WO2013134346A1

WO2013134346A1 - Carton for packaging articles and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2013134346A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/029287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brandon L. RAMSUER; Aaron L Bates
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2012-03-09
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2013-09-12
Also published as: TW201343486A

Abstract

A carton for packaging articles includes a plurality of panels (112, 114, 116, 118a, 118b) hingedly interconnected to form the carton and a carrying handle (H) for use in lifting the carton. One of the panels (112) has a perimeter that defines at least one corner of that panel (112). The carrying handle (H) includes a finger aperture (111) defined in the one of the panels (112) and at least one relief severance line (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) disposed transversely of a notional line (N) that extends between the finger aperture (111) and the at least one corner. The at least one relief severance line (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) has opposite end portions (171) each curving toward the finger aperture (111). The at least one relief severance line (170a, 170b, 170c, 170d) extends from and terminating in the one of the panels (112) such that opposite end portions (171) are disposed at positions spaced from the perimeter.

Description

CARTON FOR PACKAGING ARTICLES AND BLANK THEREFOR

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/608743 filed March 9, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a handle for use in the field of packaging and packaging comprising the handle, more specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a one-finger-type -finger-hole type handle of stronger configuration. Aspects of the present invention relate to a blank, to a carton, to a package and to a carrying handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers, such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution and for display of promotional information. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. Preferably packages or cartons are provided with handle arrangements to make carrying of the carton or package easier and/or more comfortable for a consumer. Failure of such handles is an important consideration because if the handle fails and tears the package, articles, can become loose, which is undesirable. However, for cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material and/or as lower weight of material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of packaging by providing a handle or carrying arrangement that may be of greater strength than known carrying arrangements and which may allow cartons or packages to be formed from a lower weight and/or lower caliper of material which may lead to a cost saving and/or an environmental benefit.

In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention seeks to provide an improved handle arrangement of the one-finger-type. Carrying handles are known which require a user or consumer to at least partially insert one (sometimes more than one) of their fingers into a package to grip the package for carrying. Such handle arrangements that provide room for approximately only one finger, may often be referred to as one-finger- type handles.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton or a carton comprising a carrying handle of the one-finger-type wherein a user of the carrying handle can carry the carton using a single finger partially inserted into the carton through the carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a pair of oppositely positioned cushioning flaps each defined by a pair of divergent frangible or cut lines, a hinge connection interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines about which hinge connection the cushioning flap can fold inwardly of the carton and by a cut line or further frangible line interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton or a carton comprising a carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising a pair of oppositely positioned cushioning flaps each defined by: a pair of divergent frangible or cut lines; a hinge connection interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines about which hinge connection the cushioning flap is foldable inwardly of the carton; and a cut line or further frangible line interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines, wherein said cut line or further frangible line is common to both cushioning flaps. Optionally, the blank or carton according to the preceding paragraphs is formed from paperboard, wherein each cushioning flap is arranged in a panel of the blank or carton such that the hinge connection is disposed at least substantially transversely of the grain direction of the paperboard.

Optionally the carrying handle may comprise one or more projecting tabs having an edge disposed substantially centrally of the carrying handle and having a connection with the panel of the carton or blank in which the carrying handle is formed that is resistant to folding by virtue of the connection being defined by divergent lines of demarcation and/or the connection being interrupted by a nick separating the projecting tab from said panel in the region of the nick. Optionally, said one or more projecting tabs may comprise two projecting tabs, wherein each of the two projecting tabs may be defined by: a substantially pointed edge that is formed from one of the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines defining one of the pair of cushioning flaps and from one of the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines defining the other one of the pair of cushioning flaps; and a connection with said panel defined by divergent lines of demarcation that are interrupted by a nick separating the projecting tab from said panel in the region of the nick.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank or a carton comprising a carrying handle of the one-finger-type wherein a user of the carrying handle can carry the carton using a single finger partially inserted into the carton through the carrying handle, the carrying handle comprising one or more or a series of relief severance lines disposed about one or more cushioning flaps which one or more cushioning flaps are each foldable inwardly of the carton. Optionally, the or each relief severance line may be disposed about the carrying handle such that a portion of each relief severance line is disposed substantially perpendicularly relative to a notional line extending between the centre of the carrying handle and a corner of the panel in which the carrying handle is formed. Preferably, the carrying handle comprises four relief severance lines positioned at 90° relative to one another. Optionally, each relief severance line is non-linear and is curved substantially about the centre of the carrying handle. Preferably, each relief severance line comprises an acutely arcuate termination at each end thereof.

