CN117440916A - Handle structure, article carrier and blank thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a handle structure, an article carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles (B), and a blank (10) for forming the handle structure or the article carrier (90). The handle structure comprises a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) including a pair of hinged handle panels (12, 14;20, 22) disposed at an angle about a hinged connection (13; 21) therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel (14; 20). At least one of the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) forms an outer panel having handle flaps (60 a,60 b) hinged along a non-linear fold line (61 a,61 b). At least a second one of the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge (E3; E4) located below the non-linear fold line (61A, 61B).

Description

Handle structure, article carrier and blank thereof

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a handle structure, an article carrier and a blank for forming the article carrier. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a top gripping type and provides an article carrier for carrying handles for transporting one, two or more articles.

Background

In the packaging field, it is known to provide an article carrier or carton for carrying a plurality of articles. Cartons are well known in the art and may be used to enable a consumer to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. Such cartons or carriers need to be made of as little material as possible for cost and environmental reasons and cause as little waste of the material from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy weight articles. Desirably, the contents of the carton are secured within the carton.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carrier with carrying handles to enable the transport of two or more items; especially for large or heavy items.

The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons typically formed of paperboard or the like.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect the invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The handle structure includes at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relation with one of the pair of hinged handle panels. At least an outer panel of the panels includes a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. The inner panel in the panel has a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of panels including a pair of hinged handle panels and at least one reinforcing panel, the pair of hinged handle panels being disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. At least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relation with the outer panel. At least a second plate of the plurality of plates includes a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear polyline.

Optionally, the plurality of plates further comprises a base plate comprising at least one second nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

Optionally, the handle flap engages the second non-linear edge.

Optionally, the handle flap includes at least one engagement edge that engages the second non-linear edge.

Optionally, the at least one engagement edge is defined by a cut line separating a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

Optionally, the base panel is curved inwardly towards the hinged connection between the pair of hinged handle panels.

Optionally, in the unfolded state, the handle flap extends below the base panel.

Optionally, the at least one reinforcement panel is hinged to one of a pair of hinged handle panels by a base panel.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection. The handle structure includes at least one reinforcing panel. At least one panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and at least one reinforcing panel form an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel have a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of panels, the panels comprising a pair of hinged handle panels, the handle panels being disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The handle structure includes a pair of hinged reinforcement panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The pair of hinged handle panels form an outer panel, at least one of the outer panels including a handle flap, the handle flap being hinged to the at least one outer panel along a non-linear fold line. The pair of hinged reinforcement plates form an inner plate disposed in face-to-face relationship with a corresponding one of the outer plates. At least one of the pair of hinged stiffening webs includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the pair of hinged handle panels are hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcement panels by a base panel.

Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier includes an engagement panel having a fold line and at least one article engagement device interrupting the fold line. The engagement means comprises an annular series of engagement teeth. The series of teeth includes a diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless region aligned with or interrupting the fold line.

Optionally, each opposing toothless region is provided by one of the following features: cut-outs, recesses, grooves, slits, cut lines, and severable lines.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier includes an engagement panel having a fold line and at least one article engagement device interrupting the fold line. The engagement means comprises an annular series of engagement teeth. The series of teeth includes diametrically opposed notches aligned with the fold line.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engagement panel having a fold line and at least one article engagement means interrupting the fold line. The engagement means comprises an annular series of engagement teeth. The series of teeth includes diametrically opposed notches aligned with the fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engagement panel having a fold line and at least one article engagement means interrupting the fold line. The engagement means comprises an annular series of engagement teeth. The series of teeth includes a diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless region aligned with or interrupting the fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The blank includes at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relation with one of the pair of hinged handle panels. At least an outer panel of the panels includes a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. The inner panel in the panel has a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween; the blank comprises at least one reinforcing panel. At least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle panels and at least one reinforcing panel, the pair of hinged handle panels being disposed at an angle about a hinged connection. At least one panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcement panel form an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel have a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a plurality of panels including a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The blank includes a pair of hinged reinforcement panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween. The pair of hinged handle panels form an outer panel, at least one of the outer panels including a handle flap, the handle flap being hinged to the at least one outer panel along a non-linear fold line. The pair of hinged reinforcement plates form an inner plate disposed in face-to-face relationship with a corresponding one of the outer plates. At least one of the pair of hinged stiffening webs includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the specific embodiments discussed below.

Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or employed separately or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with or relating to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or in combination with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, and the features or elements extracted from the one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in place of, the one or more features or elements of the other embodiments.

The features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be extracted independently from the other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, features or combinations of features of an embodiment may be omitted from this embodiment.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a top plan view of a blank for forming a carrier according to a first embodiment;

figures 1B through 1D illustrate stages of constructing the blank 10 into a flat collapsed tubular form;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1; and

fig. 3 and 4 are alternative perspective views of the carton of fig. 2.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of handle structures, packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the manner in which certain aspects of the invention may be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the ways in which the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that serves as a description, sample, model, or pattern. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the handle structures, packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be implemented in a variety of and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials, or methods have not necessarily been described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring to fig. 1, there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90 as shown in fig. 2-4 for carrying a set of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package or handle structure for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

In the embodiments detailed herein, for the non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the present invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to a container 90 for engaging and carrying items, such as a primary product container. It is contemplated that the teachings of the present invention may be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal-containing, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tiners, bags, pouches, and the like.

The blank 10 is formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It is to be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes all forms of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It will be appreciated that one or other number of blanks may be employed where appropriate, for example, to provide a carrier structure as described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein can be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. The paperboard may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, having a weight ranging from about 10pt. To about 28pt. (0.028 "/-0.7 mm). An example of such a cardboard is made ofSBS board (solid bleached sulfate board coated on one side, trade name +.>) Or->Board (coated natural-> (Coated Natural />-coated natural kraft board, trade name carrier kote ^TM And CustomKote ^TM ). The paperboard substrate may be bleached or unbleached board. The panel may be coated or uncoated on at least one side. The corrugated board may be selected from corrugated board of virtually any flute size. Optionally, the corrugated board may be board material, such as but not limited to "E-flutes". The sheet material may be made of or coated with a material that increases its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant +.>And (3) paper board. It should be noted that the tear resistant material may be provided by more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the package. In general, one surface of the sheet material may beHaving different characteristics than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outward from the finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inwardly facing surface of the sheet material may be provided with a coating, layer, treatment or otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear resistance, good glueability, heat sealability or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array having one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2); in the illustrated embodiment, a row of two articles is provided and the articles are bottles. The bottle may be formed of a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminum, or PET (polyester-polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blank 10 may be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, numbers, and sizes of articles and/or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, a fully enclosed carton or a wraparound carrier, which may be a cup, bag, pot, or canister.

Turning to fig. 1, a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see fig. 2-4) according to a first embodiment is illustrated. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 arranged in a linear series hinged one after the other by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, respectively.

The plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 form a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 includes a first outer top panel 12. The second outer top panel 14 is hingedly connected to the first outer top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The first base panel 16 is hingedly connected to the second outer top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The second base plate 18 is hingedly connected to the first base plate 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The first inner roof panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 18 by a hinge connection in the form of a fold line 19. The second inner top panel 22 is hingedly connected to the first inner top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The first and second base plates 16, 18 together form a bottom wall 16/18 (also referred to herein as a joint plate 16/18) of the carrier 90.

In some embodiments, one of the first outer roof panel 12 and the second inner roof panel 22 may be omitted. A portion of the top wall of the article carrier 90 becomes a single layer in construction.

In embodiments in which the first outer roof panel 12 is omitted, the first inner roof panel 20 becomes an outer panel or an outwardly facing panel. In such embodiments, the first inner roof panel 20 may be provided with a handle flap.

