EP3999441A2

EP3999441A2 - Carton and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: EP3999441A2
Application number: EP20750050.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-07-16
Filing date: 2020-07-09
Publication date: 2022-05-25
Also published as: TW202112624A; WO2021011301A2; US20220250820A1; WO2021011301A3

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more article and a blank for forming the carton. The carton may have at least one display window for presentation of an article therein. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall. The carton comprises a handle feature including first and second handle panels in a face-contacting relationship. The first handle panel is hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with, the top wall. The second handle panel is detachably connected to a top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the top wall.

Description

CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons or carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carrier of the wrap-around type having a carrying handle structure.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an article carrier having carrying handle structure. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display window for displaying an article within the carrier in which an orientation device enables the orientation of the article to be adjusted whilst within the carrier.

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

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a carrying handle. The carrying handle comprises; a first handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at least one securing panel. The at least one securing panel is frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle panels. The at least one securing panel is separated from the other one of the first and second handle panels.

Optionally, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to a second one of the plurality of panels.

Optionally, the second handle panel is hingedly connected to the first handle panel. Optionally, the plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure includes; a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall.

Optionally, each of the at least one securing panel is a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall.

Optionally, the at least one securing panel comprises a pair of securing panels.

Optionally, each of the pair of securing panels is a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall.

Optionally, the carton comprises at least one display window for presentation of an article therein, and at least one orientation device for enabling said article to be oriented whilst loaded in the carton.

Another aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes: a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side panel. The carton comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel. The first and second side panels are interconnected by a top end flap. The handle feature comprises first and second handle panels disposed in a face-contacting relationship. The first handle panel is hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with, the first top panel. The second handle panel is detachably connected to the top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

Optionally, the first and second handle panels are hingedly connected together.

Optionally, the frangible line comprises a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.

Optionally, the top end flap comprises an outer top end flap and an inner top end flap disposed in face-contacting relationship with the outer top end flap.

Optionally, the second handle panel is detachably connected to the outer top end flap along the frangible line, the frangible line comprising a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line, the inner top end flap is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a fold line which includes at least one opening interrupting the fold line, the at least one opening is in vertical alignment with the at least one bridging nick.

Optionally, the carton comprises a second top panel hingedly connected between the second side panel and the second handle panel.

Optionally, a connecting panel is formed from the second handle panel and secured to the first top panel. The connecting panel ay define at least in part a handle opening in the second handle panel.

A further aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The carton comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the topreceiving opening.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises plurality of panels forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The carton comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.

Optionally, the top-receiving opening is sufficiently exposed that an article is receivable in the top-receiving opening to enable a portion of said article to be handled or engaged externally of the carton. Still a further aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first top panel. The carton comprises at least one top end flap and a carrying handle. The carrying handle has at least one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel. The at least one top end flap is frangibly connected a first one of the at least one handle panels. The at least one handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a carrying handle. The carrying handle comprises; a first handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at least one securing panel. The at least one securing panel is frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle panels. The at least one securing panel is separated from the other one of the first and second handle panels by a cutaway.

Yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes; a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side panel. The blank comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel. The first and second side panels are configured to be interconnected by an inner and outer top end flap. The handle feature comprises first and second handle panels arranged to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship in a setup carton. The first handle panel is hingedly connected to the first top panel and is arranged to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up carton. The second handle panel is detachably connected to the outer top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

Still yet another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The blank comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the top-receiving opening.

Still yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first side panel and a first top panel. The blank comprises a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure. The plurality of panels includes a first top panel. The blank comprises at least one top end flap and a carrying handle. The carrying handle has at least one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. The at least one handle panel is arranged to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up carton. The at least one top end flap is frangibly connected a first one of the at least one handle panels. The at least one handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top end flap along a frangible line. In a set-up carton severance of the frangible line allows the handle feature to be hingedly moved to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

Figure 1 B illustrates a stage of construction of the blank of Figurel ;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the carton of Figure 2 showing a carrying handle in a deployed condition;

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment;

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the carton of Figure 5 showing a carrying handle in a stowed condition;

Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a portion of the carton of Figure 5 showing a carrying handle in a deployed condition;

Figure 8 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment; and

Figure 9 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a plan view of a blank 1 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 190, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for containing and carrying a group of primary products.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a plan view of a blank 210 capable of forming a carton or carrier 290, as shown in Figure 9, for containing and carrying a group of primary products.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms“carton” and“carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles B (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

The blanks 10; 1 10; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structures or cartons described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 12oz (approx. 355ml) glass bottles.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the blank 1 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 190 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated the arrangement is a 4 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment two rows of four articles B are provided, and the articles B are 16oz (approx. 473ml) glass bottles.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the blank 210 is configured to form a carton or carrier 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the embodiment illustrated the arrangement is a 3 x 2 matrix or array; in the illustrated embodiment two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 12oz (approx. 355ml) glass bottles.

Alternatively, the blanks 10; 1 10; 210 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and/or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration.

The present invention relates generally to a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging articles B which carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a carrying handle H.

Embodiments described herein may comprise an article engaging arrangement for engaging an article B. Embodiments described herein may further comprise a viewing window arrangement or display window W struck from a side wall 14/16; 1 14 of the carton 90; 190; 290. The window presents, for view, a substantial portion of an article B contained within the carton 90; 190; 290, adjacent to that side wall 14/16; 1 14. The embodiments described herein may also comprise a viewing window arrangement or display window in at least one end wall. Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 comprises; a first base panel 12, a first lower side panel 14, a first upper side panel 16, a top panel 18, a first handle panel 20, a second handle panel 22, a second upper side panel 24, a second lower side panel 26, and a second base panel 28. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23, 25, 27.

The first base panel 12 is hinged to the first lower side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. The first lower side panel 14 is hinged to the first upper side panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. The first upper side panel 16 is hinged to the top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The top panel 18 is hinged to the first handle panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. The first handle panel 20 is hinged to the second handle panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21. The second handle panel 22 is hinged to the second upper side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 23. The second upper side panel 24 is hinged to the second lower side panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25. The second lower side panel 26 is hinged to the second base panel 28 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 27.

The blank 10 may comprise a grain or machine direction, the grain direction is indicated in Figure 1 by direction arrows GR, the grain direction may extend between the first and second base panels 12, 28.

The first upper side panel 16 and the first lower side panel 14 form a first side wall 14/16 of a carton 90. The second upper side panel 24 and the second lower side panel 26 form a second side wall 24/26 of a carton 90.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/28 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 28 to the first base panel 12. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The second base panel 28 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 28 comprises a plurality of male tabs M. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the first base panel 12, the openings in the first base panel 12 being configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the first base panel 12 to form the openings and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. The openings form a receiver for receiving the male tabs M. In some embodiments the female tabs F may be omitted.

The first and second base panels 12, 28 may comprise at least one first aperture A1 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises two first apertures A1 , the second base panel 20 comprises three first apertures A1. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first base panel 12 comprises one second aperture A2. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1 , A2 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 28 with respect to each other or to align the first part of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part of the complementary locking mechanism.

The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 comprises at least one first display window W for presentation of an article B.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a first display window W formed in each of the first upper and first lower side walls 16, 14.

