U.S. patent application number 14/976164 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for carton with handle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Colin P. Ford, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond R. Spivey, SR., Li Wei Yang.
Application Number | 20160101890 14/976164 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51296808 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160101890 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Spivey, SR.; Raymond R. ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
Carton With Handle
Abstract
A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton
comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton and comprises at least a top
panel. A handle is positionable between a first position and a
second position. The handle comprises at least a first handle panel
and a second handle panel, and at least one of the first handle
panel and the second handle panel is foldably connected to the top
panel. At least one of the first handle panel and the second handle
panel is generally coplanar with at least a portion of the top
panel in the first position of the handle. Each of the first handle
panel and the second handle panel extends upwardly relative to the
top panel and the first handle panel is spaced apart from the
second handle panel in the second position of the handle.
Inventors: |
Spivey, SR.; Raymond R.;
(Mableton, GA) ; Gomes; Jean-Manuel; (Acworth,
GA) ; Ford; Colin P.; (Woodstock, GA) ; Yang;
Li Wei; (Shanghai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Packaging International, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51296808 |
Appl. No.: |
14/976164 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14176546 |
Feb 10, 2014 |
9248933 |
|
|
14976164 |
|
|
|
|
61850238 |
Feb 11, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.13 ;
493/128; 493/137; 493/162 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4204 20130101;
B65D 5/542 20130101; B65D 5/46088 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/46 20060101
B65D005/46 |
Claims
1. A carton for holding a plurality of articles, the carton
comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels
comprising at least a top panel, wherein the top panel comprises a
main portion and a distal portion; and a handle being positionable
between a first position and a second position, the handle
comprising a first handle panel foldably connected to the main
panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the distal
portion and the first handle panel, the top panel has an interior
surface on a first side of the top panel and an exterior surface on
a second side of the top panel, the top panel comprises a Z-fold
between the distal portion, the second handle panel, the first
handle panel, and the main portion, the Z-fold comprises the
exterior surface of the second handle panel at least partially in
face-to-face contact with the exterior surface of the distal
portion, the interior surface of the second handle panel at least
partially in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the
first handle panel, and the interior surface of the main portion at
least partially in face-to-face contact with the exterior surface
of the distal portion.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a
third handle panel in face-to-face contact with the first handle
panel for reinforcing the handle, the first handle panel is
foldably connected to the main portion of the top panel along a
first fold line, and the second handle panel is foldably connected
to the distal portion of the top panel along a second fold
line.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the top panel is a first top
panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel
at least partially overlapping the first top panel, and the third
handle panel is foldably connected to the second top panel along a
third fold line.
4. The carton of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises an
intermediate panel that is foldably connected to the first handle
panel and the second handle panel.
5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the intermediate panel is
foldably connected to the first handle panel along a third
transverse fold line, and the intermediate panel is foldably
connected to the second handle panel along a fourth transverse fold
line.
6. The carton of claim 3, wherein the second top panel is at least
partially adhered to the main portion and the distal portion of the
first top panel.
7. The carton of claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises at least
one locking tab foldably connected to the main portion, and the at
least one locking tab is folded downwardly at least partially
through a locking opening in the distal portion to engage the
interior surface of the distal portion.
8. The carton of claim 1, wherein the top panel is a first top
panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel
at least partially overlapping the first top panel, the main
portion comprises at least one glue opening, and the distal portion
is at least partially adhered to the second top panel through the
at least one glue opening.
9. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first handle panel is
generally coplanar with at least a portion of the top panel in the
first position of the handle, and each of the first handle panel
and the second handle panel extends upwardly relative to the top
panel in the second position of the handle.
10. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality
of panels comprising at least a top panel, the top panel comprising
a main portion and a distal portion; and handle features for
forming a handle that is positionable between a first position and
a second position in the carton formed from the blank, the handle
features comprising a first handle panel foldably connected to the
main panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the
distal portion and the first handle panel, the top panel has an
interior surface on a first side of the blank and an exterior
surface on a second side of the blank, the top panel comprises a
Z-fold between the distal portion, the second handle panel, the
first handle panel, and the main portion, the Z-fold comprises the
exterior surface of the second handle panel at least partially in
face-to-face contact with the exterior surface of the distal
portion, the interior surface of the second handle panel at least
partially in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the
first handle panel, and the interior surface of the main portion at
least partially in face-to-face contact with the exterior surface
of the distal portion.
11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the handle features further
comprise a third handle panel for being disposed in face-to-face
contact with the first handle panel when the carton is formed from
the blank, the first handle panel is foldably connected to the main
portion of the top panel along a first fold line, and the second
handle panel is foldably connected to the distal portion of the top
panel along a second fold line.
12. The blank of claim 11, wherein the top panel is a first top
panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel
for being positioned to at least partially overlap the first top
panel when the carton is formed from the blank, and the third
handle panel is foldably connected to the second top panel along a
third fold line.
13. The blank of claim 10, wherein the handle features comprise an
intermediate panel that is foldably connected to the first handle
panel and the second handle panel.
14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the intermediate panel is
foldably connected to the first handle panel along a third
transverse fold line, and the intermediate panel is foldably
connected to the second handle panel along a fourth transverse fold
line.
15. The blank of claim 10, wherein the top panel comprises at least
one locking tab foldably connected to the main portion, and the at
least one locking tab is folded downwardly at least partially
through a locking opening in the distal portion to engage the
interior surface of the distal portion.
16. The blank of claim 10, wherein the top panel is a first top
panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel
for at least partially overlapping the first top panel when the
carton is formed from the blank, the main portion comprises at
least one glue opening, and the distal portion is at least
partially adhered to the second top panel through the at least one
glue opening.
17. The blank of claim 10, wherein the distal portion of the top
panel is separable from the main portion of the top panel along a
cut line.
18. A method of forming a carton comprising: obtaining a blank
comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least a top panel
comprising a main portion and a distal portion, and handle features
comprising at least a first handle panel foldably connected to the
main panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the
distal portion and the first handle panel, the top panel has an
interior surface on a first side of the blank and an exterior
surface on a second side of the blank; forming an interior of the
carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels;
forming a handle from the handle features by forming a Z-fold in
the top panel between the distal portion, the second handle panel,
the first handle panel, and the main portion, the forming the
Z-fold comprises positioning the exterior surface of the second
handle panel at least partially in face-to-face contact with the
exterior surface of the distal portion, positioning the interior
surface of the second handle panel at least partially in
face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the first handle
panel, and positioning the interior surface of the main portion at
least partially in face-to-face contact with the exterior surface
of the distal portion.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the handle features further
comprise a third handle panel, the first handle panel is foldably
connected to the main portion of the top panel along a first fold
line, the second handle panel is foldably connected to the distal
portion of the top panel along a second fold line, and the forming
the handle comprises positioning the third handle panel in
face-to-face contact with the first handle panel to reinforce the
handle.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the top panel is a first top
panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second top
panel, the third handle panel is foldably connected to the second
top panel along a third fold line, and the forming the interior of
the carton further comprises positioning the second top panel to at
least partially overlap the first top panel.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the handle features further
comprise an intermediate panel that is foldably connected to the
first handle panel and the second handle panel.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the main portion comprises at
least one locking tab foldably connected to the main portion, the
forming the Z-fold comprises downwardly folding the at least one
locking tab at least partially through a locking opening in the
distal portion to engage the interior surface of the distal
portion.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein the main portion comprises at
least one glue opening and the forming the Z-fold comprises
adhering the distal portion to the second top panel at least
through the at least one glue opening.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein the distal portion of the top
panel is separable from the main portion of the top panel along a
cut line and the forming the Z-fold comprises sliding an edge of
the distal portion formed at the cut line under the main portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/176,546, filed Feb. 10, 2014, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/850,238, filed Feb. 11, 2013.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/176,546, which was filed Feb. 10, 2014, and U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/850,238, which was filed Feb. 11, 2013,
are hereby incorporated by reference as if presented herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or
carriers for holding beverage containers or other types of
articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to
cartons that include handle features.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton comprises
at least one top panel, a first side panel, a second side panel,
and a bottom panel. The at least one top panel has a handle for
grasping and carrying the carton. The handle has reinforcement
features and contact features.