In embodiments where the second inner roof panel 22 is omitted, the second outer roof panel 14 becomes an inner panel or an inwardly facing panel.

The bottom wall 16/18 includes at least one article retention feature RT. The bottom wall 16/18 comprises a plurality of article holding structures RT, in particular two article holding structures RT arranged in a1 x 2 matrix or array. Each article retention feature RT includes an opening or aperture A2.

The article retention structure RT of the embodiment of fig. 1 takes the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 40 arranged in a ring or other annular series about the opening A2 to form part of an article receiving feature. The opening A2 may optionally be a circular aperture; however, it may take different shapes, such as, but not limited to, polygonal or oval openings. In other embodiments, the article retention feature RT may take different forms, such as, but not limited to, a pair of spaced apart opposing cutouts defining a displaceable zone forming a covering on the article and providing a pair of opposing engagement edges for engaging opposing sides of the article under a flange, bead or other projection.

A plurality of teeth 40 are provided by the main plate 12. Each tooth 40 is hingedly connected to one of the first and second base plates 16, 18 by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines 41. When the aperture is circular, the plurality of cut lines 41 may be arranged as an annular series of cuts around the aperture A1. Depending on the design, the cut line 41 may define a non-circular configuration, such as polygonal or oval.

The plurality of cut lines 41 may define or approximate a portion of a circle.

Each of the plurality of teeth 40 includes an engagement edge opposite the hinge edge. The engagement edge is defined by a portion of the cutting line defining the aperture A2. Each engagement edge may define a portion of a circle or polygon. Each tooth 40 includes a pair of side edges defined by a cutout 43 extending radially outwardly from aperture A2. The illustrated embodiment includes sixteen teeth 40; adjacent pairs of slits 43 are divergently disposed relative to each other and define an angle therebetween, which may be about 22.5 degrees.

The first pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by a first cut line 43A and the second pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by a second cut line 43B. The first and second cut lines 43A, 43B are arranged co-linear with each other and with the fold line 17 hinging the first substrate 16 to the second substrate 18.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second cut lines 43A, 43B may be replaced with notches, grooves, recesses, or another cut-out feature that separates the teeth 40 of the first pair of teeth 40 or the second pair of teeth 40 from one another to provide a toothless area or separation therebetween.

The first and second inner roof panels 20, 22 together form an inner roof wall 20/22.

At least one first article receiving aperture A5 is partially punched from the first roof panel 20 and partially punched from the second roof panel 22. The fold line 21 hinging the first inner top panel 20 to the second inner top panel 22 bisects the at least one first article receiving aperture A5 and is interrupted by the at least one first article receiving aperture A5. The illustrated embodiment includes two first article receiving apertures A5, each providing a pair of opposed engagement edges E8. In the illustrated embodiment, the first article receiving aperture A5 is hexagonal in shape, although other shapes may be employed in other embodiments. The pair of opposed engagement edges E8 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance W1.

The first outer top panel 12 and the second outer top panel 14 together form an outer top wall 12/14.

At least one second article receiving aperture A1 is partially punched from the first outer top panel 12 and partially punched from the second outer top panel 14. The fold line 13 hinging the first outer top panel 12 to the second outer top panel 14 bisects the at least one second article receiving aperture A1 and is interrupted by the at least one second article receiving aperture A1. The illustrated embodiment includes two second article receiving apertures A1, each providing a pair of opposed engagement edges E7. In the illustrated embodiment, the second article receiving aperture A1 is hexagonal in shape, although other shapes may be employed in other embodiments. The pair of opposed engagement edges E7 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance W2. The second distance W2 may be equal to or greater than the first distance W1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second distance W2 is greater than the first distance W1, (W2 > W1).

