a second fold line extending in the at
least one handle flap, wherein the first fold line and the second
fold line are nonparallel.
18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the first fold line comprises an
arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises an opposing
arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the arcuate fold line.
19. The blank of claim 18, wherein at least one end of the opposing
arcuate fold line is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line.
20. The blank of claim 18, wherein a score line extends in the grip
portion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and the
opposing arcuate fold line.
21. The blank of claim 17, wherein the first fold line comprises an
arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises a generally
straight fold line.
22. The blank of claim 21, wherein a score line extends in the grip
portion and is spaced apart from the arcuate fold line and the
generally straight fold line.
23. The blank of claim 17, wherein: the at least one end flap
comprises an outer top end flap and an inner top end flap, the
outer top end flap being for at least partially overlapping the
inner top end flap when the carton is formed from the blank; the at
least one handle flap comprises an outer handle flap foldably
connected to the outer top end flap, and the at least one handle
further comprises an inner handle flap foldably connected to the
inner top end flap; and the outer handle flap is for at least
partially overlapping the inner handle flap when the carton is
formed from the blank.
24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the inner handle flap is
foldably connected to the inner top end flap along a third fold
line, the inner handle flap comprises a folding portion at least
partially defined by the third fold line and a fourth fold line
extending in the inner handle flap, and the grip portion of the
outer handle flap being for at least partially overlapping the
folding portion of the inner handle flap when the carton is formed
from the blank.
25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the third fold line and the
fourth fold line are nonparallel.
26. The blank of claim 24, wherein each of the first fold line and
the third fold line comprises an arcuate fold line, and each of the
second fold line and the fourth fold line comprises an opposing
arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the respective arcuate
fold line.
27. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one end flap
further comprises at least one side end flap, the at least one
handle further comprises at least one side handle flap foldably
connected to the at least one side end flap adjacent a handle
opening formed in the at least one side end flap, the outer top end
flap and the inner top end flap are for at least partially
overlapping the at least one side end flap when the carton is
formed from the blank, and the outer handle flap and the inner
handle flap are for being at least partially aligned with the at
least one side handle flap when the carton is formed from the
blank.
28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one side end flap
comprises a first side end flap and a second side end flap, the at
least one side handle flap comprises a first side handle flap
foldably connected to the first side end flap and a second side
handle flap foldably connected to the second side end flap, and the
first side handle flap is for at least partially overlapping the
second side handle flap when the carton is formed from the
blank.
29. The blank of claim 17, wherein the at least one end flap
comprises a top end flap and a side end flap, the at least one
handle flap is foldably connected to the top end flap along the
first fold line, the at least one handle comprises a handle opening
formed in the side end flap, and the at least one handle flap is
for being at least partially aligned with the handle opening when
the carton is formed from the blank.
30. The blank of claim 29, wherein the at least one handle further
comprises a side handle flap foldably connected to the side end
flap adjacent the handle opening formed in the side end flap, and
the at least one handle flap is for at least partially overlapping
the side handle flap when the carton is formed from the blank.
31. The blank of claim 17, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a top panel and the at least one end flap comprises a top
end flap foldably connected to the top panel, a reinforcing insert
is disposed at least partially in face-to-face contact with the top
panel, the reinforcing insert comprises a reinforcing end flap at
least partially in face-to-face contact with the top end flap, and
the reinforcing end flap comprises a free edge disposed adjacent
the first fold line of the at least one handle.
32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the at least one end flap
further comprises a side end flap, the reinforcing insert comprises
an intermediate flap at least partially defined by a cut extending
in at least the reinforcing end flap, the top end flap and the
reinforcing end flap are for at least partially overlapping the
side end flap when the carton is formed from the blank, and the
intermediate flap is for being positioned to extend obliquely
between the top panel and an interior surface of the side end flap
when the carton is formed from the blank.
33. A method of forming a carton for holding a plurality of
containers, the method comprising: obtaining a carton comprising a
plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an
interior of the carton, at least one end flap foldably connected to
at least one panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one end
flap at least partially forming a closed end of the carton, and at
least one handle comprising at least one handle flap foldably
connected to the at least one end flap along a first fold line, the
at least one handle flap comprising a grip portion at least
partially defined by the first fold line and a second fold line
extending in the at least one handle flap, wherein the first fold
line and the second fold line are nonparallel; actuating the at
least one handle by folding the at least one handle flap along the
first fold line and the second fold line.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the folding the at least one
handle flap comprises positioning the grip portion to be generally
horizontal with respect to the at least one end flap and
positioning a remainder of the at least one handle flap to extend
generally upwardly from the grip portion.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the first fold line comprises
an arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises an opposing
arcuate fold line that generally mirrors the arcuate fold line.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein the first fold line comprises
an arcuate fold line and the second fold line comprises a generally
straight fold line.
