EP1670689A1

EP1670689A1 - Carrier package and carrier structure of package

Info

Publication number: EP1670689A1
Application number: EP04767094A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Riikka Salokannel; Seppo SYRJÄNEN
Original assignee: M Real Oyj; Takon Kotelotehdas Oy
Current assignee: Takon Kotelotehdas Oy
Priority date: 2003-10-06
Filing date: 2004-10-04
Publication date: 2006-06-21
Also published as: JP2007533557A; FI119629B; FI20031458A0; WO2005032960A1; FI20031458A; CN1863708A

Abstract

The invention relates to a carrier package and a carrier structure of the carrier package. A cover (3) of the carrier package comprises an inner portion (3a) and an outer portion (3b) and a handle strip (6) between them. A part of the handle strip (6) can be pulled through an opening (14) on the outer portion (3b) to form a loop-like handle (5) outside the cover (3). The ends of the handle strip (6) are fastened at fastening points (7a, 7b) to the cover and at least one free space (8, 8a, 8b) is formed in advance on the portion between the fasten-ing points that allows shifting the fastening points towards one another.

Description

CARRIER PACKAGE AND CARRIER STRUCTURE OF PACKAGE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a carrier package, inside which several beverage packages are arrangeable, the carrier package comprising a bottom, at least two side walls and a cover; an inner portion and an outer portion of the cover arranged on top of one another; and at least one handle formed on the cover. [0002] The invention also relates to a carrier structure comprising at least one inner supporting layer and at least one outer supporting layer ar- ranged on top of one another; and at least one handle arranged to extend outside the outer supporting layer. [0003] Bottles, cans and similar beverage packages can be packed into carrier packages made of cardboard. The carrier package forms a covering around the beverage packages that keeps the beverage packages inside. The package is typically provided with a handle on the upper part thereof in order to enable an easy handling for the consumer. A known handle is made of plastic material and it may be glued to the cover of the carrier package. A drawback associated with such a carrier structure is that a separate plastic part must be made and assembled to form the handle, which slows down the manufacturing procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved carrier package and a carrier structure. [0005] The carrier package according to the invention is character- ized in that the cover comprises at least one elongated handle strip arranged between the inner portion and the outer portion of the cover, that the handle strip is fastened from a first fastening point and a second fastening point to the cover, that at least one free space is formed in advance on the cover on the portion between the first fastening point and the second fastening point, that the outer portion of the cover is provided with at least one opening through which a part of the handle strip can be pulled outside the outer portion to form a loop-shaped handle, and that the fastening points are arranged to be shifted towards one another when forming the handle. [0006] The carrier structure according to the invention is character- ized in that the carrier structure comprises at least one longitudinal handle strip arranged between the inner supporting layer and the outer supporting layer, that the handle strip is fastened from a first fastening point and a second fastening point to at least one supporting layer, that the carrier structure comprises at least one free space in connection with at least one fastening point, that the outer supporting layer comprises at least one opening through which a part of the handle strip can be pulled outside the outer supporting layer to form a loop-shaped handle, and that at least one fastening point is arranged to be shifted towards the second fastening point when forming the handle. [0007] An essential idea of the invention is that the cover of the car- rier package comprises at least two layers placed on top of one another, i.e. an inner portion and an outer portion. An elongated handle strip is arranged between the inner portion and the outer portion, from where the handle of the carrier package can conveniently be formed when the package is to be handled. The handle strip is fastened from the ends thereof to the cover and the outer portion of the cover is provided with an opening that enables to grip the handle strip on the portion between the fastening points. The cover is further provided with at least one free space formed in advance that allows shifting the fastening points of the handle strip towards one another so that a part of the handle strip that is released as a result of the shift may form a loop-shaped handle outside the cover. [0008] The invention provides such an advantage that the handle is protected by the outer portion of the cover, whereby no strain is placed thereupon before the introduction of the handle. Furthermore, in a resting position the handle does not substantially affect the appearance of the carrier package. The structure also enables to form a firm and large enough handle. [0009] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the ends of the cover are provided with supporting flaps arranged to turn downwards towards the bottom of the carrier package when the handle strip is pulled upwards. Thus the supporting flaps are able to support the beverage packages inside the carrier package, in which case they are unable to fall