The first outer top panel 12 includes a first handle cut-out defined at least in part by a first handle flap 60A. The first handle flap 60A is hingedly connected to the first outer top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 61A. The articulation may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment being arcuate or curvilinear. The opposite end of the first handle flap 60A is at least partially defined by a non-linear or arcuate cut line 63A extending substantially between the hinge connection and the free edge of the first outer top panel 12 opposite the fold line 61A. Optionally, the handle flap 60A may be coupled to the first outer top panel 12 by a frangible connection N. The frangible connection may take the form of a connection notch or bridge between the handle flap 60A and the first outer top panel 12. The frangible connection N may be provided between the free edge of the first outer top panel 12 and one of the cut lines 63A.

The second outside top panel 14 includes a second handle cut-out defined at least in part by a second handle flap 60B. The second handle flap 60B is hingedly connected to the second outer top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61B. The articulation may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment being arcuate or curvilinear. The second handle flap 60B is at least partially defined at an opposite end by one of a pair of non-linear or arcuate cut lines 63B. The cut line 63B has an inner end proximate the fold line 61B and extends substantially from the curved hinge connection to an outer end disposed at a side edge of the second outer top panel 14; the side edges are at least partially defined by a fold line 15 between the second outer top panel 14 and the first base panel 16.

The first base panel 16 includes a third handle cut-out defined at least in part by the first handle aperture A3. The first handle aperture A3 includes a non-linear or curved edge E1, the curved edge E1 being formed by a non-linear or curved cut line extending between the outer end of one of the pair of cut lines 63B and the outer end of the other of the pair of cut lines 63B.

The second handle flap 60B may be defined in part by a linear cut line extending between the outer end of one of the pair of cut lines 63B and the outer end of the other of the pair of cut lines 63B. The linear cut line may be collinear with the fold line 15.

The second base panel 16 includes a fourth handle cutout defined at least in part by the second handle aperture A4. The second handle aperture A4 is partially punched from the second base panel 16 and partially punched from the first inner roof panel 20.

The second handle aperture A4 defines a fifth handle cutout in the first inner top panel 20.

The second handle aperture A4 defines a second non-linear or curved edge E2 in the second base panel 16. The second handle aperture A4 defines a third non-linear or curved edge E3 in the first inner roof panel 20.

The second inner top panel 22 includes a sixth handle cut-out defined at least in part by a recess R punched from a free edge of the second inner top panel 22 opposite the hinged connection to the first inner top panel 20. The recess R defines a fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 in the second roof panel 22.

The third nonlinear or curved edge E3 and the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 define a waist in the inner roof panel 20/22. In the blank form, the third nonlinear or curved edge E3 is spaced apart from the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 by a first minimum dimension D1.

Fold lines 61A and 61B define a waist in the outer top panel 12/14. In the blank form, fold line 61A is spaced from fold line 61B by a second minimum dimension D2.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second minimum dimension D2 is greater than the first minimum dimension D1, (D2 > D1).

The first minimum dimension D1 between the third non-linear or curved edge E3 and the fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 is smaller than the second distance W1 between the opposing engagement edges E8 of the at least one first article receiving aperture A5 (D1 < W1).

A second smallest dimension D2 between fold line 61A and fold line 61B is greater than a second distance W2 between opposing engagement edges E7 of the at least one second article receiving aperture A1, (D2 > W2).

The first nonlinear or curved edge E1 and the second nonlinear or curved edge E2 define a waist in the substrate 16/18. In the blank form, the first nonlinear or curved edge E1 is spaced apart from the second nonlinear or curved edge E2 by a third minimum dimension D3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first minimum dimension D1 is greater than the third minimum dimension D3, (D1 > D3).

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the blank 10 may be folded to form a package 90.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as shown in fig. 1B-1D, the carton 90 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operations. The folding process is not limited to the process described below and may be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

As shown in fig. 1B, the second inner top panel 22 is folded about the fold line 21 relative to the first inner top panel 20 to be in face contacting relationship therewith.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer top panel 14. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the second inner roof panel 22.

