EP2310290A1

EP2310290A1 - Carton handle structure having a slidable handle member

Info

Publication number: EP2310290A1
Application number: EP09790563A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Philippe Lebras; Eric Boukredine
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2008-07-31
Filing date: 2009-07-17
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-17
Also published as: EP2310290B1; WO2010014438A1; ES2389291T3; GB0813995D0

Abstract

A handle structure (11) for a carton (162) for holding articles, comprises a strap member (154) secured at opposed terminal ends thereof to the carton, and a grip member (6, 8) slidably engaged with the strap 5 member (154) to be moveable along the length of the strap member (154).

Description

CARTON HANDLE STRUCTURE HAVING A SLIDABLE HANDLE MEMBER

Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to handle structures for packaging. More specifically though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a handle structure having a slidable handle member.

Background to the Invention

It is known in the art to provide handle structure on packages by which the package may be supported so as to ease transport thereof by a user. Often these handle structures take the form of straps under which the users fingers may be inserted such that the strap may be grasped by one or more of the user's hands, and which is secured at either end to the package.

Where such straps are provided, that are often associated with a handle member, glued to a central portion of the strap, that is formed to more comfortably distribute the load of the carton over the user's hand than would otherwise by achieved by the strap alone. By virtue of the fact that this handle member is glued or otherwise secured in place along the strap it is only comfortable for the user to carry the package at a single position. If the package is tipped, or if the centre of gravity of the package is not vertically aligned with the handle member for some other reason (such as if the articles in the package are not evenly distributed) it would mean that one end of the strap would bare more of the weight of the package than the other end. This would be uncomfortable for the user because the handle member would be caused to tip forward or backward in his hand, and may well lead to tearing of the package if the stress induced on any one end of the strap exceeded the stress baring properties of the package and/or handle structure.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to provide a handle structure wherein the handle member could be moveable along the strap so as to maintain vertical alignment of the centre of gravity of the package beneath the handle member even when the package is tipped.

The present invention is concerned with overcoming or at least mitigating the disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a handle structure for a carton for holding articles. The handle structure comprises a strap member secured at opposed terminal ends thereof to the carton, and a grip member slidably engaged with the strap member such as to be moveable along a length of the strap member.

Preferably, the grip member is formed from the material forming the carton.

Preferably, the strap member stretches relative to the grip member when the handle structure is used to support the weight of the carton.

Preferably, the grip member is detachably connected to the carton.

Preferably, the grip member comprises a pair of upper and lower opposed panels between which the strap member is sandwiched.

Preferably, upper and lower opposed panels are connected together such that the grip member is provided with an internal pathway through which the strap member extends.

Preferably, the upper and lower opposed panels are secured together at points along adjacent edges thereof.

Alternatively, the upper and lower opposed panels are hingedly connected together along a common side edge thereof.

Preferably, there is provided a carton for holding articles. The carton comprises a handle structure. Preferably, there further comprises a flap hingedly connected to a wall of the carton. To that flap the strap member of the handle structure is secured, such that supporting the carton by the handle structure causes the flap to hinge relative to the carton, thereby to bring the ends of the strap member closer together.

Preferably, the flap is defined in the walls of the carton by weakened lines of severance. The flap is struck from the walls as the carton is supported by the handle structure.

Preferably, the flap comprises an aperture through which a portion of an article may extend, when that article is present in the carton, as the flap so hinges.

Alternatively, the flap overlies portions of two adjacent walls of the carton when the carton is not being supported by the handle structure.

Preferably, two lines of severance define between them a first portion within one of the aforesaid two adjacent walls, and a second portion within the other of the aforesaid two adjacent walls, the first portion and second portion being disposed either side of, and hinged to one another by, a wall fold line connecting those two adjacent walls, and further hinged along opposing ends to the wall in which they are defined, such that the first portion and second portion may hinge as the aforesaid flap hinges, so as to create a space internally of the carton into which the flap may hinge as the carton is supported by the handle structure.

Alternatively, the flap is detachably connected to the grip member.

Preferably, the flap and the grip member, when connected, form a second strap member that extends at least partially along the strap member.

Alternatively, the strap member is formed from first material and the grip member is formed from second material, and wherein the first material is greater in elasticity than the second material.

Preferably, the first material is one selected from the group consisting of plastic, fabric and plastic composite material, and wherein the second material is paperboard or corrugated board. A further aspect of the present invention provides blanks for forming the various cartons described above.

Brief Description of the Figures

Three embodiments of the present invention will be described below, with reference to the accompanying Figures, of which:

Fig 1 illustrates a plan view of a blank for forming a first embodiment of a carton comprising a handle structure according to an aspect of the present invention;

Fig 1 a illustrates an enlarged portion of the blank of Fig 1 , more clearly illustrating the feature of the handle structure itself;

Fig 2a illustrates a first step of a sequence of folding and gluing operations necessary to partially form the blank of Fig 1 into a carton;

Fig 2b illustrates a second step in the sequence of Fig 2a;

Fig 2c illustrates a third step in the sequence of Fig 2b;

Fig 3 illustrates the gluing operations required to set up the carton of Fig 1 ;

Fig 4 illustrates a folding operation for setting up the carton of Fig 1 ;

Fig 5 illustrates a fully set up carton formed from the blank of Fig 1 ;

Fig 6 illustrates the hinging motion of the handle structure of the carton of Fig 5;

Fig 7 illustrates a plan view of a blank for forming a second embodiment of a carton comprising a handle structure according to another aspect of the present invention; Fig 7a illustrates an enlarged view of the handle structure of the blank of Fig 7;

Fig 8 illustrates the gluing processes required to begin forming the blank of Fig 7 into a carton;

Fig 9 illustrates additional folding and gluing processes required to begin forming the blank of Fig 8 into a carton;

Fig 10 illustrates additional folding required to form the folded blank of Fig 9 into a carton;

Fig 1 1 illustrates the second embodiment of the carton, formed from the blank of Fig 7.

