WO2006127735A1

WO2006127735A1 - Improved carton handle

Info

Publication number: WO2006127735A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/019970
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philippe Lebras
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems Llc
Priority date: 2005-05-23
Filing date: 2006-05-23
Publication date: 2006-11-30
Also published as: GB0510468D0; EP1885616A1; RU2007147900A

Abstract

A carton (30) formed from a plurality of interconnected panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) comprising a carrying handle. The carrying handle is formed in a top wall (16) and has a lifting edge (E) which can be grasped by a user for lifting the carton. The carton has a frangible line (98) formed in the top wall which defines a rear edge of the carrying handle. The frangible line is spaced from the lifting edge and the carrying handle is structured such that the rear edge of the carrying handle pivots below the plane of the top wall when the lifting edge pivots above the plane of the top wall, thus providing access for the user to grasp the lifting edge for carrying the carton.

Description

IMPROVED CARTON HANDLE

Background of the Invention

The invention relates generally to cartons for use in packaging articles, for example cans. More specifically, the invention relates to carrying handles for such cartons.

Articles, such as beverage cans or bottles, are often packaged in multiple packs so that a consumer can easily purchase a number of such articles.

For convenience of the consumer, such article carrying cartons are generally provided with a handle. Carton carrying handles struck from panels which form the body of the carton are well known in the art. The benefit of such an arrangement is one of both cost savings and simplicity.

Lifting a fully loaded carton can induce considerable stress in the carton structure, and consequently carton carrying handles need to be strong and resistant to tearing. Adding strength to cartons and handles can be achieved by using a high caliper material or using layers of material to provide reinforcement. This is not the most economical solution and carrying handles formed from layers of material often interrupt graphics and advertising that is usually printed on the carton. Without the use of reinforcement, the difficulty lies in providing a handle whose structure offers adequate strength to support the loaded carton whilst providing sufficient space for a user's hand to grasp the handle.

Cartons with carrying handles are already known in the art, for example US 4 706 876 discloses a carton with a handle opening formed in the top wall. The handle is defined by a cut line which extends across the top wall. The limitation with this design is that the cut line is prone to propagate into the adjacent side walls when the top wall deforms under the load of a filled carton. Furthermore, the deformation of the top wall is restricted by the handle arrangement and therefore the accessibility of the carrying handle is limited.

EP 0 179 571 and US 4 811 894 both disclose a carton similar to that of US '876 but with the cut line extending across the top wall and into the adjacent side walls.

These arrangements allow the top wall to bow upwardly to a greater extent than in

US '876 and allow the side walls to bow inwardly to brace against the articles contained within the carton. In these arrangements, the space available for the user's hand is confined to that between the top wall and the articles contained within the carton which is also rather limited.

US 2 598 051 discloses a carton for holding six cans, which has a handle formed in the top wall. The handle is defined by a cut line which extends across the top wall and into adjacent side walls. The carton also comprises fold lines which extend from the cut line to the rear corners of the carton. The fold lines co-operate to provide a handle structure that deforms above the original plane of the top wall to provide space for a user's hand.

The cut line extending into the side walls also allows the side walls to brace against the circumferential surface of the cans. The bracing arrangement taught by US '051 is limited and there is a tendency for the line of separation to propagate into the side walls which may cause the handle to fail. Furthermore, the extent to which the handle can be deformed above the remainder of the top wall is also restricted.

It is therefore desirable to provide a handle arrangement which is simple to construct, economical in the material needed and which is readily accessible for the consumer to use. It is also desirable to provide a handle that is sufficiently strong to support the heavy load of cartons containing perhaps more than six cans or indeed a plurality of glass bottles. The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, the problems of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising a plurality of interconnected panels for forming the carton walls and comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle being formed in one of the panels and comprising a lifting edge for being grasped by a user for lifting the carton, lifting edge being formed adjacent a first opening in said one panel, the carrying handle comprising a rear edge, spaced from the lifting edge and the carrying handle being structured and arranged such that the rear edge of the carrying handle is pivotable below the plane of said one panel when the lifting edge is grasped and raised above the plane of the one panel thereby causing the handle to be deployed and providing access for a user to grasp the handle for carrying the carton.