As shown in fig. 1C, the first inner top panel 20, the second inner top panel 22, and the second base panel 18 are folded about the fold line 17 relative to the first base panel 16 such that the first base panel 16 is in face contacting relationship with the second base panel 18 and the second outer top panel 14 is in face contacting relationship with the second inner top panel 22. The second outer roof panel 14 is secured to the second inner roof panel 22.

As shown in fig. 1C, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner roof panel 20. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first outer top panel 12.

As shown in fig. 1D, the first outer top panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 relative to the second outer top panel 14. The first outer top panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship with the second outer top panel 14. The first outer top panel 12 is secured to the second outer top panel 14.

In this way, a flat collapsed tubular structure 10B is formed.

Thereby forming a flat collapsed carrier 10B as shown in fig. 1D. The flat collapsed carrier 10B can be easily transported or distributed in a flat state to a factory for erecting and loading main product containers.

The flat collapsed carrier 10B may be opened into a tubular configuration by expanding the bottom wall 16/18 to bring the first and second base plates 16, 18 into a substantially coplanar relationship with one another.

Once the carrier 90 is erected, the carrier 90 may be loaded with a set of articles B; in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, 3 and 4, two articles B are arranged in a1 x 2 array.

The group of articles B may be loaded through the bottom wall 16/18 with an upper portion of the articles B, which may include a lid or end closure C, and optionally a neck flange F, inserted into the carrier 90. Each article retention structure RT receives a portion of a respective article B. The teeth 40 are displaced towards the inside of the tubular structure. Teeth 40 may optionally engage article B under flange F (see fig. 4), a tab, undercut or other suitable feature of article B or end closure C thereof.

The upper portion of the article B is received in openings in the inner and outer top walls 20/22, 12/14 provided by the first and second article receiving apertures A5, A1. Each second article-receiving aperture A1 is disposed in vertical alignment with a respective one of the first article-receiving apertures A5.

The opposite edge E7 of the second article-receiving aperture A1 and the opposite edge E8 of the first article-receiving aperture A5 engage the article B below a flange F (see fig. 4), tab, undercut or other suitable feature of the article B or its end closure C. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing edges E7, E7 and E8, E8 are the primary bottle engaging edges, and thus the inner and outer top walls 20/22/12/14 are primarily subjected to the loads of the bottles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular structure does not extend above the uppermost end of the article B or its end closure C, as best shown in fig. 4. In other words, the hinged connection, fold line 13, between the first and second outer top panels 12, 14 defines a ridge or apex disposed at a height below the uppermost end of the article B or its end closure C.

The second inner top panel 22 and the first outer top panel 14 and the first base panel 16 define an angle therebetween that is an acute angle.

The first and second inner top panels 20, 12 and the second base panel 18 define an angle therebetween that is an acute angle.

The user may grasp the carrier 90 to carry the article B. In so doing, the first handle flap 60A and the second handle flap 60B may be folded out of the plane of the respective one of the first and second outer top panels 12, 14 to which they are hingedly connected.

The first handle flap 60A is received in a recess in the tubular structure provided by the second handle aperture A4, the second handle aperture A4 defining or providing a recess in the second base panel 18 and a recess in the first roof panel 20 in the erected condition.

The second handle flap 60B is received in the recess provided by the first handle aperture A3 and the recess R in the tubular structure, the first handle aperture A3 defining or providing a recess in the first base panel 16 and the recess R providing a recess in the second roof panel 22 in the erected condition.

The edge of the first handle flap 60A defined by the cut line 63A may be joined with portions of the second and third non-linear or curved edges E2, E3.

The edge of the second handle flap 60B defined by the cut line 63B may engage portions of the first and fourth non-linear or curved edges E1, E4.

The area of the bottom wall 16/18 disposed between the article retention features RT and at least partially defined between the first and second handle apertures A3, A4 may be deformed or upwardly displaced. This region of the bottom wall 16/18 may be curved upwardly at its center or middle so that the bottom wall 16/18 appears concave when viewed from below.