off. [0010] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the carrier package is made of a single sheet-like blank. This makes the manufacturing of the carrier packages easier and facilitates the handling of the blanks. In addition, the number of manufacturing stages is reduced, and the manufacturing may therefore be faster and the manufacturing costs may be smaller. [0011] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the outer cover of the carrier package and the handle structure are made of packing board. A package made of packing board is durable and it can be burnt or used as recycled fibre. The price of cardboard is also advantageous and high-quality printings can be made thereon. [0012] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the carrier package is made of corrugated paperboard. [0013] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the outer portion of the cover is provided with a tearable reinforcement part that may be fastened to the handle strip. Thus, the reinforcement part may reinforce the structure of the handle. Furthermore, on account of the reinforcement part the outer portion of the cover may be a substantially smooth surface that may be provided with the desired printings. [0014] An essential idea of an embodiment of the invention is that both short sides of the carrier package blank are provided with folded portions so that the thickness of the outer edges on the short sides of the blank is equal. The blank therefore becomes easier to handle and to feed into the packaging machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] In the following the invention will be described in greater detail in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a carrier package according to the invention, Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of the carrier package ac- cording to the invention, Figure 3 schematically shows an end view of the carrier package according to the invention, Figure 4 schematically shows an unfolded view of a blank of the carrier package according to the invention before gluing, Figure 5 schematically shows an unfolded view of the blank shown in Figure 4 after gluing, Figure 6 schematically shows an embodiment of a carrier structure, Figures 7a and 7b schematically show a side view the principle of the carrier handle according to the invention in a resting position and in a carrying position, Figure 8 schematically shows an unfolded view of a second blank of the carrier package according to the invention before gluing, Figure 9 schematically shows an unfolded view of the second blank of the carrier package according to the invention after gluing, Figure 10 schematically shows an unfolded view of a third blank of the carrier package according to the invention before gluing, and Figure 11 schematically shows an unfolded view of the blank shown in Figure 10 after gluing. [0016] For clarity the invention has been explained in simplified form in the Figures. Similar parts are indicated in the Figures with the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0017] Figure 1 shows a carrier package comprising a bottom 1 , at least two side walls 2 and a cover 3. The side walls 2 may be placed at the long side of the package. The short sides of the package, i.e. ends 12, are instead not necessarily provided with walls at all, but the ends 12 may be open. The side walls 2 may be composed of a lower part 2a and an upper part 2b. The lower part 2a may comprise several openings 4a or similar elements in order to keep the lower parts of the bottles in position inside the package. The upper part 2b of the side walls 2 may further be provided with openings 4b or corresponding elements in order to keep the upper parts of the bottles in position. In addition, the side walls 2 of the package may be provided with one or more tearable flaps for taking a bottle out of the carrier package. It is also possible that the side wall is not a planar surface but may be formed of one or more strips or corresponding elements that keep the bottom 1 and the cover 3 together. The cover 3 of the carrier package includes a handle 5 for gripping the carrier package and for carrying the package. The cover 3 may comprise at least two layers on top of each other, in other words an inner layer 3a and an outer layer 3b. The layer 3b outside the cover may be a substantially even sur- face including an opening almost at the centre thereof from where the handle 5 can if necessary be pulled out to form a loop on the side of the outer surface of the cover 3. The handle 5 can be dimensioned so as to sufficiently protrude to the side of the outer surface of the cover 3. Thus the handle 5 provides a firm grip and the package feels good to handle. When carrier packages are ar- ranged on top of one another on a pallet or in a transport package, the hidden handle 5 does not in any way impede the piling. At first the consumer selects the desired carrier package and thereafter pulls out the handle 5 from the structural covers of the cover 3 and may then use the handle 5 for handling the package. The well protected handle 5 is not damaged during piling or transpor- tation. The handle 5 can be formed of an elongated handle strip 6 arranged between the inner layer 3a and the outer layer 3b of the cover 3, the handle strip 6 may be fastened from a first end thereof at a fastening point 7a and further from a second end thereof at a fastening point 7b to the portion 3a inside the cover 3. The fastening points 7a, 7b may be located on the end portions of the short sides of the cover 3. The handle strip 6 rests freely on