U.S. patent application number 17/703847 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-29 for packages having isolated handle structures and blanks therefor.
The applicant listed for this patent is WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLC. Invention is credited to Michael B. MCLEOD.
Application Number | 20220306335 17/703847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006283074 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220306335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCLEOD; Michael B. |
September 29, 2022 |
PACKAGES HAVING ISOLATED HANDLE STRUCTURES AND BLANKS THEREFOR
Abstract
A package can include a handle structure defining a finger
pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be between
an interior space of the package and the handle. A blank can be
configured to form such a package, for example.
Inventors: |
MCLEOD; Michael B.;
(Romeoville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WESTROCK SHARED SERVICES, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006283074 |
Appl. No.: |
17/703847 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63165301 |
Mar 24, 2021 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4608 20130101;
B65D 5/009 20130101; B65D 5/20 20130101; B65D 5/4208 20130101; B65D
5/0227 20130101; B65D 5/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42; B65D 5/00 20060101 B65D005/00; B65D 5/02 20060101
B65D005/02; B65D 5/08 20060101 B65D005/08; B65D 5/20 20060101
B65D005/20; B65D 5/468 20060101 B65D005/468 |
Claims
1. A package, comprising: a handle structure defining a finger
pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein the barrier is
between an interior space of the package and the handle.
2. The package of claim 1, wherein the pocket is sized to allow
insertion of a plurality of a user's fingers at least partially
therein.
3. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is formed from a
single piece blank.
4. The package of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of handle
structures.
5. The package of claim 1, wherein the handle is defined by at
least one handle wall having a handle opening line.
6. The package of claim 5, wherein the handle opening line is a cut
line or a weakened line.
7. The package of claim 6, further comprising a punch out handle
portion defined by the handle opening line.
8. The package of claim 7, further comprising a handle fold line
connected to the handle line such that the punch out handle portion
folds along the handle fold line.
9. The package of claim 8, wherein the handle fold line is along a
corner of the package.
10. The package of claim 9, wherein the handle opening line forms a
U-shape.
11. The package of claim 10, wherein the handle wall is an
outermost wall.
12. The package of claim 6, wherein the handle wall is at least
partially underneath an outer panel.
13. The package of claim 12, wherein the handle fold line is
aligned with an edge of the outer panel such that the punch out
handle folds behind the outer panel to form an at least three layer
thick handle.
14. The package of claim 1, wherein the barrier can be angled
between a first barrier base wall and a second barrier base
wall.
15. The package of claim 14, wherein the barrier is foldably
attached to the handle wall.
16. The package of claim 15, wherein the first barrier base is the
inner handle wall.
17. The package of claim 16, wherein the second barrier base
extends from the barrier away from the handle wall.
18. The package of claim 15, wherein the second barrier base
extends from the barrier toward the handle wall.
19. The package of claim 17, further comprising an exterior handle
panel disposed over the handle wall, the exterior handle panel
including an exterior handle placed complimentary with the handle
of the handle wall to form a reinforced handle.
20. A blank configured to form a package of claim 1.
21. A blank for a package configured to form a handle structure
defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein
the barrier is configured to be formed between an interior space of
the package and the handle.
22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the blank is a single piece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/165,301, filed Mar. 24, 2021, the
entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to packages having handles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traditional packages, e.g., cartons with structural handles,
can include holes that a user can punch out and/or insert fingers
through into an interior space of the package. Such handle openings
allow a user's fingers to contact contents of a package
unintentionally, potentially compromising the product.
[0004] Such conventional methods and systems have generally been
considered satisfactory for their intended purpose. However, there
is still a need in the art for improved packages. The present
disclosure provides a solution for this need.
SUMMARY
[0005] A package can include a handle structure defining a finger
pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be between
an interior space of the package and the handle.
[0006] The pocket can be sized to allow insertion of a plurality of
a user's fingers at least partially therein. Any other suitable
size is contemplated herein.
[0007] In certain embodiments, the package can be formed from a
single piece blank. However, any suitable number of pieces are
contemplated herein.
[0008] The package can include a plurality of handle structures.
Any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three, four) of handle
structures are contemplated herein.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the handle can be defined by at
least one handle wall having a handle opening line. The handle
opening line can be a cut line or a weakened line, for example.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the package can include a punch out
handle portion defined by the handle opening line. The package can
include a handle fold line connected to the handle line such that
the punch out handle portion folds along the handle fold line.