The inner surfaces of the first and second handle flaps 60A,60B may be brought into contacting relationship with a respective one of the first and second nonlinear or curved edges E1, E2.

In use, the inner surfaces of the first and second handle flaps 60A,60B may be folded sufficiently to form a substantially face-to-face relationship with the bottom wall 16/18.

In the erect state, the third non-linear or curved edge E3 may be vertically aligned with the second non-linear or curved edge E2.

In the erect state, the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 may be vertically aligned with the first nonlinear or curved edge E1.

The curved or non-linear fold lines 61A,61B and/or the first and second non-linear or curved edges E1, E2 may cause the bottom wall 16/18 to deform, and the bottom wall 16/18 may deform or bend in a direction generally transverse to the fold line 17 hinging the first substrate 16 to the second substrate 18.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forming walls of a tubular structure and defining an interior of the article carrier 90. These walls include bottom walls 16/18 and top walls 12/14, 20/22. The top walls 12/14, 20/22 may include an outer top wall 12/14 and an inner top wall 20/22. At least one of the bottom wall 16/18 and the top walls 12/14, 20/22 may include an article retention structure for engaging an article to provide a top gripping article carrier 90. At least a portion of the top walls 12/14, 20/22 may be of a double layer construction.

The inner top wall 20/22 may include a first inner top panel 20 and a second inner top panel 22 that are hinged to each other by providing a hinged connection of an inner spine 21.

The outer top wall 12/14 may include a first outer top panel 12 and a second outer top panel 14 that are hinged to each other by providing a hinged connection of the outer spine 13.

The inner ridge line 21 is disposed in contacting relation with the outer ridge line 13 or at least in close proximity to the outer ridge line 13.

The present disclosure provides a handle structure and blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14;20. 22, the handle panels are around their hinge lines 13;21 are arranged at an angle; and at least one reinforcing plate 14;20. plates 14, 22; 12. 22 have handle flaps 60A,60B hinged along non-linear fold lines 61A, 61B. Plates 14, 22; 12. 22 has a non-linear edge E3 located below the non-linear fold lines 61A, 61B; E4.

the present disclosure provides a handle structure and blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 including a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14;20. 22, which surround the hinged connection 13;21 are arranged at an angle; and at least one reinforcing plate 14;20. at least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an outer panel having handle flaps 60A,60B hinged along non-linear fold lines 61A, 61B. At least a second one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge E3 located below the non-linear fold line 61A, 61B; E4.

the present disclosure provides a handle structure and blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14;20. 22, the handle panels are around their hinge lines 13;21 are arranged at an angle; and at least one reinforcing plate 14;20. the pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14;20. 22 and the at least one reinforcing plate 14;20 form an outer panel having handle flaps 60A,60B hinged along non-linear fold lines 61A, 61B. The pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14;20. 22 and at least one reinforcing plate 14;20 have a nonlinear edge E3 located below the nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B; E4.

the present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier 90, comprising an engagement panel 16/18 having a fold line 17 and at least one engagement device RT interrupting the fold line 17. The engagement means RT has an annular series of engagement teeth 40. The series of teeth 40 includes diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless regions (such as cuts 43A, 43B) aligned with fold line 17.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the size and shape of the plates and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

It will be appreciated that directional references, such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "rear", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower", as used herein, do not necessarily limit the respective plates to such an orientation, but merely serve to distinguish the plates from one another.

As used herein, the terms "hinge connection" and "fold line" refer to all manner of lines that define the hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicate the optimal panel folding position of the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single fold line; in practice, the hinged connection may be formed by two or more fold lines, wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When the linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be arranged parallel to each other or slightly angled relative to each other. When the curvilinear crease lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect one another to define a shaped panel in the area enclosed by the curvilinear crease lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a pair of arcuate or curved fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical plate therebetween. The hinged connection may be formed by one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a combination of linear fold lines and arcuate or curved fold lines that intersect at two points such that a meniscus is defined therebetween.

