EP1334033B1 - Carton - Google Patents

Carton Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1334033B1
EP1334033B1 EP01992675A EP01992675A EP1334033B1 EP 1334033 B1 EP1334033 B1 EP 1334033B1 EP 01992675 A EP01992675 A EP 01992675A EP 01992675 A EP01992675 A EP 01992675A EP 1334033 B1 EP1334033 B1 EP 1334033B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
strap
top panel
handle
main
carton
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP01992675A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1334033A2 (en
Inventor
Tamio Ikeda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Original Assignee
Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC filed Critical Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Publication of EP1334033A2 publication Critical patent/EP1334033A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1334033B1 publication Critical patent/EP1334033B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
    • B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
    • B65D71/36—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers, with end walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
    • B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00456—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00456—Handles or suspending means integral with the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00469—Straps made between two handholes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00518—Handles or suspending means with reinforcements
    • B65D2571/00524—Handles or suspending means with reinforcements integral
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00537—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means
    • B65D2571/00543—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means consisting of cut-outs, slits, or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00432—Handles or suspending means
    • B65D2571/00537—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means
    • B65D2571/00549—Handles or suspending means with stress relieving means consisting of fold lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00555—Wrapper opening devices
    • B65D2571/00561—Lines of weakness
    • B65D2571/00567—Lines of weakness defining a narrow removable strip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
    • B65D2571/00654—Blanks
    • B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
    • B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
    • B65D2571/00728—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls being closed by gluing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
    • B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
    • B65D2571/00833—Other details of wrappers
    • B65D2571/0087—Special features for machine processing, e.g. gripper apertures
    • B65D2571/00876—Frangible bridges left into cut lines for facilitating folding operations