[0011] The handle fold line can be along a corner of the package,
for example. Any other suitable location is contemplated
herein.
[0012] In certain embodiments, the handle opening line can form a
U-shape, for example. Any other suitable shape is contemplated
herein.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the handle wall can be an outermost
wall. In certain embodiments, the handle wall can be at least
partially underneath an outer panel. In certain embodiments, the
handle fold line can be aligned with an edge of the outer panel
such that the punch out handle folds behind the outer panel to form
an at least three layer thick handle.
[0014] The barrier can be angled between a first barrier base wall
and a second barrier base wall. In certain embodiments, the barrier
can be foldably attached to the handle wall. For example, the first
barrier base can be the handle wall.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the second barrier base can extend
from the barrier away from the handle wall. In certain embodiments,
the second barrier base can extend from the barrier toward the
handle wall.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the package can include an exterior
handle panel disposed over the handle wall. The exterior handle
panel can include an exterior handle placed complimentary with the
handle of the handle wall to form a reinforced handle.
[0017] In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a
blank can be configured to form a package as disclosed herein,
e.g., as described above. For example, a blank for a package can be
configured to form a handle structure defining a finger pocket
between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be configured to be
formed between an interior space of the package and the handle. The
blank can be a single piece.
[0018] These and other features of the embodiments of the subject
disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject
disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use
the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue
experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail
herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
structure in accordance with this disclosure, showing a handle
portion in a closed position;
[0021] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
1A, showing the handle portion in the open position;
[0022] FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective views of the embodiment of
FIG. 1B, showing a portion of the handle panel folded inward;
[0023] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form the structure of FIG. 1A, shown
having four handles;
[0024] FIGS. 3A and 3B shows an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG. 2,
shown having four handles, one at each corner;
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2, shown having
two handles;
[0026] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
5;
[0028] FIGS. 7A-7D show another embodiment of a structure in
accordance with this disclosure, wherein FIGS. 7A and 7B show a
cross-sectional view having the handle portion in an closed
position and an open position, respectively, and wherein FIGS. 7C
and 7D show perspective views from outside and inside the
structure, wherein FIG. 7D shows a barrier in a cutaway view;
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
8;
[0031] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0032] FIGS. 11A and 11B show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
10;
[0033] FIGS. 12A and 12B show an embodiment of a structure in
accordance with this disclosure, shown having an off-corner hinged
handle portion, shown in the closed position in FIG. 12A and in the
open position in FIG. 12B;
[0034] FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 show certain embodiments of structures
in accordance with this disclosure, wherein FIG. 13 shows an open
corner post, FIG. 14 shows a closed corner post, and
[0035] FIG. 15 shows a complex corner post, the corner posts
forming the barrier, for example;
[0036] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0037] FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
16;
[0038] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0039] FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 19C show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
18;
[0040] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0041] FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 21C show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
20;
[0042] FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0043] FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
22;
[0044] FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure;
[0045] FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
24;
[0046] FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a blank in accordance with
this disclosure configured to form a structure in accordance with
this disclosure; and
[0047] FIGS. 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D show an embodiment of a package in
accordance with this disclosure, formed from the blank of FIG.
26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects
of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not limitation, an illustrative view of an
embodiment of a structure in accordance with the disclosure is
shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, and is designated generally by reference
character 100. Other embodiments and/or aspects of this disclosure
are shown in FIGS. 2A-27D.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1A-27C generally, and specifically to
FIGS. 1A-1D, a package (e.g., package 300, 600, 900, 1100, 1700,
1900, 2100, 2300, 2500, 2700) can include a handle structure 100
defining a finger pocket 101 between a barrier 103 and a handle
105. As shown, the barrier 103 can be between an interior space 107
of the package and the handle 105.
[0050] It is contemplated that any suitable embodiment of a
structure disclosed herein (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, as shown
in FIGS. 7A-7D, as shown in FIGS. 12A-15, and/or as shown in any
other Figs.) can be incorporated into any suitable package. The
package can be any suitable package for any suitable use (e.g., for
storing sensitive items in the interior space 107 that can be
damaged, made unsafe, or degraded by being touched in shipping or
carrying the package).