As used herein, the term "polyline" may refer to one of the following: score lines, embossed lines, debossed lines, perforated lines, short slits, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, intermittent cut lines, aligned slits, scored lines, and any combination of the foregoing.

It should be appreciated that the hinged connection and the fold line may each include elements formed in the base material of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, intermittent cut lines, slits, scores, embossed lines, debossed lines, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements may be sized and arranged to provide a desired function. For example, the perforation lines may be sized or designed with a degree of weakness to define fold lines and/or cut lines. The perforation lines may be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and to facilitate breaking with greater force, or to facilitate breaking with less force.

The phrase "aligned" as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of the two overlapping panels. Those elements that are aligned with each other may be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping plates. For example, when an aperture in a first plate is "aligned" with a second aperture in a second plate, the second plate is placed in overlapping arrangement with the first plate, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture, and may be aligned with the second aperture in a thickness direction of the first and second plates.

Claims (21)

1. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein at least an outer panel of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line, and wherein an inner panel of the panels has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

2. A handle structure comprising a plurality of panels, comprising:

a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween; and

at least one reinforcing plate;

wherein at least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and at least a second of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

3. The handle structure of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a base panel comprising at least one second nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

4. The handle structure of claim 3, wherein the handle flap engages the second non-linear edge.

5. The handle structure of claim 4, wherein the handle flap comprises at least one engagement edge that engages the second non-linear edge.

6. The handle structure of claim 4, wherein the at least one engagement edge is defined by a cut line separating a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

7. The handle structure of claim 3, wherein the base panel is curved inwardly toward the hinged connection between the pair of hinged handle panels.

8. The handle structure of claim 3, wherein in the unfolded state, the handle flap extends below the base panel.

9. The handle structure of claim 2, wherein the at least one reinforcement panel is hinged to one of the pair of hinged handle panels by a base panel.

10. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection and at least one reinforcing panel, at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forming an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line, and at least a second of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel having a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

11. A handle structure comprising a plurality of panels, comprising:

a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween; and

a pair of hinged stiffening plates disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween;

wherein the pair of hinged handle panels form an outer panel, at least one of the outer panels comprising a handle flap hinged to the at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels along a non-linear fold line, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcement panels form an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with a corresponding one of the outer panels, and wherein at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcement panels comprises a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

12. The handle structure of claim 11, wherein the pair of hinged handle panels are hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcement panels by a base panel.

13. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising an engagement panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging means interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging means has an annular series of engaging teeth, and wherein the series of teeth includes diagonally opposed toothless regions aligned with the fold line.

14. The article carrier of claim 13, wherein each opposing toothless zone is provided by one of the following features: cut-outs, recesses, grooves, slits, cut lines, and severable lines.

15. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising an engagement panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging means interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging means has an annular series of engaging teeth, and wherein the series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts aligned with the fold line.

16. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising an engagement panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging means interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging means has an annular series of engaging teeth, and wherein the series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts aligned with the fold line.

17. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising an engagement panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging means interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging means has an annular series of engaging teeth, and wherein the series of teeth includes diagonally opposed toothless regions aligned with the fold line.

18. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein at least an outer panel of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line, and wherein an inner panel of the panels has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

19. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising:

a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween; and

at least one reinforcing plate;

wherein at least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and at least a second of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

20. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle panels and at least one reinforcing panel, at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forming an outer panel having handle flaps hinged along a non-linear fold line, and at least a second of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel having a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

21. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a plurality of panels, comprising:

a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween; and

a pair of hinged stiffening plates disposed at an angle about a hinged connection therebetween;

wherein the pair of hinged handle panels form an outer panel, at least one of the outer panels comprising a handle flap hinged to the at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels along a non-linear fold line, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcement panels form an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with a corresponding one of the outer panels, and wherein the at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcement panels comprises a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.