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to cartons useful to package articles such as cans, and more particularly to a carton having a strap handle by which it may be carried.
  • a type of conventional carton includes a base panel, a pair of side wall panels hingedly connected to the opposed side edges of the base panel, a top panel hingedly connected to the upper edge of one of the side wall panels and a pair of partial end wall panels foldably connected to the opposed end edges of the top panel and extending toward the base panel.
  • Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-502148 discloses a carton of the above type, having a handle strap connected to the partial end wall panels along vertical fold lines so that the carton may be carried by the strap handle.
  • the handle may be formed from the material located adjacent to the top panel at an end of the carton blank. This is of benefit because a second top panel such as shown in US Patent No.
  • 5,639,017 may be omitted from the blank, which would save the cost of the carton material.
  • the handle strap of the above Japanese publication is glued to the underside of the top panel as well as to that of the so-called "suitcase handle” formed integrally with the top panel.
  • it is required in order to grip the strap that the carton (the top panel in particular) be forcibly deformed within its tolerance to create a hand room under the handle strap. This is a drawback from a standpoint of an end user because it is simply difficult: to grip the handle strap.
  • US Patent 5 738 273 discloses a carton for beverage containers substantially similar to the pre-characterising portion of the claimed invention.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising a plurality of main panels including first and second top panels, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel, hingedly connected to form an open ended tubular sleeve, wherein the second top panel is secured to an underside of the first top panel, the carton further comprising first and second end flaps hingedly connected to the first and second top panels respectively and a strap handle exposed to view in a finger aperture defined in the top panel which includes a main strap having a medial portion extending parallel to the top panels and disposed slidably with respect to an underside of the first top panel, characterised in that opposite end portions of the strap handle are hinged to respective ones of the first end flaps along a fold line which extends parallel to a notional line which itself extends between the top and bottom panels, and wherein each of the opposite end portions of the strap handle is secured between a respective one of the first end flaps and a respective one of the second end flaps.
  • the strap handle further includes an outside strap disposed along an upper surface of the main strap, and the outside strap is formed from the top panel, extends across the finger aperture and is connected at opposite ends thereof to the top panel by tear lines respectively.
  • the strap handle includes a reinforcing strap extending along and hingedly connected to the main strap, the reinforcing strap being secured to the main strap.
  • the reinforcing strap is disposed along an underside of the main strap.
  • the strap handle further includes a secondary strap formed from the second top panel and extending along an underside of the main strap.
  • the reinforcing strap is secured to an upper surface of the main strap
  • the outside strap is secured to an upper surface of the reinforcing strap
  • the secondary strap is secured to an underside of the main strap.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton comprising a plurality of main panels including first and.second top panels, a pair of side panels and a bottom panel and further comprising first and second end flaps hingedly connected to the first and second top panels respectively and a strap handle which includes a main strap having a medial portion which in the carton extends parallel to the top panels and is disposed slidably with respect to an underside of the first top panel, characterised in that opposite end portions of the strap handle are hingedly connected to each of the first end flaps respectively along fold lines which extend parallel to a notional line extending between the top and bottom panels and wherein each of the opposite end portions of the strap handle are adapted to be secured between a respective one of the first end flaps and a respective one of the second end flaps.
  • the strap handle further includes an outside strap disposed along an upper surface of the main strap, and the outside strap is formed from the top panel, extends across the finger aperture and is connected at opposite ends thereof to the top panel by tear lines respectively.
  • the strap handle includes a reinforcing strap extending along and hingedly connected to the main strap, the reinforcing strap being secured to the main strap.
  • the reinforcing strap is disposed along an underside of the main strap.
  • the strap handle further includes a secondary strap formed from the second top panel and extending along an underside of the main strap.
  • the reinforcing strap is secured to an upper surface of the main strap
  • the outside strap is secured to an upper surface of the reinforcing strap
  • the secondary strap is secured to an underside of the main strap.
  • FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3 shows a blank from which the carton of the invention is erected.
  • the blank is essentially rectangular in shape and is formed, in this embodiment, of paperboard. However, the blank may be formed of similar foldable material such as a plastic sheet.
  • the blank 1 of this embodiment is designed for packaging twelve 500-ml beer cans arranged in three rows of four cans each.
  • the blank 1 includes a rectangular base panel 2 located about midway along the length of the blank.
  • a pair of bevelled panels 4 are connected to the opposite end edges of the base panel 2 along fold lines 3 respectively. When the blank is erected into a carton, the bevelled panels 4 are disposed at an angle with respect to the base panel 2.
  • each bevelled panel 4 is designed to correspond to the shape of each can that is to be packaged in the carton.
  • a pair of lower end flaps 6 are connected to the bevelled panels 4 along fold lines 5 respectively. When the blank 1 is erected into a carton, the lower end flaps 6 extend toward a top panel 15 that is described later.
  • each side wall panel 8A and 8B are connected to the base panel 2 along fold lines 7 and 7 respectively.
  • Each side wall panel is provided at its opposite end edges with side end flaps 10A and 10B.
  • These end flaps 10A and 10B are connected to the respective side wall panel along fold lines 9.
  • the length of each end flap 10A and 10B along a notional line perpendicular to the length of the blank is about 57% of the width of the associated side wall panel along the length of the blank.
  • the side end flaps 10A and 10A are generally rectangular in shape.