The first display window W comprises an opening in each of the first upper and first lower side walls or panels 16, 14. The opening is defined: in part by a first displaceable tab or flap 52a; in part by a second displaceable tab or flap 52b; in part by a first window aperture A3 struck in part from the first upper side wall 16 and the first lower side wall 14; and in part by a second window aperture A4 struck from the first upper side wall 16. The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are separated from each other in part by the first window aperture A3 and in part by a severable line in the form of a cutline 53. The second window aperture A4 defines upper edges of each of the first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b. The cutline extends between the first window aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4. The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are hinged to the first upper and lower side panels 16, 14 by fold lines 51 a, 51 b respectively.

The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b are hingedly connected to the first upper and lower side panels 16, 14 and are positioned opposite to one another.

The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b may comprise at least one fold line. In the illustrated embodiment the first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each comprise two fold lines. The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each comprises a first fold line 15a, 15b, the first fold lines 15a, 15b are collinear with the fold line 15 hinging the first upper side panel 16 to the first lower side panels 14. The first and second displaceable flaps 52a, 52b each comprises a second fold line 55a, 55b. The second fold lines 55a, 55b are divergently arranged with respect the respective one of the first fold lines 15a, 15b. The first and second fold lines 15a, 15b, 55a, 55b diverge away from the respective hinged connection 51 a, 51 b.

When the tabs 52a, 52b are displaced or folded with respect to the first side wall 14/16 to display an article B as shown in Figure 2, the tabs 52a, 52b form a frame about the displayed article B and may at least partially separate the displayed article B from adjacent articles B in the row of articles B proximate the first side wall 14/16. The tabs 52a, 52b may at least partially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.

The tabs 52a, 52b are visible through the display window W in a set up carton 90.

At least a portion of the display window W is larger in dimension, wider, than an adjacent portion of the article B such that the full width of a portion of the article B is visible through the display window W.

The blank 10 comprises at least one end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28.

In the illustrated embodiment an end closure structure is provided for partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

Each of the end closure structures may comprise a second display window W2, see Figure 2, for the display of one or more articles B disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of the second display windows may be omitted such that a display window is provided at only one end of the tubular structure, in still other embodiments both the second display windows may be omitted.

The blank 10 comprises a first end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a, 38a, 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first or inner top end closure flap 36a, hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a fold line 37a.

A second or outer top end closure flap 38a/40a is hingedly and severably connected to the second handle panel 22 by a frangible line 50a. The second top end closure flap 38a/40a comprises an upper part 38a hingedly connected to a lower part 40a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39a.

The frangible line 50a may comprise a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.

A first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 16 by a fold line 31 a.

The first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected to first top end closure flap 36a by a first gusset panel 34a. The first upper end closure flap 32a is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 34a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33a. The first gusset panel 34a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 36a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35a.

A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part from one or more of the first gusset panel 34a, the first upper end closure flap 32a, the first top end closure flap 36a, the first upper side panel 16, and the top panel 18.

A second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected the second upper side panel 24 by a fold line 45a.

The second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a second gusset panel 42a. The second upper end closure flap 44a is hingedly connected to the second gusset panel 42a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43a. The second gusset panel 42a is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 a.

A first relief aperture A9 may be struck from, or defined, in part from one or more of the second gusset panel 42a, the second upper end closure flap 44a, the second top end closure flap 38a/40a, the second upper side panel 24, and the second handle panel 22.

Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a first lower side end closure flap 30a hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29a.

Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 46a is hinged to the second lower side panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47a.

Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 48a is hinged to the second base panel 28 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49a. The first lower side end closure flap 30a, second lower side end closure flap 46a and the first bottom end closure flap 48a are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.

The blank 10 comprises a second end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b, 38b, 40b, 42b, 44b, 46b, 48b.

The second end closure structure comprises a third or inner top end closure flap 36b hingedly connected to the top panel 18, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 37b.

A fourth or outer top end closure flap 38b/40b is hingedly and severably connected to the second handle panel 22, at a second end thereof, by a frangible line 50b. The second top end closure flap 38b/40b comprises an upper part 38b hingedly connected to a lower part 40b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 39b.

The frangible line 50b may comprise a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.

A third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 16, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 31 b. The third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected to third top end closure flap 36b by a third gusset panel 34b. The third upper end closure flap 32b is hingedly connected to the third gusset panel 34b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 33b. The third gusset panel 34b is hingedly connected to the third top end closure flap 36b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 35b.

A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined, in part from one or more of the third gusset panel 34b, the third upper end closure flap 32b, the third top end closure flap 36b, the first upper side panel 16, and the top panel 18.

A fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 24, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 45b.

The fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a fourth gusset panel 42b. The fourth upper end closure flap 44b is hingedly connected to the fourth gusset panel 42b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 43b. The fourth gusset panel 42b is hingedly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 41 b.

A second relief aperture A10 may be struck or defined, in part, from one or more of the fourth gusset panel 42b, the fourth upper end closure flap 44b, the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b, the second upper side panel 24, and the second handle panel 22.

Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a third lower side end closure flap 30b hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 29b.

Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 46b is hinged to the second lower side panel 26 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47b.

Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 48b is hinged to the second base panel 28, at a second end thereof, by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 49b. The third lower side end closure flap 30b, fourth lower side end closure flap 46b and second bottom end closure flap 48b are arranged to partially close a lower region of a second open end of the tubular structure. The blank 10 comprises a carrying handle structure. The carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 20 and the second handle panel 22. The first handle panel 20 comprises a first handle opening H1 defined at least in part by a first handle aperture A6. The first handle opening H1 may be defined at least in part by a flap 60 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 60 is hinged to the first handle panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61.

The first handle opening H1 may interrupt the fold line 19 between the first handle panel 20 and the top panel 18.

The carrying handle structure may comprise a pair of relief devices 67a, 67b defined in the top panel 18. The relief devices 67a, 67b may be formed from arcuate or curvilinear cut lines or severance lines. The relief devices 67a, 67b may facilitate deformation of the top panel 18 when deploying the carrying handle.

The second handle panel 22 comprises a second handle opening H2 defined at least in part by a tab 62. The tab 62 is hinged to the second upper side panel 24 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 63, the fold line 63 is collinear with fold line 23, the fold line 63 is contiguous with fold line 23. The second handle opening H2 may be defined at least in part by a flap 60 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 60 is hinged to the second handle panel 22 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 .

The second handle opening H2 may interrupt the fold line 23 between the second handle panel 22 and the second upper side panel 24.

A cutline defining the second handle opening may extend into the second upper side panel 24. The cutline may comprise first and second end portions 65a, 65a defined in the second upper side panel 24, the first and second end portions 65a, 65a may be arcuate or curvilinear, the first and second end portions 65a, 65a may be“J” or“C” shaped.

The tab 62 secures the second side wall 24/26 forming a connecting panel, particularly the second upper side panel 24, to the top panel 18 when the carrying handle H is deployed, and may serve to reinforce the carton when the carrying handle H is in use.

The second handle panel 22 is frangibly connected to the second top end closure flap 38a/40a by a frangible connection 50a. The second handle panel 22 is partially separated from second top end closure flap 38a/40a by the first relief aperture A9. The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is separated from the first handle panel 20 by a cutaway in the form of a recess R1.

The frangible connection 50a is disposed between the first relief aperture A9 and the recess R1 , in this way the upper part 38a of the second top end closure flap 38a/40a comprises a bridging portion coupling the second top end closure flap 38a/40a to the second handle panel 22.

The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is free from connection to the first handle panel 20.

The blank 10 comprises a third relief aperture A7 struck in part from the top panel 18 and in part from the first top end closure panel 36a. The third relief aperture A7 interrupts the hinged connection between top panel 18 and the first top end closure panel 36a.

The second handle panel 22 is frangibly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by a frangible connection 50b. The second handle panel 22 is partially separated from fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b by the second relief aperture A10.