37. The method of claim 33, wherein: the at least one end flap
comprises an outer top end flap at least partially overlapping an
inner top end flap; the at least one handle flap comprises an outer
handle flap foldably connected to the outer top end flap along the
first fold line, and the at least one handle further comprises an
inner handle flap foldably connected to the inner top end flap
along a third fold line, the outer handle flap at least partially
overlapping the inner handle flap; and the actuating the at least
one handle further comprises folding the inner handle flap along
the third fold line.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the inner handle flap comprises
a folding portion at least partially defined by the third fold line
and a fourth fold line extending in the inner handle flap, the
third fold line and the fourth fold line are nonparallel, the grip
portion of the outer handle flap at least partially overlaps the
folding portion of the inner handle flap, and the actuating the at
least one handle further comprises folding the inner handle flap
along the fourth fold line.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the at least one end flap
further comprises at least one side end flap, the outer top end
flap and the inner top end flap at least partially overlap the at
least one side end flap, the at least one handle further comprises
at least one side handle flap foldably connected to the at least
one side end flap adjacent a handle opening formed in the at least
one side end flap, the outer handle flap and the inner handle flap
being at least partially aligned with the at least one side handle
flap, and the actuating the at least one handle further comprises
folding the outer handle flap and the inner handle flap at least
partially through the handle opening and folding the side handle
flap relative to the at least one side end flap.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/797,758, filed Dec. 14, 2012, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/741,314, filed Jul. 17, 2012,
and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/741,315, filed Jul.
17, 2012.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/797,758, which was filed on Dec. 14, 2012, U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/741,314, which was filed on Jul. 17,
2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/741,315, which
was filed on Jul. 17, 2012, are hereby incorporated by reference
for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for
holding beverage containers or other types of articles. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons having
handle features.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can
comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton. At least one end flap can be
foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of
panels. The at least one end flap can at least partially form a
closed end of the carton. At least one handle comprises at least
one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one end flap
along a first fold line. The at least one handle flap comprises a
grip portion at least partially defined by the first fold line and
a second fold line extending in the at least one handle flap. The
first fold line and the second fold line are nonparallel.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers.
The blank can comprise a plurality of panels and at least one end
flap foldably connected to at least one panel of the plurality of
panels. The at least one end flap is for at least partially forming
a closed end of the carton formed from the blank. The blank can
also comprise handle features for forming at least one handle
comprising at least one handle flap foldably connected to the at
least one end flap along a first fold line. The at least one handle
flap comprises a grip portion at least partially defined by the
first fold line and a second fold line extending in the at least
one handle flap. The first fold line and the second fold line are
nonparallel.
[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
method of forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers.
The method can comprise obtaining a carton comprising a plurality
of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the
carton. At least one end flap is foldably connected to at least one
panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one end flap can at
least partially form a closed end of the carton. At least one
handle comprises at least one handle flap foldably connected to the
at least one end flap along a first fold line. The at least one
handle flap comprises a grip portion at least partially defined by
the first fold line and a second fold line extending in the at
least one handle flap. The first fold line and the second fold line
are nonparallel. The method can further comprise actuating the at
least one handle by folding the at least one handle flap along the
first fold line and the second fold line.
[0007] 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. It
is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in
various combinations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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 disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a
carton according to a first exemplary embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a detail view of handle features of the blank of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an interior view of a portion of the blank of FIG.
1 with inwardly folded corner flaps.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton
in the form of an open-ended sleeve according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the open-ended sleeve of
FIG. 3 with containers loaded therein.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembled carton
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an interior perspective view of a handle in an end
of the carton of FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exterior perspective view of the handle of FIG.
5 after activation of the handle according to the first exemplary
embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an interior perspective view of the activated
handle of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a
carton according to a second exemplary embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exterior plan view of a blank used to form a
carton according to a third exemplary embodiment of the
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 9A is a detail view of handle features of the blank of
FIG. 9.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exterior plan view of a reinforcing insert for
reinforcing the carton according to the third exemplary embodiment
of the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton
in the form of an open-ended sleeve according to the third
exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the assembled carton
according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an interior perspective view of a handle in an
end of the carton of FIG. 12.
[0025] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that
contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The
articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for
example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in
composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and
the materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and/or
other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP,
PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination
thereof.
[0027] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate
articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for
the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following
detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., glass
beverage bottles) as disposed within the carton embodiments. In
this specification, the terms "inner," "outer," "lower," "bottom,"
"upper," and "top" indicate orientations determined in relation to
fully erected and upright cartons.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank,
generally indicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIG. 4)
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The
carton 5 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as
containers C (FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, the containers are
bottles having a wide bottom and a narrow top or neck T including a
cap CP. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 is sized to
house twelve containers C in a single layer in a 3.times.4
arrangement, but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized
and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in
more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements
(e.g., 1.times.6, 2.times.6, 4.times.6, 3.times.8,
2.times.6.times.2, 3.times.4.times.2, 2.times.9, 3.times.6, etc.),
or just a single article. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton
5 includes a first end 7 and a second end 9, each with a respective
handle, generally indicated at 10 (FIGS. 4-7) for grasping and
carrying the carton at each of the ends 7, 9. The carton 5 could
have only a single handle 10 in either of the ends 7, 9 without
departing from the disclosure. As will be discussed below in more
detail, the handles 10 are formed from various features in the
carton blank 3.
[0029] In one embodiment, the first end 7 and the second end 9 of
the carton 5 each have article protection features 11 (FIG. 4) for
protecting at least one article C of the plurality of articles.
Additionally, the carton 5 of the first embodiment may have article
protection flaps 13 for protecting the at least one article. The
article protection features 11 cushion the ends 7, 9 of the carton
and prevent or reduce the likelihood of breakage of the containers
C. In one embodiment, the article protection flaps 13 are movable
between a first position (FIG. 1) and a second position (not shown)
placed between adjacent containers C in the carton to reduce
movement of the containers in the carton and prevent breakage of
the containers. The article protection features and flaps can be
similar to, or the same as, those described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/419,740, filed Mar. 14, 2012, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes as if presented herein in its entirety. The article
protection features 11 and/or the article protection flaps 13 can
be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure. Further, the article protection features 11
and/or article protection flaps 13 can be omitted without departing
from the disclosure.