[0005] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a
plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an
interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least
a top panel. A handle is positionable between a first position and
a second position. The handle comprises at least a first handle
panel and a second handle panel, and at least one of the first
handle panel and the second handle panel is foldably connected to
the top panel. At least one of the first handle panel and the
second handle panel is generally coplanar with at least a portion
of the top panel in the first position of the handle, and each of
the first handle panel and the second handle panel extends upwardly
relative to the top panel and the first handle panel is spaced
apart from the second handle panel in the second position of the
handle.
[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure is generally
directed to a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a
plurality of panels comprising at least a top panel. The blank
further comprises handle features for forming a handle that is
positionable between a first position and a second position in the
carton formed from the blank. The handle features comprise at least
a first handle panel and a second handle panel, and at least one of
the first handle panel and the second handle panel is foldably
connected to the top panel. At least one of the first handle panel
and the second handle panel is for being generally coplanar with at
least a portion of the top panel in the first position of the
handle in the carton formed from the blank. Each of the first
handle panel and the second handle panel is for extending upwardly
relative to the top panel and the first handle panel is for being
spaced apart from the second handle panel in the second position of
the handle in the carton fondled from the blank.
[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure is generally
directed to a method of forming a carton. The method comprises
obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at
least a top panel, and handle features comprising at least a first
handle panel and a second handle panel. At least one of the first
handle panel and the second handle panel is foldably connected to
the top panel. The method further comprises forming an interior of
the carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels
and forming a handle from the handle features. The handle is
positionable between a first position and a second position. At
least one of the first handle panel and the second handle panel is
generally coplanar with at least a portion of the top panel in the
first position of the handle. Each of the first handle panel and
the second handle panel extends upwardly relative to the top panel
and the first handle panel is spaced apart from the second handle
panel in the second position of the handle.
[0008] Other aspects, features, and details of the present
disclosure can be more completely understood by reference to the
following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in
conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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.
Further, 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.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the erected carton according
to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the actuation of
a handle of the carton of FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton
according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a partially-erected carton
according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the erected carton according
to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 3 showing
the actuation of a handle.
[0018] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to opening,
dispensing, and handling features for 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, glass; aluminum and/or other metals;
plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and
Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof.
[0020] 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., aluminum
beverage cans) as disposed within the carton embodiments. In this
specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper" and "top"
indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and
upright cartons.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 2 of a blank 3,
used to form a carton 5, shown in FIGS. 3-5, according to one
embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used to house a
plurality of articles such as containers C (e.g., see exemplary
containers C shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the second embodiment). In
one embodiment, the containers C can be brick-shaped containers
commonly referred to as TETRA PAK.COPYRGT. containers that contain
a liquid beverage or other food or beverage product. The containers
C can be any suitable container such as any shape, size, and type
of container that is commercially available from Tetra Pak
International SA, Lausanne, Switzerland, such as TETRA BRIK
packages, TETRA BRIK ASEPTIC packages, TETRA PRISM ASEPTIC
packages, or any other suitable package or container (see
www.tetrapak.com for more information). The containers C could be
other suitable containers made from other materials by other
manufactures (e.g., PET bottles, yogurt containers, juice-boxes,
beverage cans, etc.) without departing from the disclosure.