Fig 12 illustrates the hinging motion of the handle structure of the carton of Fig 1 1 ;

Fig 13 illustrates a plan view of a blank for forming a third embodiment of a carton comprising a handle structure according to yet another aspect of the present invention;

Fig 13a illustrates an enlarged view of the handle structure of the blank of Fig 13;

Fig 14 illustrates the gluing processes required to begin forming the blank of Fig 13 into a carton;

Fig 15 illustrates additional folding and gluing processes required to form the blank of Fig 14 into a carton;

Fig 16a illustrates a first step of a sequence of folding and gluing operations necessary to partially form the blank of Fig 15 into a carton;

Fig 16b illustrates a second step in the sequence of Fig 16a; Fig 16c illustrates a third step in the sequence of Fig 16b;

Fig 17a illustrates a fully formed carton formed from the blank of Fig 13; and

Fig 17b illustrates the hinging motion of the handle structure of the carton of Fig 17a.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-6. A blank 1 is shown, comprising panels for forming a handle structure 1 1 , first panel 2 for forming a lower portion of a fist side wall, bottom panel 64, second panel 80 for forming a lower portion of a second side wall, third panel 90 for forming an upper portion of the second side wall, top panel 1 10, fourth panel 120 for forming an upper portion of the first side wall and handle backing panel 138 in linear series, hinged one to the next by respective fold lines 28, 62, 78, 82, 92, 1 12 and 122.

The handle structure 1 1 comprises a grip member that is formed from a top handle member panel 6 and a bottom handle member panel 8, hinged together about a fold line 32. The top handle member panel 6 is severably or detachably connected, by a weakened line of severance 35 at one end, to an upper handle flap portion 14 that extends from the weakened line of severance 35 away from the top handle member panel 6 to a transverse edge (27) of the linear series of panels. The upper handle flap portion 14 is severably connected to the first panel 2 by a weakened line of severance 28 which extends the entire length of the upper handle flap portion 14, from the edge of the top handle member panel 6 to the aforesaid transverse edge.

The upper handle flap portion 14 narrows as it extends from the aforesaid transverse edge 27 of the first panel 2 to the weakened line of severance 35 connecting it to the top handle member panel 6. This narrowing is achieved by a first curved cut line 40 and a second cut line 38. The curved cut line 40 extends from a terminal point of the weakened line of severance 28, into the upper handle flap portion 14 until it reaches a terminal end of the weakened line of severance 35 connecting the respective upper handle flap portion 14 to the top handle member panel 6, at which point it curves back toward the first panel 2. Cut line 38 extends substantially linearly between the opposite terminal points of the curved cut line 40 to create an aperture 42.

A further weakened line of severance 50 defines a side edge of the top handle member panel 6 opposite fold line 32. This weakened line of severance 50 extends from the intersection of the linear cut line 38 and the curved cut line 40 to define a detent 52 extending from the first panel 2 toward the side edge of the top handle member panel 6. At a central portion of the top handle member panel 6, the weakened line of severance 50 defining the edge of that panel 6 is replaced with a fold line 60 that hinges the top handle member panel 6 to a first finger flap 12 that extends from the fold line 60 toward the first panel 2 and defined by a weakened line of severance 56 where it contacts a proximate edge of that first panel 2. An aperture 54 is defined about a corner of the finger flap 12 by a cut line 52 that extends from the weakened line of severance 56 defining the edge of the first finger flap 12, into the first panel 2. The cut line 52 curves back up to the edge of the top handle member flap 6 and then returns to the first finger flap 12 wherein it defines the corner of first finger flap 12.

The bottom handle member panel 8 is the mirror image of the top handle member panel 6 about the fold line 32, and includes its own fold line 36 that connects it to a second finger flap 10 that, itself, is the mirror image of the first finger flap 12.

Both the upper handle flap portion 14 and the first panel 2 are hinged along edge 27 to a first end flap 22. Parallel to, and extending from, an end point of the weakened line of severance 28 in the first panel 2, is a weakened line of severance 30 that extends perpendicularly from the aforesaid transverse edge 27 of the first panel 2, into the first end flap 22. This defines a lower handle flap portion 23 in the first end flap 22. The lower handle flap portion 23 is hinged to the upper handle flap portion 14 about dual parallel fold lines 24, 26 lying on one side of transverse edge 27.