[0030] The carton blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral
axis L2. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the blank includes a bottom
panel 15 foldably connected to a first side panel 17 at a lateral
fold line 19. A second side panel 21 is foldably connected to the
bottom panel 15 at a lateral fold line 23. An outer or first top
panel 25 is foldably connected to the first side panel 17 at a
lateral fold line 27, and an inner or second top panel 29 is
foldably connected to the second side panel 21 at a lateral fold
line 31. Any of the top and bottom panels 25, 29, 15 and the first
and second side panels 17, 21 can be otherwise shaped, arranged,
configured, or omitted, without departing from the disclosure. For
example, the second top panel 29 could be a separate insert formed
from a separate insert blank, or the second top panel could be
omitted and an attachment flap can be foldably connected to the
first top panel 25 or the second side panel 21.
[0031] The bottom panel 15 is foldably connected to a first bottom
end flap 33 and a second bottom end flap 35. The first side panel
17 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 37 and a second
side end flap 39. The second side panel 21 is foldably connected to
a first side end flap 43 and a second side end flap 45. The first
top panel 25 is foldably connected to a first (e.g., outer) top end
flap 47 and a second (e.g., outer) top end flap 49. The second top
panel 29 is foldably connected to a first (e.g., inner) top end
flap 51 and a second (e.g., inner) top end flap 53. In one
embodiment, when the carton 5 is erected, the end flaps 33, 37, 43,
47, 51 close the first end 7 of the carton, and the end flaps 35,
39, 45, 49, 53 close the second end 9 of the carton. In accordance
with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, different
flap arrangements can be used for closing the ends 7, 9 of the
carton 5.
[0032] The end flaps 33, 37, 43, 47, 51 extend along a first
marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a first
longitudinal fold line 61 that extends along the length of the
blank. The end flaps 35, 39, 45, 49, 53 extend along a second
marginal area of the carton blank 3, and are foldably connected at
a second longitudinal fold line 63 that also extends along the
length of the blank. The longitudinal fold lines 61, 63 may be, for
example, substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations
to account for blank thickness or for other factors. The ends of
the carton 5 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
(e.g., at least partially tapered) without departing from the
disclosure.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, a first fold line or area 65 and a
second fold line or area 67 connect the respective top end flaps
51, 53 to the second top panel 29 along the marginal areas of the
blank 3. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the fold areas 65,
67 can include several fold lines (e.g., scores, creases,
cut-crease lines, etc.). Alternatively, the fold areas 65, 67 can
be other lines or areas of weakening (e.g., a single fold line) for
folding the top end flaps 51, 53 relative to the second top panel
29. Openings 69 can interrupt the fold areas 65, 67 to help avoid
bunching of the blank material at the ends 7, 9 of the erected
carton 5 that might otherwise occur since the second top panel 29
and the top end flaps 51, 53 are interior to the first top panel 25
and the top end flaps 47, 49 in the erected carton.
[0034] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the carton blank 3 has handle
features for forming the handles 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A,
the handle features comprise outer handle flaps 73 foldably
connected to a respective top end flap 47, 49 at an arcuate fold
line 75 and separable from the respective top end flap 47, 49 along
cut lines 77. An opposing arcuate fold line 79 extends in each of
the outer handle flaps 73 and generally mirrors the arcuate fold
line 75. In one embodiment, the arcuate fold line 75 can have a
radius of curvature extending in a first direction (e.g., generally
toward the top panel 25), and the opposing arcuate fold line 79 can
have a radius of curvature extending in a second, opposing
direction (e.g., generally away from the top panel 25). Stated
another way, the arcuate fold line 75 can be convex with respect to
the top panel 25, and the opposing arcuate fold line 79 can be
concave with respect to the top panel 25. Accordingly, the fold
lines 75, 79 are opposing arcs and generally comprise nonparallel
fold lines. In one embodiment, nonparallel fold lines can refer to
a first fold line that is curved in one direction and a second fold
line that is either straight or that is curved in an opposing
direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the arcuate fold lines
75, 79 are cut-crease lines; however, the fold lines could be
otherwise configured (e.g., scores, creases, perforations, etc.). A
grip portion 82 generally can be defined between the arcuate fold
line 75 and the opposing arcuate fold line 79 in each of the outer
handle flaps 73. In one embodiment, the grip portions 82 can be for
contacting a hand of a user when grasping the handles 10
Accordingly, as the outer handle panels 73 are folded inwardly, the
outer handle panels fold along both of the arcuate fold lines 75,
79 so that the grip portions 82 form a wider contact area for a
user's hands, thereby helping to make the material at the handle 10
feel thicker and more comfortable for the user. In one embodiment,
each outer handle flap 73 includes a longitudinal score 81
extending in the grip portion 82.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer handle
flaps 73 can include oblique fold lines 83 and a lateral cut 85,
which can form generally triangular flaps 87 that can help