The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is separated from the first handle panel 20 by a second cutaway in the form of a second recess R2.

The frangible connection 50b is disposed between the second relief aperture A10 and the second recess R2, in this way the upper part 38b of the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b comprises a bridging portion coupling the fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b to the second handle panel 22.

The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is free from connection to the first handle panel 20.

The blank 10 comprises a fourth relief aperture A8 struck in part from the top panel 18 and in part from the third top end closure panel 36b. The fourth relief aperture A8 interrupts the hinged connection between top panel 18 and the third top end closure panel 36b.

The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 reduce or relieve pressure upon the frangible connections 50a, 50b respectively when the blank 10 is assembled into a carton 90, this may reduce inadvertent or unintentional separation of the frangible connections 50a, 50b prior to deployment of the carrying handle H. The blank 10 may comprise at least one orientation adjustment device for enabling the orientation of an article B.

The orientation adjustment device is arranged such that the article B displayed in the first display window W located in the first side wall 14/16 can be controlled or adjusted. It will be appreciated that the orientation adjustment device may be located such that one or both articles B presented in the second display windows in the end walls of the carton 90 can be controlled or adjusted.

The orientation adjustment device comprises a bottom cutaway or opening (also referred to herein as a second opening) in the form of the second aperture A2 provided in first base panel 12. In the illustrated embodiment the second aperture A2 forms a lower aperture of the orientation adjustment device. In other embodiments a lower aperture may be provided in the second base panel 28. In still other embodiments a lower aperture may be provided in each of the first and second base panels 12, 28.

The lower aperture A2 is arranged to be in vertical registry with the article B which is disposed in the first display window W.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lower aperture A2 is arranged to be vertically aligned substantially with the display window W.

The lower aperture A2 may be shaped so as to comprise a“V” or“U” shaped cutaway portion which provides an alignment or assembly guide. This cutaway portion may be engaged by a tool, for example of a packaging machine. The cutaway portion may facilitate alignment of the first base panel 12 with the second base panel 28 when the carton 90 is assembled about a group of articles B. Additionally or alternatively the cutaway portion may facilitate tightening or wrapping of the carton 90 about the group of articles B. It may facilitate pulling the first base panel 12 towards the second side panel 24/26 so as to increase the degree of overlap between the first and second base panels 12, 28 such that the complementary locking mechanism may be employed.

The orientation adjustment device comprises a top cutaway or opening (also referred to herein as a first opening) in the form of an upper aperture A5 provided at least in part in the top panel 18. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the upper aperture A5 is provided in part in the top panel 18 and in part in the first upper side panel 16. Extending the aperture A5 into the the first upper side panel 16 may facilitate folding the top panel 18 with respect to the first upper side panel 16 along the fold line 17.

In other embodiments, the upper aperture A5 may be provided solely in the top panel 18, so as to be struck from only material forming the top panel 18. Such an arrangement may be advantageous when the article B is returned or lowered to a rest position within the interior chamber of the carton 90.

The upper aperture A5 is spaced apart from the display window W (for example from the second window aperture A4) by a portion of the first upper side panel 16. The region of the first upper side panel 16 separating the upper aperture A5 from the display window W may serve as a retainer to prevent or inhibit removal or egress of the display article B from the carton 90.

In such alternative embodiments, a front or outer edge of the upper aperture A5 is provided by the top panel 18 and therefore is oriented horizontally or perpendicularly with respect to the direction of travel of the article B as it moves, or descends, into the carton 90. This may reduce the likelihood of a portion of the article B, such as a flange or cap or other closure, from being caught or snagged upon material defining an edge of the upper aperture A5.

The upper aperture A5 is arranged to be in vertical registry with the upper end of the article B which is disposed in the display window W. The upper aperture A5 is dimensioned such that an upper portion of said article B can pass through the top panel 18.

The upper aperture A5 is arranged to be vertically aligned with the first display window W.

The orientation adjustment device 70 is arranged to allow adjustment of the orientation of the article displayed in the display window W.

The lower aperture A5 is disposed mid-way between opposed free end edges of the first base panel 12.

The upper aperture A6 is struck in part from the top panel 18 and interrupts the fold line 17; the upper aperture A6 is arranged to be disposed mid-way between opposed hinged connections, fold lines 37a, 37b, hinging the first and third top end closure panels 36a, 36b to the top panel 18. The upper aperture A5 may be dimensioned so as to be smaller than a shoulder portion of the article B. In this way an upper end portion of the article B may pass through the upper aperture A5 but is prevented from being fully withdrawn through the upper aperture A5. The upper aperture A5 may be dimensioned so as to be larger than an upper portion of the article B, this upper portion may include a cap/closure of the article B, when the article B is a bottle, the upper portion may include the“finish” and at least some of the“neck”. The upper portion may be positioned externally of the carton 90. The“shoulder”,“body” and“heel” of the bottle, being retained within the carton 90.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 1 B, 2 and 3, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b. In other embodiments the glue may be applied to a corresponding regions of an inner surface of the second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing tab 62. In other embodiments the glue may be applied to a corresponding regions of an outer surface of the top panel 18.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a surface of at least one of the first and second handle panels 20, 22 such that when the first and second handle panels 20, 22 are brought into face to face relationship the first and second handle panels 20, 22 may be secured to each other.

The blank 10 is folded about fold line 19 to bring the first handle panel 20 into face contacting relationship with the top panel 18.

The blank 10 is folded about fold line 21 to bring the second handle panel 22 into face contacting relationship with the first handle panel 20. The securing tab 62 is brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel 18 as shown in Figure 1 B. The securing tab 62 is secured to the top panel 18. The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is brought into face contacting relationship with the first top end closure flaps 36a. The second top end closure flap 38a/40a is secured to the first top end closure flaps 36a.

The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is brought into face contacting relationship with the third top end closure flap 36b. The fourth top end closure flap 38b/40b is secured to the third top end closure flap 36b.

In this way a part formed blank 10 is created, part formed blank 10 can be shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the part formed blank 10 may be erected into an article carrier about a group of articles B.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the preferred embodiment six articles B are arranged in a 3 x 2 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90. The first and second handle panels 20, 22 are disposed above the top panel 18 over the group of articles B. The first and second handle panels 20, 22 are held in folded condition in an overlying position.

The window panels 52a, 52b are folded inwardly of the carton 90 either prior to or simultaneously with the first and second side walls 14/16, 24/26 being folded about the fold lines 17, 23 so as to be disposed on opposing sides of the group of articles B. The window panels 52a, 52b are disposed such that they are interposed between a pair of adjacent articles B.

Once the first and second sidewalls 14/16, 24/26 are folded about the opposing sides of the group of articles B; the first base panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed adjacent the base of the group of articles B. The second base panel 28 is then folded about the fold line 27 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12. The first and second base panels 12, 28 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 28. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 28 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

In some embodiments, the blank 10 may be formed into a tubular structure and subsequently loaded with articles B through at least one open end thereof. The first and second end closure structures are folded about the open ends of the tubular structure. The folding sequence for each of the first and second end closure structures is substantially the same and will be described in more detail by reference to the first end closure structure only.

The first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a are folded about the fold lines 27a, 31 a, 45a so as to partially close a first open end of the tubular structure.

The first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a at least partially fold in response to folding the first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a. The first and second top end closure panels 36a, 38a/40a fold, at least partially, in response to folding of the first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a.

The first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a are folded between the first and second top end closure panel 36a, 38a/40a and the respective one of first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a to which they are coupled.