The transverse edge 68 of the bottom panel 64 is connected to a bottom end flap 72 that extends the entire length of that edge 68 of the bottom panel 64. Defined in the bottom end flap 72 is a weakened line of severance 76 that extends, from an edge adjacent the first end flap 22, into the bottom end flap 72. This weakened line of severance 76 is parallel to and offset from the fold line 68 connecting the bottom panel 72 to the bottom panel 64, by a distance equal to the offset between the weakened line of severance 30 defined in the first end flap 22 and the fold line 62 connecting the first panel 2 and the bottom panel 64.

A transverse edge 84 of the second panel 80 is hinged by a fold line 84 to a lower side end flap 86. This lower side end flap 86 is then hinged, along an adjacent edge, to a lower webbing panel 98 via a weakened line of severance 93. This lower webbing panel 98 is hinged to an upper webbing panel 94 via an articulating intermediate webbing panel 103 defined between fold lines 105 and 107. An aperture 100 separates the remainder of the lower webbing panel 98 and the upper webbing panel 94. The upper webbing panel 94 is hinged to a top end flap 1 16 via a similar articulated panel 104 defined between fold line 106 and 108. The upper webbing panel 94 is also hinged to the third panel 90 via a fold line 96 along its proximate transverse edge. The top end flap 1 16 is hinged to the top panel 1 10 by a fold line 1 14, along a transverse edge thereof.

A further webbing structure hinges the other side of the top end flap 1 16 to the backing panel 138, and is the mirror image of that hinging the top end flap 1 16 to the lower webbing panel 98. An articulated webbing panel 130 hinges the top end flap 1 16 to an upper webbing panel 124, and is defined between fold lines 1 18 and 128 at either end. Similarly, another articulated webbing panel 134 hinges the upper webbing panel 124 to a backing end flap 152 described below, and is defined between fold line 132 and 136. The backing end flap 152 is hinged to a transverse edge of the backing panel 138 along fold line 150. This fold line 150 is interrupted by and aperture 148 defined in the backing panel 138 by the area defined between cut lines 144 and 146, each of which extend across the fold line 150 and partially into the backing end flap 152. Between that aperture 148 and a weakened line of severance 142 that extends part way along fold line 122 hinging the backing panel 138 to the fourth panel 120, is created an upper reinforcing flap 140. This upper reinforcing flap 140 is hinged to the backing end flap 152 along the fold line 150 and extends from the fold line 150 to an inner end 149. A lower reinforcing flap 151 is a part of the backing end flap 152 that is hinged to the upper reinforcing flap 140 along the fold line 150. The lower reinforcing flap 151 is defined between the weakened line of severance 146 extending across the fold line 150 and into the backing end flap 152, and the adjacent edge of the backing end flap 152 proximate the upper webbing panel 124.

The blank 1 is entirely symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the linear series of panels described above, and therefore the details of the opposing side of the blank will not be described.

Erecting the carton 162 of Figure 5 from the blank 1 of Figure 1 requires first applying adhesive to glue areas 153 on the upper flap portions 14 either side of the handle member 1 1 (Figure 2a.) Across the handle member 1 1 , and onto these two glue area 153, is laid a strap member 154 (Figure 2b.)

This strap member 154 is preferably a deformable material that is strong enough to support the weight of the loaded carton. Similarly, the glue used to attach the strap to the blank is preferably of sufficient bonding strength to enable the strap to support the weight of the loaded carton.

Additional glue areas 155 and 157 are provided on the detents extending from the sides of the bottom handle member panel 8 (as best shown in Figures 2a and 2b) and on the second finger flap 10 hinged to that bottom handle member panel 8. By folding the bottom handle member panel 8 over the strap member 154, the two handle member panels 6, 8 are thus secured together by these glue areas (Figure 2c), whilst the strap member 154 remains free to slide along an internal pathway between the two panel 6, 8 through which the strap member 154 extends. The result of this folding is best seen in Figure 3.

At the other end of the linear series of panels of the blank 1 , the backing panel 138 is folded into coplanar contact with the fourth panel 120. Glue is then applied at glue areas 156, 158 on the upper reinforcing flap 140 and across the lower reinforcing flap 151 and into the backing end flap 152. Additionally, a long glue strip 160 is applied along the length of the backing panel 138 proximate the terminal edge thereof. The glue strip 160 continues into the backing end flaps 152.

The second panel 80 is folded about the fold line 82 connecting it to the third panel 90, to bring the handle structure 1 1 into coplanar contact with the backing panel 138. The upper handle flap portions 14, lower handle flap portions 23 and the end flaps 22 are thus secured to the backing panel 138 and backing end flap 152 respectively by the glue areas 156 and 158. Further, the glue strip 160 secures the first panel 2 to the backing panel 138 also. The result of this folding and securing is seen in Figure 4 wherein the handle member panels 6, 8 remain free of restraint by the backing panel 138.

The blank 1 is thus formed into a flat tubular structure as shown in Figure 4. The flat tubular structure can be erected by folding the first panel 2 and the second panel 80 perpendicular to the bottom panel 64, and folding the third panel 90 and fourth panel 120 perpendicular to the top panel 1 10. The erected tubular structure has a substantially rectangular cross section.

The erected tubular structure or partially erected carton 162 can be loaded with articles either prior to or after one of the ends of the tubular structure being closed.