[0022] In one embodiment, the blank 3 is sized to form a carton 5
that contains twelve containers C or packages in a single layer in
a 3.times.4 arrangement. But, it is understood that the blank 3
and/or carton 5 may be sized and shaped to hold containers C 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.3,
2.times.6, 2.times.4, 2.times.2, 2.times.6.times.2,
2.times.4.times.2, 2.times.9, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment,
the carton 5 has at least partially open ends 6, 8 and generally
wraps around the containers C contacting the top and bottom of the
group of containers. In one embodiment, the carton 5 may be
referred to as a "wrap-around carton or carrier." Alternatively,
the carton 5 could be a carton with ends that are at least
partially closed by one or more end flaps with the containers being
loaded into the partially formed carton prior to closing one or
more ends of the carton without departing from the disclosure.
[0023] The carton 5 has a reinforced handle 7 (FIGS. 3-5) that is
used for grasping and carrying the carton. The handle 7 is formed
by multiple layers of material of the blank 3 so that the handle is
strengthened to reduce handle failure and has a thickness to
enhance comfort in carrying the carton. According to one embodiment
of the invention, the handle 7 is formed of at least three layers
of material, with one portion of the handle comprising a dual-layer
(e.g., formed from a first handle panel 41 and a third handle panel
75) and another portion of the handle comprising a single layer
(e.g., formed from a second handle panel 61). According to another
embodiment of the invention, the handle 7 is formed of at least two
layers of material, with one portion of the handle comprising a
single layer and another portion of the handle comprising a single
layer. The thickness of the handle 7 is produced by an intermediate
handle panel 9 and an associated spacing between the handle
portions noted above. The intermediate handle panel 9 may have any
desired width. According to at least one embodiment of the
invention, the handle panel 9 comprises a width comparable to about
two layers of corrugated cardboard stock. In this manner, the
handle 7 may produce a unique and sturdy "feel" that is comparable
to a corrugated cardboard handle while actually being formed of
relatively thinner paperboard material. The handle 7 could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured or could be omitted
without departing from the disclosure.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1
and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3
comprises a bottom panel 11 foldably connected to a first side
panel 13 at a lateral fold line 15, a second side panel 17 foldably
connected to the bottom panel at a lateral fold line 19, a first
top panel 21 foldably connected to the first side panel 13 at a
lateral fold line 23, and a second top panel 25 foldably connected
to the second side panel 17 at a lateral fold line 27. In one
embodiment, the second side panel 17 includes an opening or window
31. In one embodiment, the first top panel 21 and the first side
panel 13 include a dispenser 33.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the first top panel 21
includes a main portion 34 foldably connected to the first side
panel 13 at the fold line 23 and a distal portion 35 foldably
connected to the main portion 34 by the first and second handle
panels 41, 61 and the intermediate panel 9. The distal portion 35
is also partially separated from the main portion 34 through
lateral cuts 38. The first handle panel 41 is foldably connected to
the main portion 34 at lateral fold lines 43, 45 and is at least
partially defined by cut outs 47, 49 in the top panel 21. As shown
in FIG. 1, the first handle panel 41 can include a handle flap 50
that is foldably connected to the first handle panel along a curved
fold line 48. An elongate projection 51 is adjacent the first
handle panel 41 in the main portion 34 of the first top panel 21
and is at least partially defined by arcuate cut 52. The main
portion 34 of the first top panel 21 includes two pairs of locking
tabs 53 that are generally aligned in the longitudinal direction L1
and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L1, and a
plurality of glue openings 55 that are generally aligned in the
longitudinal direction L1 and are spaced apart in the longitudinal
direction L1. As shown in FIG. 1, the locking tabs 53 are foldably
connected to the main portion 34 along respective longitudinal fold
lines 54 and are separable from the main portion 34 along cuts 57
formed therein. The distal portion 35 of the first top panel 21 has
a plurality of locking openings 56 that are generally aligned in
the longitudinal direction L1 and are spaced apart in the
longitudinal direction L1. As will be discussed later below, the
locking tabs 53, the locking openings 55, and the glue openings 56
can cooperate to help secure the main portion 34 of the first top
panel 21 to the distal portion 35 of the top panel.