accommodate the narrow top or neck T of a container C adjacent the
respective handle 10. Accordingly, when the respective outer handle
flap 73 is folded inwardly in the carton 5, the triangular flaps 87
can separate along the respective cuts 85 and fold outwardly along
the oblique fold lines 83 upon contact with the narrow top T of the
respective container C. The outer handle flaps 73 could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the handle features further can include
an inner handle flap 89 defined in each of the top end flaps 51,
53. Each of the inner handle flaps 89 is foldably connected to the
respective top end flap 51, 53 along an arcuate fold line 91 and is
separable from the respective top end flap along cut lines 93. In
one embodiment, the inner handle flaps 89 extend adjacent
respective openings 95 in the top end flaps. An opposing arcuate
fold line 97 extends in each of the handle flaps 89 and generally
mirrors the arcuate fold lines 91. In the illustrated embodiment,
the arcuate fold lines 91, 97 can be generally similar to the
arcuate fold lines 75, 79 and can be positioned and configured so
that the arcuate fold lines 75, 79 generally overlap the arcuate
fold lines 91, 97 in the erected carrier 5. Accordingly, the fold
lines 91, 97 are opposing arcs and generally comprise nonparallel
fold lines. In one embodiment, the arcuate fold line 91 can have a
radius of curvature extending in a first direction (e.g., generally
toward the top panel 29), and the opposing arcuate fold line 97 can
have a radius of curvature extending in a second, opposing
direction (e.g., generally away from the top panel 29). Stated
another way, the arcuate fold line 91 can be convex with respect to
the top panel 29, and the opposing arcuate fold line 97 can be
concave with respect to the top panel 29. In an alternative
embodiment, one of the arcuate fold lines 91, 97 could be replaced
with a generally straight fold line. In one embodiment, each handle
flap 89 includes a longitudinal cut-crease line 99 extending
between the arcuate fold line 91 and the opposing arcuate fold line
97. A folding portion 100 can be generally defined between the
arcuate fold line 91 and the opposing arcuate fold line 97 in each
of the inner handle flaps 89. When the handles 10 are formed, the
grip portions 82 of the outer handle flaps 73 generally can overlap
the respective folding portions 100, and the folding portions 100
can cooperate with the respective grip portions 82 to help form the
wider contact areas of the handles. The inner handle flaps 89 could
be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or
configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0037] The handle features can also include notches or openings 101
in the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, and 45. The openings 101
cooperate to provide an opening at a respective closed end 7, 9 to
allow a respective handle flap 73 and inner handle flap 89 to be
inwardly folded at a respective end. The side end flaps 37, 39, 43,
45 can also include respective upper portions 103 disposed above
the respective openings 101. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, a side
handle flap 105 can be foldably connected to the upper portion 103
of each side end flap 37, 39, 43, 45 along a respective arcuate
fold line 107 and can extend adjacent the respective openings 101.
In one embodiment, the arcuate fold lines 75, 91 can generally
overlap the arcuate fold lines 107 at each end of the carton when
the ends 7, 9 are closed. Each of the side handle flaps 105 can
include a lateral perforated line 109 and a corner comfort radius
111. As shown in FIG. 1A, the corner comfort radius 111 can be
defined by a score 113 and a cut 115 extending from the score 113
and curving toward the edge of the side handle flap 105.
Accordingly, the corner comfort radius 111 can separate from the
remainder of the side handle flap 105 along the cut 115 and fold
along the score 113 to help protect a user's hands from rough edges
in the corner of the handle opening formed when the handle 10 is
activated. The blank 3 can have other features for forming the
handles 10, or the blank 3 and/or carton 5 can have one or more
handles that are alternatively shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure. For example, any or all of
the outer handle flaps 73, the inner handle flaps 89, or the side
handle flaps 105 could be omitted. Further, one or both of the
handles 10 can be omitted without departing from the
disclosure.
[0038] In one embodiment, the carton blank 3 has features for
forming the article protection features 11 of the carton 5. As
shown in FIG. 1, the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 and the top end
flaps 47, 49 have deformations in the form of indentations 121 on
the exterior surface of the carton blank 3 such that the
indentations from a protrusion on the interior surface of the
blank. The bottom end flaps 33, 35 each have two rows of
deformations in the form of indentations 123 on the interior
surface of the carton blank 3 such that the indentations on the
interior surface form a protrusion on the exterior surface 1 of the
carton blank 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the top end flaps 47, 49 each
have corner notches 125. The indentations 121, 123 can be any
deformation on a surface of a respective side end flaps 37, 39, 43,
45, top end flaps 47, 49, or bottom end flaps 33, 35 such that the
deformation can be any suitable shape (e.g., a concave depression
or protrusion, convex depression or protrusion, flat depression or
protrusion, embossed area, debossed area, etc., or any other
suitable shape). Furthermore, the indentations 121, 123 could be
formed on the interior or exterior surface of one or more of the
first side panel 17, second side panel 21, top panel 25, bottom
panel 15, and/or top end flaps 51, 53 without departing from the
disclosure.