Closing the ends of the structure requires folding the end flaps 22, 72, 86, 98, 94, 1 16, 124, 152 that are hinged to the relevant end of the tubular structure, inwardly into the plane of the end of the tubular structure. By virtue of the articulating web panels 103, 104, 130, 134, the folding of the end flaps 86, 98, 94, 124, 152 will automatically cause the top end flap 1 16 to fold at least partially downwardly into the plane of the end of the tubular structure also.

Glue can then be applied to the outside surfaces of the end flaps, webbing panels and top end flap so as to allow the bottom end flap 72 to be folded upwardly into the plane of the end of the tubular structure and secured thereto.

Once the end flaps have been so folded as to close an end of the tubular structure, the weakened line of severance 76 formed in the bottom end flap 72 is aligned with the weakened line of severance extending into the first end flap 22 such that the portion 73 of the bottom end flap 72 that is defined between that weakened line of severance 76 and the terminal edge of that flap 72 may be secured to the lower handle flap portion 23 so as to act as reinforcement thereto.

Similarly, the weakened lines of severance 146 extending from the backing panel 138 into the backing end flaps 152, are aligned with the free edge of the upper and lower handle flap portions 14, 23 opposite the weakened line of severance 28, 30 attaching those flaps to the first panel 2. Thus, the weakened lines of severance 30, 28, 146 are aligned when the carton has been so folded such that the upper 14 and lower 23 flap portions are in alignment with the upper 140 and lower 151 reinforcing flaps. These flaps are substantially identically sized so as to allow them to hinge, relative to the carton, as a single composite unit.

Once loaded, the second end of the tubular structure is closed in an identical manner to leave a loaded, enclosed package.

Depending on the geometry of the articles to be loaded into the carton 162, it may be beneficial to dispose the carton 162 on one of its sides prior to loading. When the handle structure 1 1 is required to lift the carton, the user inserts his fingers under the grip member, that is to say, under handle member panels 6, 8 thereby to grasp those panels. The finger flaps 10, 12 may be folded either under the bottom handle member panel 8, or upwardly over the top handle member panel 6.

The handle structure 1 1 may in this fashion be pulled away from the backing panel 138, causing the weakened lines of severance 28 connecting the upper handle flap portions 14 to the first panel 2 to tear. This is best seen in Figure 6. This tearing propagates into the weakened line of severance 30 defining an edge of the lower handle flap portions 23 in the first end flaps 22. By virtue of the fact that the upper 14 and lower 23 handle flap portions are secured to the reinforcing flaps 140 in the backing panel 138, this tearing also causes the weakened lines of severance 146 connecting those reinforcing flaps 140 to the backing panel 138 and to the backing end flap 152 to also tear. Thus, the handle flaps are freed to hinge relative to the first end flaps 22, inwardly of the carton 162, through the aperture formed by the reinforcing flap 140/151. The upper handle flap portions 14 hinge away from the backing panel 138 along the dual fold lines 24, 26. This serves to bring the terminal end of the strap member 154 together, and thereby to allow the strap member 154 to arc over the backing panel 138.

Preferably, the strength of the weakened lines of severance 35 connecting the ends of the handle member panels 6, 8 to the upper handle flap portions 14 is insufficient to support the weight of the loaded carton, and these lines of severance 35 therefore tear under the strain. This leaves the strap member 154 supporting the entire weight of the carton through its connection to the handle flap portions 14/23. The material from which the strap member 154 is formed is such that it stretches to some degree under the weight of the carton. This stretching is facilitated by the tubular handle structure 1 1 that is free to slide along the length of the strap member 154 without interfering with the deformation of the handle structure 1 1 (best illustrated in Figs 5 and 6). As the centre of gravity of the carton 162 changes in vertical alignment beneath the handle structure 1 1 , the handle structure 1 1 (or handle member panels 6, 8) thus slides along the strap 154 to compensate until that alignment is regained, or at least such that the mis-alignment is minimised. Thus the weight of the carton 162 is equally (or as close to equal as is possible) distributed over the two ends of the carton 162.

A second embodiment of a carton 1 162 comprising a handle structure according to the present invention is shown in Figures 7 to 12.

This second embodiment is substantially similar to the first embodiment described above, therefore only the difference between the two will here be described below.

Like reference numerals will be used for like elements common to the different embodiments, with the reference numerals relating to the second embodiment being prefixed with a "1 ". Only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed below.

Figure 7 shows a blank 1001 for forming a carton 1 162 (Figure 1 1 ) having a handle structure incorporated into a top thereof rather than a side wall. The order of the panels of the blank 1001 has thus necessarily been altered to account for the handle structure being hinged to a first top panel 1 1 10 which this time forms a half of a top 1 1 10/1 1 1 1 of the carton 1 162. The other half of the top panel is provided by a second top panel 1 1 1 1.

In this case, the linear series of panels comprises a first top panel 1 1 10, first side panel 1 120/1 121 , bottom panel 1064, second side panel 1080/1090 and second top panel 1 1 1 1. Each of the side panels comprises an upper 1 120, 1090 and lower 1 121 , 1080 part, hinged to each other by a fold line 1 123, 1082.