the portion between the fastening points 7a, 7b, whereby the handle strip 6 may be lifted from a position 6a to a position 6b outside the outer surface of the cover 3, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. In addition, the portion 3a inside the cover 3 is provided with at least one free space 8a, 8b between the fastening points 7a, 7b that allows shifting the fastening points 7a, 7b towards one another when the handle strip 6 is being lifted. Since the free spaces 8a, 8b allow shifting the fastening points 7a, 7b towards one another, the distance between the fastening points 7a, 7b is reduced and the handle strip 6 may form a loop-shaped handle 5 on the side of the outer surface of the cover 3. The structure of the handle strip 6 may be inextensible and it may be made of the same material as the other portions of the carrier package. The free spaces 8a, 8b may be openings formed in advance on the portion 3a inside the cover 3. Such free spaces 8a, 8b may be formed in the proximity of both fastening points 7a, 7b. However, it may suffice in some cases to arrange a free space only in connection with one of the fastening points. Furthermore, the outer portion 3b of the cover 3 may be provided with a tearable part, which may function as a reinforcement part 9 of the handle 5. The handle 5 may be protected by the reinforcement part 9, in which case the handle 5 does not affect the appearance of the carrier package in the resting position. In addition, the reinforcement part 9 may be provided with printings. Both the short sides of the cover 3 may also be provided with supporting flaps 10, which are tumable downwards along a fold 11 when the handle 5 is lifted up. The supporting flaps 10 may therefore form surfaces of a predetermined size at the ends 12 of the package, the surfaces being able to support beverage packages 13 arranged inside the carrier package when the carrier package is to be carried. The beverage packages 13 are thus unable to fall out from the carrier package. [0018] Figure 2 shows a top view of a carrier package and Figure 3 shows an end view thereof. An opening 14 outside the cover 3 can be dimensioned and shaped as desired, as well as the reinforcement part 9. The ends of the handle strip 6 may be fastened to the supporting flaps 10. The free spaces 8a, 8b may be openings provided in the cover part placed below the handle strip 6, and such openings may be shaped as desired, for instance as a square. The handle strip 6 may form a uniform part of the carrier package or it may be a separate piece that is fastened for instance by means of an adhesive, staples, shape locking or another appropriate fastening arrangement to the cover 3. In some cases several handle strips 6 can be arranged on top of one another. Both the handle strip 6 and the covering of the carrier package as well as the other parts may be made of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or another fibre material that is appropriate for this purpose. [0019] As shown in Figure 3, beverage packages 13 may be ar- ranged in two rows inside the carrier package. The length of the carrier package can be dimensioned in the longitudinal direction for example in such a manner that the carrier package may carry 4 to 24 beverage packages. [0020] Figure 4 shows an unfolded view of a carrier package blank 15. The blank 15 can be made of cardboard or corrugated cardboard that is suitable as a packaging material. The blank 15 can be formed of a single sheet-like piece. Such a blank 15 can be provided with the necessary openings, perforations and other types of punchings and various kinds of creasings and other folding points by means of a punching press. The basic design of the blank 15 can thus be made even during a single operating stage, thus enabling high-speed manufacturing. A first set of folding points 16 is formed between the bottom 1 and the side walls 2. A second set of folding points 17 is further formed between the lower part 2a and the upper part 2b of the side walls. A third set of folding points 18 can further be formed between the inner portion 3a of the cover and the side wall and correspondingly between the outer por- tion 3b and the side wall. The inner portion 3a of the cover may comprise longitudinal strip portions 19a and 19b, between which a fourth folding point 20 may be provided so that the strip portions can be folded and fastened against one another. Thus, a two-layer handle strip 6 is formed. Furthermore, the blank may include an elongated opening 21 and portions 22 at the end of the open- ing 21 , by means of which the handle strip 6 can be joined with the inner portion 3a of the cover. The inner portion 3a further comprises openings 23 that form open spaces 8a, 8b. The part remaining between the openings 23 and the edge of the blank 15 may function as the fastening point 7a, 7b of the handle strip 6 after the handle strip 6 has been folded at a fifth folding point 24 against the surface of the inner portion 3a of the cover. The longer outer edge of the outer portion 3b of the cover may comprise strips 25a and 25b, which can be folded at a sixth folding point 26 against one another and fastened against the surface of the lower side of the outer portion 3b of the cover. The strips 25a and 25b then form a thickening band that can be glued to the outer surface of the inner portion of the cover. The strips 25a and 25b are dimen- sioned in the longitudinal direction in such a manner that they do not extend to the portion of the supporting flaps 10, in which case the supporting flaps 10 are not fastened to the thickening