Preferably, the carrying handle further comprises yieldable portions formed proximate opposed ends of the lifting edge, each yieldable portion comprising a portion of the one wall and a portion of an adjacent wall interconnected with the one wall, the yieldable portions being structured and arranged such that when the carton is lifted by the carrying handle, the yieldable portions collapse onto the adjacent contents of the carton, such that the force exerted on the carrying handle is transferred to the contents of the carton.

Preferably, each yieldable portion is defined in part by a cut line in the adjacent wall, and in part by a pair of fold lines, a first of the fold lines being formed in the one wall and extending from the lifting edge toward the interconnection between the adjacent wall and the one wall, the second of the fold lines extending from the first fold line toward said cut line.

Preferably, the cut line extends in the adjacent wall from a point proximate the interconnection, toward a point on the adjacent wall which lies on a notional vertical plane containing the lifting edge. Preferably, the second fold line terminates on said cut line, spaced from the end of the cut line.

According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the rear edge is defined by a cut line and the cut line defining the rear edge of the carrying handle is arcuate and is formed solely in the one panel.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, each end of the rear edge cut line is curved to limit tearing of the slit when the carton is lifted.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the carrying handle further comprises at least two weakened lines formed in the one wall, which weakened lines extend from the lifting edge toward the rear edge and facilitate deformation of the one panel when the carrying handle is deployed.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the carrying handle further comprises a handle flap hingedly joined to the lifting edge to provide cushioning of a user's hand when the carton is carried.

Alternatively, the carrying handle further comprises first and second lines of separation which are formed in opposed panels adjacent one panel and which extend from points of interconnection between one panel and the respective adjacent panel, which points lie on a notional line spaced in front of a vertical plane containing the lifting edge, and wherein the first and second lines extend in the respective adjacent panels toward the vertical plane containing the lifting edge.

Preferably, the first and second lines of separation each define in part a yieldable portion of one of the opposed adjacent panels, and wherein each yieldable portion is further defined by a fold line and wherein each yieldable portion collapses inward of the carton and braces against the carton contents when the carton is lifted to transfer the stress exerted upon the lifting edge to the contents. Preferably, each fold line extends from a point on the interconnection between the one panel and the respective opposed adjacent panel which point is spaced behind the vertical plane, and terminates on the respective line of separation at a point spaced from the terminus of the line of separation such that the yieldable portion collapses inwardly.

Alternatively, the carrying handle further comprises a hinged arrangement proximate each of opposed ends of the lifting edge, which hinged arrangement facilitates the pivotal movement of the carrying handle.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the lifting edge and the rear edge are displaced out of the plane of one panel when the carrying handle is in use.

Preferably, the lifting edge of the carrying handle is displaced out of the plane of one panel by a greater amount than the rear edge is displaced out of the plane of said one panel.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton having a carrying handle, the blank comprising a series of interconnected panels for forming the carton walls and comprising means in one of the panels for forming a lifting edge of the carrying handle and means for defining a rear edge of the carrying handle, the rear edge being spaced from the lifting edge, the carrying handle being further arranged such that, when the blank is formed into the carton, the rear edge of the carrying handle will pivot below the plane of the one panel when the lifting edge pivots above the plane of the one panel thereby providing access for the user to grasp the lifting edge when the carton is carried.

Preferably, the carrying handle further comprises yieldable portions formed proximate opposed ends of the lifting edge, each yieldable portion comprising a portion of one wall and a portion of an adjacent wall interconnected with the one wall, the yieldable portions being structured and arranged such that in a set up carton, the yieldable portions collapse onto the adjacent contents of the carton, such that the force exerted on the carrying handle is transferred to the contents of the carton, when the carton is lifted by the carrying handle.

Preferably, each yieldable portion is defined in part by a cut line in the adjacent wall, and in part by a pair of fold lines, a first of the fold lines being formed in the one wall and extending from the lifting edge toward the interconnection between the adjacent wall and the one wall, the second of the fold lines extending from the first fold line toward the cut line.