The handle structure comprises two parts 1006, 1008, disposed side by side along a notional extension of a fold line 1032, substantially symmetrically about that extension. Referring to Figure 7a, the handle structure comprises a top handle member panel 1006 that is severably or detachably connected, by a weakened line of severance 1035 to an upper handle flap portion 1014, at each end. Similarly, the bottom handle member panel 1008 is severably connected at each end to an upper reinforcing flap portion 1015 by a weakened line of severance 1037. Unlike the first embodiment, however, the top and bottom handle member panels 1006, 1008 are not hinged to one another, but rather the upper handle flap portions 1014 are hinged to the upper reinforcing flap portions 1015, along a fold line 1032.

The fold line 1032 is interrupted by an aperture 1202 defined by a cut line 1 198. The cut line 1 198 defines tapered portions of the upper handle flap portions 1014, tapered portions of the upper reinforcing flap portions 1015, and finger flaps 1 192 and 1 194. The aperture 1202 is symmetrical about the notional extension of the fold line 1032.

Each of the top and bottom handle member panels 1006, 1008 have finger flaps 1012, 1 192, 1 194 and 1 196 extending from opposing side edges thereof. As with the first embodiment, these finger flaps are hinged to the handle member panels by fold lines 1060, 1206, 1208 and 1210.

The upper handle flap portions 1014 are not directly hinged to the first top panel 1 1 10 but rather are indirectly, via first end flaps 1022. These first end flaps 1022 are hinged to the transverse edges of the first top panel 1 1 10 as in the first embodiment, via fold lines 1024.

A cut line 1028 extends the length of a terminal edge of the first top panel 1 1 10, which separates the first top panel 1 1 10 from the handle structure. This cut line 1028 is interrupted by an aperture 1226 that defines a tapered portion of the upper handle flap portions 1014, tapered portion of the upper handle member panel 1006, and the terminal edge of the adjacent finger flap 1012 that extends from the upper handle member panel 1006 into that aperture 1226. Article flaps 1 189 are defined in the first end flap 1022 by curved weakened line of severance 1 186 extending from a point on fold line 1024, into that first end flap 1022, and back to another point on that fold line 1024. Between the two intersections between the curved weakened line of severance 1 186 and the fold line 1024 is a cut line portion 1 184. Extending between a midpoint on this cut line 1 184 and the most distal point on the curved weakened severance line 1 186 is a further weakened severance line 1 188 that separates the area into two article flaps 1 189.

A weakened line of severance 1030 extends into the first end flap 1022 from a terminal point on the cut line 1028 separating the upper handle flap portion 1014 from the first top panel 1 1 10. This weakened line of severance 1030 diverges away from a longitudinal axis of the handle structure, and terminating in a stress directing curved portion. Similarly, a second weakened line of severance 1 190 is provided to connect the lower handle flap portion1023 to a lower reinforcing flap 1224.

The lower reinforcing flap portion 1224 is hinged to the upper reinforcing flap portion 1015 by dual parallel fold lines 1 170 and 1 172. Interrupting these fold lines, so as to extend into both the upper and lower reinforcing flap portions 1015 and 1224, is a first article aperture 1 176, defined by a cut line 1 174. This first article aperture 1 176 is the mirror image of the curved weakened line of severance 1 186 defining the article flaps 1 189, about the fold line 1032.

The end closure flaps for this second embodiment are substantially similar to that of the first embodiment, adjusted to account for the fact that the handle structure is hinged to the top panel 1 1 10/1 1 1 1 of the carton 1 162, rather than the side panel 2/120/138. The lower portion 1 121 of the first side panel 1 120/1 121 is hinged to a lower side end flap 1086. This lower side end flap 1086 is then hinged to a lower webbing panel 1098. This lower webbing panel 1098 is hinged to an upper webbing panel 1094 via an articulating intermediate webbing panel 1 103. The upper webbing panel 1094 is hinged to the first end flap 1022 via a similar articulated panel 1 104. The upper webbing panel 1094 is also hinged to the upper portion 1 120 of the first side panel 1 120/1 121. In the second top panel 1 1 1 1 , a flap 1 140 is formed proximate a transverse edge 1 150 thereof adjacent a lower end flap 1 152. The side edges of the flap 1 140 are defined by two weakened lines of severance 1 146 and 1 147, which are substantially parallel with one another. The flap 1 140 is hinged to the second top panel 1 1 1 1 by dual parallel fold lines 1227 and 1229. A spacer panel 1228 is defined between these two parallel fold lines. The weakened lines of severance 1 146, 1 147 defining the side edges of the flap 1 140 extend across the fold line 1 150 and into the lower top end flap 1 152, diverging outwardly from one another as they do so. The weakened line of severance 1 146 proximate the second side panel 1090/1080 terminates in stress directing curved portion. Also extending across, and interrupting, the fold line 1 150 is a second article aperture 1 191 substantially identically sized and located as the first article aperture 1 176 in the upper and lower reinforcing flap portions 1015, 1224.

The lower top end flaps 1 152 are hinged to the adjacent second side panel 1080/1090 via an identical webbing structure as the first end flap 1022 is hinged to the first side panel 1 120/1 121 .

To form the carton 1 162 from the blank 1001 of Figure 7, glue is applied in areas 1204 to the upper handle flap portions 1014. A strap member 1 154 is secured to the areas 1204, spanning across the top handle member panel 1006.

