AU2008304118A1

AU2008304118A1 - Cartons, blanks, a method of making a partially formed carton and a partially formed carton

Info

Publication number: AU2008304118A1
Application number: AU2008304118A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Eric Boukredine; Jean-Michel Garnier; Bradford J. Walling
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2007-09-27
Filing date: 2008-09-29
Publication date: 2009-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-29
Also published as: KR20100069693A; HK1146400A1; AU2008304118B2; WO2009043056A2; NZ583958A; KR101171525B1; MX2010003471A; GB0720480D0; WO2009043056A3; CN101808909B; CN101808909A

Description

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -1 A CARTON, A PARTIALLY FORMED CARTON, A METHOD OF THEIR MAKING AND A BLANK FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 Th'e invention relates to a carton for packaging multiple articles having a carrying handle; a partially formed carton in flat form; a blank for forming such a carton or partially formed carton and a method of making the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carton, partially formed carton, and blank 10 having a reinforced handle and an easily gripped handle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is convenient in some retail environments to provide consumers with pre-packaged 15 groups of articles, known as multi-packs. These multi-packs range in shape and size from packages containing six cans of soft drink to larger packs of bottled beers. All packages need to be easily lifted, robust to ensure safe transportation of the packaged goods and in many cases branded with the advertising logos of the packaged goods. It is known to provide paperboard cartons for packaging -such 20 groups of articles and to provide these cartons with carrying handles in order to facilitate transportation. With larger packages containing heavy and fragile goods such as twelve, twenty-four or forty-eight filled glass bottles, it is important for distribution; shelf loading and the 25 safety of the consumer that the packages do not tear or fail. Careful consideration must be given to the construction of carrying handles for such cartons. Carrying handles must be strong as well as comfortable to use and undergo stringent testing before any products can go to market. It is also important that the cartons properly protect the contents and are made in a materially efficient way. Environmentally 30 conscious manufacturers need to produce cartons having maximum strength using a minimum amount of material.