[0051] The pocket 101 can be sized to allow insertion of a
plurality of a user's fingers at least partially therein. Any other
suitable size is contemplated herein.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the package (e.g., package 300, 600,
900, 1100, 1700, 1900, 2100, 2300, 2500, 2700) can be formed from a
single piece blank (e.g., blanks 200, 500, 800, 1000, 1600, 1800,
2000, 2200, 2400, 2600, respectively). However, any suitable number
of pieces are contemplated herein. As shown in the drawings, solid
lines indicate cut line, and dashed lines indicate a fold line.
[0053] The package can include a plurality of handle structures
(e.g., two or more). Any suitable number (e.g., one, two, three,
four) of handle structures are contemplated herein.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, in certain embodiments, the handle
105 can be defined by at least one handle wall 109 having a handle
opening line 111. The handle opening line 111 can be a cut line
(e.g., as shown) or a weakened line (e.g., a line that can be
broken by the user pushing in handle portion 113), for example.
[0055] In certain embodiments, the structure 100 can include a
punch out handle portion 113 defined by the handle opening line
111. The structure 100 can include a handle fold line 115 connected
to the handle opening line 111 such that the punch out handle
portion 113 folds along the handle fold line 115.
[0056] As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-4, for example, the
handle fold line 115 can be along (e.g., colinear with) a corner of
the package, for example. Any other suitable location is
contemplated herein.
[0057] In certain embodiments, the handle opening line 111 can form
a U-shape, for example. Any other suitable shape is contemplated
herein.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the handle wall 109 can be an
outermost wall, e.g., as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-6. In
certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-27D, the handle
wall can be at least partially underneath an outer panel. In
certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, the handle fold
line 715 can be aligned with an edge of the outer panel 717 such
that the punch out handle 713 folds behind the outer panel 717 to
form an at least three layer thick handle (e.g., as shown in FIG.
7D).
[0059] As shown in FIG. 1A, in certain embodiments, the barrier 103
can be angled between a first barrier base wall 119 and a second
barrier base wall 121. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in
FIG. 14, the barrier 1403 can be foldably attached to the handle
wall 1409. For example, the first barrier base 1419 can be the
handle wall 1409.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1A, for example, in certain embodiments,
the second barrier base 121 can extend from the barrier 103 away
from the handle wall 109. In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in
FIG. 14, the second barrier base 1421 can extend from the barrier
1403 toward the handle wall 1409.
[0061] In certain embodiments, e.g., as shown in the embodiments of
FIGS. 16-27D, referring to FIG. 21A as an example, the structure
can include an exterior handle panel 2123 disposed over the handle
wall 2109. The exterior handle panel 2123 can include an exterior
handle 2125 placed complimentary with the handle 2105 of the handle
wall 2105 to form a reinforced handle (e.g., at least two layers
thick).
[0062] The structure and/or package incorporating the structure can
include any other suitable features disclosed herein (e.g., as
shown in the figures). Any other suitable features are contemplated
herein.
[0063] In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a
blank (e.g., blanks 200, 500, 800, 1000, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200,
2400, 2600, respectively) can be configured to form a package as
disclosed herein, e.g., as described above. For example, a blank
for a package can be configured to form a handle structure defining
a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be
configured to be formed between an interior space of the package
and the handle. The blank can be a single piece.
[0064] Embodiments can include a mitered minor flap that creates an
open void area at a corner. In certain embodiments, a hinged handle
portion can be folded inward creating two or three layer handle.
Embodiments can include an on-corner or off-corner hinged handle
portion.
[0065] Embodiments can include a reinforced full overlay (FOL) tray
wrap with an internal mitered minor flap forming a barrier.
Embodiments of a package can include one or more handles (e.g.,
two, four) at one or more corners of the package. Embodiments can
include a single lid design. Embodiments can include an off corner
reinforced isolated handle configuration. Embodiments can include
an off corner hinged panel feature that can allow folding of the
handle portion inward against the barrier, which can alleviate
interference when folded the panel into a tight fitting space.
[0066] Certain embodiments can include a triangulated corner post
configuration (e.g., forming the handle and barrier). For example,
three corner post structures can be utilized with the isolated,
reinforced handle; an open triangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13), a
closed triangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14, and a complex corner
post design (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15). The reinforced hand holes
may be located at the end or outer corners of the pack, or may be
an off-corner style as disclosed above. Unlike certain mitered
minor styles of tray wraps, which may have the outside full overlap
(FOL) flaps and additional connected outer flange that creates the
external corner to fully enclose the space, the corner post
structure can fully enclose the void by itself. The FOL side or end
flaps can then be used as extra layers that can also include cut
outs or hinged panels to allow the handle to be created.