Referring to Figure 8, glue is applied in areas 1300, 1306 to the upper and lower reinforcing flap portions 1015, 1224. The upper and lower reinforcing flap portions

1015/1224 are then folded into contact with the upper/lower handle flap portions

1014/1023 thereby sandwiching portions of the strap 1 154 between them, the two parts being secured to one another at glue areas 1300 and 1306 substantially covering the handle flap portions 1014/1023 and portion of the finger flaps 1012 and 1192 extending from the top handle member panel 1006. The result is best shown in

Figure 9. Returning to Figure 8, the upper portion 1090 of the second side panel 1090/1080 is then folded about the fold line 1082 over onto the lower portion 1080 of that side panel, thereby substantially disposing the second top panel 1 1 1 1 upon the bottom panel 1064, as best shown in Figure 9.

Glue is then applied to an area 1234 of the upper surface of the flaps 1 140 formed in the second top panel 1 1 1 1. Glue is also applied to areas 1232, 1230 of the lower top end flap 1 152 between the two weakened lines of severance 1 146, 1 147 defined therein.

The upper portion 1 120 of the first side panel 1 120/1 121 is then folded about the fold line 1 123 over onto the lower portion 1 121 of that side panel so as to bring the bottom handle member panel 1008 into contact with the surface of the second top panel 1 1 1 1 (as best shown in Figure 10). This also brings the first end flaps 1022 into contact with the lower top end flaps 1 152, which thereby become secured to one another. Also, the flaps 1 140 defined in the second top panel 1 1 1 1 become secured to the underside of the upper reinforcing flap portions 1015.

The carton 1 162 can then be erected by hinging the upper portions 1090, 1 120 and lower portions 1080, 1 121 of each of the first and second side walls into a substantially coplanar orientation, thereby setting those side walls substantially perpendicular to the top panel 1 1 10/1 1 1 1 and bottom panel 1 164.

The carton 1 162 is thus ready for loading with articles, which may take place now that the carton is in a tubular configuration or once one of the two ends of the tubular structure have been closed.

To close the ends of the tubular structure, the upper and lower webbing panels 1094, 1098 are folded inwardly into the plane of the end of the tubular structure, which has the effect of automatically folding the first end flap 1022, lower reinforcing flap portion 1224 and second end flap 1 152 downwardly at least partially into that plane also. Additional folding is then applied as required to bring those end closure flaps into contact with one another, whereby that may preferably be secured to one another by some means known in the art such as glue. The bottom end flap 1072 is then folded upwardly into the plane of the end of the tubular structure and secured to the end closure panels as necessary.

Both ends are closed in this manner to result in a fully enclosed package loaded with articles.

In use, the user inserts his fingers beneath the handle structure, either folding the finger flaps 1012/1 194, 1 192/1 196 upwardly or downwardly as preferred. In so doing, the flaps 1014, 1015, 1 140 connecting the handle members 1006/1008 to the ends of the carton 1 162 are drawn in toward one another. As the stress increases, a tear propagates across the weakened lines of severance 1 146, 1 147, 1028, 1030 defining the flap 1 140 in the second top panel 1 1 1 1 and in the first 1022 and second 1 152 end flaps. Once complete, this tearing frees the flaps connecting the handle member panels 1006/1008 to the end of the carton 1 162 to straighten, and hinge inwardly of the ends of the carton 162 so as to protrude through a channel left in the upper end edges of the carton 1 162 by the folding of the flaps 1 140, in the second top panel 1 1 1 1 and lower end flap 1 152.

Once the stress imposed upon the weakened lines of severance 1035, 1037 connecting the top 1006 and bottom 1008 handle member panels to the upper reinforcing flap portion 1015 and upper flap portions 1014 respectively, exceeds a certain threshold, these weakened lines of severance 1035, 1037 also break and the strap member 1 154 takes the weight of the carton 1 162 (as best shown in Figs 1 1 and 12).

As in the first embodiment, the two handle member panels 1006, 1008 are not secured to the strap member 1 154, and form a tubular structure around it, thus capable of sliding along the length thereof. If the articles loaded into the carton are bottles, or similarly tapered, the article apertures allow tapered upper portions thereof to protrude outwardly of the carton after breaking the weakened lines of severance connecting the article flaps 1 189. This allows those flaps to hinge outwardly, away from the aligned article apertures 1 176, 1 191. This requires the width of the flaps 1014, 1015, 1 140 to be chosen so as to fit over the tapered portion of one article without fouling portion of the articles either side of it. More apertures could be included side-by-side as need be to accommodate more than one article protruding through those flaps.

Figures 13 to 17b illustrate a third embodiment of a carton 2162 comprising a handles structure according to an aspect of the present invention. This second embodiment 2162 comprises many similar features to the first and second embodiments and like reference numerals will therefore be used to refer to those like features, prefixed with "2" to denote the third embodiment.

As with the carton 1 162 of the second embodiment, the blank 2001 according to the third embodiment also comprises a handle structure being formed in a top panel of the carton 2162. The main difference between the two embodiments is that, whereas the handle member panels 1006/1008 and flaps 1015, 1014 connecting them to the ends of the carton are disposed externally of the carton 1 162 in the second embodiment, they are disposed internally of the carton 2162 in the third embodiment. Only the differences between the embodiments will be discussed below.