Optionally, the one or more cushioning flaps may comprise a pair of oppositely positioned cushioning flaps each defined by: a pair of divergent frangible or cut lines; a hinge connection interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines about which hinge connection the cushioning flap is foldable inwardly of the carton; and a cut line or further frangible line interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines.

Preferably, the cut line or further frangible line interconnecting the pair of divergent frangible or cut lines of each cushioning flap is a single cut line or a single further frangible line that is common to both cushioning flaps.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary 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 wraparound style carrier having a one-finger-type carrying handle according to the prior art;

FIGURE 2A. is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton suitable for wrapping about a group of four articles having a carrying handle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGURE 2B. is an enlarged plan view of the top of the blank of Figure 2A;

FIGURE 2C. is a perspective view from the top, front and side of the wraparound style carton formed from the blank of Figure 2A; and

FIGURE 2D. is a perspective view from the top, front and side of the carton of Figure 2C wherein a user is deploying the carrying handle by inserting one finger partially into the carton.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF

THE PRESENT INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the carrying arrangement or carrying handle, 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. Indeed, it will be understood that the carrying arrangement or carrying handle, 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 minimized 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 blank 10 for forming a wraparound style carrier as is known in the art. The blank 10 comprises a series of hinged panels, 18a, 14, 12, 16, 18b, connected one to the next in a linear series. The wraparound style carrier comprises a top panel 12 having a carrying arrangement H_p (also referred to as carrying handle H_p) according to the prior art. The blank 10 further comprises first and second side panels 16, 14; locking bottom panels 18a, 18b; pairs of side end closure flaps 32a/32b; and a complementary mechanical lock formed from pairs of heel-and-toe locking tabs 20b and locking apertures 20a for securing the locking bottom panels 18a, 18b together. The wraparound style carrier blank 10 shown in Figure 1 is formed of paperboard; in particular, 0.021 caliper Carrier Kote® grade paperboard.

The carrying arrangement H_p is formed in the top panel 12, approximately centrally thereof. The handle H_p comprises a single cushioning tab 66 defined in part by a score line or cut line 64 and in part by a fold line 62. A connecting nick that interrupts the score line 64 may serve to keep the top panel 12 intact during transportation and display of the package formed from the blank 10. Then when a consumer takes the package from a retail shelf, they may break the connecting nick, pushing the cushioning tab 66 inwardly of the top panel 12 into the carton to create an aperture, sized and shaped such that it is suitable for receiving part of a consumer's finger. The consumer, by hooking their finger beneath the top panel 12 so that it rests under the top panel 12 can then carry the carton. As will be understood from Figure 1 and the afore description, when the carrying handle arrangement H_p is in use, there is only one direction for the user to comfortably and easily hold the carton and that is with their finger folded around the fold line 62, cushioned by the tab 66. As such a user may need to orient the carton relative to themselves before they can insert their finger in the correct direction (Di as shown in Figure 1 ) and lift the carton using the one-finger-type handle arrangement H_p.

In contrast to the carrying handle H_p of the prior art that is illustrated in Figure 1 , the present invention provides a carrying handle H (see Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D) that may be a more robust and/or stronger construct and/or which may enable a user to operate the handle in more than one direction.