Preferably, the cut line extends in said adjacent wall from a point proximate the interconnection, toward a point on the adjacent wall which lies on a notional vertical plane containing the lifting edge.

Preferably, the second fold line terminates on the cut line, spaced from the end of the cut line.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the rear edge of the carrying handle is arcuate and is formed solely in the one panel.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, each end of the slit is curved to limit tearing of the slit when the carton is lifted.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the carrying handle further comprises at least two weakened lines formed in the one wall, which weakened lines extend from the lifting edge toward the slit and facilitate deformation of the one panel when the carrying handle is deployed. According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the carrying handle further comprises a handle flap hingedly joined to the lifting edge to provide cushioning of a user's hand when the carrying handle is in a set up carton.

Alternatively, the carrying handle further comprises first and second lines of separation which are formed in opposed panels adjacent the one panel and which extend from points of interconnection between the one panel and the respective adjacent panel, in a set up carton the points lie on a notional line spaced in front of a vertical plane containing the lifting edge, and wherein the first and second lines extend in the respective adjacent panels toward the vertical plane containing the lifting edge.

Preferably, the first and second lines of separation each define in part a yieldable portion of one of the opposed adjacent panels, and wherein each yieldable portion is further defined by a fold line and wherein each yieldable portion collapsing inwardly of the carton and braces against the carton contents when the set up carton is lifted to transfer the stress exerted upon the lifting edge to the contents.

Alternatively each fold line extends from a point on the interconnection between the one panel and the respective opposed adjacent panel which point is spaced behind the vertical plane, and terminates on the respective line of separation at a point spaced from the terminus of the line of separation such that the yieldable portion collapses inward.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, a carton comprising a plurality of interconnected panels for forming the carton walls and comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle being formed across one of the panels and comprising first and second lifting edges defining a handle strap, the first and second lifting edges being of different lengths and/or shape such that the carrying handle is asymmetric along a notional longitudinal axis of the handle strap.

Preferably the first lifting edge extends into each of opposed walls adjacent to and interconnected with the one panel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton having a carrying handle according to the present invention is formed;

FIGURE 1 A is an enlarged view of the handle portion of the blank in Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of figure 1 , viewed from the top and side;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from the top and side of an upper portion of the carton showing the handle of the exemplary embodiment being deployed;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the carton showing the insertion of a user's hand as the handle is deployed;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the carton in lifted condition, with the user deploying the handle according to a first way of operating the handle;

FIGURE 6 is a side view of the handle being used as in Figure 5; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view from the top, side and end of the handle being used as in Figure 5;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the top and side showing two handle structures in lifted condition and shown without the user's hand;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective top and side view of the carton showing only one handle structure in a deployed condition and shown without a user's hand;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the top, end and side of the carton showing the user deploying the handle according to a second mode of operation;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the end of the carton, when the handle is lifted as in Figure 10;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of the carton with the handle deployed as in Figure 10 and

FIGURE 13 is a side and top view of the carton being lifted by the handle, highlighting the location of cans contained within the carton.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

As shown in Figure 1, a first embodiment of the present invention provides a blank 10 from which a carton 30, which is shown in Figure 3, is formed. The blank 10 is vertically elongate as viewed in Figure 1 and is formed of paperboard, or other foldable material such as a plastic sheet or the like. The carton 30 of this embodiment is designed for packaging beverage cans, arranged in four rows of three cans each. It is envisaged that other articles and/or different numbers of articles may be contained within the carton 30 and that the blank 10 may therefore be sized accordingly.

The carton 30 is of a structure that is well known in the art and is only used by way of example to illustrate the handle structure of the present invention which could be applied to other carton structures. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels which are hinged one to the next. The main panels include a top wall panel 16, side wall panels 14 and 18, base wall panels 12 and 20 and end closure panels 70, 72, 74, 76, 80, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a and 80a. Web panels 34, 36, 34a and 36a are also provided and are hinged between end closure panels 80/70, 70/72, 74/76, 80a/70a, 70a/72a, 72a/74a and 74a/76a respectively. The web panels 34, 36, 34a and 36a facilitate the automatic assembly of the end closure panels 80/70, 70/72, 74/76, 80a/70a, 70a/72a, 72a/74a and 74a/76a into composite end walls.