[0026] In the first embodiment, the second handle panel 61 foldably
connected to the distal portion 35 of the top panel 21 along
lateral fold lines 63, 65 and to the intermediate handle panel 9 at
fold line 37. The intermediate handle panel 9 is foldably connected
to the first handle panel 41 at fold line 39. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second handle panel 61 is at least partially
defined by the cutouts 47, 49. Also, a comfort flap 73 is foldably
connected to the second handle panel 61 along a curved fold line 71
and includes a lateral fold line 74. The second handle panel 61 and
the comfort flap 73 can be at least partially defined by an opening
72 in the distal portion 35.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the third handle panel 75 is foldably
connected to the second top panel 25 at two lateral fold lines 76,
77. The third handle panel 75 is at least partially defined by cuts
78 and an opening 80. The cuts 78 and the opening 80 can at least
partially form respective flaps 79 in the second top panel 25. The
flaps 79 can be further defined by arcuate fold lines 84 and can
help retain the handle 7 in the closed position (FIG. 3) by at
least partially overlapping at least the second handle panel 61
when the handle is in the flattened position. When the handle 7 is
actuated, the second handle panel 61 can push the flaps 79 upwardly
out of the way as the second handle panel is folded upwardly. As
shown in FIG. 1, a handle flap 86 can be foldably connected to the
third handle panel 75 along a curved fold line 88 and can include a
lateral fold line 74. The third handle panel 75 and the handle flap
86 can be at least partially defined by an opening 82 in the second
top panel 25. The first handle panel 41, the second handle panel
61, the third handle panel 75, and the intermediate handle panel 9
combine to form the handle 7 in a manner that will be described in
further detail below. One or more of the handle panels 9, 41, 61,
75 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted
without departing from the disclosure.
[0028] In one embodiment, the panels 11, 13, 17, 21, 25 have
respective first end flaps 81, 83, 85, 87, 89 at a first marginal
portion of the blank 3 such that the first end flaps are foldably
connected to respective panels by a longitudinal fold line 90. The
panels 11, 13, 17, 21, 25 have respective second end flaps 91, 93,
95, 97, 99 at a second marginal portion of the blank 3 such that
the second end flaps are foldably connected to respective panels by
a longitudinal fold line 100. The first end flaps 81, 83, 85, 87,
89 are for at least partially closing the first end 6 of the carton
5 and the second end flaps 91, 93, 95, 97, 99 are for at least
partially closing the second end 8 of the carton. One or more of
the first end flaps 81, 83, 85, 87, 89 and second end flaps 91, 93,
95, 97, 99 can be foldably connected to each other at respective
fold lines, or one or more of the end flaps can have respective
gussets or webs foldably connecting adjacent first or second end
flaps or one or more of the end flaps can be tuck-in panels or
flaps without departing from the disclosure. In the illustrated
embodiments, the end flaps 83, 93, 87, 97 are tuck-in flaps that
are folded into face-to-face contact with the respected side panels
13, 17 and are disposed between a container C adjacent the
respective side panel 13, 17 and the respective side panel. The
tuck-in flaps 83, 87 are connected to the bottom end flap 85 and to
the respective top end flaps 81, 89 by respective gussets 104 so
that the end flaps 81, 89 can extend over the partially closed end
6 when the tuck-in flaps 83, 87 are in face-to-face contact with
the side panels 13, 17. Similarly, the tuck-in flaps 93, 97 are
connected to the bottom end flap 95 and to the respective top end
flaps 91, 99 by respective gussets 106 so that the end flaps 91, 99
can extend over the partially closed end 8 when the tuck-in flaps
93, 97 are in face-to-face contact with the side panels 13, 17. The
end flaps could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or
omitted without departing from the disclosure.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 show one exemplary method of forming the blank
3 into the carton 5. In one embodiment, the blank is first placed
with an interior surface facing up and containers C are placed on
the bottom panel 11. Prior to or after placing the containers C on
the bottom panel 11, the distal portion 35 of the first top panel
21 can be positioned relative to the main portion 34 as shown in
FIG. 2 to begin forming the thickened handle 7. The distal portion
35 is positioned such that the second handle panel 61 is folded
generally underneath the first handle panel 41 and the intermediate