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -2 It is desirable'therefore to provide a carton that can safely support a large load, which is safely and easily carried. It is also desirable to provide a carton having a carrying handle that is comfortable to use and which minimises or prevents chafing of a consumer's hands when used. .5 Additionally it is desirable that such cartons are easy to manufacture to ensure high productivity, high throughput and high level of quality. The present invention seeks to avoid or at least mitigate these and other problems of 10 the prior art by providing a carton having a carrying handle structure with a reinforcement that is easily constructed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION 15 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a carton having a reinforced carrying handle, the carton comprising a series of carton walls including a composite end wall hinged to a top wall, the composite end wall comprising a top end closure panel having a first hand gripping means and a first handle reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means disposed in alignment with the first 20 hand gripping means, the first handle reinforcing panel hinged to the top end closure panel by a fold line disposed opposite to and angled acutely to the hinged connection between the top end closure panel and the top wall. Preferably, the top end closure panel and first handle reinforcing panel are secured 25 together in face contacting relationship by means of adhesive applied to the top end closure panel in the region of the first hand gripping means. Preferably, the adhesive is applied in a linear arrangement on one or both sides df the first hand gripping means and/or the adhesive is applied in an arrangement similar in outline to the shape of the outline of the superimposed first handle reinforcing panel. 30 Preferably, the linear arrangement comprises a series of strips of glue applied substantially perpendicularly relative to the hinged connection between the top end WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -3 closure panel and top wall and wherein strips of glue disposed closest to the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel are longer than those disposed furthest from the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel. 5 According to a second aspect, the invention provides a carton having a carrying handle, the carton comprising a series of carton walls including a composite end wall connected to a top wall, the carrying handle comprising a first gripping location formed in the composite end wall and a second gripping location formed in the top 10 wall, the first and second gripping locations being formed, at least in part, by apertures and being disposed relative to one another such that they are simultaneously grippable by the same hand of a user to facilitate carrying the carton. Preferably a first reinforcing panel is secured in face contacting relationship with a 15 portion of the composite end wall juxtaposed the first gripping location and secured in face contacting relationship with a portion of the top wall juxtaposed the second gripping location thereby reinforcing the carrying handle between the first and second gripping locations. 20 Additionally, the composite end wall may comprise a top end closure panel hinged to the top wall which top end closure panel comprises a first gripping aperture formed therein, the first reinforcing panel is hinged to the top end closure panel, is hinged to a first securing panel and comprises a second gripping aperture, the first reinforcing panel is secured in overlapping relationship with the top end closure panel such that 25 the first and second gripping apertures are aligned thereby forming the first gripping location and the first securing panel is disposed in overlapping relationship with the top wall, such that both the top end closure panel and a portion of the top wall are reinforced by the first reinforcing panel. 30 Preferably a second reinforcing panel is disposed in face contacting relationship with said first reinforcing panel and preferably the second reinforcing panel is hinged to the top end closure panel, is hinged to a second securing panel and comprises a WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -4 third gripping aperture, the second reinforcing panel and second, securing panel are secured in overlapping relationship with the first reinforcing panel and first securing panel respectively thereby reinforcing the carrying handle between the first and second gripping locations. 5 Preferably the first securing panel is hinged to the first reinforcing panel along a first connection and wherein the second securing panel is hinged to the, second reinforcing panel along a second connection, each of the first and second connections comprise a fold line interrupted by a series of elongate apertures, the 10 series of elongate apertures of the first connection being offset from the elongate apertures of the second connection. Preferably, the second gripping location in the top wall is formed by a digit gripping aperture structured and arranged to receive a user's thumb and the first gripping 15 location in the composite end wall is formed by one or more hand gripping apertures each structured and arranged to receive a portion of a user's hand. Optionally, the first reinforcing panel may be connected to the top end closure panel along a fold line acutely angled to the connection between the top end closure panel and the top wall. 20 According to a third aspect, the invention provides a carton having a corner formed by a folded connection between two carton walls, each carton wall being constructed, at least in the region of the corner, from at least two overlapping plies of material, the folded connection between the two carton walls comprising a first fold 25 line interrupted by a first series of elongate apertures and a second fold line interrupted by a second series of elongate apertures wherein the first series of elongate apertures are offset from the second series of elongate apertures. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a carton having a carrying handle structure, the blank comprising a series of main 30 panels for forming the carton walls including a top panel for forming a top wall, a top end closure panel for forming a portion of a composite end wall and a first reinforcing panel, the top end closure panel being hinged to the top wall and having a first hand WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 gripping means, the first reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means and being hinged to the top end closure panel by a hinge connection disposed between the first and second hand gripping means and acutely angled to the connection between the top panel and top end closure panel. 5 According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides a blank for forming a carton having a reinforced carrying handle structure, the blank comprises a. series of panels for forming the main carton walls including a top panel and end closure panels, the end closure panels comprise means for forming a first gripping location, the top panel 10 comprises means for forming a second gripping location, the first and second gripping. locations comprising gripping apertures and is disposed relative to one another such that when the blank is formed into a carton, the carton is carryable by a user gripping an edge of both gripping apertures simultaneously with the same hand. 15 According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides a blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising at least two panels for forming a two-ply corner of the carton, the at least two panels each comprising a fold line for forming said corner wherein a first of said fold lines is interrupted by a first series of elongate apertures and a second of said fold lines is interrupted by a second series of elongate apertures, the at least 20 two panels being arranged such that when they are overlaid to form the two-ply corner the first series of elongate apertures are offset from the second series of elongate apertures. According.to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming 25 a partially constructed carton from a blank, the blank comprising a series of main panels for forming a body of the carton including a top panel, a top end closure panel for forming a portion of a composite end wall and a first handle reinforcing panel, the top end closure panel being hinged to the top wall and having a first hand gripping means formed therein, the first handle reinforcing panel having a second hand 30 gripping means formed therein and being hinged to the top end closure panel by a hinge connection disposed between the first and second hand gripping means and WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -6 disposed acutely angled to the connection between the top panel and top end closure panel, the method comprising: (i) applying securing means to an inside face of the top end closure panel; (ii) folding the first handle reinforcing panel about the acutely angled hinge 5 connection into face contacting relationship with the top end closure panel thereby to secure the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel such that the first hand gripping means is aligned for use with the second hand gripping means; and (iii) securing together the main panels to form the carton body. 10 Preferably, the securing means is applied to the top end closure panel in the region of the first hand gripping means. Preferably, the securing means is adhesive and- is applied in a linear arrangement either side of the first hand gripping means. 15 According to. an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the linear arrangement comprises a series of strips of glue applied substantially perpendicularly relative to the hinged connection between the top end closure panel and top wall and wherein strips of glue disposed closest to the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel are longer 20 than those disposed furthest from the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel. According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the securing means is applied in an arrangement similar in outline to the shape of the outline of the 25 superimposed first handle reinforcing panel. According to a yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a partially formed flat-form carton having a reinforced carrying handle, the partially formed flat form carton comprising a series of carton walls including a composite end wall 30 hinged to a top wall, the composite end wall comprising a top end closure panel having a first hand gripping means and a first handle reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means disposed in alignment with said first hand gripping means, the first handle reinforcing, panel hinged to the top end closure panel by a WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -7 fold line disposed opposite to and angled acutely to the hinged connection between the top end closure panel and the top wall. Preferably the top end closure panel and first handle reinforcing panel are secured 5 together in face contacting relationship by means of adhesive applied to the top end closure panel, in the region of the first hand gripping means. Preferably the adhesive is applied in a linear arrangement on one or both sides of the first hand gripping means. 10 Optionally the linear arrangement comprises a series of strips of glue applied substantially perpendicularly relative to the hinged connection between the top end closure panel and top wall and wherein strips of glue disposed closest to the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel are 15 longer than those disposed furthest from the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel. Preferably the adhesive is applied in an arrangement similar in outline to the shape of the outline of the superimposed first handle reinforcing panel. 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of a top end closure panel of the blank of Fig. 1 for forming a first gripping section of a carrying handle; Fig. 3 illustrates a first step in the construction of a carton having a carrying handle from the blank of Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 illustrates a second step in the construction of a carton having a carrying handle from the blank of Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 5 illustrates a flat tubular sleeve formed from the blank of Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 6 shows a fully constructed carton formed from the blank of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the carrying handle portion of the carton shown in Fig.6, through the line x-x; Fig. 8 shows a view of the carton of Fig. 7 being lifted by a user deploying two gripping portions of the carrying handle; Fig. 9 shows an internal view of the deployed carrying handle shown in Fig.8; Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 shows a plan view of a blank for forming a carton having a carrying handle according to a third embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 shows a plan view of part of the blank shown in figure. 11; Fig. 13 shows an enlarged view of the blank of figure 11, focussing on a top end closure panel and reinforcing handle panel and shows a first step in a gluing and construction sequence; Fig. 14 illustrates a second step in the gluing and construction sequence of the blank of figure 11 showing a part constructed flat form carton sleeve; Fig. 15 illustrates a third step in the gluing and construction sequence of the' blank of figure 11 and shows a flat formed tubular sleeve Fig. 16 shows an end view of a carton after the tubular sleeve of figure 15 has been opened out and loaded with bottles; WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -9 Fig. 17 shows a final gluing step of the construction process of the carton of the third embodiment; and Fig. 18 shows a fully constructed carton according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 5 Figure 1 shows a blank 10 which is foldable to form a carton 30 (depicted in Figure 7). In this embodiment the blank 10 is formed from paperboard and is arranged such that the carton 30 formed from the blank 10 is a tubular end-loading carton suitable for containing forty-eight glass bottles arranged in six rows of eight. In other embodiments the blank 10 is modified from that shown so that it forms a carton that 10 accommodates other types of articles, contained in a variety of configurations. Additionally, in other embodiments, the blank 10 and therefore carton 30 are formed of other suitable foldable sheet materials, and/or are formed from more than one type of material. Additionally, the blank 10 may be provided, in other embodiments as more than one piece. 15 The blank 10 comprises a number of main panels for forming the tubular structure of the carton 30. The main panels and structure of the exemplary carton 30 will be briefly described. The detailed description will then focus on the carrying handle structure provided by the present invention, it being understood that the carrying 20 handle described can be applied to a wide range of cartons and in some embodiments as an insert into a carton. Referring to Figure. 1, the blank comprises a first side panel 20, top panel 18, second side panel 16, bottom panel 14 and glue flap 12 connected as a linear series 25 along fold lines 28, 26, 24 and 22. The first and second side panels 20, 16 comprise fold lines 88, 86 and 84, 82 which enable the first and second side panels 20, 16 to be folded to form a tapered structure when the blank 10 is formed into a carton 30.