Turning to the construction of the carton 30 from the blank 10, the side wall panel 14 is folded along fold line 24 so that it overlies the top panel 16 and side panel 18. Base wall panel 20 is then folded about fold line 28 and secured to the other base panel 12 so that together panels 12 and 20 form a composite bottom wall. The part formed blank 10 can then be opened up into a tubular structure, which can then be loaded with cans. The cans may be loaded through one or both of the open ends of the carton which are then at least partially closed using the end closure panels 80, 70, 72, 74, 76 and 80a, 70a, 72a, 74a, 76a.

The end closure panels 80/70, 70/72, 74/76, 80a/70a, 70a/72a, 72a/74a and 74a/76a for each end of the carton 30 are identical and so only one end is described herein. With the carton 30 in loaded condition, top and bottom end panels 72, 76 and 80 are folded inwardly about fold lines 46, 52 and 42 respectively, and then about fold lines 48, 54 and 40 respectively in order to form the angled corners that can be seen in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. End closure panel 70 is then folded inwardly about fold line 44, and end closure panel 74 is folded about fold line 50, and secured in overlapping relationship with end closure panel 74 to thereby close the end of the carton 30 as can be seen in Figure 4.

The handle structure of the exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 1 , 1A and 2. In this embodiment, two handle structures are provided which are mirrored about a first frangible line 102 which is formed in the top wall 16. The mirrored features are denoted with the suffix 'a' and, for ease of understanding, only one of the handle structures will be described in detail, it being understood that the benefit of the invention can be obtained using only one or both of the handle structures.

Each handle structure is defined by a first frangible line 102 extending into each of the first and second side wall panels 14, 18 and terminating at an extension of the side slit 96, 96a. Each handle structure has a lifting edge E, shown most clearly in figure 3, which is defined by fold lines 100 and 106. Extending from the lifting edge of the handle toward the end of the carton 100 are a pair of diverging fold lines 106. A rear edge of the handle structure is defined by an arcuate slit or second frangible line 98.

To carry the carton 30, the handle is engaged along the lifting edge E as shown in figure 4. Handle flaps 93/93a and 95/95a provide a cushion for the user's hand. The handle structure is adaptable to be lifted by only the front lifting edge 'E' or by using the rear edge 98 as well, in which case the handle is used as a strap type handle.

In this embodiment a number of non-essential, optional features are included, such as the handle flap 95 which is struck from the top wall 16 and is defined by a portion of the first frangible line 102, side slits 104, and the lifting edge fold line 100. Further handle flaps 93 formed from the top wall 16 and defined by further portions of the first frangible line 102, the side slits 104, and fold lines 108 which are continuous with the lifting edge fold line 100 are also optional. Handle flap 95 is shown in figure 4 folded about its fold line 100 forming the lifting edge ¹E'. Lifting plane 'L', which can be seen in Figure 2, is the notional vertical plane on which the lifting edge 'E' lies. In resting condition, curvilinear extensions 96 and 96a of the first frangible line 102 which are provided in each side wall 16, 18 intersect the lifting plane 'L' whereas in lifted condition, as shown in Figure 6, they do not.

The first frangible line 102 and end projections 103 lie on a notional vertical plane 'P' as shown in Figure 2. The lifting edge 'E' lies on a notional vertical plane 'L' extending between the top wall 16 and the bottom wall 12/20. The curvilinear extension 96 of the first frangible line 102 is formed in the side wall panel 14. The curvilinear extension 96 of the first frangible line 102 diverges away from the vertical plane 'P' towards the vertical plane 'L'. A similar curvilinear extension 96a of the first frangible line 102 is formed in the side wall panel 18, again the curvilinear extension 96 of the first frangible line 102 extends in the side wall 18 from a point which lies on the vertical plane 'P' towards the vertical plane on which the lifting edge 'E' lies.