The first and second top end closure panel 36a, 38a/40a are folded about fold line 37a and frangible line 50a to be brought in to face to face relationship with first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a and the first and second gusset panels 34a, 42a.

The second or lower part 40a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a is folded, outwardly, with respect to the first or upper part 38a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a by folding about fold line 39a.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a. In other embodiments the glue may be applied to corresponding regions of an inner surface of the second part of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a.

The second part 40a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a is unfolded with respect to the first part 38a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a by folding about fold line 39a to bring the second part 40a of the second top end closure panel 38a/40a into face contacting relationship with the first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a.

The second top end closure panel 38a/40a is secured to the first and second upper side end closure flaps 32a, 44a. The first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a are folded about fold lines 29a, 49a respectively.

The first lower side end closure flap 30a may be secured to the second lower side end closure flap 46a. In some embodiments the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a may be dimensioned so as to be arranged in an at least partial overlapping arrangement. Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to one of the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a so as to secure them together.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to each of the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a. In other embodiments the glue may be applied to corresponding regions of an inner surface of the bottom end closure flap 48a.

The bottom end closure flap 48a is folded about fold line 49a so as to be brought up into face contacting relationship with the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a.

The bottom end closure flap 48a is secured to the first and second lower side end closure flaps 30a, 46a.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a carton 90 in which a first side wall 14/16 comprises a first display window W exposing to view an article B. The pair of displaceable flaps 52a, 52b form a frame about the article B, best shown in Figure 2. The article B is shown in a first, rest, position in Figure 2.

The article B which is presented in the first display window W in the first side wall 14/16 is moveable or translatable within the assembled carton 90. A finger or tool (not shown) may be inserted through an opening, provided by second aperture A2, in the base wall 12/28 formed by the first and second base panels 12, 28. The article B can be moved into an elevated position.

When the article B is moved an upper portion of the article B passes through the upper aperture A5 and is external of the carton 90. In this second, deployed, position the article B is readily accessible. The upper portion of the article B may be engaged by a tool or user. The orientation of the article B may be adjusted in the deployed position by rotating the article B about a tubular or vertical axis thereof, upon reaching the desired orientation the article B may be returned to the rest position. The carton 90 and the articles B form a package in which the upper portion of the article B is arranged in a rest position such that the top of the upper portion is disposed below the upper aperture A6 and is not substantially received therein.

A lower portion of the article B is restricted from passing through the opening in the top panel 18 formed from the upper aperture A5; the lower portion having a dimension greater than the opening in the top panel 18.

The package or carton 90 is arranged such that the height of the article B is no greater than the height of the carton 90, wherein the height of the carton 90 is defined by the distance between the top wall 18 and the base wall 12/28.

The carton comprises a carrying handle H having at least one handle panel 20, 22, the carrying handle is arranged such that the at least one handle panel 20, 22 does not obscure or close the upper aperture A5 of the article orientation device. In the illustrated embodiment neither of the first and second handle panels 20, 22 obscures or closes the upper aperture A5.

The at least one handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying handle H comprises a first, hinged or coupling, edge which in use forms a lower hinged edge hinging or coupling the at least one handle panel 20, 22 to the tubular structure of the carton 90. The at least one handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying handle H comprises a second edge, the second edge opposes the first edge.

When the at least one handle panel 20, 22 of the carrying handle H is in the folded or stowed position, shown in Figure 2, the second edge is disposed in closer proximity to the first edge of the at least one handle panel 20, 22 than the upper aperture A5.

A first distance is defined between the first edge of the at least one handle panel 20, 22 and the second edge of the at least one handle panel 20, 22. A second distance is defined between the upper aperture A5 and the first edge of the at least one handle panel 20, 22 or second side wall 24/26. The first distance is less than the second distance.

In some embodiments the second edge of the at least one handle panel 20, 22 may be shaped to accommodate the upper aperture A5, for example, but not limited to, a cutaway in the form of a recess may be provided; in embodiments where the carrying handle H comprises a pair of hinged, first and second, handle panels 20, 22 the cutaway may be formed from an aperture struck in part from the first handle panel 20 and in part from the second handle panel 22 so as to interrupt the hinged connection between the first and second handle panels 20, 22.

The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 remove material from the top panel 18 and the first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b in regions of the hinged connections between the top panel 18 and the first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b which are disposed adjacent to the frangible connections 50a, 50b between the at least one handle panel 20, 22 (the second handle panel 22 in the illustrated embodiment) and the second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.

In this way the neither the top panel 18 or the first and third top end closure flaps 36a, 36b exert force or pressure upon the frangible connections 50a, 50b.

The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 may allow the respective bridging portion of the second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b to be at least partially received therein.

Optionally, the frangible connections 50a, 50b between the at least one handle panel 20, 22 (the second handle panel 22 in the illustrated embodiment) and the second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b are arranged to be disposed adjacent to a void or gap between a pair of articles B disposed adjacent to an end wall of the carton formed at least in part by the second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.

The second and fourth top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b serve as securing panels for holding the carrying handle in the stowed position. The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the securing panels, the first handle panel 220 is free from connection to the securing panels.

The articles B comprise a main body and a neck portion disposed above the main body; the neck portion comprises a smaller dimension or diameter than the main body. A shoulder region provides a transition between the main body and the neck portion. The second top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b may be configured to obscure from view at least the neck portion. In some embodiments, the shoulder region or an upper portion of the main body or both may be obscured from view by the top end closure flaps 38a/40a, 38b/40b.

A second display window W2 is defined in part by free side edge portions of each of the first and second lower side panels 14, 26. In this way branding or other indicia provided upon the articles B may be displayed through the first display window W or the second display window W2. The articles B may be arranged in a desired orientation. The displaceable flaps 52a, 52b may bear against an article B so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the article B away from the desired orientation.

The first and second end closure structures may be tightened so as to bear against the endmost articles B, with frictional forces, so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the endmost articles B away from a predefined orientation.

Referring now to Figures 4 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The second embodiment shares many common features with the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 4 illustrates a blank 1 10 for forming a carton 190 according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 1 14, 118, 120, 122, 126, 128 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 1 12, 114, 1 18, 120, 122, 126, 128 comprises a first base panel 112, a first side panel 1 14, a top panel 118, a first handle panel 120, a second handle panel 122, a second side panel 126, and a second base panel 128. The plurality of panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 18, 120, 122, 126, 128 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 1 13, 1 17, 1 19, 121 , 123, 127.

The fold lines 15, 25 of the embodiment of Figure 1 have been omitted and the sidewalls of the carton are formed from a single, unitary, side panel 1 14, 126.

The blank 1 10 comprises at least one end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the plurality of panels 1 12, 1 14, 1 18, 120, 122, 126, 128.

Each of the end closure structures may comprise a second display window W2 for the display of one or more articles B disposed adjacent thereto. In other embodiments, one of the second display windows W2 may be omitted such that a display window W2 is provided at only one end of the tubular structure, in still other embodiments both the second display windows may be omitted.

The blank 110 comprises a first end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 130a, 132a, 134a, 138a, 140a, 144a, 146a, 148a, 170a, 172a, 174a, 176a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first top end closure flap 138a/140a, hingedly connected to the top panel 1 18 by a fold line 137a. The first top end closure flap 138a/140a comprises an upper part 138a hingedly connected to a lower part 140a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139a.