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -10 This enables bottles with tapered necks to be securely packaged. The fold lines 88, 86 and 84, 82 are entirely optional and, in embodiments where articles other than bottles are packaged, may be omitted. In such embodiments the top and bottom panels 18, 14 may be similarly sized, whereas in the present embodiment the top 5 panel 18 has an area less than that of the bottom panel 14. In some embodiments the optional fold lines are employed to enable the first and second side panels 20, 16 to follow the countour of articles having a shape other than tapered. The blank 10 also comprises a series of end closure panels: first side end closure 10 panels 36a, 36b, top end closure panels 34a, 34b, second side end closure panels 32a, 32b and bottom end closure panels 30a, 30b. The end closure panels 36a, 36b, 34a, 34b, 32a, 32b, 30a, 30b are hinged to an adjacent main panel 20, 18, 16, 14, along one of the fold lines 72a, 72b, 70a, 70b, 68a, 68b, 66a, 66b respectively. The fold lines 86, 88 and 84, 82 continue into first and second side end closure panels 15 36a, 36b and 32a, 32b which enables end closure structures of the carton 30 to follow the tapered shape of the tubular structure. These fold lines are optional. Bottom end closure panels 30a, 30b each comprise a hand gripping aperture 60a, 60b. When the blank 10 is set-up into a carton 30, the bottom end closure panels 20 30a, 30b each provide an outer layer or outer ply of a composite end wall. The hand gripping'apertures 60a, 60b are provided with handle flaps 62a, 62b, hinged to the bottom end closure panels 30a, 30b along fold lines 64a, 64b. These handle flaps 62a, 62b provide cushioning to a user's hand when an edge of the hand gripping aperture 60a, 60b is grasped by a user for carrying the carton 30. The provision, 25 shape and arrangement of the hand gripping apertures 60a, 60b is optional as is the provision of cushioning handle flaps 62a, 62b. . The blank 10 is symmetrical about its centre and like features on either side of the blank 10 are denoted by the same reference numeral albeit with indicator 'a' being 30 used to denote features on the left hand side of the blank 10 and indicator 'b' being used to denote features on the right hand side of the blank 10.