The handle structure of the present embodiment is further defined by a weakened arrangement proximate each of the opposed ends of the lifting edge 'E'. Each weakened arrangement or yieldable portion comprises a portion 91 of the adjacent side panel 14 or 18. When the carton 30 is lifted by the carrying handle, the yieldable portions 91 each collapse inwardly of the carton 30 and onto the adjacent carton contents (C).

In Figures 3 and 4, the yieldable portion or displaceable gusset 91 is shown. A yieldable portion 91 is formed in each side wall panel 14/18 and is defined in part by a portion 25 of fold line 24 or 26, end projection 103 and a fold line 99. The fold line 99 extends between extension 96 of the first frangible line 103 and fold line portion 25, as shown in Figure 5.

In the preferred embodiment, fold line 99 extends from the intersection between the top wall 16 and side wall 18 to the curvilinear extension or cut line 96. The fold line

99 terminates at the cut line 96 at a point which is spaced from the terminus of the cut line 96 in the respective side wall 14 or 18. As the lifting edge E is raised above the top wall 16 during lifting, fold line 99 serves to divert the stresses imparted on the lifting edge away from the terminus of cut line 96 and onto the yieldable portions 91. Yieldable portions 91 can then brace on the carton contents thereby transferring some or all of the lifting stresses to the contents.

Additional fold lines 106 are formed in the top wall 16. These fold lines 106 extend from opposed ends of the lifting edge 100 away from the first frangible line 102, and toward respective edges 24 and 26 between the top wall 16 and the respective side wall 14 or 18. Additionally, displaceable gussets 92 and 94 are defined in part by the fold lines 106, fold lines 108, a portion of the first frangible line 102 and a portion of the respective edge 24 or 26. The displaceable gussets 92 and 94 co-operate with the adjacent yieldable portions 91.

As shown in FigurelA and Figure 7, a further pair of fold lines 97 extend away from the intersection of fold lines 99 with the respective edge 24 or 26 and away from the lifting edge 'E'. A handle strap portion 90 is thus defined by the fold lines 97, and the lifting edge ¹E' and fold lines 108.

In this embodiment, handle panel 90 is further defined by an arcuate slit or second frangible line 98. The arcuate slit 98 defines a rear edge of the handle panel 90 and comprises curved extensions 110 as shown in Figure 1A. The arcuate frangible line 98 is shaped concavely relative to the lifting edge 'E' whilst the end projections 110 are shaped convexly to limit further extension of the second frangible line 98 across the top wall 16 when the carrying handle is deployed. In use, handle panel 90 can provide a strap 'S' with cut line 98 defining an edge of an opening 'O' which can accommodate a user's fingers when the carrying handle is operated in this way (see figures 5, 6 and 7). In this way an asymmetric handle strap is provided in which the cut lines 102, 98 defining each side of the strap S being of differing length and/or shape. In a second mode of operation, the rear edge of handle panel 90 can be pivoted below the plane of the top panel 16 which facilitates greater access to the lifting edge Ε', as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 13.

To form the handle, the user inserts his hand 'H' into the carton by severing frangible line 102 as can be seen in Figures 3 and 4. Handle flap 95 is then forced to fold about fold line 100 thereby defining the lifting edge Ε', and handle flaps 93 may each fold about fold lines 108. In Figures 10, 11 and 13, the preferred method of forming the handle structure is shown. The user's thumb 'T' is applied to an area of the strap portion 'S' near the second frangible line 98 and, using the handle edge 'E' as a pivot for the hand 'H', the second frangible line 98 is severed. The thumb T can then force the aforementioned area of the strap portion 'S' against the adjacent can and use the contact area as a pivot about which to lever the lifting edge 'E'.

The weakened arrangement of the top wall panel defined by displaceable panel 94 and fold lines 106 and 97 allows the top panel 16 to deform, when the carton 30 is lifted. Similarly, weakened arrangements in each side wall defined by yieldable portions 91 , fold line 99 and cut lines or lines of separation 103 and 96 facilitate the inward collapse of portions of the side wall panels 14, 18. Consequently, the yieldable portions 91 displace inwardly in conjunction with the upward displacement of the displaceable gussets 92 and 94, to form the handle structure.