portion 9 about the fold line 37 with the interior surface of the
second handle panel 61 being at least partially in face-to-face
registration with the interior portion of the first handle panel 41
and the intermediate handle panel 9 (FIG. 2). The distal portion 35
is folded with respect to the second handle panel 61 along the fold
lines 63, 65 so that the exterior surface of the distal portion 35
is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the exterior
surface of the second handle panel 61 and an interior surface of
the main portion 34 of the first top panel 21. The locking tabs 53
in the main portion 34 can be folded downwardly along fold lines 57
through the respective locking openings 56 so that the wider
portions of the locking tabs 53 engage underneath the distal
portion 35. The locking tabs 53 can form respective openings 58 in
the main portion 34 when folded down along fold lines 57. When the
main portion 34 and distal portion 35 of the first top panel 21 are
positioned as shown in FIG. 2, glue 111, 113 (e.g., glue strips) or
other adhesive can be applied as indicated. The glue 111 can be
applied in a laterally extending line across openings 55. The glue
113 can be applied in a laterally extending line across openings
58, the first handle panel 41 and the exterior surface of the main
portion 34. The glue 111, 113 applied across the openings 58, 55
can also be applied to the portions of the locking tabs 53 and the
distal portion 35 that are located below the openings 58, 55. The
locking features and/or the glue 111, 113 could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted without departing from
the disclosure.
[0030] In one embodiment, a leading edge portion 109 of the main
portion 34, or other features of the handle 7, can have engaging or
locking features that engage one or more features or portions of
the distal portion 35 or other feature to allow the handle 7 to be
formed without the need for glue or tape. In one embodiment, the
folding of the distal portion 35 relative to the main portion 33 of
the first top panel 21 from the position of FIG. 1 to the position
of FIG. 2 can be a "Z-fold" with the handle panel 61 being folded
relative to the handle panel 41 at fold line 37 and the distal
portion 35 being moved or slid in the longitudinal direction L1 so
that the exterior surface of the distal portion generally fits
below the interior surface of the main portion as the handle panel
61 folds under the handle panel 41. Further, the handle 7 could be
formed by other features or the features shown and described herein
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, configured, and/or omitted
without departing from the disclosure.
[0031] Turning back to FIG. 1, the blank 3 may be formed around a
container or containers such that the first top panel 21, with the
main portion 34 and the distal portion 35, positioned as described
above, contacts the tops of the containers. The second side panel
17 can be folded up against the containers and the second top panel
25 positioned to overlap the first top panel 21. The third handle
panel 75 overlaps the first handle panel 41 and is adhered to the
first handle panel by the glue 113 applied to the first handle
panel 41 (FIG. 3). The second top panel 25 is secured to the main
portion 34 of the top panel 21 and to the folded under distal
portion 35 of the top panel 21 through the openings 58, 55 in the
main portion 34 by the glue 111, 113.
[0032] The handle 7 of the carton 5 includes a reinforced handle
portion 121 that is formed by the two handle panels 41, 75 that are
overlapped and adhered in the manner described above or an
alternative method of forming. The handle 7 is shown in a first
position in FIG. 3 and can be actuated to a second position shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, the handle 7 can be grasped at the
opening 80 (e.g., grasping the second handle panel 61) and lifted,
folding the second handle panel 61, the intermediate handle panel
9, and the handle portion 121 along fold lines 37, 39, 41, 45, 63,
65, 76, 77. As the handle 7 is folded upwardly (FIGS. 4 and 5), the
first handle panel 41 can separate from the projection 51 along the
cut line 52, forming the leading edge 109, the intermediate portion
9 can pass through the opening 80 in the second top panel 25, and
the handle panel 61 and the handle portion 121 can push past the
flaps 79 in the second top panel 25. Accordingly, the handle 7
pushes the flaps 79 upwardly along the curved fold lines 84 as the
handle panel 61 and the handle portion 121 are pivoted upwardly. As
shown in FIG. 3, the carton 5 includes a reinforced top wall 125
that is formed by the overlapping and adhering of the three layers
of material (e.g., the second top panel 25 and the distal portion
35 and the main portion 34 of the first top panel 21).