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -11 An exemplary carrying handle of the invention will now be described with specific reference to the left hand side of blank 10 only, it being understood that a similar carrying handle is provided on the right-hand side of the blank 10. In other embodiments a second carrying handle is not provided. In a further embodiment, 5 carrying handle structures are also provided in the side walls of the carton and a total of four carrying handle structures are provided. Figure 2 shows an enlarged view of the carrying handle taken from the left hand side of the blank 10. Top end closure panel 34a comprises a first hand gripping aperture 10 58a and is hinged by divergent fold lines 50a and 52a to adjacent first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a and 40a respectively. The first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a and 40a each comprise a hand gripping aperture 54a, 56a respectively and when first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a and 40a are, in turn, folded onto the top end closure panel 34a, the hand gripping apertures 54a and 15 56a overlay hand gripping aperture 58a. Connected to each of the first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a and 40a along an apertured fold line 44a, 48a is a securing panel 42a, 46a. The hand gripping apertures 60a, 60b, 58a, 56a, 54a are sized to accommodate three or four fingers of an average user's hand. In other embodiments the hand gripping apertures are alternatively sized to receive more or 20 less of a user's hand. Fold lines 50a and 52a diverge from a centre top part of the top end closure panel 34a toward fold line 70a and are each disposed at an acute angle relative to the fold line 70a. In this embodiment the acute angle is approximately 450, as denoted by a 1 25 and a2 in Fig. 2. In other embodiments the acute angles a 1 and a2 may be of other dimensions, preferably less than 90*, providing that the first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a and 40a and hand gripping apertures 54a, 56a are structured such that once folded about fold lines 50a, 52a, the hand gripping apertures 54a, 56a and 58a are disposed in an aligned, overlapping relationship.. Fold lines 50a and 30 52a each optionally terminate in a position spaced from fold line 70a. The provision of acutely angled fold lines facilitates the use, of paperboard adjacent to the top end closure panel 34a, as a reinforcing panels for.the composite end wall and top panel WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -12 18, in a materially efficient way. In other embodiments it is envisaged that fold lines 50a and 52a converge to a. point; in yet further embodiments it is envisaged that the upper termination of fold lines 50a and 52a are spaced to a greater degree than that of the present embodiment and as such top end closure panel 34a has a trapezoidal 5 shaped upper portion. An optional portion of the carrying handle structure is provided in the top panel 18. A digit gripping aperture, generally denoted by 74a is provided. The digit gripping aperture comprises an opening 80a and a digit cushioning flap 78a, hinged to the top 10 panel by fold line 76a. The digit gripping aperture 74a is provided so that when the carton 30 is set-up a user can grasp an edge of overlapping hand gripping apertures 56a, 54a, 58a, 60a provided in the composite end wall with four fingers and grasp an edge of the digit gripping aperture 74a using a thumb of the same hand. This is depicted in Figs 8 and 9. Preferably the digit gripping aperture 74a is positioned 15 between articles such that a space exists into which a user can insert their thumb. The construction of the carrying handle structure will be described in further detail once an exemplary method of assembling a carton from the blank 10 is described. Preferably the blank 10 will be provided to a converting plant in a partially assembled 20 form in which the top end closure panels 34a, 34b and first and second handle reinforcing panels 38a, 40a, 38b, 42b along with securing panels 42a, 46a, 42b, 46b have been secured together and the bottom end flap 14 secured to the first side wall 20. 25 Steps of the construction of the partially assembled carton 30 are illustrated in Figures 2 -' 5. Glue (G) (or other securing means) is applied to first handle reinforcing panel 38a and to securing panel 42a, which, together, are folded about fold line 50a until the first handle reinforcing panel 38a is secured in face contacting relationship to top end closure panel 34a. In doing this, hand gripping apertures 54a 30 and 58a become aligned. The securing panel 42a is thereby adhered or secured in overlapping face contacting relationship to a portion of the inside face of top panel 18 WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 - 13 between fold line 70a and digit gripping aperture 74a. (see Fig. 3). The aperture fold line 44a is thereby disposed in alignment with a portion of fold line 70a. Similarly .glue is -applied to second handle reinforcing panel 40a and securing panel 5 46a which are then folded together about fold line 52a until.they are disposed and secured in overlapping face contacting relationship with the first handle reinforcing panel 38a and securing panel 42a. This configuration is shown in Fig. 4, wherein a 3 ply handle structure is created and the apertured fold line 48a is disposed in alignment with apertured fold line 44a. 10 In this embodiment, the apertured fold lines 44a and 48a are structured and arranged with a series of elongate apertures in order to reduce or limit the amount of overlapping paperboard in the region of the connection between the top wall 18 and top end closure panel 34a. The series .of elongate apertures of apertured fold line 15 44a is slightly, longitudinally offset relative to the series of elongate apertures of apertured fold line 48a. In this embodiment, apertured fold line 44a comprises five similarly sized substantially evenly spaced elongate apertures whereas fold line 48a comprises four larger elongate apertures and two approximate half-size apertures. When the apertured fold lines 44a and 46a are overlaid so that they are at least 20 partially coextensive, the elongate apertures of the fold line 44a are offset from those of the fold line 48a in a direction along the fold lines. This maximises the' coincidence of apertures and thereby minimises the coincidence of creased or folded paperboard in the region of the connection between the top wall 18 and top end closure panel 34a. In this way, three plies of material 34a/18, 38a/44a and 40a/46a 25 can be folded to create an approximate 90 corner when the carton 30 is completely constructed. The carrying handle between the two gripping locations (namely hand gripping apertures 58a/56a/54a and digit gripping aperture 74a) is thereby reinforced. The connection between the top panel 18 and top end closure panel 34a -is also reinforced and strengthened without being encumbered by three overlapping 30 plies of material Which, without the fold lines 44a, 48a containing apertures, would otherwise be the case. The use apertured fold lines having off-set aperture arrangements for enabling folding of multiple plies of material may have application WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -14 in other aspects of material folding other than the application to a carton carrying handle described here. Finally, glue flap 12 is secured to an inside face of first side wall 20, by means of 5 glue or other securing means so that a flat formed tubular structure is created. This is shown in Figure 5, where both carrying handle structures are shown. The partially formed carton sleeve is then erected into an open-ended tubular structure and bottles or other articles loaded in from one or both ends. Once the 10 tubular sleeve is fully loaded, the ends are closed by constructing composite end walls. The composite end walls are formed by folding each top end closure panel 34a, 34b downwardly about fold line 70a, 70b; by folding each bottom end flap 30a, 30b upwardly about fold line 66a, 66b; and by securing each bottom end flap 30a, 30b, to an outside face of a respective top end closure panel 34a, 34b. In doing this 15 a four ply reinforced carrying handle structure is formed in each composite end wall and the outer hand gripping apertures 60a, 60b overlay the inner hand gripping apertures 54a/56a/58a, 54b/56b/58b. The order of the folding sequence may be altered in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the bottom end flaps 30a, 30b may not comprise apertures as such and may have a shaped edge similar to one 20 side of the handle apertures 58a, 56a, 54a. The completed carton 30 is illustrated in perspective in Figure 6 and in cross-section through the line X-X in Figure 7. An exemplary way of using the carrying handle structure is shown in Figure 8 where a user, by pushing the handle flap internally of the carton 30, places three or four 25 fingers into and grasps an edge of the hand gripping apertures 60a/58a/56a/54a. The user's fingers/hand is cushioned by the handle flap 62a. The user also inserts a thumb into the digit gripping aperture 74a by pushing the digit flap 78a internally of the carton 30 (see Figure 9). By providing two gripping locations in adjacent walls, the composite end wall and top wall respectively, the carton 30 is more easily 30 grasped than in prior art handle arrangements where only one gripping location is provided. By reinforcing the corner of the carton 30 between the two gripping WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -15 locations a strong arrangement that does not crush or crumple during normal use is formed and a robust, yet comfortable to use four-ply handle arrangement is provided. In other embodiments the gripping location provided in the top wall 18 is sized to 5 accommodate more of a user's hand than only one digit. In further embodiments, the gripping location provided in the composite end wall is sized to accommodate less of a user's hand than three or four fingers. In yet a further embodiment the top panel 18 is reinforced in the region of the digit gripping aperture 74a. In some embodiments, this reinforcement is provided by the securing panel 42a, 46a. The 10 use- of a digit gripping aperture 74a is optional. A second embodiment of the invention is depicted by a blank 110 shown in Figure 10. Since many features of the first. embodiment are also present in the second embodiment, the same reference numeral has been used. to denote these similar 15 features, albeit, the reference numeral has been raised by a factor of '100' to distinguish between the two embodiments. Since there are many similarities between the two embodiments, only the differences will be described in detail. Since the blank 100 is symmetrical about its centre, the carrying handle of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the left hand side of the blank 100 20 only. In Figure 10 a blank 110 having panels for forming a carrying handle structure is shown. In this embodiment, three handle reinforcing panels 192a, 138a, 140a are provided. Each handle reinforcing panel 192a, 138a, 140a comprises a hand 25 gripping aperture 190a, 154a, 156a. A securing panel 196a, 142a, 146a is attached to each handle reinforcing panel 192a, 138a, 140a along an apertured fold line 198a, 144a, 148a. In this arrangement, first and second handle reinforcing panels 138a, 140a are each connected to a top end closure panel 134a by means of a divergent fold line 152a, 150a disposed at an acute angle relative to a fold line 170a 30 connecting the top end closure panel 134a to a top panel 118. The acutely angled fold lines 152a, 150a do not terminate at a common central point,, but rather, are separated by a fold line 194a, which-connects the third handle reinforcing panel 192a WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -16 to the top end closure panel 134a. The configuration presented in the second embodiment facilitates the provision of a third reinforcing layer 192a. The third handle reinforcing panel may be overlayed directly on top of the top end closure panel 134a or sandwiched on top of either. or both of the first and second handle 5 reinforcing panels 138a, 140a when a carton is constructed, partially or completely, from the blank 110. In this way a five-ply carrying handle structure is created wherein four plies of handle panels are provided by the top end closure panel and the three handle reinforcing panels 192a, 138a, 140a and a fifth , optional, ply of handle panel is provided by the. bottom end closure panel 130a. 10 As described with reference to the first embodiment, aperture fold lines 144a, 148a, 198a are provided with elongate offset apertures so that the amount of overlayed material in the region of the connection between the top panel 118 and top end closure panel 134a is minimised. A carrying handle having two gripping portions in 15 adjacent carton walls that can be grasped simultaneously by one hand of a user is provided. The securing panels 142a, 146a, 196a and handle reinforcing panels 192a, 138a, 140a reinforce and strengthen the corner portion of the carton between the two gripping portions to provide a strong and comfortable carrying handle suitable for cartons arranged to accommodate loads as large, or larger than, forty 20 eight bottles. A third embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 11 to 18. In these figures reference numerals beginning with '3' are used to distinguish these features from those of the first embodiments. 25 Figure 11 shows a blank 310 which is foldable to form a partially formed carton sleeve 390 (depicted in Figure 15) and a carton 330 (depicted in Figure 18). In this embodiment the blank 310. is formed from paperboard and is arranged such that the carton 330 formed from the blank 310 is a tubular end-loading carton suitable for 30 containing twenty glass bottles arranged in four rows of five bottles. In other embodiments the blank 310 is modified from that shown so that it forms a carton 330 that accommodates other types of articles, contained in a variety of configurations. Additionally, in other embodiments, the blank 310 and therefore partially formed WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -17 carton sleeve 390 and carton 330 are formed of other suitable foldable sheet material such as a plastics material, paper or cardborard as non-limiting examples. In yet further embodiments the blank 310 is formed from more than one type of material. Additionally, the blank 310, in other embodiments is provided as more than 5 one piece of material, including in one embodiment a two-piece blank. The blank 310 comprises a number of main panels for forming the tubular structure of the carton 330. The main panels and structure of the exemplary carton 330 will be briefly described. The detailed description will then focus on a two-ply reinforced 10 carrying handle structure provided by the third embodiment of the present invention, it being understood that the carrying handle described can be applied to a wide range of cartons and in some envisaged embodiments as an insert into a carton. Referring to Fig. 11, the blank 310 comprises a first side panel 312, top panel 314, 15 second side panel 316, bottom panel 318 and glue flap 320 connected as a linear series along fold lines 342, 344, 346 and 348. The top panel 314 is smaller in area than the bottom panel 318 and the first and second side panels 312, 316 have a tapered shape, defined by fold lines 332a/332b and 336a/336b respectively. The carton 330 formed from blank 310 therefore is shaped to be smaller at its top than 20 bottom and therefore securely retains twenty bottles (B), each of which having a narrower neck than base portion. The blank 310 also comprises.a series of end closure panels for forming end closure structures which close the ends of the carton 330 when formed. The blank 310 is 25 symmetrical about its centre and. like features on either side of the blank 310 are denoted by like reference numerals albeit with indicator 'a' being used to denote features on the right hand side of the blank 310 and indicator 'b' being used to denote features on the left hand side of the blank 310. The end closure panels include first side end closure panels 322a, 322b, top end closure panels 324a, 324b, 30 second side end closure panels 326a, 326b and bottom end closure panels 328a; 328b. The end closure panels 322a, 322b, 324a, 324b, 326a, 326b, 328a and 328b are hinged to a respective adjacent main panel 312, 314, 316, 318 along a respective fold line 332a, 332b, 334a, 334b, 336a, 336b and 338a, 338b. .