A first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected to a first upper corner panel 172a by a fold line 131 a. The first upper corner panel 172a is hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 by a fold line 173a. Fold line 173a may be nonlinear for example it may comprise first and second linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 138a/140a by a first gusset panel 134a. The first upper end closure flap 132a is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 134a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133a. The first gusset panel 134a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 138a/140a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135a.

A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined in, the first gusset panel 134a.

A second upper end closure flap 144a is hingedly connected to a second upper corner panel 174a by a fold line 145a, the second upper corner panel 174a is hingedly connected to the second side panel 126 by a fold line 175a. Fold line 175a may be nonlinear for example it may comprise first and second linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a first lower side end closure flap 130a hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 by a first lower corner panel 170a. The first lower side end closure flap 130a is hingedly connected to the first lower corner panel 170a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129a. The first lower corner panel 170a is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 a. Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 146a is hinged to the second lower side panel 126 by a by a second lower corner panel 176a. The second lower side end closure flap 146a is hinged to the second lower corner panel 176a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 147a.

The second lower corner panel 176a is hinged to the second side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 177a.

Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 148a is hinged to the second base panel 128 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 149a. The first lower side end closure flap 130a, second lower side end closure flap 146a and the first bottom end closure flap 148a are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.

The blank 1 10 comprises a second end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 130b, 132b, 134b, 138b, 140b, 144b, 146b, 148b, 170b, 172b, 174b. 176b.

The second end closure structure comprises a second top end closure flap 138b/140b, hingedly connected to the top panel 118 by a fold line 137b. The second top end closure flap 138b/140b comprises an upper part 138b hingedly connected to a lower part 140b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 139b.

A third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly connected to a third upper corner panel 172b by a fold line 131 b. The third upper corner panel 172b is hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 by a fold line 173b. Fold line 173b may be nonlinear for example it may comprise first and second linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other.

The third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 138b/140b by a third gusset panel 134b. The third upper end closure flap 132b is hingedly connected to the third gusset panel 134b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 133b. The third gusset panel 134b is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 138b/140b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 135b.

A relief aperture may be struck from, or defined in, the third gusset panel 134b.

A fourth upper end closure flap 144b is hingedly connected to a fourth upper corner panel 174b by a fold line 145b, the fourth upper corner panel 174b is hingedly connected to the second side panel 126 by a fold line 175b. Fold line 175b may be nonlinear for example it may comprise first and second linear portions divergently arranged with respect to each other.

Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a third lower side end closure flap 130b hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 by a third lower corner panel 170b. The third lower side end closure flap 130b is hingedly connected to the third lower corner panel 170b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 129b. The third lower corner panel 170b is hingedly connected to the first side panel 114 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 171 b.

Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 146b is hinged to the second lower side panel 126 by a by a fourth lower corner panel 176b. The fourth lower side end closure flap 146b is hinged to the fourth lower corner panel 176b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 147b.

The fourth lower corner panel 176b is hinged to the second side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 177b.

Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 148b is hinged to the second base panel 128 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 149b. The third lower side end closure flap 130b, fourth lower side end closure flap 146b and second bottom end closure flap 148b are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.

Optionally, the blank 1 10 comprises a first display window W formed in the first side panel 1 14.

The first display window W comprises an opening in the first side wall or panel 1 14. The opening is defined: in part by a first displaceable tab or flap 152a; in part by a second displaceable tab or flap 152b; in part by a first window aperture A3 struck in part from the first side wall 1 14; and in part by a second window aperture A4 struck from the first side wall 1 14. The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are separated from each other in part by the first window aperture A3 and in part by a severable line in the form of a cutline 153. The second window aperture A4 defines upper edges of each of the first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b. The cutline extends between the first window aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4. The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are hinged to the first side panel 1 14 by fold lines 151 a, 151 b respectively. The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 and are positioned opposite to one another.

The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b are each hingedly connected to the first side panel 1 14 by non-linear hinged connections. In the illustrated embodiments the hinged connections, fold lines, are curvilinear or arcuate, in other embodiments the hinged connections may be comprised of two or more linear portions arranged contiguously and divergently with respect to each other.

When the tabs 152a, 152b are displaced or folded with respect to the first side wall 1 14 to display an article B as shown in Figure 5, the non-linear hinged connections increase or encourage the tendency of the displaceable tabs 152a, 152b to return to their original, unfolded, planar position. In this way the tabs 152a, 152b, when displaced, are biased towards the article B displayed within the window W. The tabs 152a, 152b form a frame about the displayed article B and may at least partially separate the displayed article B from adjacent articles B in the row of articles B proximate the first side panel 1 14. The tabs 152a, 152b may at least partially conceal aforesaid adjacent articles B.

The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b may each comprise a foldable wing portion.

The first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b may comprise at least one fold line 155a, 155b. In the illustrated embodiment the first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b each comprise one fold line 155a, 155b. The fold line 155a, 155b defines at least in part a foldable wing portion of a respective one of the first and second displaceable flaps 152a, 152b. The fold lines 155a, 155b extend between the first window aperture A3 and the second window aperture A4.

The tabs 152a, 152b are visible through the display window W in a set up carton 190.

In contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1 in which the display window W is arranged to display a centrally disposed article in one of the rows of articles. The display window W is disposed in an off centre position in the first side panels 1 14 to display an adjacently disposed article B.

The orientation adjustment device is arranged to allow adjustment of the orientation of the article B displayed in the display window W. The location of the lower aperture A2 in the first base panel 1 12 and the upper aperture A6 in the top panel 1 18 is adjusted to be similarly off centre; display window W, upper and lower apertures A6, A2 being aligned with each other.

The blank 110 comprises a carrying handle structure. The carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 120 and the second handle panel 122. The first handle panel 120 comprises a first handle opening H1 defined at least in part by a first handle aperture A6. The first handle opening H1 may be defined at least in part by a flap 160 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 160 is hinged to the first handle panel 120 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161.

The first handle opening H1 may interrupt the fold line 1 19 between the first handle panel 120 and the top panel 1 18.

The second handle panel 122 comprises a second handle opening H2 defined at least in part by a tab 162. The tab 162 is hinged to the second side panel 126 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line, the fold line is collinear with fold line 123; the fold line is contiguous with fold line 123. The second handle opening H2 may be defined at least in part by a flap 160 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 160 is hinged to the second handle panel 122 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 161.

The second handle opening H2 may interrupt the fold line 123 between the second handle panel 122 and the second side panel 126.

A cutline defining the second handle opening H2 may extend into the second side panel 126. The cutline may comprise first and second end portions defined in the second side panel 126, the first and second end portions may be arcuate or curvilinear, the first and second end portions may be“J” or“C” shaped.

The tab 162 secures the second side wall 126 to the top panel 1 18 when the carrying handle H is deployed, and may serve to reinforce the carton when the carrying handle H is in use.

The blank 1 10 comprises a first securing panel 178a hingedly connected to the second side panel 126, along an upper edge thereof, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123a. The blank 1 10 may comprise a second securing panel 178b hingedly connected to the second side panel 126, along an upper edge thereof, by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 123b. The first securing panel 178a and the second securing panel 178b are disposed at or about opposing ends of the first and second handle panels 120, 122.

The second handle panel 122 is frangibly connected, along end edges thereof, to each of the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by a frangible connection 179a, 179b.

The second handle panel 122 may be partially separated from each of the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by a cutaway in the form of a cutline.

The first handle panel 120 is separated from the each of the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by a respective cutaway C1 , C2 in the form of a recess. In other embodiments the cutaways C1 , C2 may take alternative forms such as but not limited to cut lines, slot, slits, frangible lines or severance lines.