band formed by the strips 25a, 25b. [0021] Figure 5 shows the blank 15 in such a form in which it can be arranged into the packaging machine. The strips 19a and 19b are fastened to one another and the handle strip 6 thus formed is folded against the outer surface of the inner portion 3a of the cover. Consequently an inner surface 22' of the portions 22 is visible on the side of the outer surface of the portion 3a. The handle strip 6 is further fastened at the fastening points 7a and 7b to the portion 3a inside the cover. On the portion between the openings 23 the handle strip 6 is not fastened to the portion 3a, but can instead be lifted in the vertical direction in relation to the level of the portion 3a. In addition the strips 25a and 25b at the edge of the outer portion 3b of the cover are folded so as to overlap one another and fastened to the lower surface of the portion 3b. The carrier package can be assembled in a packaging machine by fastening the thicken- ing band formed of the strips 25a, 25b onto the outer surface of the inner portion 3a of the cover. The thickness of the thickening band formed of the strips 25a, 25b may correspond to the thickness of the handle strip 6, a fact that makes it easier to fasten the portions 3a and 3b of the cover to one another. [0022] Figure 6 shows an alternative carrier structure. In this struc- ture the carrier package comprises an inner supporting layer 26 and an outer supporting layer 27 arranged thereon. The carrier package further comprises an elongated handle strip 6 fastened at the fastening points 7a, 7b to the inner supporting layer 26. At least the inner supporting layer 26 may be provided at the fastening points 7a, 7b with yielding parts, for instance folding points 11 so that the fastening points 7a, 7b may be shifted towards one another when a force of predetermined size is exerted thereon. In addition, the inner supporting layer 26 may be provided with an opening 23 that extends from the first fastening point 7a to the second fastening point 7b. The opening 23 forms the free space 8, into which the fastening points 7a, 7b can be shifted when a force is exerted on the handle strip 6. The outer supporting layer 27 may be provided with an opening 14, from where the handle strip 6 is visible and through which a part of the handle strip 6 can be pulled out to the side of the outer surface of the outer supporting layer 27. In this case the outer portion 3b of the cover is not provided with an reinforcement portion 9. The other parts of the carrier package can be shaped and dimensioned in various ways. [0023] Figures 7a and 7b further illustrate a highly simplified view of the principle of the carrier structure according to the invention in the resting position with the handle strip 6a resting still and on the other hand in the carrying position with the handle strip 6b lifted upwards. The handle strip 6 is arranged between the inner supporting layer 26 and the outer supporting layer 27 and fastened from the fastening points 7a, 7b to the inner supporting layer 26. At least one free space 8 is formed between the fastening points 7a, 7b. In addition the fastening points 7a, 7b have been joined by means of yielding parts 28 to the inner supporting layer 26. The yielding parts 28 may include folding points formed in advance in the carrier package, pleated portions or other structural parts that allow carrying out the required change of form in the carrier package. As Figures 7a and 7b illustrate the fastening points 7a, 7b may be shifted towards one another. What affects the height C of the loop-like portion of the handle strip 6b is the distance the fastening parts 7a, 7b are shifted towards each other, in other words how extensive the change of the length is from measure A to measure B. The height C may be at least 20 mm, preferably 30 mm. The opening 14 in the outer supporting layer 27 allows gripping the handle strip 6 and also allows controlling the formation of the handle 5. A broad opening 14 allows forming a broader handle 5 and vice versa. [0024] Figure 8 shows an unfolded view of another carrier package blank 15. The blank 15 may be formed of a single sheet and it mainly corresponds to the blank shown in Figure 4. However, some differences can be observed in the solution shown in Figure 8. The handle 6 is formed by gluing a first handle strip 6' and a second handle strip 6" together in the packaging machine. The handle strip 6 to be formed is therefore a two-layered one. Figure 9 shows a glued joint 30 used for assembling the handle strip that extends from the first long side of the blank to the second long side thereof. The outer layer 3b of the cover is provided by means of a folding point 31 with a first flap 32, which comprises an elongated first fastening strip 33 and an elongated second handle strip 6". Before entering the packaging machine the first flap 32 is folded at the folding point 31 and glued so that the surfaces of the back side of the first flap 32 and the outside layer 3b of the cover are placed against each other. There is a cut 34 between the first fastening strip 33 and the second handle strip 6" that allows forming the handle 6. On account of the first fastening strip 33 the surface of the first flap 32 is smooth, a fact that facilitates assembling the carrier package and gluing in the packaging machine. Further- more, the ends of the first fastening strip 33 may be provided with openings 35, which together with the folding points 11 allow shifting the fastening points 7a", 7b" of the handle strip 6" towards one another. In the blank 15 shown in Figure