[0033] In one embodiment, the handle 7 includes the reinforced
handle portion 121 and the second handle panel 61 that can extend
upwards from the top wall 125 when the handle is activated in the
second position (FIGS. 4 and 5). Further, the handle 7 includes the
intermediate handle panel 9 that is foldably connected to the
reinforced handle portion 121 and the second handle panel 61. In
one embodiment, the intermediate handle panel 9 maintains the
spaced-apart distance between the reinforced handle portion 121 and
the second handle panel 61 so the handle 7 has a thickness when
grasped by the user. The intermediate handle panel 9 can be
generally orthogonal relative to the reinforced handle portion 121
and the second handle panel 61, or the intermediate handle panel 9
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or positioned (e.g.,
angled) without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a blank 203 of a second embodiment of the
disclosure having similar features as the first embodiment.
Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments are
provided with identical or similar reference numbers.
[0035] The blank 203 may be used to form a carton 205 (FIGS. 8 and
9). The carton 205 has a reinforced handle 207 that is used for
grasping and carrying the carton. The handle 207 is formed by
multiple layers of material of the blank 203 so that the handle is
strengthened to reduce handle failure, and thickened in a
triangular formation to enhance comfort in carrying the carton.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the handle 207 is
formed of at least three layers of material, with one portion of
the handle comprising a dual-layer (e.g., a first handle panel 141
and a second handle panel 161) and another portion of the handle
comprising a single layer (e.g., a third handle panel 175).
According to another embodiment of the invention, the handle 207 is
formed of at least two layers of material, with one portion of the
handle comprising a single layer and another portion of the handle
comprising a single layer. The thickness of the handle 207 is
produced by a triangular arrangement facilitated by an associated
spacing between the handle portions. In this manner, the handle 207
may produce a unique and sturdy "feel" which is comparable to a
corrugated cardboard handle while actually being formed of
relatively thinner paperboard material.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, the blank 203 has a longitudinal axis L1
and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first top
panel 21 includes a main portion 34 foldably connected to the first
side panel 13 at the fold line 23 and a distal portion 35 foldably
connected to the main portion 34 by at least the first handle panel
141 and the second handle panel 161. The first handle panel 141 is
foldably connected to the main portion 34 at lateral fold lines
143, 145 and at least partially defined by tear or cut lines 147,
149 in the top panel 21. An elongate handle flap 152 is foldably
connected to the first handle panel 141 along a lateral fold line
148 adjacent an opening in the main portion 34 of the first top
panel 21.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the second handle panel 161
is foldably connected to the first handle panel 141, through the
fold line 137. The second handle panel 161 is foldably connected to
the distal portion 35 at lateral fold lines 163, 165 and is at
least partially defined by the cut lines 147, 149. Also, the second
handle panel 161 is defined by a curved cut 171.