The frangible connection 179a is disposed between a first cutaway C1 and a cutline. In this way a bridging portion couples the first securing panel 178a to the second handle panel 122. The bridging portion may comprise at least one connecting portion or frangible nick portion.

The first handle panel 120 is free from connection to the first securing panel 178a.

The frangible connection 179b is disposed between the second cutaway C2 and a cutline. In this a second bridging portion couples the second securing panel 178b to the second handle panel 122. The bridging portion may comprise at least one connecting portion orfrangible nick portion.

The second securing panel 178b is free from connection to the second handle panel 122.

The blank 110 is assembled in a manner substantially similar to that described herein with respect to the embodiment of Figure 1. The assembled carton 190 is shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 shows a close up view of the top wall 1 18 of the carton 190 and the carrying handle H in a stowed condition. The carton 190 is shown in Figure 7 with the carrying handle H in a deployed condition.

The first and second handle panels 120, 122 and the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b are arranged to accommodate the upper aperture A5 of the article orientation device. The upper aperture A5 is located within, or in registry with, a recess defined in part by: edges of the first and second handle panels 120,122 -said edge may be a hinged edge as illustrated; a first edge portion of the first securing panel 178a; and a second edge portion of the second securing panel 178b. The first edge portion is defined, or provided by, the first cutaway C1. The second edge portion is defined, or provided by, the second cutaway C2.

The second handle panel 122 is frangibly connected to the securing panels 178a, 178b, the first handle panel 120 is free from connection to the securing panels 178a, 178b.

The first or inner handle panel 120 is hingedly connected to the top wall 1 18 along fold line 1 19 and the second or outer handle panel 122 is hingedly connected to the second side panel 126 by the fold line 123.

In the deployed condition, shown in Figure 7, the securing tab 162 remains secured to the top wall 1 18 when the first and second handle panels 120, 122 are folded outwardly from the top wall 1 18.

The second handle panel 122 is separated from the first and second securing panels 178a, 178b by severing the frangible connections 179a, 179b. The first and second securing panels 178a, 178b remain secured to the top wall 118. The first and second securing panels 178a, 178b are hingedly connected to the second side panel 126 by the respective fold lines 123a, 123b.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix“200” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The third embodiment shares many common features with the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 will be described in any greater detail.

Figure 8 illustrates a blank 210 for forming a carton 290, as shown in Figure 9, according to a third embodiment. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228 comprises a first base panel 212, a first lower side panel 214, a first upper side panel 214, a first top panel portion 218a, a first handle panel 220, a second handle panel 222, a second top panel portion 218b, a second upper side panel 224, a second lower side panel 226, and a second base panel 228. The plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 213, 215, 217, 219a, 221 , 223, 219b, 225, 227.

The first base panel 212 is hinged to the first lower side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 213. The first lower side panel 214 is hinged to the first upper side panel 216 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 215. The first upper side panel 216 is hinged to the first top panel portion 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. The first top panel portion 218 is hinged to the first handle panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219. The first handle panel 220 is hinged to the second handle panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 221. The second handle panel 222 is hinged to the second top panel portion 218b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 219b. The second top panel portion 218b is hinged to the second upper side panel 224 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 223. The second upper side panel 224 is hinged to the second lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 225. The second lower side panel 226 is hinged to the second base panel 228 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 227.

The blank 210 comprises at least one end closure structure for at least partially closing an end of a tubular structure defined by the plurality of panels 212, 214, 216, 218a, 220, 222, 218B, 224, 226, 228.

The blank 210 comprises a first end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 230a, 232a, 234a, 236a, 238a, 240a, 242a, 244a, 246a, 248a.

The first end closure structure comprises a first or inner top end closure flap 336a, hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 218a by a fold line 237a.

A second or outer top end closure flap 238a/240a is hingedly connected to the second top panel portion 218b by a fold line 237c.

The second or outer top end closure flap 238a/240a is hingedly connected and severably connected to the second handle panel 222 by a frangible line 250a. The second top end closure flap 238a/240a comprises an upper part 238a hingedly connected to a lower part 240a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 239a.

A first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 216 by a fold line 231 a.

The first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected to first top end closure flap 236a by a first gusset panel 234a. The first upper end closure flap 232a is hingedly connected to the first gusset panel 234a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233a. The first gusset panel 234a is hingedly connected to the first top end closure flap 236a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 235a.

A relief aperture may be struck in part from, or defined in part by, one or more of the first gusset panel 234a, the first upper end closure flap 232a, the first top end closure flap 236a, the first upper side panel 216, and the first top panel portion 218a.

A second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly connected the second upper side panel 224 by a fold line 245a.

The second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a second gusset panel 242a. The second upper end closure flap 244a is hingedly connected to the second gusset panel 242a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 243a. The second gusset panel 242a is hingedly connected to the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 241 a.

A first relief aperture A9 may be struck or defined, in part from one or more of the second gusset panel 242a, the second upper end closure flap 244a, the second top end closure flap 238a/240a, the second upper side panel 24, and the second top panel portion 218b.

Optionally, the first end closure structure comprises a first lower side end closure flap 230a hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229a.

Optionally, a second lower side end closure flap 246a is hinged to the second lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 247a. Optionally, a first bottom end closure flap 248a is hinged to the second base panel 228 by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 249a. The first lower side end closure flap 230a, second lower side end closure flap 246a and the first bottom end closure flap 248a are arranged to partially close a lower region of an open end of the tubular structure.

The blank 210 comprises a second end closure structure comprising a plurality of end closure panels 230b, 232b, 234b, 236b, 238b, 240b, 242b, 244b, 246b, 248b.

The second end closure structure comprises a third or innertop end closure flap 236b hingedly connected to the first top panel portion 218a, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 237b.

A fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b is hingedly connected to the second top panel portion 218b by a fold line 237d.

The fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b is hingedly connected and severably connected to the second handle panel 222 by a frangible line 250b.

The fourth or outer top end closure flap 238b/240b comprises an upper part 238b hingedly connected to a lower part 240b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 239b.

A third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected to the first upper side panel 216, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 231 b.

The third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected to third top end closure flap 236b by a third gusset panel 234b. The third upper end closure flap 232b is hingedly connected to the third gusset panel 234b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 233b. The third gusset panel 234b is hingedly connected to the third top end closure flap 236b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 235b.

A relief aperture may be struck in part from, or defined in part by, one or more of the third gusset panel 234b, the third upper end closure flap 232b, the third top end closure flap 236b, the first upper side panel 216, and the first top panel portion 218a.

A fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly connected to the second upper side panel 224, at a second end thereof, by a fold line 245b. The fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a fourth gusset panel 242b. The fourth upper end closure flap 244b is hingedly connected to the fourth gusset panel 242b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 243b. The fourth gusset panel 242b is hingedly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 241 b.

A second relief aperture A10 may be struck in part from, or defined in part by, one or more of the fourth gusset panel 242b, the fourth upper end closure flap 244b, the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b, the second upper side panel 224, and the second top panel portion 218b.

Optionally, the second end closure structure comprises a third lower side end closure flap 230b hingedly connected to the first lower side panel 214 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 229b.

Optionally, a fourth lower side end closure flap 246b is hinged to the second lower side panel 226 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 247b.

Optionally, a second bottom end closure flap 248b is hinged to the second base panel 228, at a second end thereof, by hinged connection in the form of a fold line 249b. The third lower side end closure flap 230b, fourth lower side end closure flap 246b and second bottom end closure flap 248b are arranged to partially close a lower region of a second open end of the tubular structure.