[0039] In the first embodiment, the carton blank 3 includes nine
article protection flaps 13 arranged in a 3.times.3 arrangement,
but the blank could have more or less than nine article protection
flaps, and the flaps could be otherwise arranged in other suitable
row/column arrangements or in a random configuration on the bottom
panel 15, including a single row or single column configuration, or
any other suitable configuration. In other embodiments, the carton
blank 3 can include article protection flaps that are different,
similar, or identical to other article protection flaps without
departing from the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
middle row of article protection flaps 13 are oriented 180 degrees
relative to a row of article protection flaps that are closer to
the respective longitudinal fold lines 61, 63. In other
embodiments, the article protection flaps 13 could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the article protection flaps 13 are each
foldably connected to the bottom panel 15 at a respective lateral
fold line 127 and are each at least partially defined by a cut 129
in the bottom panel. Alternatively, the cut 129 could comprise
other forms of weakening (e.g., a tear line that comprises cut
lines separated by breakable nicks, a tear line that is formed by a
series of spaced apart cuts, etc.) that allow the article
protection flap 13 to be separated from the bottom panel 15 without
departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, a slit or cut 131
extends laterally from a portion of the cut 129 that is opposite to
the lateral fold line 127. As shown in FIG. 1, the article
protection flap 13 can comprise generally longitudinal fold lines
133 extending from the lateral fold line 127. The fold lines 127,
133 and cuts 129, 131 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
configured, and/or omitted such that the article protection flap 13
has any other suitable shape or configuration without departing
from the disclosure.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, a corner flap 135 can be
foldably connected to each of the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45.
The corner flaps 135 can help secure the containers C in the carton
5 and/or help reinforce the corners of the carton. Each of the
corner flaps 135 can be foldably connected to the respective side
end flap along a longitudinal fold line 137 and separable from the
respective side end flap along a cut line 139. Each of the corner
flaps 135 can include an intermediate fold line 141 extending from
the cut line 139 to a lateral free edge of the respective side end
flap. Accordingly, the corner flaps 135 can be folded adjacent the
respective corners of the carton 5 (FIG. 5) to at least partially
conform to the shape of the containers C adjacent the corners and
reduce the freedom of movement of the corner containers. The corner
flaps 135 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 includes dispenser features
for forming a dispenser 143 in the carton 5 (FIG. 4). As shown in
FIG. 1, the dispenser features include an outer dispenser 145
formed in the first top panel 25. The outer dispenser 145 includes
two outer dispenser panels 147 that are separable from the
remainder of the first top panel 25 along tear lines 149 and are
foldably connected to the first top panel 25 along a respective
longitudinal fold line 151. The outer dispenser panels 147 are
separable from one another along a longitudinal tear or cut line
153. V-shaped cuts 155 at each end of the cut line 153 define outer
projections 157 in the first top panel 25. The tear lines 149, fold
lines 151, cut line 153, and V-shaped cuts 155 could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser features
further can include an inner dispenser 159 in the second top panel
29. The inner dispenser 159 includes inner dispenser panels 161
that are separable from the remainder of the second top panel 29
along cut lines 163 and are foldably connected to the second top
panel 29 along respective longitudinal fold lines 165. The inner
dispenser panels 161 can be separable from one another along tear
lines 167 and can define a finger aperture 169 therebetween. The
cut lines 163 can be shaped and disposed in the second top panel 29
so that, when the carton 5 is formed and the first top panel 25
overlaps the second top panel 29, the outer projections 157 overlap
portions of the cut lines 163 and corner portions 171 of the inner
dispenser panels 161. Accordingly, the corner portions 171 can
interfere with the outer projections 157 to help retain the
dispenser 143 in a reclosed position after initial opening of the
dispenser. When opening the dispenser 143, the corner portions 171
can fold out of the way of the outer projections 157. The cut lines
163, fold lines 165, and tear lines 167 could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
Additionally, the outer dispenser 145 and the inner dispenser 159
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the blank 3 can be prepared for forming
the carton 5 by folding each of the corner flaps 135 in the
respective side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 along the respective
longitudinal fold lines 137 so that the corner flaps 135 overlap
the respective side end flap and the respectively adjacent side
panel 17, 21. In one embodiment, at least the portion of each
corner flap 135 between the longitudinal fold line 137 and the
intermediate fold line 141 can be glued to the respective side end
flap 37, 39, 43, 45. Alternatively, or in addition, the corner
flaps 135 can be glued to the respective side panels 17, 21, or the
glue could be omitted from the corner flaps so that they are free
to pivot and or slide relative to the side end flaps and/or the
side panels.
[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the carton 5 can be assembled
further by folding the blank 3 along the transverse fold line 31 so
that the second top panel 29 overlaps the interior surface of the
second side panel 21 and folding the blank along the transverse
fold line 19 so that the first to panel 25 overlaps the second top
panel 29. Alternatively, the blank could be folded along the
transverse fold lines 23, 27 so that the first top panel 25
overlaps the second top panel 29. The first top panel 25 can be
glued to the second top panel 29, and the outer dispenser panels
147 can be glued to the inner dispenser panels 161. In one
embodiment, the corner portions 171 of the inner dispenser panels
161 are not glued to the outer projections 157 of the first top
panel 25. The top end flaps 47, 49 at least partially overlap the
respective top end flaps 51, 53, and the top end flaps 47, 49 can
be glued to the top end flaps 51, 53. In one embodiment, the outer
handle flaps 73 in the top end flaps 47, 49 are glued to the
respective inner handle flaps 89 in the top end flaps 51, 53. As
shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, the blank then can be folded along fold
lines 19, 23, 27, 31 to form an open-ended sleeve 173 with an
interior 175. As shown in FIG. 3A, the containers C can be loaded
into the interior 175 of the open-ended sleeve 173 before or after
closing either of the ends 7, 9. The blank 3 may be otherwise
formed into the open-ended sleeve using alternative folding and
gluing steps without departing from the scope of this
disclosure.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the side end flaps 37, 43 are
inwardly folded along the longitudinal fold line 61 to at least
partially close the first end 7. As the side end flaps 37, 43 are
folded, the corner flaps 135 slide against the respective side
panels 17, 21 and bend along the respective intermediate fold lines
141 to bend around the corners of the carton 5. Additionally, when
the containers are loaded into the interior 175 of the sleeve 173,
the corner flaps 135 can bend to generally conform to the curve of
the respectively adjacent containers. The top end flaps 47, 51 are
folded along the longitudinal fold line 61 and the fold area 65,
respectively, so that the top end flaps 47, 51 overlap the side end
flaps 37, 43 and the handle flaps 73, 89 are generally aligned with
the openings 101. In one embodiment, the inner top end flap 51 is
glued in face-to-face contact with the side end flaps 37, 43. The
bottom end flap 33 is folded upwardly along the longitudinal fold
line 61 into face-to-face contact with the lower portions of the
side end flaps 37, 43. In one embodiment, the bottom end flap 33
overlaps a portion of the outer top end flap 47 (FIG. 4). The
bottom end flap 33 can be glued to the side end flaps 37, 43 and/or
the top end flap 47. Accordingly, the handle 10 (FIGS. 4 and 5) in
the first end 7 is formed by the alignment of the handle flap 73 of
the outer top end flap 47, the handle flap 89 and the opening 95 of
the inner top end flap 51, and the openings 101 and the side handle
flaps 105 of the side end flaps 37, 43. The top end flaps 47, 51,
the side end flaps 37, 43, and the bottom end flap 33 can be
selectively adhered to one another to close the first end 7 of the
carton 5 (FIG. 4).