  • Each side end flap 10A includes a vertically extending tear strip 11 for tearing the carton wall to access the contents of the carton.
  • Each side end flap 10A further includes a pair of sloping panels 13A and 13B connected along fold lines 12 and 12 respectively.
  • the side end flaps 10B and 10B are of generally a trapezoidal configuration.
  • first top panel 15 At the side edge of the side wall panel 8A opposite to the fold line 7, there is provided a first top panel 15 while at the side edge of the side wall panel 8B opposite to the fold line 7, there is provided a second top panel 15B.
  • These top panels 15A and 15B are connected to the side wall panels 8A and 8B along fold lines 14 and 14 respectively.
  • the top panel 15A is rectangular in shape in a similar manner to the base panel 2.
  • the first top panel 15A is provided at its opposite end edges with bevelled panels 17A and 17A. These bevelled panels 17A are connected to the top panel 15A along fold lines 16 and 16 respectively.
  • a pair of upper end flaps 19A and 19A are connected to the bevelled panels 17A and 17A along fold lines 18 and 18 respectively.
  • the upper end flaps 19A are designed to extend toward the base panel 2 when the blank 1 is erected into a carton.
  • a pair of tear lines 20 and 20 are disposed side by side at a space. These tear lines 20 and 20 extend almost across the top panel 15A. However the ends of the tear lines 20 are spaced apart from the adjacent fold lines 16.
  • the tear lines 20 and 20 are positioned and shaped to be symmetrical about a notional longitudinal center line of the top panel 15A.
  • Each tear line 20 has an arched portion 21 midway between its opposite ends.
  • a finger aperture 22 is defined between the arched portions 21 and 21 of the tear lines 20 and 20 so that the fingers of a user may be inserted into the aperture 22 to carry the carton.
  • C-shaped cuts 20a are provided to prevent undesired tear of the top panel 15A.
  • a fold line 23 emanates from each C-shaped cut 20a and extends to the adjacent corner of the top panel 15A. These fold lines 23 serve to cause uniform deformation of the top panel 15A when the carton is carried by a strap handle that is described below.
  • a strap handle 25 is connected at its opposite ends to the upper end flaps 19A and 19A along mutually aligned spaced fold lines 24 and 24.
  • the strap handle 25 is generally C-shaped, extends along the free side edge 28A of the first top panel 15A and connected thereto along a tear line 27 that has its opposite ends curved toward the top panel 15A.
  • Each fold line 24 is disposed at the outer end of the associated upper end flap 19A.
  • the fold lines 24 are disposed parallel to the fold line 14 between the side wall panel 8A and the top panel 15A.
  • the locations of the fold lines 14 are designed such that when the strap handle 25 is folded 180 degrees along the fold lines 24, a part of the strap handle 25 may be viewed within the finger aperture 22.
  • the fold lines 24 are offset from the free side edge 28A toward the fold line 14. This arrangement requires less material than a conventional arrangement wherein the fold lines 24 are aligned with the free side edge of a top panel.
  • the length of each fold line 24 is about 70% of the width of the associated partial end panel 19A.
  • the strap handle 25 comprises a main strap 29 formed integrally with the aforesaid ends 26 and 26, and a reinforcing strap 31 disposed parallel to the main strap 29 and connected thereto by a tear line 30.
  • the main strap 29 and the reinforcing strap 31 are of generally the same width.
  • the reinforcing strap 31 is folded 180 degrees along the partial tear line 30, the straps 29 and 31 are brought into a face-contacting relationship.
  • the strap handle 25 is folded along the fold lines 24 and 24 so that the central portion of the strap handle 25 is exposed to view within the finger aperture 22.
  • the strap handle 25 has fold lines 32 and 33 that are aligned with the fold lines 16 and 18 respectively.
  • the second top panel 15B is adapted to be glued to the underside of the first top panel 15A.
  • the width of the second top panel 15B is about 40 % of that of the first top panel 15A so that the free side edge 28B of the second top panel 15B is positioned in registry with one of the tear lines 20 of the first top panel 15A when a carton is set up.
  • a notch 34 is formed at a central location along the free side edge 28B. This notch 34 is adapted to be positioned in registry with a part of the finger aperture 22 upon erection of a carton so that it does not block the finger aperture 22.
  • the first and second top panels 15A and 15B are of the same length.
  • a pair of bevelled panels 17B and 17B are connected to the opposite end edges of the second top panel 15B along fold lines 16 and 16, and a pair of second top flaps 19B and 19B are connected to the bevelled panels 17B and 17B along fold lines 18 and 18.
  • the bevelled panels 17B and 17B are designed to be inclined to the second top panel 15A so that the angle of inclination of each bevelled panel 17B corresponds to the shape of each can to be packaged in the carton.
  • the second upper end flaps 19B and 19B are adapted to extend toward the base panel 2 in an erected carton.
  • a secondary strap 36 is provided along the free side edge 28B of the second top panel 15 and it is extended between the bevelled panels 17B and 17B.
  • the secondary strap 36 is connected at its opposite ends to the bevelled panels 17B and 17B along fold lines 35 and 35.
  • the secondary strap 36 has a width generally equal to that of each of the straps 29 and 31.
  • a web 38 is provided to connect between each side end flap and the adjacent upper or lower end flap and it is formed with an opening 37 to avoid crowing of material at the respective carton corner when a carton is erected.
  • the blank 1 requires a series of sequential folding and securing operations which can be performed in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction.
  • the folding process is not limited to that described below and can be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.
  • the first step is to apply glue to the inside surface of the main strap 29 or the reinforcing strap 31.
  • the reinforcing strap 31 is then folded along the partial tear line 30 onto the inside surface of the main strap 29.
  • Glue is then applied to the opposite end portions of the reinforcing strap 31, and the straps 29 and 31 or strap handle 25 is folded 180 degrees about the fold lines 24 and 24. This secures the opposite end portions of the strap handle 25 to the inside surfaces of the upper end flaps 19A and 19A and brings the central portion of the strap handle 25 to the position where it is exposed to view within the finger aperture 22.
  • the next step is to apply glue to the respective outer surfaces of the second top panel 15B, the second upper end flaps 19B and 19B and the secondary strap 36 and to manipulate the blank 1 to bring the first top panel 15A onto the outer surface of the second top panel 15B.