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -18 A carrying handle is provided in each of the end closure structures for facilitating carrying of the carton 330. The top end closure panels 324a, 324b each comprise a first handle aperture or hand gripping means 350a, 350b. Optional hand cushioning 5 flaps are hinged to an upper edge 362a, 362b of a first handle aperture 350a, 350b. The hand cushioning flaps are provided to cushion a users hand to minimise or prevent chaffing of a user's hand when the first handle aperture 350a, 350b is used to carry the carton 330. In other embodiments the first handle aperture 350a, 350b takes a variety of sizes and shapes all of which enable a user to at least partially 10 insert their hand for grasping the upper edge 362a, 362b .of a first handle aperture 350a, 350b to carry the carton 330. Referring now to Figure 12, a handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b is hinged to each top end closure panel 324a, 324b along a fold line 358a, 358b. Fold line 358a, 358b 15 is acutely angled relative to the fold line 334a, 334b between the top panel 314 and top end closure structure 324a, 324b. The angle a between fold line 358a and 334a is shown in Figure 11. The handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b is shaped to nest against tapered side end closure panel 322a, 322b along cut line 356a, 356b, such that the material used to form the handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b is taken from 20 within an outer boundary of the blank 310. As such the handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b is formed from material that would otherwise be wasted. A second handle aperture 352a, 352b is formed in each handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b. The second handle aperture or hand gripping means 352a, 352b is 25 arranged to be aligned with the first handle aperture 350a, 350b when the handle reinforcing panel 354a, 354b is folded about angled fold line 358a and folded into overlapping relationship with the top end closure panel 324a, 324b. The second handle aperture is therefore oriented at a similar acute angle a, relative to fold line 358a, 358b. The geometric arrangement of the second hand aperture is illustrated in 30 Figure 11 where the angle a between fold line 358a and fold line 334a is shown. Similar angle a between an upper edge 360a, 360b and the fold line 358a, 358b is also shown. (For ease of illustration, a notional line 370, has been drawn as an WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -19 extension of the upper edge 60a, 60b of the second handle aperture 352a, 352b. This notional line 370 has been added to the blank 310 in order to clearly depict the angle a between the second handle aperture 352a and fold line 358a but it does not form part of the blank itself). 5 The construction of a carrying handle of the third embodiment of the invention will now be described with specific reference to the left hand side of blank 310 only, it being understood that a similar carrying handle is provided on the right-hand side of the blank 310. Preferably the blank 310 will be provided to a converting plant in a 10 partially assembled form wherein the carrying handle structure has at least partially been formed and first side panel 312 secured, by means of glue flap 320, to bottom panel 318. The flat form tubular structure 390 thereby formed is shown in Figure 15. Steps of the construction of the partially assembled carton 390 are illustrated in 15 Figures 13 and 14. Preferably these steps are performed in a straight line. packaging machine to alleviate the need for the blank 310 to be rotated during construction. As shown in Figure 13, glue G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7 is applied to the top end closure panel 324b. Preferably, glue and/or other adhesive and/or securing means is applied in a linear arrangement, substantially perpendicular to fold line 334b and 20 substantially parallel to the direction of, travel (X) of the blank 310. In other embodiments of the invention suitable securing means other than glue is used to affect the secure bonding of top end closure panel 324b to reinforcing panel 354b. Non-limiting examples of such suitable securing means include mechanical fixings such as staples; pressure or heat activated adhesive and sticking tapes. 25 In other embodiments the glue or adhesive may take a variety of arrangements, for example, in one envisaged embodiment only glue strips G1, G5 and G3 are provided. In a further embodiment only glue strips G2 and G5 are applied. In yet a further embodiment only glue strips G1, G2 and G3 are provided. It will be apparent 30 upon reading the foregoing that the glue may be provided in a variety of arrangements to achieve secure bonding of the reinforcing panel 354b to the top end closure panel 324b.