[0047] In one embodiment, the second end 9 of the carton 5 can be
closed in a similar manner as the first end 7 by folding,
respectively overlapping, and selectively adhering the side end
flaps 39, 45, the top end flaps 49, 53, and the bottom end flap 35.
The erected carton is shown in FIG. 4. One or both of the ends 7, 9
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, or omitted,
without departing from the disclosure. Additionally, the open-ended
sleeve 173 can be alternatively loaded with containers and closed
without departing from the disclosure. For example, the ends 7, 9
can be closed in any order, and the containers could be loaded
before or after closing either or both of the ends 7, 9.
Additionally, the corner flaps 135 could be folded along
longitudinal fold lines 137 and/or glued before or after any step
of forming the carton 5.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, which shows the first end 7 of the
carton 5 from the interior 175 of the carton, the side handle flaps
105 of the side end flaps 43, 37, the inner handle flap 89 of the
top end flap 51, and the outer handle flap 73 of the top end flap
47 are overlapped to form the handle 10 in the first end 7. As
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the handles 10 can be used to grasp the
carton 5 by pressing against the outer handle flaps 73 to force the
outer handle flaps 73 and the inner handle flaps 89 inwardly
through the handle openings 95 of the top end flaps 51, 53 and the
handle openings 101 of the side end flaps 37, 39, 43, 45 to provide
a handle opening in the closed ends 7, 9 of the carton 5. For each
of the handles 10, as the outer handle panel 73 and the inner
handle panel 89 fold inwardly, the outer handle panel 73 and the
inner handle panel can fold inwardly along the respective arcuate
fold lines 75, 91 (FIGS. 6 and 7). As shown in FIG. 7, the handle
panels 73, 89 can be folded upwardly toward the interior surface of
the upper portions 103 of the side end flaps along the respective
opposing arcuate fold lines 79, 97 as the user grasps the handle
10. Accordingly, the grip portions 82 of the outer handle flaps 73
and the folding portions 100 of the inner handle flaps 89 extend at
an angle with respect to the top end flaps 47, 51 or 49, 53 and the
remainders of the handle flaps 73, 89 to form hand contact areas
177 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In one embodiment, the hand contact areas 177
can extend generally horizontally into the interior 175 of the
carton 5. The hand contact areas 177 of the handles 10 can help
make the material of the carton 5 at the handles 10 feel like it is
thicker than it is. Additionally, the hand contact areas 177 can
provide a wider area that is supported by the user's hands, which
is more comfortable than supporting the carton 5 along a single
fold line. The opposing arcuate fold lines 75, 79 and 91, 97 help
avoid a situation where the weight of the carton 5 and the
containers disposed therein is supported by a user's hands at a
single fold line in each handle, which could more easily occur if
each of the handle panels fold along a single fold line or along
parallel fold lines.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the inwardly folding handle
flaps 73, 89 can contact the overlapped side handle flaps 105 in
the side end flaps 37, 43 or 39, 45 and fold the handle flaps 105
inwardly along fold lines 107. Accordingly, the side handle flaps
105 can provide additional material above the handles 10. The
handles 10 could be alternatively, shaped, arranged, configured,
and/or reinforced without departing from this disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of an
alternative blank 203 for forming a carton (not shown) according to
a second embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is
generally similar to the first embodiment, except for variations
noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the
embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. As
shown in FIG. 8, the blank 203 does not include an inner top panel
foldably connected to the second side panel or inner top end flaps.
The blank 203 includes an attachment flap 229 foldably connected to
the top panel 225 along a transverse fold line 231. Alternatively,
the attachment flap 229 could be foldably connected to the second
side panel 21. In one embodiment, a reinforcing insert (not shown)
can be attached to the top panel 225 and/or the top end flaps 47,
49. For example, a reinforcing insert could be generally similar to
the inner top panel and/or the inner top end flaps 51, 53 of the
first embodiment. Alternatively, a different insert could be used
with the blank 203, or the blank 203 is not used with an insert.