  • This turns the blank 1 into a flat tubular structure.
  • the flat tubular blank is then expanded by folding the panels 2, 8A, 8B, 15A and 15B along the fold lines 7, 7, 14 and 14 so that the side wall panels 8A and 8B are separated to take spaced opposed positions. This results in the formation of an erected tubular structure formed from the top and base panels and the side wall panels 18A and 18B as well as in the formation of a three-ply strap handle, which is best shown in FIG. 2.
  • Articles such as cans are then loaded into the tubular carton through one or both of its opposite open ends.
  • the upper and lower end flaps 19A, 19B and 6 at the opposite ends of the tubular structure are folded into vertical positions, followed by the side end flaps 10B folded inwardly into their respective closed positions.
  • Glue is applied to the upper and lower end flaps 19A, 19B and 6 and the side end flaps 10B and then side end flaps 10A are folded to their closed positions, which results in the complete carton C shown in FIG. 1.
  • the composite top wall 15 is formed of the first and second top panels 15A and 15B and is provided with a finger aperture 22.
  • the topmost strap or reinforcing strap 31 is not glued to but simply in contact with the inside surface or underside of the top wall 15. Therefore, when the upper end flaps 19A and 19B are folded into their closed positions, the tautness of the strap handle 25 across the composite top wall 15 is reduced so that in effect, the strap handle 25 which is free of restraint of the top wall 15 or top panels 15A and 15B becomes slack and the central portion of the strap handle 25 bows upwardly and protrudes through the finger aperture 22.
  • the central portion of the strap handle 25 is bowed upwardly proud of the top wall 15 into a position for ready use where a hand room under the strap handle 25 is readily available for a user.
  • FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the second embodiment of the present invention. Like reference numerals have been used for like parts of the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the first embodiment are described in any greater detail.
  • FIG. 6 shows a blank 1A from which the carton of the second embodiment is assembled.
  • the blank 1A has a strap handle 25A of a three-ply structure including a main strap 29, reinforcing strap 31 and secondary strap 36.
  • the first top panel 15A of the blank 1A is provided at its central area with a pair of laterally spaced tear lines 20 and 20 that extends to the vicinities of each bevelled panel 17A.
  • Each tear line 20 has an intermediate arched portion 21A.
  • the arched portions 21A and 21A of the tear lines 20 and 20 are concavely curved toward each other to define therebetween a finger aperture 22A.
  • the distance between the arched portion is greater than that between the arched portions in the previous embodiment.
  • the free side edge 28B of the second top panel 15B has a notch 34A formed therealong.
  • the size of the notch 34A is also larger than that of the notch 34 in the previous embodiment.
  • the strap handle 25A further includes an outside strap 41 formed from the first top panel 15A.
  • the outside strap 41 extends longitudinally across the finger aperture 22A and is connected at its opposite ends to the top panel 15A along tear lines 40 and 40.
  • the outside strap 41 is disposed on the upper or outside surface of the reinforcing strap 31 that is glued to the upper or outside surface of the main strap 29.
  • the outside strap 41 include a rectangular strap body 42 positioned directly on the reinforcing strap 31 and a pair of cushion flaps 44 and 44 connected to the strap body 42 along fold lines 43 and 43.
  • the process for setting up a carton from the blank 1A is also virtually identical to that of the first embodiment. However, how to handle the outside strap 41 together with its function is described hereinafter.
  • the reinforcing strap 31 is glued, at least in part, to the underside of the outside strap 41.
  • the reinforcing strap 31 that is in contact with the underside of the first top panel 15A is free of restraint of the top wall 15.
  • only connections between the strap handle 25A and the top wall 15 are provided by the tear lines 40 and 40. Therefore, when the strap handle 25A is pulled upwardly in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5, the outside strap 41 is severed from the top wall 15 along the tear lines 40 and 40. By this means, the strap handle 25A becomes completely free of restraint of the top wall 15.
  • the pulled-out portion of the strap handle 25A can create a bow as shown in FIG. 5 wherein a hand room under the strap handle 25A is readily available for a user.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the third embodiment of the invention that is applied to a carton blank.
  • the number of the straps that constitute the strap handle is two instead of three that is the case in the second embodiment.
  • the other structure of the carton of the third embodiment is virtually identical to that of the second embodiment.
  • Like reference numerals have been used for like parts of the second embodiment and therefore only the differences from the second embodiment are described in any greater detail.
  • the carton blank 1B has a strap handle 25B that includes a main strap 29 and a reinforcing strap 31.
  • the strap handle 25B is not provided with a secondary strap 36 which was in the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the lower end edge 28B of the blank 1B is completely free of any carton members.
  • the blank 1B further differs from the blanks of the preceding embodiments in that it is not formed with C-shaped cut 20a that is provided at each end of the tear lines 20 and 20 in the preceding embodiments.
  • the other structure of the carton is virtually identical to that of the second embodiment.
  • reinforcing strap 31 may be omitted from the carton or it may be glued to the underside of the main strap 29. It should be also apparent that the second top panel 15B may be replaced by a small-sized panel that merely serves as a glue flap, which would reduce the material cost of the carton.
  • the process for setting up a carton from the blank 1B of FIG. 7 is also virtually identical to that of the second embodiment except that the process for erecting the blank 1B does not include the steps for manipulating a secondary strap 36.
  • the carton of the third embodiment may be used to package lightweight articles such as those having a less weight than the articles packaged in the carton of the second embodiment.
  • hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of one of the following, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
EP01992675A 2000-10-24 2001-10-24 Carton Expired - Lifetime EP1334033B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000323530A JP4695252B2 (ja) 2000-10-24 2000-10-24 カートン
JP2000323530 2000-10-24
PCT/US2001/045113 WO2002036440A2 (en) 2000-10-24 2001-10-24 Carton for beverage containers with strap type carrying handle