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -20 In an alternative embodiment a glue arrangement such as that described above and/or shown in Figure 14 is applied to the reinforcing panel 354b rather than to the top end closure panel 324b. However, it is advantageous to apply the glue to top end 5 closure- panel 324b in order to alleviate or eliminate any spilling or dripping of glue onto the packaging machine and/or carton blank 310 during the folding of the reinforcing panel 354b about fold line 358b. In the embodiment described, the left-hand, 'b'-side, of blank 310 (as viewed in 10 Figure 11) provides a leading edge of carton blank 310 as it travels through a carton forming machine. It will be understood that since blank 310 is symmetrical, the right hand, 'b'-side, of blank 310 could instead provide the leading edge. By conveying the blank 310 through a processing line in direction 'X' a single gluing apparatus of the machine can be used to apply glue (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, as described above) 1 first to the leading top end closure panel 324b and then subsequently to the trailing top end closure panel 324a. In this way the gluing and folding apparatus required to perform the gluing and folding operations necessary to construct a part-formed flat tubular carton 390 (see Figure 15) is simplified. 20 A further step in the construction of part-formed flat tubular carton 390 is illustrated in Figure 14. Bottom panel 318 is folded about fold line 346 and overlaid in face contacting relationship with second side panel 316 and a portion of top panel 314. A further gluing operation is performed and a bead or strip of glue G7 is applied to the outside face of glue flap 320. In other embodiments other adhesive or securing 25 means may be used. Additionally or alternatively, adhesive strip G7 may be an interrupted strip. Then, by folding first side panel 312 about fold line 342 and folding the first side panel 312 into face contacting relationship with a portion of top wall 314 and the glue flap 320, the bottom panel 318 and first side panel 312 are secured together and an open-ended tubular structure can be formed once the part formed 30 carton 390 is opened out.

WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 - 21 The partially constructed, flat-formed carton 390 may be supplied in the flat form condition to a converting plant. At the converting plant successive flat-formed cartons .390 will be fed into a packaging line. There, the part formed flat-formed cartons 390 are opened into a tubular structure and loaded from one or both ends 5 with articles. In this embodiment the articles are bottles (B) as shown in Figure 16. In alternative embodiments a variety of types, shapes and size of article are used for example, other primary packaging containers such as cans (In embodiments where the articles (B) are not tapered in shape, the first and second side walls 312, 316 will not be tapered, but their edges may be shaped to follow the shape of other types of 10 articles to be contained within the carton 330). To secure the articles (B) within the carton 330, each end of the carton 330 is securely closed. In this embodiment the top end closure panel 324a, side end closure panels 322a, 326a and bottom end closure panel 328a are folded and secured together in a normal manner (as shown in Figure 17). In other embodiments the top end closure panel 324a, side closure 15 panels 322a, 326a and bottom end closure panels 328a may be sized and shaped to only partially close the ends of the carton 330 albeit closed sufficiently to ensure that the articles (B) are securely retained within the carton 330. The complete carton structure 330 is depicted in Figure 18. Two-ply reinforced 20 carrying handle structures 350a/360a, 350b/360b can then be deployed by a user to carry the loaded carton 330. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to 25 accommodate articles of differing size and/or shape and/or number and/or configuration. In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the size and/or shape of the handle apertures may be adjusted to accommodate a smaller or larger portion of a user's hand In yet a further embodiment it is envisaged that the handle aperture may be initially covered by a dust flap to protect the articles inside 30 the carton, which dust flap is movable to expose a hand gripping aperture or hand gripping means. It is also envisaged that in another embodiment two handle reinforcing panels may be provided, each hinged along an angled fold line 358a/358b to and adjacent' top end closure panel 324a. It is also envisaged that WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -22 various features of the embodiments shown can be used in conjunction with features of the other embodiments. For example, the carrying handle of Figures 11 to 18 in other embodiments additionally comprises the digit gripping aperture of the first two embodiments. 5 It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.. Any reference to hinged connection or fold line should not 10 be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection or fold line can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or an interrupted fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A carton having a reinforced carrying handle, the carton comprising a series of carton walls including a composite end wall hinged to a top wall, the composite 5 end wall comprising a top end closure panel having a first hand gripping means and a first handle reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means disposed in alignment with said first hand gripping means, the first handle reinforcing panel hinged to the top end closure panel by a fold line disposed opposite to and angled acutely to the hinged connection between the top end 10 closure panel and the top wall.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the top end closure panel and first handle reinforcing panel are secured together in face contacting relationship by means of adhesive applied to the top end closure panel, in the region of the first hand 15 gripping means and wherein the adhesive is applied in a linear arrangement on one or both sides of the first hand gripping means and/or the adhesive is applied in an arrangement similar in. outline to the shape of the outline of the superimposed first handle reinforcing panel. 20

3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the linear arrangement comprises a series of strips of glue applied substantially perpendicularly relative to the hinged connection between the top end closure panel and top wall and wherein strips of glue disposed closest to the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel are longer than those. disposed furthest from 25 the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel.

4. A carton having a carrying handle, the carton comprising a series of carton walls including a composite end wall connected to a top wall, the carrying handle 30 comprising a first gripping location formed in the composite end wall and a second gripping location formed in the top wall, the first and second gripping locations being formed, at least in part, by apertures and being disposed relative WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -24 to one another such that they are simultaneously grippable by the same hand of a user to facilitate carrying the carton.

5. A carton according to'claim 4 wherein a first handle reinforcing panel is secured in 5 face contacting relationship with a portion of the composite end wall juxtaposed the first gripping location and secured in face contacting relationship with a portion of the top wall juxtaposed the second gripping location thereby reinforcing the carrying handle between the first and second gripping locations. 10

6. A carton according to claim 5 wherein the composite end wall comprises a top end closure panel hinged to the top wall which top end closure panel comprises a first gripping aperture formed therein, the first handle reinforcing panel is hinged to the top end closure panel, is hinged to a first securing panel and comprises a second gripping aperture, the first reinforcing panel is secured in overlapping 15 relationship with the top end closure panel such that the first and second gripping apertures are aligned thereby-forming theifirst gripping location and the first securing panel is disposed in overlapping relationship with the top wall, such that both the top end closure panel and a portion of the top wall are reinforced by the first handle reinforcing panel. 20