The blank 210 comprises a carrying handle structure. The carrying handle structure is provided by the first handle panel 220 and the second handle panel 222. The first handle panel 220 comprises a first handle opening defined at least in part by a first handle aperture A6. The first handle opening may be defined at least in part by a flap 260 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 260 is hinged to the first handle panel 220 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261 .

The first handle opening may interrupt the fold line 219a between the first handle panel 220 and the first top panel portion 218a.

The carrying handle structure may comprise a pair of relief devices defined in the first top panel portion 218a. The relief devices may be formed from arcuate or curvilinear cut lines or severance lines. The relief devices may facilitate deformation of the first top panel portion 218a when deploying the carrying handle. The second handle panel 222 comprises a second handle opening defined at least in part by a tab 262. The tab 262 is hinged to the second top panel portion 218b by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line, the fold line is collinear with fold line 219b, the fold line is contiguous with fold line 219b. The second handle opening may be defined at least in part by a flap 260 which serves as a cushioning flap when the carrying handle is in use. The flap 260 is hinged to the second handle panel 222 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 261.

The second handle opening may interrupt the fold line 219b between the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel portion 218b.

A cutline defining the second handle opening may extend into the second top panel portion 218b. The cutline may comprise first and second end portions defined in the second top panel portion 218b, the first and second end portions may be arcuate or curvilinear, the first and second end portions may be“J” or“C” shaped.

The tab 262 secures the second top panel portion 218b to the first top panel portion 218a when the carrying handle H is deployed, and may serve to reinforce the carton 290 when the carrying handle H is in use.

The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a frangible connection 250a. The second handle panel 222 may be partially separated from second top end closure flap 238a/240a by a first cutaway C1. The second top panel portion 218b may be partially separated from the second top end closure flap 238a/240a by the first relief aperture A9.

The second top end closure flap 238a/240a may be partially separated from the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel portion 218b by a cutaway in the form of a cutline. The cutline maybe disposed between the frangible connection 250a and the fold line 237c.

The frangible connection 250a is disposed between the first cutaway C1 and the fold line 237c, in this way the upper part 238a of the second top end closure flap 238a/240a comprises a bridging portion coupling the second top end closure flap 238a/240a to the second handle panel 222.

The second top end closure flap 238a/240a is free from connection to the first handle panel 220. The first top end closure flap 236a is free from connection to the first handle panel 220.

The blank 210 comprises a third relief aperture A7 struck in part from the first top panel portion 218a and in part from the first top end closure panel 236a. The third relief aperture A7 interrupts the hinged connection between the first top panel portion 218a and the first top end closure panel 236a.

The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a frangible connection 250b. The second handle panel 222 may be partially separated from fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by a second cutaway C2. The second top panel portion 218b may be partially separated from the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b by the second relief aperture A10.

The fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b may be partially separated from the second handle panel 222 and the second top panel portion 218b by a cutaway in the form of a cutline. The cutline maybe disposed between the frangible connection 250b and the fold line 237d.

The frangible connection 250b is disposed between the first cutaway C2 and the fold line 237d, in this way the upper part 238b of the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b comprises a bridging portion coupling the fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b to the second handle panel 222.

The fourth top end closure flap 238b/240b is free from connection to the first handle panel 220.

The third top end closure flap 236b is free from connection to the first handle panel 220.

The blank 210 comprises a fourth relief aperture A8 struck in part from the first top panel portion 218a and in part from the third top end closure panel 236b. The fourth relief aperture A8 interrupts the hinged connection between the first top panel portion 218a and the third top end closure panel 236b.

The third and fourth relief apertures A7, A8 reduce or relieve pressure upon the frangible connections 250a, 250b respectively when the blank 210 is assembled into a carton 290, this may reduce inadvertent or unintentional separation of the frangible connections 250a, 250b prior to deployment of the carrying handle H. The first frangible connection 250a is disposed in registry with the third relief aperture A7, the second frangible connection 250b is disposed in registry with the fourth relief aperture A8.

The assembled carton 290 is shown in Figure 9, the carrying handle H is coupled or hinged to a top wall 218a/218b of the carton 290. The top wall 218a/218b is formed from the first top panel portion 218a and the second top panel portion 218b. The carrying handle H is centrally or medially coupled or hinged to the top wall 218a/218b. The fold lines 219a, 219b are medially disposed between opposing side edges of the top wall 218a/218b.

The first and second handle panels 220, 222 extend from the fold lines 219a, 219b towards the first side wall 214/216. As illustrated in Figure 9, marginal portions of the first and second handle panels 220, 222 may extend beyond or overhang the first side wall 214/216, or at most a portion of the first upper side panel 216 adjacent to the fold line 217 (in such embodiments the marginal portions of the first and second handle panels 220, 222 may not extend beyond the base wall 212/228 and/or the first lower side panel 214 -in this way the footprint of the carton 290 is not increased). The overhanging marginal portions may facilitate deployment of the carrying handle providing a readily engageable lip or flange E.

The first handle panel 220 defines a first distance between the fold line 219a and the fold line 221.

The second handle panel 222 defines a second distance between the fold line 219b and the fold line 221. The second distance may be equal to the first distance.

The first top panel portion 218a defines a third distance between the fold line 219a and the fold line 217. The third distance may be less than the first distance. The third distance may be less than second distance. The third distance may be less than the first and second distances.

The second and fourth top end closure flaps 238a/240a, 238b/240b serve as securing panels for holding the carrying handle in the stowed position. The second handle panel 222 is frangibly connected to the securing panels, the first handle panel 220 is free from connection to the securing panels.

In the illustrated embodiment the article orientation device and the side wall display window of the previous embodiments have been omitted. In alternative embodiments these features may be provided. The display window may be provided in a second side wall 224/226 formed from the second upper and lower side panels 224, 226. The upper aperture of the article orientation device may be provided in the second top panel portion 218b. The lower aperture of the article orientation device may be provided in the second base panel 228. In such embodiments the first and second handle panels 220,222 of the carrying handle H do not obscure, overlie or interfere with the upper aperture of the article orientation device.

The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 for packaging articles B; The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure including a top wall 18; 1 18; 218a/218b, a first side wall 14/16; 1 14; 214/216, a base wall 12/28; 1 12/128; 212/228, and a second side wall 24/26; 126; 224/226, optionally hingedly connected to each other in a linear series. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a carrying handle H comprising at least one handle panel 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels. The carrying handle H may comprise a first handle panel 20; 120; 220 hingedly connected a first one of the plurality of panels. The carrying handle H may comprise a second handle panel 22; 122; 222. The second handle panel may hingedly connected a second one of the plurality of panels, to the first handle panel or to both the second one of the plurality of panels and the first handle panel.

The carrying handle H comprises at least one securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b. The at least one securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be frangibly connected to a handle panel 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 along an end edge thereof. The at least one securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be frangibly connected to a first one of a pair of handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222. The at least one securing panel 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be separated from or free from direct connection to a second one of a pair of handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222.

The carrying handle H may comprise a pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b. The pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be frangibly connected to a handle panel 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 along opposed end edges thereof. Each of the pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be frangibly connected to a first one of a pair of handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222. Each of the pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be separated from or free from direct connection to a second one of a pair of handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222.

The pair of securing panels 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 178a, 178b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b may be hingedly connected to each other. The carton 90; 190; 290 may have at least one display window for presentation of an article B therein. The carton 90; 190; 290 may have at least one orientation device for enabling a display article to be oriented whilst within the carton 90; 190; 290.