Referring to Figure 13a, the bottom handle member panel 2006 is hinged to the top handle member panel 2008 via the upper handle flap portion 2014, the end flaps

2022, 2318 and the upper reinforcing flap portion 2015 connected thereto. The bottom handle member panel 2006 is detachably connected to the upper handle flap portion 2014 along a weakened lined of severance 2035. The upper handle flap portion 2014 is hingedly connected to the handle end flap 2022 which in turn is hinged along an adjacent edge 2190 to the reinforcing end flap 2318. The reinforcing end flap 2318 is then hinged, along an adjacent edge co-axial with the edge of the upper handle flap portion 2014, to the upper reinforcing flap portion 2015 which in turn is detachably connected to the top handle member panel 2008 along a weakened line of severance 2037. A cut line 2030 extends part way into the handle end flap 2022, parallel to an edge of the reinforcing end flap 2318, away from a terminal point on the edge of the upper handle flap 2014. Thus, a lower handle flap portion 2023 is defined between this cut line 2030 and the fold line 2190 connecting the handle end flap 2022 to the reinforcing end flap 2318.

Upper and lower article flaps 2315, 2316 are defined in the upper handle flap portion 2014 and lower handle flap portion 2023 respectively by a substantially "U"-shaped cut line 2314. These article flaps 2315, 2316 abut one another and are detachably connected by a weakened line of severance 2313 that lies on a shared edge of the upper 2014 and lower 2023 handle flap portions. The upper article flap 2315 is hinged to the upper handle flap portion 2014 by a fold line 2312 that interrupts a portion of the cut line 2314 opposing the aforesaid shared edge, whilst the lower article flap 2316 is defined between the cut line 2314 and extends downward from the weakened line of severance 2313.

The handle end flaps 2022 are hinged, along an edge opposite to the reinforcing end flaps 2318, to top end flaps 21 16, by fold lines 2320 that are parallel with an edge of the top panel 21 10 proximate the handle structure, but offset therefrom away from the handle structure. These fold lines 2320 do not extend fully from a free edge of the top end flap 21 16 to the panel 21 10 and a cut line 2322 extends from the innermost terminus of that fold line 2320 toward, and perpendicular to, the aforesaid edge of the top panel 21 10. A further cut line 2324 connects this cut line 2322 to the aforesaid edge of the top panel 21 10.

The handle structure is therefore capable of pivoting about the aforesaid fold lines 2320 along an axis that is offset from the proximate edge of the top panel 21 10, thus having a material saving effect.

A glue panel 2002 is defined between the proximate edges of the top panel 21 10 and the bottom handle member panel 2006. This glue panel 2002 is hingedly connected to the top panel 21 10 along that proximate edge to allow the top panel 21 10 to be connected to the side panel 2090/2080.

Defined in the centre of the top panel 21 10 is a handle fascia 2326, from which extend handle flaps 2328 from the opposing side edges thereof. Each end of the handle fascia 2326 is detachably connected to a top flap 2336 defined between cut lines 2338 and hinged to the top panel 21 10 by a fold line 2340.

Preferably, the finger flaps may have defined within them a number of score line 2328, 2332 to aid deformation thereof when the handle structure is used in accordance with the below description.

To erect the carton 2162 from the blank 2001 , glue is applied to areas 2204 of the upper handle flap portions 2014, and a strap member 2154 is applied to the glued areas 2204. The strap member 2154 spans the bottom handle member panel 2006.

Glue is then applied to areas 2310, 2224, 2306 of the reinforcing end flap 2318 and the upper reinforcing flap portion 2105. Glue is also applied to extremities 2302, 2304 of the top handle member panels 2008, before the reinforcing end flaps 2318 are folded over onto the handle end flaps 2022, sandwiching portions of the strap member 2154 between them. The glue areas 2302, 2304 on the extremities of the top handle member panel 2008 is positioned so as to not contact the strap member 2154 when so folded over, but rather to form a tubular structure around that strap member 2154, by securing the bottom handle member panel 2006 and top handle member panel 2008 together.

Glue is then applied to an area 2344 on the upper surface of the top handle member panel 2008, as well as to the terminal end areas 2346 of the reinforcing end flaps 2318 (as best shown in Figure 15). The handle end flaps 2022 are then hinged about the aforesaid fold line 2320, onto the top end flaps 21 16, whereby they are secured by virtue of the aforesaid glue on the areas 2346. The fascia panel 2326 thus is secured to the top handle member panel 2008 by the glue on the area 2344 (as best shown in Figure 16a).

The upper portion 2120 of a first side wall 2120/2121 is folded about fold line 2122 to bring it into contact with the lower portion 2121 of that side wall, and in so doing bringing the bottom panel 2064 into contact with the bottom handle member panel 2006 to arrive at the arrangement illustrated in Figure 16b.

The final step in achieving a tubular structure from the blank 2001 requires applying glue to an area 2350 on the glue panel 2002, and folding the lower portion 2090 about fold line 2082 into contact with the glue panel 2002 and thereby securing it thereto.

The carton thus forms a tubular structure that may be loaded and closed in exactly the same manner as the second embodiment above, by folding in the end closure panels in the manner described above in connection with the previous embodiments.