7. A carton according to either claim 5 or 6 comprising a second handle reinforcing panel disposed in face contacting relationship with said first handle reinforcing panel, wherein the second handle reinforcing panel is hinged to the top end closure panel, is hinged to a second securing panel, and comprises a third 25 gripping aperture, the second handle reinforcing panel and second securing panel are secured in overlapping relationship with the first handle reinforcing panel and first securing panel respectively thereby reinforcing the carrying handle between the first and second gripping locations. 30

8. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the first securing panel is hinged.to the first handle reinforcing panel along a first connection and wherein the second securing panel is hinged to the second handle reinforcing panel along a second WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -25 connection, each of the first and second connections comprise a fold line interrupted by a series of apertures, the series of apertures of the first connection being offset from the apertures of the second connection. 5

9. A carton according to any one of claims 4 to 8 wherein the second gripping location in the top wall is formed by a digit gripping aperture structured and arranged to receive a user's thumb and the first gripping location in the composite end wall is formed by one or more hand gripping apertures each structured and arranged to receive a portion of a user's hand. 10

10. A carton according to any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein the first handle reinforcing panel is connected to the top end closure panel along a fold line acutely angled to the connection between the top end closure panel and the top wall. 15

11.A carton having a corner formed by a folded connection between two carton walls, each carton wall being constructed, at least in the region of the corner, from at least two overlapping plies of material, the folded connection between the two carton walls comprising first and second fold lines, said first and second 20 fold lines are at least partially coextensive with each other, the first fold line being interrupted by a first series of apertures, the second fold line being interrupted by a second series of apertures, wherein the first series of apertures are offset from the second series of apertures. 25

12. A carton according to claim 11 wherein each of the apertures of at least one of the first and second series is elongate in shape and is disposed such that the each aperture extends in a direction along the first and second fold lines.

- 13. A carton of either claim 11 or 12 wherein the apertures of the first series and 30 apertures of the second series are structured and arranged to maximise the WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -26 coincidence of apertures and thereby minimise the coincidence of creased or folded paperboard in the region of the connection between the two carton walls.

14. A carton according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the first series of apertures are 5 longitudinally offset from the second series of apertures.

15. A blank for forming. a carton having a carrying handle structure, the blank comprising a series of main panels for forming the carton walls including a top panel for forming a top wall, a top end closure panel for forming a portion of a 10 composite end wall and a first reinforcing panel, the top end closure panel being hinged to the top wall and having a first hand gripping means, said first reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means and being hinged to the top end closure panel by a hinge connection disposed between the first and second hand gripping means and being acutely angled to the connection 15 between the top panel and top end closure panel.

16.The blank according to claim 15 comprising a second reinforcing panel having a third hand aperture and being hinged to the top end closure panel by a hinge connection disposed between the first and third hand apertures and acutely 20 angled to the connection between the top panel and top end closure panel.

17. A blank for forming a carton having a reinforced carrying handle structure, the blank comprising a series of panels for forming the main carton walls including a top panel and end closure panels, the end closure panels comprising means for 25 forming a first gripping location, the top panel comprising means for forming a second gripping location, the first and second gripping locations comprising gripping apertures and being disposed relative to one another such that when the blank is formed into a carton, the carton is carryable by a user gripping an edge of both gripping apertures simultaneously with the same hand. 30

18. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising at least two panels for forming a two-ply corner of the carton, the at least two panels each comprising a fold line for forming said corner wherein a first of said fold lines is interrupted by a first WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -27 series of apertures and a second of said fold lines is interrupted by a second series of apertures, the at least two panels being arranged such that when they are overlaid to form the two-ply corner the first series of apertures are offset from the second series of apertures. 5

19. A method of forming a partially constructed carton from a blank, the blank comprising a series of main panels for forming a body of the carton including a top panel, a top end closure panel for forming a portion of a composite end wall and a first handle reinforcing panel, the top end closure panel being hinged to 10 the top wall and having a first hand gripping means formed therein, said first handle reinforcing panel having a second hand gripping means formed therein and being hinged to the top end closure panel by a hinge connection disposed between the first and second hand gripping means and disposed at an acute angled to the connection between the top panel and top end closure panel, the 15 method comprising: (iv) applying securing'means to an inside face of the top end closure panel; (v) folding the first handle reinforcing panel about said acutely angled hinge connection into face contacting relationship with said top end closure panel thereby to secure the first handle reinforcing panel to the 20 top end closure panel such that the first hand gripping means is aligned for use with said second hand gripping means; and (vi) secring. together said main panels to form the carton body.

20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the securing means is applied to the top 25 end closure panel in the region of the first hand gripping means and wherein the securing means is adhesive and is applied in a linear arrahgement either side of the first hand gripping means and/or the securing means is applied in an arrangement similar in outline to the shape of-the outline of the superimposed first handle reinforcing panel. 30

21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the linear arrangement comprises a series of strips of glue applied substantially perpendicularly relative to the hinged WO 2009/043056 PCT/US2008/078202 -28 connection between the top end closure panel and top wall and wherein strips of glue disposed closest to the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to the top end closure panel are longer than those disposed furthest from the angled fold line connecting the first handle reinforcing panel to 5 the top end closure panel.

22. A partially formed carton for forming a carton according to any one of claims 1 to 14 formed from a blank of material comprising a series of main panels for forming walls of the carton, wherein at least two of said main panels are secured 10 together.

23.A blank, carton or partially formed carton substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in figures 1-18 of the accompanying drawings. 15

24. A method of partially or fully forming a carton substantially as herein described with reference to and/or as shown in figures 1-18 of the accompanying drawings. 20