8 an opening 14 is formed only on one side of the tearable reinforcement part

9 for gripping the handle 6, in which case gluing the cover 3 in the packaging machine may be easier and the cover 3 will become very firm. [0025] The second short side of the blank 15 shown in Figure 8 comprises a second flap 36 that is joined by means of the folding point 18 to the upper portion 2b to the side wall. The second flap 36 is provided with an elongated first handle strip 6' and fastening points 7a' and 7' at the ends thereof. Furthermore, the second flap 36 comprises a second fastening strip 37 on the portion between the first handle strip 6' and the folding point 18 and further a thickening strip 39 on the portion between the first handle strip 6' and the folding point 38. Cuttings 34 may be found between the first handle strip 6' and the second fastening strip 37 and the thickening strip 39. The second flap 36 is joined with the inner layer 3a of the cover by means of the folding point 38. Before entering the packaging machine the inner layer 3a of the cover is folded at the folding point 38 and the back side thereof is glued to the back side of the second flap 36. Figure 8 also shows tearable portions 40 formed on the sides of the carrier packages through which beverage packages can be picked from inside the carrier package. [0026] Figure 9 shows the blank 15 illustrated in Figure 8 in the form in which it can be arranged into the packaging machine. The first flap 32 is folded at a folding point 31 and fastened against the back side of the outer layer 3b of the cover, and the inner layer 3a of the cover is further folded at the folding point 38 and fastened against the back side of the second flap 36. Thus, both the short sides of the blank 15 comprise a two-layer portion which facilitates the feeding of the blank 15 into the packaging machine. In the packaging machine the first handle strip 6' and the second handle strip 6" can be glued together by means of the first uniform glued joint 30. Furthermore the second fastening strip 37 can be glued by a uniform second glued joint 41 to the first fastening strip 33. The cover 3 may thus include two uniform glued joints 30 and 41 , in which case the cover 3 may be firmly attached. What further improves the firmness of the cover 3 is that the opening 14 does not extend on the side of the second glued joint 41 , instead the opening 14 is placed at the thickening strip 39, which is not glued. An advantage of the structure shown is also that the fastening surfaces of the portions to be glued together are parts of the upper surfaces of the sheet, the quality of which is typically better than the quality of the back side of the sheet. [0027] Also in the solution shown in Figures 8 and 9 the handle strip 6 to be formed is placed between the inner portion 3a and the outer portion 3b of the cover. What is formed between the back side of the first handle strip 6' and the back side of the inner layer 3a of the cover is a free space 8 that allows shifting the fastening points 7a' and 7b' towards each other to form the handle. In addition the openings 35 and the folds 11 contribute to form the handle. [0028] Figure 9 also illustrates other points to consider when handling the carrier package. The upper surface of the outer layer 3b of the cover is preferably formed to be as smooth and uniform as possible so that the carrier package can be handled with different manipulators. The blank 15 according to Figure 9 is provided at the ends of the outer layer 3b of the cover with first fastening surfaces 42 onto which a suction pad of the manipulator or a corresponding device can be fastened. Although the cuttings of the reinforcement part 9 are placed at the second fastening surfaces 43, suction pads provided with less fastening power can, however, be fastened thereto. [0029] Figure 10 shows an unfolded view of a third blank 15 of the carrier package. The blank 15 can be formed of a single sheet and it mainly corresponds to the blanks shown in the previous Figures. In this blank 15 the outer layer 3b of the cover is provided with a side flap 44 by means of the folding point 18'. In addition, the second short end of the blank 15 is provided by means of the folding point 18 with the inner layer 3a of the cover that may comprise openings 45. A flap 47 is joined to the inner layer 3a of the cover by means of a folding point 46; the flap 47 comprising a fastening strip 48, a thickening strip 49 and the handle strip 6. The elongated handle strip 6 is restricted from the fastening strip 48 and the thickening strip 49 with cuttings 34. [0030] Figure 11 shows the blank 15 illustrated in Figure 10 in the form in which it can be fed into the packaging machine. The flap 47 is folded at the folding point 46 and fastened to the inner layer 3a of the cover. The back side 47' of the flap 47 is then visible. In the packaging machine the fastening strip 48 can be fastened using a uniform glued joint 50 to the back surface of the outer layer 3b of the cover. The handle strip 6 may further be fastened using a glued joint 51 to the back surface of the reinforcement part 9. In addition, the side flap 44 can be folded against the upper portion 2b of the opposite side wall of the carrier package and the side flap 44 can be fastened using a uniform glued joint 52 against the side wall 2b. The cover 3 thus becomes particularly firm. Although the handle strip 6 comprises only one layer, the handle may still be firm, since the structure of the cover provides a strong side support to the handle. An open space 8 remains between the handle strip 6 and the inner layer 3a of the cover that allows shifting the fastening points 7a and 7b towards one another when forming the handle. Furthermore, the openings 45 may also function as open spaces and together with the folding points 11 they may contribute in forming the handle. [0031] The drawings and the specification associated therewith are merely intended to illustrate the idea of the invention. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims. Therefore the carrier package according to the invention can be formed of other types of blanks than those illustrated in the Figures.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A carrier package, inside which several beverage packages (13) are arrangeable, the carrier package comprising: a bottom (1) at least two side walls (2) and a cover (3); an inner portion (3a) and an outer portion (3b) of the cover (3) arranged on top of one another; and at least one handle (5) formed on the cover (3), characterized in that the cover (3) comprises at least one elongated handle strip (6) arranged between the inner portion (3a) and the outer portion (3b) of the cover