In use, the user breaks the frangible connection between the finger flaps 2328 and the top panel 21 10, thereby allowing access beneath the bottom handle member panel 2006. Thus the handle structure may be grasped and used to support the weight of the carton 2162. As this is done, the stress on the handle structure serves to break the cut line 2030 connecting the lower handle flap 2023 to the handle end flap 2022. As the upper part of the reinforcing end flap 2318 is not secured to the top end flap 21 16, it is able to hinge away therefrom. The downward force of the top flaps 2336 onto the upper reinforcing flap portions 2015 results in breaking the frangible connection 2338 between those top flaps 2336 and the top panel 21 10 such that they hinge outwardly to overly the upper reinforcing flaps 2015 as the handle structure extends through the resulting aperture left by the top flaps 2336 and fascia panel 2326.

As with the other embodiments described above, the stress of the weight of the carton 2162 causes the handle flaps 2014/2023 to hinge so as to bring their ends toward one another. Where the handle flap portions 2014/2023 are secured to reinforcing flap portions 2015/2318, these flaps are similarly caused to hinge. As the handle structure takes the weight of the loaded carton, the weakened lines of severance 2035, 2037 (Figure 13a) connecting the handle member panels 2006, 2008 to the handle flap portions 2014 and reinforcing flap portions 2015 break, and the strap member 2154 takes the weight of the carton 2162. The handle member panels, forming a tubular structure around the strap member 2154 are free to slide along the length of the strap member 2154 as it stretched under this load.

The above exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to numerous directional terms such as "top", "bottom", "side", "end", "upper", inwardly", "vertical" etc. It is to be understood that these directional terms are used purely for the benefit of aiding clarity of the description of the exemplary embodiments and are in no way limiting to the scope of the disclosure.

The above description defines many features of the specific embodiments in terms of "weakened lines of severance" it is contemplated that many options exist for providing such lines including, though not exclusively, pre cut lines including small nick portions, and score lines. These options may also be used to provide the "fold lines" referred to above. The "cut lines" referred to above may be pre-cut lines and may be severable weakened lines of severance.

Where the word "tubular" has been used in the description it has been used to describe a hollow body having a substantially endless outer surface. It is not used, however, to specify any particular, such as round, cross section.

Where the term "glue" has been used above, it is specifically contemplated that any other known form of adhesion or adhesive may be employed, such as different forms of chemical adhesive, mechanical fastening, thermal or sonic welding etc.

The cartons described above are specifically suitable for articles such as bottles but the disclosure is not limited to such articles and extends to any kind of articles that may be loaded into such a carton including cans or other beverage containers amongst other possibilities.

Claims

1. A handle structure for a carton for holding articles, the handle structure comprises a strap member secured at opposed terminal ends thereof to the carton, and a grip member slidably engaged with the strap member so as to be moveable along a length of the strap member.

2. The handle structure according to claim 1 wherein the grip member is formed from the material forming the carton.

3. The handle structure according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the strap member stretches relative to the grip member when the handle structure is used to support the weight of the carton.

4. The handle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the grip member is detachably connected to the carton.

5. The handle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the grip member comprises a pair of upper and lower opposed panels between which the strap member is sandwiched.

6. The handle structure according to claim 5 wherein the upper and lower opposed panels are connected together such that the grip member is provided with an internal pathway through which the strap member extends.

7. The handle structure according to claim 6, wherein the upper and lower opposed panels are secured together at areas along adjacent edges thereof.

8. The handle structure according to claim 6, wherein the upper and lower opposed panels are hingedly connected together along a common side edge thereof.

9. A carton for holding articles, comprising a handle structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The carton according to claim 9, further comprising a flap hingedly connected to the carton, the strap member of the handle structure is secured to the flap such that supporting the carton by the handle structure causes the flap to hinge relative to the carton, thereby to bring the ends of the strap member closer together.

1 1. The carton according to claim 10 wherein the flap is defined in at least one wall of the carton by weakened lines of severance, and the flap is formed from the at least one wall.

12. The carton according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the flap comprises an aperture through which a portion of an article may extend when the carton is lifted by the handle structure.

13. The carton according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the flap overlies respective portions of two adjacent walls of the carton when the carton is not being supported by the handle structure.

14. The carton according to claim 13, wherein two lines of severance define therebetween a first one of the respective portions, and a second one of the respective portions, the first and second portions being disposed either side of, and hinged together by, a wall fold line connecting the two adjacent walls, and further hinged along opposing ends thereof to the two adjacent walls respectively, such that the first and second portions can create a space internally of the carton into which the flap may hinge as the carton is supported by the handle structure.

15. The carton according to claim 10, wherein the flap is detachably connected to the grip member.

16. The carton according to claim 15, wherein the flap and the grip member, when connected, form a second strap member that extend along the strap member.

17. The handle structure according to claim 1 , wherein the strap member is formed from first material and the grip member is formed from second material, and wherein the first material is greater in elasticity than the second material.

18. The handle structure according to claim 17, wherein the first material is one selected from the group consisting of plastic, fabric and plastic composite material, and wherein the second material is paperboard or corrugated board.

19.A blank for forming a carton according to any one of claims 9 to 16.