In the absence of a second frangible line 98, lifting of the carton 30 will still cause the deformation of the top panel 16 and collapse of the side walls 14, 18, allowing the handle structure to be formed, as can be seen in figures 5, 6 and 7. In this mode of operation, the erected handle structure provides a sizeable opening 'O' for the user's hand, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9.

In embodiments including the second frangible line 98, lifting the edge Ε' of the handle causes the strap portion 'S' to pivot such that the lifting edge "E' is raised above the plane of the top wall panel 16 and a rearmost portion of displaceable panel 90 is rotated below the plane of the top wall panel 16. A handle structure having a leading edge Ε' that protrudes significantly above the top wall 16 and which facilitates insertion of the user's hand within the carton so that the handle can readily be grasped is therefore provided.

Alternatively or additionally, pressure can be applied to the underside of strap portion 'S' to cause it to bow and form an aperture ^!A' between the second frangible line 98 and the rearmost edge of panel 90. As shown in Figure 7, the user is able to pass his fingers into the aperture 'A' and grip the strap portion 'S' of the handle thereby providing an improved grip. To lift the carton the lifting force is applied to the underside of the strap portion 'S' causing further upward bowing of the top panel and inward bowing of the side wall yieldable portions 91, which can brace against the cans 'C The arrangement of the side walls 14, 18 bracing against the carton contents can facilitate the transfer of the stresses caused at the lifting edge ¹E' of the handle to the contents of the carton when the adaptable handle is operated in this way.

By distributing the load forces such that the stresses in the carton are predominantly tensile in nature a strong arrangement is provided. The inward collapse of the weakened portions of the side walls 14, 18 is most clearly illustrated in Figure 9. The geometry of the weakened lines or fold lines 99, 106, 108, 97 and curvilinear extensions or cut lines 96 and frangible line 102/103 facilitates the inward movement of the yieldable gusset 91 and the upward movement of handle portions 94 and 90. As the strap portion 'S' or displaceable portion 90 rotates inward of the carton 30, the lifting edge Ε' can be raised higher above the plane of the top panel 16. Further inward displacement of gusset 91 can encourage greater bracing of the adjacent region of the side wall 14, 16 onto the ends of the adjacent cans contained within the carton 30.

In lifted condition, the curvilinear extensions 110 prevent the second frangible line 98 from propagating and tearing handle strap portion 'S'. The lifting plane 'L' is positioned such that the bracing area of side walls 14 and 18 is offset from the termination of extensions 96 and 96a, when the carton 30 is lifted. This substantially prevents any lifting stresses from propagating into the extensions 96 and 96a which could cause the handle to fail. As shown in Figure 6, extensions 96 and 96a extend beyond a point of contact with the cans ¹C in the bracing area, this feature further prevents a tear from propagating along the extensions 96, 96a.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape. The handle arrangement may be shaped according to a variety of user requirements. Other variations may also be made within the scope of the invention, such as different handle profiles ('E', 100, 108) or different gusset geometries that achieve a similar handle structure.

In this embodiment, handle flap 95 and to some extent handle flaps 93, provide cushioning of the lifting edge 'E'. In other embodiments it is envisaged that the handle flaps 93, 95 may be omitted. In such an embodiment the first frangible line 102 may in fact comprise two separate portions extending from the termination of fold line 108 towards the intersections 24, 26 between the top wall panel 16 and the juxtaposed adjacent side panels 14 and 18. It is also anticipated that fold line 108 or in the case of an embodiment not having handle flaps 93, the edge 108 may extend from the lifting edge 100 to the intersection 24 or 26 between the top panel 16 and the adjacent side wall panel 14 or 18.

In this embodiment, the end projection 103 of first frangible line 102 is continuous with the curvilinear extension 96. In other embodiments it is envisaged that the extension 96 may not be curvilinear, but straight and extend directly between the point of intersection of frangible line 102 with the fold line 26 between the top panel 16 and adjacent side wall 18. Cut line 96 may be provided as a frangible line which may be broken when the handle structure is first used. It is also considered that extension 96 may curve in the opposite direction to that shown in the Figures or indeed may curve out at the end that terminates in the proximity of fold line 99.