(3), that the handle strip (6) is fastened from a first fastening point (7a) and a second fastening point (7b) to the cover (3), that at least one free space (8a, 8b, 8) is formed in advance on the cover (3) on the portion between the first fastening point (7a) and the second fastening point (7b), that the outer portion (3b) of the cover (3) is provided with at least one opening (14) through which a part of the handle strip (6) can be pulled outside the outer portion (3b) to form a loop-shaped handle (5), and that the fastening points (7a, 7b) are arranged to be shifted towards one another when forming the handle (5).

2. A carrier package as claimed in claim ^characterized in that folding points (11) are arranged between the fastening points

(7a, 7b) and the rest of the cover (3) structure that allow shifting the fastening points (7a, 7b) towards one another.

3. A carrier package as claimed in claim ^characterized in that the cover (3) is at two opposite ends thereof provided with supporting flaps (10) joined by means of the folding points (11) to the rest of the cover (3) structure, that the fastening points (7a, 7b) are arranged at the supporting flaps (10), and that the supporting flaps (10) are arranged to turn towards the bottom (1) of the carrier package when a predetermined force is exerted on the handle strip (6).

4. A carrier package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free space (8, 8a, 8b) comprises at least one opening (23) formed on the inner portion (3a) of the cover.

5. A carrier package as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the free space (8) is formed in the space between the inner portion (3a) of the cover and the handle strip (6).

6. A carrier package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tearable reinforcement part (9) is formed on the outer portion (3b) of the cover (3) at the handle strip (6), and that the reinforcement part (9) is fastened to the handle strip (6) placed below, thus forming a part of the handle (5).

7. A carrier package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier package is formed entirely of packing board.

8. A carrier package as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier package is formed of a single sheet-like blank (15).

9. A carrier structure comprising at least one inner supporting layer (26) and at least one outer supporting layer (27) arranged on top of one another; and at least one handle (5) arranged to extend outside the outer sup- porting layer (27), characterized in that the carrier structure comprises at least one elongated handle strip (6) arranged between the inner supporting layer (26) and the outer supporting layer (27), that the handle strip (6) is fastened from a first fastening point (7a) and a second fastening point (7b) to at least one supporting layer (26, 27), that the carrier structure comprises at least one free space (8a, 8b, 8) in connection with at least one fastening point (26, 27), that the outer supporting layer (27) comprises at least one opening (14) through which a part of the handle strip (6) can be pulled outside the outer supporting layer (27) to form a loop-shaped handle (5), and that at least one fastening point (7a, 7b) is arranged to be shifted towards another fastening point when forming the handle (5).

10. A carrier structure as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that at least one fastening point (7a, 7b) is connected by means of a predetermined yielding part (28) to at least the inner supporting layer (26).

11. A carrier structure as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the free space (8, 8a, 8b) comprises at least one opening (23) formed into the inner supporting layer (26).

12. A carrier structure as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the free space (8) is formed into the space between the inner supporting layer and the handle strip (6).