[0067] Embodiments include a structural handling/carrying feature
that can be incorporated into a specific one piece, side or end
flapped FOL tray wrap design. Embodiments isolates a void area
created by a mitered portion of the inner minor flap or triangular
corner post, into which the fingers are inserted into the carton
through a hinged panel and contact with the product is prevented.
Embodiments can have particular application with package structures
that have Full Overlap (FOL) Side or End flaps and that have an
additional flap that creates an outer corner, as it helps to fully
enclose void area, isolating it from the outside environment, until
the hinged panel is pushed inward. FOL Tray Wrap structures may
also be used in conjunction with Triangulated Corner Post
structures, e.g., an Open Triangle, a Closed Triangle or a Complex
Corner Post design. These designs can be used with standard tray
wraps with FOL end or side flaps, but can also include those wraps
with the exterior outer corners.
[0068] The handling feature can be achieved through the use of a
hinged and perforated/nicked outlined panel, positioned near the
end/s of the pack, adjacent to the internal void areas. When pushed
from the outside these panel/s fold inward into the void, allowing
the fingers to rest flat against the end or side vertical walls of
the pack. When used with an off-corner design variation, the
fingers can extend inward and the fingertips of the handler may
engage the internal end or side walls. The design of the hinged
folding panels may take several variations, including on which side
it is hinged, may include additional folds or cuts to allow the
panel to fold inward with less interference from the small space of
the void. In some constructions there may be a layered set of
panels, overlaying each other that must be folded inward in some
fashion to execute the desired grip for the worker.
[0069] In FOL Designs where an outer corner flange is attached to
the exterior FOL End or Side Flaps, the exterior corner flange can
be adhered to the outside of an adjacent side or end panel. With
these designs, this overlay area creates a cross corrugation
section of the Tray Wrap design. The hinged portion, when folded
inward 180 degrees, overlays the adjacent side or end panel and the
external corner flap, creating a three layer thickness. This
laminated cross corrugation section at the handle area can create a
superior strength, tear resistant handle area when compared to
other structures previously used. In addition, the isolated corner
feature provides a critical advantage in that it prevents any
possible contact of a user's fingers with the product within.
[0070] In view of this disclosure, one having ordinary skill in the
art appreciates how to form one or more packages (e.g., as shown in
the drawings) from the blanks shown. Any suitable adhesive can be
applied to any suitable panel disclosed herein for any suitable
purpose. Any suitable foldable line types are contemplated herein
(e.g., perforated, creased, cut/creased, etc.). While the figures
may include a legend indicating the line types of the embodiments
of the figures, any other suitable line types for the lines shown
in the drawings are contemplated herein. Any other suitable panel
arrangement (e.g., more or less panels in any suitable location) is
contemplated herein.
[0071] While embodiments have been described and shown above, any
suitable panels and/or other design for a blank to form a package
as disclosed above is contemplated herein. Any suitable material
for use (e.g., paper, cardboard, plastic board, etc.) and/or one or
more combinations thereof are contemplated herein.
[0072] Those having ordinary skill in the art understand that any
numerical values disclosed herein can be exact values or can be
values within a range. Further, any terms of approximation (e.g.,
"about", "approximately", "around") used in this disclosure can
mean the stated value within a range. For example, in certain
embodiments, the range can be within (plus or minus) 20%, or within
10%, or within 5%, or within 2%, or within any other suitable
percentage or number as appreciated by those having ordinary skill
in the art (e.g., for known tolerance limits or error ranges).
[0073] The articles "a", "an", and "the" as used herein and in the
appended claims are used herein to refer to one or to more than one
(i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example,
"an element" means one element or more than one element.
[0074] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0075] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e., "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of."
[0076] Any suitable combination(s) of any disclosed embodiments
and/or any suitable portion(s) thereof are contemplated herein as
appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art in view of
this disclosure.
[0077] The embodiments of the present disclosure, as described
above and shown in the drawings, provide for improvement in the art
to which they pertain. While the subject disclosure includes
reference to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject
disclosure.
* * * * *