Furthermore, the arrangement shown of a handle structure that can deform above the plane of the top panel 16 in which it is formed, by virtue of an arrangement of weakened lines may be used in a handle arrangement which may or may not have the feature of the side walls 14, 18 bracing against the carton contents. The use of a cut or perforated line, slit or frangible line 98 to facilitate pivotal movement of a handle structure 90, 92, 94 above and below the plane of the top panel 16 may be employed in other handle arrangements and its application should not be construed as being limited to that described herein.

In handle arrangements employing the pivotal feature facilitated by a second frangible line 98, it is envisaged that the line 98 may take other shapes and that the handle may be arranged to provide pivotal movement of a handle panel above and below the plane of a panel in which the handle is formed using means other than that described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the hinged arrangements provided by fold lines 97, 106 and 25 may be arranged differently.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "base", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to a frangible line can also be construed as a cut line, score line, perforate line or slit, without departing from the scope of invention. Also, any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a line of demarcation or weakened line, a score line, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of invention.

Claims

1. A carton comprising a plurality of interconnected panels for forming the carton walls and comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle being formed in at least one of said panels and comprising a lifting edge for being grasped by a user for lifting the carton, the lifting edge being formed to define a first opening in said one panel, the carrying handle further comprising a rear edge spaced from said lifting edge, the carrying handle being structured and arranged such that the rear edge of the carrying handle is pivotable below the plane of said one panel when the lifting edge is grasped and raised above the plane of said one panel thereby causing the handle to be deployed and providing access for a user to grasp the handle for carrying the carton.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle further comprises yieldable portions formed proximate opposed ends of the lifting edge, each yieldable portion comprising a portion of said one panel and a portion of an adjacent panel interconnected with said one panel, said yieldable portions being structured and arranged such that when the carton is lifted by the carrying handle, said yieldable portions collapse onto the adjacent contents of the carton such that the force exerted on the carrying handle is transferred to the contents of the carton.

3. A carton according to claim 2, wherein each yieldable portion is defined in part by a cut line in said adjacent panel, and in part by a pair of fold lines, a first of said fold lines being formed in said one wall and extending from the lifting edge toward the interconnection between the adjacent wall and said one wall, the second of said fold lines extending from the first fold line toward said cut line.

4. A carton according to claim 3 wherein the cut line extends in said adjacent wall from a point proximate said interconnection, toward a point on said adjacent wall which lies on a notional vertical plane containing said lifting edge.

5. A carton according to claim 4 wherein the second fold line terminates on said cut line, spaced from the end of said cut line.

6. A carton according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the rear edge is defined by a frangible line formed solely in said one panel.

7. A carton according to claim 6 wherein each end of said frangible line is curved to limit tearing of said one panel when the carton is lifted.

8. A carton according to any one of claims 1 , 6 or 7 wherein the carrying handle further comprises at least two weakened lines formed in said one wall, which weakened lines extend from the rear edge toward said lifting edge and facilitate deformation of said one panel when the carrying handle is deployed.

9. A carton according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the carrying handle further comprises a handle flap hingedly joined to said lifting edge to provide cushioning of a user's hand when the carton is carried.

10. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the carrying handle further comprises first and second lines of separation which are formed in opposed panels adjacent said one panel and which extend from points on the interconnection between said one panel and the respective adjacent panel, which points lie on a notional line spaced in front of a vertical plane containing the lifting edge, and wherein said first and second lines extend in the respective adjacent panels toward the vertical plane containing the lifting edge.

11. A carton according to claim 10 wherein said first and second lines of separation each define in part a yieldable portion of one of the opposed adjacent panels, and wherein each yieldable portion is further defined by a fold line and wherein each yieldable portion collapses inward of said carton and braces against the carton contents when the carton is lifted to transfer the stress exerted upon the lifting edge to the contents.