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1334033A2 EP1334033A2 (en) 2003-08-13
EP1334033B1 true EP1334033B1 (en) 2006-01-04

Family

ID=18801182

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP01992675A Expired - Lifetime EP1334033B1 (en) 2000-10-24 2001-10-24 Carton

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1334033B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP4695252B2 (ja)
AR (1) AR040923A1 (ja)
AT (1) ATE314975T1 (ja)
AU (1) AU2002227078A1 (ja)
CA (1) CA2427925C (ja)
DE (1) DE60116529T2 (ja)
ES (1) ES2256327T3 (ja)
MX (1) MXPA03003462A (ja)
WO (1) WO2002036440A2 (ja)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9845182B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2017-12-19 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
US11325764B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2022-05-10 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton for articles

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB0813995D0 (en) * 2008-07-31 2008-09-10 Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Handle structure for packaging
CN102282080B (zh) 2009-01-16 2012-11-07 印刷包装国际公司 带有增强插入件的纸箱、坯件和形成纸箱的方法
CA2751509C (en) 2009-03-17 2014-07-29 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with reinforced top panel
AU2010273467B2 (en) 2009-07-14 2013-07-04 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with insert
WO2011026011A2 (en) 2009-08-28 2011-03-03 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with insert
US8439194B2 (en) 2010-05-25 2013-05-14 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with insert
WO2012009502A2 (en) * 2010-07-15 2012-01-19 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
US8356743B2 (en) 2010-09-17 2013-01-22 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with insert
JP5728286B2 (ja) * 2011-04-27 2015-06-03 花王株式会社 持ち手付き包装箱
BR112014025016B1 (pt) 2012-04-27 2021-05-25 Graphic Packaging International, Llc embalagem para acondicionamento de uma pluralidade de recipientes, combinação, e método para formar uma embalagem de acondicionamento para acondicionar uma pluralidade de recipientes
WO2014014505A1 (en) 2012-07-17 2014-01-23 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with article protection flap
US9073663B2 (en) 2012-07-17 2015-07-07 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with insert
DK2911941T3 (en) * 2012-10-24 2017-04-10 Westrock Packaging Systems Llc Packing with a belt grip, a belt grip and a blank to form a package with a belt grip
WO2014130788A1 (en) 2013-02-22 2014-08-28 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
BR112015026720A2 (pt) 2013-05-13 2017-08-22 Graphic Packaging Int Inc Embalagem destinada a acondicionar uma pluralidade de recipientes, combinação de uma blanqueta de formação de embalagem e de uma blanqueta de formação de inserto, e método de formação de uma embalagem destinada a acondicionar uma pluralidade de recipientes
WO2014186267A1 (en) 2013-05-13 2014-11-20 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with insert
US10384846B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2019-08-20 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Arrangement of containers in a carton
US9598202B2 (en) 2013-07-24 2017-03-21 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
WO2015089141A1 (en) 2013-12-10 2015-06-18 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with article protection features
CA2936590A1 (en) 2014-02-28 2015-09-03 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with article protection features
EP3116796B1 (en) 2014-03-11 2019-05-08 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Carton with insert
US10322845B2 (en) 2014-03-11 2019-06-18 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with insert
WO2016057334A1 (en) * 2014-10-06 2016-04-14 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Carton and carton blank and a handle structure therefor
CA2964516C (en) 2014-10-15 2023-03-21 Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc Carton and carton blank
EP3212532B1 (en) 2014-10-30 2019-07-03 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Carton with handle
NZ741201A (en) 2015-11-18 2019-09-27 Graphic Packaging Int Llc Carton with handle
GB201712506D0 (en) * 2017-08-03 2017-09-20 Mars Inc Packaging
EP3863936A4 (en) 2018-10-09 2022-07-20 Graphic Packaging International, LLC CARTON WITH HANDLE
EP4153502A1 (en) 2020-05-22 2023-03-29 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Carton for containers
USD966098S1 (en) 2020-07-14 2022-10-11 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5221041A (en) * 1992-10-27 1993-06-22 The Mead Corporation Carrier handle structure
JPH0732420Y2 (ja) * 1993-05-28 1995-07-26 レンゴー株式会社 包装箱
US5368194A (en) * 1993-08-31 1994-11-29 The Mead Corporation Roll-out dispenser for a beverage carton
US5482203A (en) * 1993-09-03 1996-01-09 The Mead Corporation Handle reinforcement for a carton
GB9413862D0 (en) * 1994-07-08 1994-08-24 Mead Corp Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
US5639017A (en) 1996-05-17 1997-06-17 Riverwood International Corporation Article carrier with integral handle
US5826783A (en) * 1997-06-09 1998-10-27 The Mead Corporation Two-tier can package having divider panel and method of forming the same