The blank 203 can be formed into an open-ended sleeve (not shown)
by folding along the transverse fold lines 19, 23, 27, 231 and
gluing the attachment flap 229 to the interior surface of the
second side panel 21. The carton can be erected generally similar
to the formation of the carton 5 of the first embodiment described
above. The blank 203 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or
configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exterior surface 401 of an
alternative carton blank 403 for forming a carton 405 (FIG. 12)
according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third
embodiment is generally similar to the second embodiment, except
for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical
features of the embodiments have been given like or similar
reference numbers. The blank 403 can be used with a reinforcing
insert 604 (FIG. 10) or an alternative insert for forming a
reinforced carton. The carton blank 403 and/or the reinforcing
insert 604 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the carton blank 403 can include a row
of three article protection flaps 13 foldably connected to the
bottom panel 417. The article protection flaps 13 could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure. For example, the carton blank 403 could
include any suitable number of article protection flaps 13, or the
article protection flaps 13 could be omitted. An outer dispenser
545 includes outer dispenser panels 547 foldably connected to the
top panel 425 along longitudinal fold lines 551 and separable from
the top panel 425 along tear lines 549. The outer dispenser 545
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure. For example, the outer dispenser
could be at least partially disposed in the first side panel 417 or
the second side panel 421. In an alternative embodiment, the outer
dispenser 545 could be omitted.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, the side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445
include handle notches or openings 501 and upper portions 503
disposed above the openings 501. In the illustrated embodiment, the
side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445 do not include side handle flaps
(e.g., the side handle flaps 105 of the first embodiment) foldably
connected to the upper portions 503. Additionally, as shown in FIG.
9, the side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445 do not include corner
flaps (e.g., the corner flaps 135 of the first embodiment). In an
alternative embodiment, side handle flaps (e.g., the side handle
flaps 105 shown and described in the first embodiment) and/or
corner flaps (e.g., the corner flaps 135 shown and described in the
first embodiment) could be incorporated into any of the side end
flaps 437, 439, 443, 445. The side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, the handle features for forming
the handles 410 in the carton 405 (FIG. 12) include a handle flap
473 foldably connected to each of the top end flaps 447, 449 along
a respective arcuate fold line 475. The handle flaps 437 can be
separable from the top end flaps 447, 449 along respective tear or
cut lines 477. A fold line 479 can extend in each of the handle
flaps 473. As shown in FIG. 9A, the fold line 479 is nonparallel
with the arcuate fold line 475. For example, the fold line 479 can
be a generally straight, longitudinal fold line. In an alternative
embodiment, the fold line 475 could be generally straight, and the
fold line 479 could be arcuate. Alternatively, the fold lines 475,
479 could be any suitable nonparallel or opposing arcuate fold
lines. A grip portion 482 for contacting a hand of a user when
grasping the handle generally can be defined between the arcuate
fold line 475 and the nonparallel fold line 479 in each of the
outer handle flaps 473. While the fold lines 475, 479 are
nonparallel instead of opposing arcs like the fold lines 75, 79 of
the outer handle flaps 73 of the first embodiment, the grip
portions 482 generally can fold like the grip portions 82 of the
first embodiment help provide a wider support area for a user's
hands. Accordingly, the grip portions 482 can help make the
material of the carton 405 at the handles 410 feel thicker and more
comfortable for the user. In one embodiment, the handle flaps 473
each include a longitudinal score 481 extending in the grip portion
482.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the handle flaps 473
can include oblique fold lines 483 and a lateral cut 485, which can
form generally triangular flaps 487 that can help accommodate the
narrow top or neck of a container adjacent the respective handle
410. Accordingly, when the respective outer handle flap 473 is
folded inwardly in the carton 405, the triangular flaps 487 can
separate along the respective cuts 485 and fold outwardly along the
oblique fold lines 483 upon contact with the narrow top of the
respective container. The outer handle flaps 473 could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates an interior surface 602 of the
reinforcing insert 604 for use in the carton 405. As illustrated in
FIG. 10, the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 of the
insert 604 are oriented to comport with the respective longitudinal
axis L1 and lateral axis L2 of the carton blank 403 established in
FIG. 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 604 can be
generally symmetric about a longitudinal central axis CL and a
lateral or transverse central axis CT. The reinforcing insert 604
can include a central panel 608 and two reinforcing end flaps 612,
614 respectively foldably connected to the central panel 608 at
opposite ends of the thereof. A first fold line 616 connects the
first reinforcing end flap 612 to the central panel 608, and a
second fold line 618 connects the second reinforcing end flap 614
to the central panel.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 10, the reinforcing insert 604 includes
article retention or intermediate flaps 620 extending in the
central panel 608 and the respective reinforcing end flap 612, 614.