12. A carton according to the claim 11 wherein each fold line (99, 99a) extends from a point on the interconnection between the one panel (16) and the respective opposed adjacent panel (14, 18) which point is spaced behind said vertical plane (L), and terminates on the respective line of separation (96, 96a) at a point spaced from the terminus of said line of separation such that the yieldable portion collapses inwardly.

13. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the carrying handle further comprises a hinged arrangement proximate each of opposed ends of said lifting edge, which hinged arrangement facilitates the pivotal movement of the carrying handle.

14. A carton according to claim 13 wherein when the carrying handle is in use, the lifting edge of the carrying handle is displaced out of the plane of said one panel by a greater amount than the rear edge is displaced out of the plane of said one panel.

15. A blank for forming a carton having a carrying handle, the blank comprising a series of interconnected panels for forming the carton walls and comprising means in one of said panels for forming a lifting edge of the carrying handle and means for defining a rear edge of said carrying handle, the rear edge being spaced from said lifting edge, the carrying handle being further arranged such that, when the blank is formed into the carton, the rear edge of the carrying handle will pivot below the plane of said one panel when the lifting edge pivots above the plane of said one panel thereby providing access for the user to grasp the lifting edge when the carton is carried.

16. A blank according to claim 15 wherein the carrying handle further comprises yieldable portions formed proximate opposed ends of the lifting edge, each yieldable portion comprising a portion of said one wall and a portion of an adjacent wall interconnected with said one wall, said yieldable portions being structured and arranged such that in a set up carton, said yieldable portions collapse onto the adjacent contents of the carton such that the force exerted on the carrying handle is transferred to the contents of the carton, when the carton is lifted by the carrying handle.

17. A blank according to claim 16, wherein each yieldable portion is defined in part by a cut line in said adjacent wall, and in part by a pair of fold lines, a first of said fold lines being formed in said one wall and extending from the lifting edge toward the interconnection between the adjacent wall and said one wall, the second of said fold lines extending from the first fold line toward the cut line.

18. A blank according to claim 17 wherein the cut line extends in said adjacent wall from a point proximate said interconnection, toward a point on said adjacent wall which lies on a notional vertical plane containing said lifting edge.

19. A blank according to claim 18 wherein the second fold line terminates on said cut line, spaced from the end of said cut line.

20. A blank according to any of claims 15 to 19 wherein the rear edge of said carrying handle is defined by a frangible line that is formed solely in said one panel.

21. A blank according to claim 20 wherein each end of said frangible line is curved to limit tearing of said one panel when the carton is lifted.

22. A blank according to any one of claims 15, 20 or 21 wherein the carrying handle further comprises at least two weakened lines formed in said one wall, which weakened lines extend from the rear edge toward said lifting edge and facilitate deformation of said one panel when the carrying handle is deployed.

23. A blank according to any one of claims 15 to 22 wherein the carrying handle further comprises a handle flap hingedly joined to said lifting edge to provide cushioning of a user's hand when the carrying handle is in a set up carton.

24. A blank according to claim 15, wherein the carrying handle further comprises first and second lines of separation (96, 96a) which are formed in opposed panels adjacent said one panel and which extend from points on the interconnection between said one panel and the respective adjacent panel, in a set up carton said points lie on a notional line spaced in front of a vertical plane containing the lifting edge, and wherein said first and second lines extend in the respective adjacent panels toward the vertical plane containing the lifting edge.

25. A blank according to claim 24 wherein said first and second lines of separation each define in part a yieldable portion of one of the opposed adjacent panels, and wherein each yieldable portion is further defined by a fold line and wherein each yieldable portion collapsing inwardly of said carton and braces against the carton contents when the set up carton is lifted to transfer the stress exerted upon the lifting edge to the contents.

26. A blank according to the claim 25 wherein each fold line extends from a point on the interconnection between the one panel and the respective opposed adjacent panel which point is spaced behind said vertical plane, and terminates on the respective line of separation at a point spaced from the terminus of said line of separation such that the yieldable portion collapses inward.

27. A blank according to claim 25 wherein the carrying handle further comprises a hinged arrangement proximate each of opposed ends of said lifting edge, which hinged arrangement facilitates the pivotal movement of the carrying handle