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11325764B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2022-05-10 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton for articles
US9845182B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2017-12-19 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton with handle
USD811218S1 (en) 2015-05-07 2018-02-27 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Carton
USD824758S1 (en) 2015-05-07 2018-08-07 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton
US10233000B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2019-03-19 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with handle
US10556730B2 (en) 2015-05-07 2020-02-11 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Carton with handle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2002128064A (ja) 2002-05-09
CA2427925C (en) 2007-07-31
AU2002227078A1 (en) 2002-05-15
EP1334033A2 (en) 2003-08-13
AR040923A1 (es) 2005-04-27
ES2256327T3 (es) 2006-07-16
MXPA03003462A (es) 2005-04-29
DE60116529D1 (de) 2006-03-30
DE60116529T2 (de) 2006-09-21
WO2002036440A3 (en) 2002-07-11
CA2427925A1 (en) 2002-05-10
JP4695252B2 (ja) 2011-06-08
WO2002036440A2 (en) 2002-05-10
ATE314975T1 (de) 2006-02-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1334033B1 (en) Carton
US6971572B2 (en) Carton
US9770880B2 (en) Handle and top handle reinforcement for a paperboard carton
US7427011B2 (en) Carton and insert and blank for forming the same
EP0833785B1 (en) Article carrier with reinforced handle
EP0816238B1 (en) Carton for beverage containers with strap type carrying handle
US5595292A (en) Carton having shock-absorbing carrying handle and package formed therefrom
US5197598A (en) Enclosed bottle carrier
US6848573B2 (en) Carton having a handle
US6425520B1 (en) Beverage carrier
US6536656B2 (en) Carton and a handle therefor
US6905066B2 (en) Carton having a strap handle
EP0013479B1 (en) Tubular carton and blank therefor
US7000824B2 (en) Carton and carton blank therefor
US5996883A (en) Carton and a handle therefor
EP1855957B1 (en) Beverage carton with strap type carrying handle
NZ510581A (en) Handled bottle carrier
NZ501908A (en) Carton formed from card with integral handle
CA2379328C (en) Carton and a handle therefor
EP1326788B1 (en) Carton closure structure
EP0754631A1 (en) Beverage carton for bottles with strap type carrying handle
US20210155389A1 (en) Carton and blank therefor
EP1666364A2 (en) Carton and insert and blank for forming the same
WO1994003374A1 (en) Enclosed bottle carrier
EP1474334B1 (en) Carton and carton blank

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20030519

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031202

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20060104

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60116529

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20060330

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060404

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060605

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2256327

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061024

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20061024

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20061025

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20061026

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061031

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20061031

Year of fee payment: 6

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20061124

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20061130

Year of fee payment: 6

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20061005

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: *MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

Effective date: 20071031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060405

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20071024

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 20080501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080501

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061024

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20080630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080501

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20061017

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071024

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060104

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20071025

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071025

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071024