[0038] As also shown in FIG. 6, the third handle panel 175 is
foldably connected to the second top panel 25 at two lateral fold
lines 176, 177. The third handle panel 175 is at least partially
defined by cutouts 178, 179 and an opening 180 adjacent to the
third handle panel 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the third
handle panel 175 can include an elongate handle flap foldably
connected to the third handle panel along lateral fold line 188
adjacent an opening 182 in the second top panel 25. The first
handle panel 141, the second handle panel 161, and the third handle
panel 175 combine to form the handle 207 in a manner that will be
described in further detail below. One or more of the handle panels
141, 161, 175 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted
without departing form the disclosure.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 205 can be erected
from the blank 203 (FIGS. 7 and 8) in a similar manner as the
carton 5 is erected in the first embodiment. However, the distal
portion 35 of the first top panel 21 and the second handle panel
161 are "Z-folded" under the main portion 34 of the first top panel
21 by folding the second handle panel 161 along the lateral fold
line 137 so that the interior surface of the second handle panel
161 is at least partially in face-to-face contact with the interior
surface of the first handle panel 141 to form the reinforced handle
portion 221. In one embodiment, the first and second handle panels
141, 161 are generally the same size and the first handle panel
overlaps substantially all of the second handle panel when the
handle 207 is formed. Additionally, the first handle panel 141 and
the second handle panel 161 can be glued together to form the
handle portion 221 in one embodiment. Alternatively, the handle
panels could be differently shaped and/or otherwise configured. The
distal portion 34 is folded relative to the second handle panel 161
along the lateral fold lines 163, 165 so that the exterior surface
of the distal portion 35 is at least partially in face-to-face
contact with the exterior surface of the second handle panel 161
and the interior surface of the main portion 34.
[0040] The containers C can be placed on the bottom panel 11, and
the side panels 13, 17 can be folded upwardly while folding the
tuck-in flaps 83, 93, 87, 97 against the respective side panels 13,
17. The side panels 13, 17 and the tuck-in flaps 83, 93, 87, 97 can
be folded against the containers C, and the top and bottom end
flaps 81, 85, 89, 91, 95, 99 can be folded downwardly over the ends
6, 8 of the carton 205. The first top panel 21 can be folded over
the tops of the containers C, and the second top panel 25 can
overlap the first top panel 21. In one embodiment, the second top
panel 25 is glued to the main portion 34 and the distal portion 35
of the first top panel 21 by glue strips 111, 113. The third handle
panel 175 can at least partially overlap the first handle panel 141
as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment, an upper edge 194 of the
third handle panel 175 can overlap or be generally aligned with at
least a portion of the lateral fold lines 143, 145 and/or 163, 165,
and the fold line 137 can overlap or be generally aligned with at
least a portion of the lateral fold lines 177, 176 when the handle
207 is in the closed or flat position of FIG. 8. The carton 205
could be otherwise erected without departing from the
disclosure.
[0041] FIGS. 8 and 9 show the carton 205 formed of the blank 203.
As illustrated, the carton 205 is substantially similar in form and
function to the carton 5 described in detail above. The handle 207
is arranged on an upper or top portion of the carton 205, and may
be actuated from a first position (FIG. 8) to a second position
(FIG. 9) by first separating the third handle panel 175 and
rotating it in a direction A1 (FIG. 8) and subsequently separating
the first and second handle panels (i.e., reinforced portion 221)
and rotating in a direction A2 (FIG. 8) to erect the handle 207 as
illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0042] In one embodiment, the handle 207 includes the reinforced
handle portion 221 and the third handle panel 75 that can be folded
in the opposite directions illustrated by arrows A1 and A2 (FIG. 8)
to extend upwards from the carton 205 when the handle is activated.
In one embodiment, the reinforced handle portion may be erected to
be orthogonal or angled relative to the carton 205, and the third
handle panel 175 may be erected to be orthogonal or angled relative
to the carton 205. As shown in FIG. 9, the handle flaps 152, 186
can be folded relative to the first handle panel 141 and the third
handle panel 175 to at least partially overlap and to extend at
least partially between the handle portion 221 and the third handle
flap 175. The reinforced handle portion 221 and the third handle
panel 175 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or positioned
(e.g., angled) without departing from the scope of the
disclosure.
[0043] In general, the blanks described herein may be constructed
from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more
rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of
other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having
properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least
generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for
example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over
with product, advertising, and other information or images. The
blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information
printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for
example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the
blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or
more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
[0044] 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.
[0045] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, 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 or depressed portion in the material along the desired line
of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the
desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend
partially into and/or completely through the material along the
desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these
features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold
line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a
manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider
the fold line to be a tear line.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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. Additionally, the disclosure shows and
describes only selected embodiments, but various other
combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope
of the disclosure 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.
* * * * *
References