The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a first side panel 14/16; 1 14; 214/216, a first top panel 18; 1 18; 218a, a second side panel 24/26; 126; 224/226 and a handle feature H connected to the first top panel. The first and second side panels are interconnected by a top end flap 38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 138a/140a, 138b/140b; 238a/240a/236a, 238b/240b/236b. The handle feature comprises first and second handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 in a face-contacting relationship. The first handle panel 20; 120; 220 is hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with, the first top panel 18; 1 18; 218a.

The second handle panel 22; 222 may be detachably connected to the top end flap 38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 238a/240a/236a, 238b/240b/236b along a frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature H is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel 18; 218a.

The first and second handle panels 20, 22; 120,122; 220, 222 may be hingedly connected together.

The frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b may comprise a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.

The top end flap 38a/40a/36a, 38b/40b/36b; 138a/140a, 138b/140b; 238a/240a/236a, 238b/240b/236b comprises an outer top end flap 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b and an inner top end flap 36a, 36b; 236a, 236b disposed in face-contacting relationship with the outer top end flap.

The second handle panel 22; 222 may be detachably connected to the outer top end flap 38a/40a, 38b/40b; 238a/240a, 238b/240b along a frangible line 50a, 50b; 250a, 250b. The inner top end flap may be hingedly connected to the first top panel 18; 218a along a fold line 37a, 37b; 237a, 237b which includes at least one opening A7, A8 interrupting the fold line. The at least one opening is in vertical alignment with the at least one bridging nick. The carton 290 may comprise a second top panel 218b hingedly connecting between the second side panel 24/226 and the second handle panel 222.

The carton 90; 190; 290 may comprise a connecting panel 62; 162; 262 formed from the second handle panel 22; 122; 222 and secured to the first top panel 18; 1 18; 218a.

The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190 comprising a first side panel 14/16; 114, a first top panel 18; 1 18 and a handle feature H connected to the first top panel. A neckreceiving or top-receiving opening A5 may be defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel. The handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel. The hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening A5 such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the topreceiving opening. The handle feature is arranged such that the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed, the top-receiving opening is sufficiently exposed that an article is receivable in the top-receiving opening to enable a portion of said article to be handled or engaged externally of the carton.

The carton 90; 190 may comprises an orientation adjustment device for enabling the orientation of an article B which is at least partially exposed to view through the display window. The orientation adjustment device comprises a first cutaway in the form of an aperture or opening A5 in a first panel of the carton. The orientation adjustment device comprises a second cutaway in the form of an aperture or opening A2 in a second panel of the carton 90; 190, wherein the second panel opposes the first panel. The first panel may be a top panel 18; 1 18 and the second panel may be a base panel 12; 212. The second cutaway is configured to allow access to a first end, optionally a base portion, of an article B. The second cutaway is configured to prevent the first end of the article B passing therethrough. The first cutaway configured to allow a second, opposing, end portion of the article (optionally a top or upper portion) of the article to pass through.

The top wall 18; 1 18; 218a/218b of the carton 90; 190; 290 may be shorter than the base wall 12/28; 1 12/128; 212/228 in a longitudinal direction parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels. The top wall 18; 1 18; 218a/218b of the carton 90; 190; 290 may be shorter than the base wall 12/28; 1 12/128; 212/228 in a transverse direction perpendicular to the tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom",“base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms“hinged connection” and“fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each otherto define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shaped panel therebetween.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

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

Claims

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure and a carrying handle comprising; a first handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at least one securing panel, the at least one securing panel being frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle panels, and wherein the at least one securing panel is separated from the other one of the first and second handle panels.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the second handle panel is hingedly connected to a second one of the plurality of panels.

3. A carton according to claim 2 wherein the second handle panel is hingedly connected to the first handle panel.

4. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carton comprises a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure includes a top wall, a first side wall, a base wall, and a second side wall.

5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein each of the pair of securing panels is a top end closure flap hingedly connected to the top wall.

6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carton comprises at least one display window for presentation of an article therein, and at least one orientation device for enabling said article to be oriented whilst loaded in the carton.

7. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side panel, the carton comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel, the first and second side panels are interconnected by a top end flap, the handle feature comprises first and second handle panels disposed in a face-contacting relationship, the first handle panel is hingedly connected to, and disposed in a face-contacting relationship with, the first top panel, the second handle panel is detachably connected to the top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

8. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the first and second handle panels are hingedly connected together.

9. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the frangible line comprises a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line.

10. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the top end flap comprises an outer top end flap and an inner top end flap disposed in face-contacting relationship with the outer top end flap.

1 1 . A carton according to claim 10 wherein the second handle panel is detachably connected to the outer top end flap along the frangible line, the frangible line comprising a cut line and at least one bridging nick interrupting the cut line, the inner top end flap is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a fold line which includes at least one opening interrupting the fold line, the at least one opening is in vertical alignment with the at least one bridging nick.

12. A carton according to claim 7 wherein the carton comprises a second top panel hingedly connected between the second side panel and the second handle panel.

13. A carton according to claim 7 wherein a connecting panel is formed from the second handle panel and secured to the first top panel.

14. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, the carton comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the top-receiving opening.

15. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising plurality of panels forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including: a first side panel, a first top panel, the carton comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.

16. A carton according to claim 15 wherein the top-receiving opening is sufficiently exposed that an article is receivable in the top-receiving opening to enable a portion of said article to be handled or engaged externally of the carton.

17. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including: a first top panel, the carton comprising at least one top end flap, and a carrying handle having at least one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels and disposed in a facecontacting relationship with, the first top panel, the at least one top end flap being frangibly connected to a first one of the at least one handle panels, wherein the at least one handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

18. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure and a carrying handle comprising; a first handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, a second handle panel, and at least one securing panel, the at least one securing panel being frangibly connected to a first one of the first and second handle panels, and wherein the at least one securing panel is separated from the other one of the first and second handle panels by a cutaway.

19. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure including; a first side panel, a first top panel, and a second side panel, the blank comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel, the first and second side panels configured to be interconnected by an inner and outer top end flap, the handle feature comprising first and second handle panels arranged to be disposed in a facecontacting relationship in a set-up carton, the first handle panel being hingedly connected to the first top panel, and arranged to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up carton, wherein the second handle panel is detachably connected to the outer top end flap along a frangible line such that when the frangible line is broken, the handle feature is hingedly movable to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.

20. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including a first side panel and a first top panel, the blank comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position, the handle feature may be devoid of blocking the top-receiving opening.

21 . A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including a first side panel and a first top panel, the blank comprising a handle feature connected to the first top panel and a top-receiving opening defined in the first top panel adjacent to the first side panel, wherein the handle feature is hingedly connected to the first top panel along a hinged connection such that in a set-up carton it is hingedly movable between an initial stowed position where the handle feature is in face-contacting relationship with the first top panel and a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel, and wherein the hinged connection is disposed between the first side panel and the top-receiving opening such that when the handle feature is in the stowed position it is arranged such that the top-receiving opening is operationally exposed.

22. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality of panels including a first top panel, the blank comprising at least one top end flap and a carrying handle having at least one handle panel hingedly connected to one of the plurality of panels, the at least one handle panel arrange to be disposed in a face-contacting relationship with the first top panel in a set-up carton, the at least one top end flap being frangibly connected a first one of the at least one handle panels, wherein the at least one handle panel is detachably connected to the at least one top end flap along a frangible line, in a set-up carton severance of the frangible line allows the handle feature to be hingedly moved to a use position where the handle feature extends above the first top panel.