The intermediate flaps 620 are foldably connected to the central
panel 608 along respective longitudinal fold lines 622 and are
further defined by respective tear or cut lines 624. In one
embodiment, the intermediate flaps 620 interrupt the respective
fold lines 616, 618. The reinforcing insert 604 could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure. For example, the insert 604 could include an inner
dispenser for cooperating with the outer dispenser 545 of the
carton blank 403. Alternatively, the inner dispenser could have
features that are generally similar to the inner top panel 29 and
the inner top end flaps 51, 53 of the blank 3 of the first
embodiment, for example.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, glue strips 626 can be applied
to the interior surface 602 of the insert 604, and the insert can
be positioned on the interior surface 402 of the carton blank 403
so that the central panel 608 generally overlaps the top panel 425
and the reinforcing end flaps 612, 614 generally overlap the
respective top end flaps 447, 449. Accordingly, the central panel
608 and the reinforcing end flaps 612, 614 are glued to the
respective top panel 425 and top end flaps 447, 449, while the
intermediate flaps 620 generally are free to pivot along respective
fold lines 622 relative to the carton blank 403. Alternatively, the
insert 604 could be otherwise secured to the carton blank 403. As
shown in FIG. 11, the longitudinal free edge 628 of the reinforcing
end flap 612 is disposed adjacent at least a portion of the arcuate
fold line 475 of the handle flap 473 in the top end flap 447, and
the longitudinal free edge 630 of the reinforcing end flap 614 is
disposed adjacent at least a portion of the arcuate fold line 475
of the handle flap 473 in the top end flap 449.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, the attachment flap 429 can be glued to
the interior surface 402 of the carton blank 403, and the blank can
be folded along the transverse fold lines 419, 423, 427, and 431 to
form the open-ended sleeve 573 with an interior 575. The
reinforcing insert 604 and the carton blank 403 could be otherwise
formed into the open-ended sleeve using alternative folding and
gluing steps without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
[0060] The side end flaps 437, 443 can be inwardly folded along the
longitudinal fold line 461 to at least partially close the first
end 407. In one embodiment the intermediate flap 620 at the first
end 407 can be downwardly folded relative to the central panel 608
along fold line 622 so that the intermediate flap 620 is interior
to the side end flaps 437, 443. As shown in FIG. 13, the
intermediate flap 620 can extend at an oblique angle from the
central panel 608 to the upper portions 503 of the side end flaps
437, 443. The top end flap 447 is folded along the longitudinal
fold line 461 so that the top end flap 447 overlaps the side end
flaps 437, 443 and the handle flap 473 is generally aligned with
the openings 501. In one embodiment, the top end flap 447 is glued
in face-to-face contact with the side end flaps 437, 443. The
bottom end flap 433 is folded upwardly along the longitudinal fold
line 461 into face-to-face contact with the lower portions of the
side end flaps 437, 443. In one embodiment, the bottom end flap 433
overlaps a portion of the top end flap 447. The bottom end flap 433
can be glued to the side end flaps 437, 443 and/or the top end flap
447. Accordingly, the handle 410 in the first end 407 is formed by
the alignment of the handle flap 473 of the top end flap 447 and
the openings 501 of the side end flaps 437, 443. The top end flap
447, the side end flaps 437, 443, and the bottom end flap 433 can
be selectively adhered to one another to close the first end 407 of
the carton 405.
[0061] Containers can be loaded into the partially-erected carton
405 through the open second end 409. The second end 409 of the
carton 405 can be closed in a similar manner as the first end 407
by folding, respectively overlapping, and selectively adhering the
side end flaps 439, 445, the top end flap 449, and the bottom end
flap 435. The erected carton is shown in FIG. 12, and the interior
of the second end 409 is shown in FIG. 13. One or both of the ends
407, 409 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, or
omitted, without departing from the disclosure. Additionally, the
open-ended sleeve 573 can be alternatively loaded with containers
and closed without departing from the disclosure. For example, the
ends 407, 409 can be closed in any order, and the containers could
be loaded before or after closing either or both of the ends 407,
409.
[0062] The handles 410 can be used to grasp the carton 405 at each
end 407, 409 similarly to the handles 10 of the first embodiment.
As the handle flaps 473 are pressed inwardly through the handle
openings 501 of the side end flaps 437, 439, 443, 445, the handle
panels 473 can fold along the respective arcuate fold lines 475,
479. Accordingly, the grip portions 482 of the handle flaps 473
extend at an angle with respect to the top end flaps 447, 449 and
the remainder of the handle flaps 473 to form hand contact areas
577 (FIG. 12). The hand contact areas 577 of the handles 410 can
help to make the material of the carton 405 at the handles 410 feel
like it is thicker than it is. Additionally, the hand contact areas
577 can provide a wider area that is supported by the user's hands,
which is more comfortable than supporting the carton 405 along a
single fold line. The nonparallel fold lines 475, 479 help avoid a
situation where the weight of the carton 405 and the containers
disposed therein is supported by a user's hands at a single fold
line in each handle, which could more easily occur if each of the
handle panels fold along a single fold line or along parallel fold
lines.
[0063] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the
disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise
configured with other features of other embodiments of the
disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
Further, it is noted that the handle flaps with the opposing
arcuate fold lines or the nonparallel fold lines of the various
embodiments can be incorporated into a carton having any carton
style or panel configuration. The carton styles and panel
configurations described above are included by way of example.
Additionally, the shapes of the handle flaps can be substantially
any shape. The shapes described above and included in the figures
are included by way of example.
[0064] The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for
example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For
example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks 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 blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect
any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described
embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a
caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties
suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as
described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with
one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel
sections.
[0065] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the
present disclosure, 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 disclosure, 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.
[0066] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends
partially into the material along the desired line of weakness,
and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into
and/or completely through the material along the desired line of
weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more
specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of
spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material,
with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick
(e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is
defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily
connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken
during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a
relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the
nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear
line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced
with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be
a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing
from the present disclosure.
[0067] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more
panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton
embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of
adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
[0068] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and
describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in
the above construction without departing from the scope of the
disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various
modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the
above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the
claims. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only
selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure 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. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics
of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to
other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the
disclosure.
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