Referring to Figure 2A, there is shown a blank 1 10 for forming a wraparound style carton. The blank 1 10 is similar to the blank 10 of Figure 1 in every respect apart from the carrying handle H. As such similar reference numerals have where appropriate been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" to indicate that these features belong to the carrying handle according to the embodiment of the present invention which is illustrated in Figures 2A to 2D. An enlarged view of the top panel 1 12 of the blank of 1 10 is shown in Figure 2B, wherein the structure of the carrying handle arrangement H can more easily be seen.

The carrying handle H of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2A comprises a pair of separated cushioning flaps 166a, 166b struck, or otherwise formed, from part of the top panel 1 12. Each of the cushioning flaps 166a, 166b is defined by two divergent and oppositely disposed cut lines 178a, 178b; a hinge line 174a, 174b; and a second cut line 180. Optionally, the second cut line 180 may be common to both cushioning flaps 166a, 166b and may separate the cushioning flaps 166a, 166b from one another. The cushioning flaps 166a, 166b are optionally substantially trapezoidal in shape and are each independently foldable about the hinge line 174a, 174b inwardly of the carton beneath the plane of top panel 1 12 so that a finger aperture 1 1 1 is defined in the top panel 1 12 as shown in Figure 2D. A consumer can insert his/her finger into the finger aperture 1 1 1 to grasp the underside of the top panel 1 12 to hold and carry the carton or package. The provision of two cushioning flaps 166a, 166b each independently foldable inwardly of the carton enables a consumer to grasp the package from more than one direction (see Di, D₂ in Figure 2B) thus making the carrying handle H more diversely useable. The provision of two cushioning flaps 166a, 166b disposed to enable a user to grip the carton in either direction Di, D₂ deliberately (albeit optionally) has been configured to coincide with the natural grain direction of the paperboard. Additionally, the carrying handle H, optionally comprises a pair of oppositely disposed projecting tabs 176a, 176. The projecting tabs 176a, 176b may deter a user from attempting to grasp the carton in the direction across the carton. Additionally or alternatively, the provision of two projecting tabs 176a, 176b disposed and arranged to discourage a user from picking up the carton in the direction transverse to Di or D₂ has been deliberately configured (albeit optionally) to discourage a user from lifting the carton in a direction going against the grain. Optionally, this arrangement assists in controlling stresses which dissipate through the top panel 1 12 as the carton is gripped and lifted by the carrying handle arrangement H.

The projecting tabs 176a, 176b are preferably formed such that they are shaped, configured or otherwise constructed in a manner that would discourage the consumer from picking up the carton in a direction going against the grain of the paperboard blank 1 10. This may optionally be achieved by any one or more of: the projecting tabs 176a, 176b, being resistant to folding (which optionally may be achieved by their shape for example being defined from divergent fold lines 172, 172b and/or the fold lines 172a, 172b being separated by a cut line 173 or nick 173); pressing against the projecting tab 176a, 176b being made uncomfortable (optionally this could be achieved by a pointed aspect of the projecting tabs 176a, 176b); and/or the stiffness of the tabs 176a, 176b (also optionally achieved by the nature of the connection between the projecting tabs 176a, 176b and the top panel 1 12).

The carrying handle H further comprises relief severance lines or cuts 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d. Each relief severance line 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d is preferably positioned such that at least a portion of the relief severance line 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d is positioned approximately perpendicularly to, or otherwise transversely of, a notional line 'N' extending between the finger aperture 1 1 1 and at least one of the corners of the top panel 1 12. In Figure 2A, the notional line 'N' extends diagonally across the top panel from one corner, approximately through the centre of the finger aperture 1 1 1 and to a diagonally opposite corner of the top panel 1 12. Preferably, each relief severance line 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d may be slightly curved such that it bows concavely as viewed from the finger aperture 1 1 1 . Stated differently, each relief severance line 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d may be curved about the centre of the finger aperture 1 1 1 . The relief severance lines 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d may mitigate against or prevent stress concentration in the top panel 1 12 as it is lifted when the carrying handle H is deployed. Additionally or alternatively, the relief severance lines 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d around the finger aperture 1 1 1 may allow the top panel 1 12 of the carton to flex at designated points, preventing unwanted tearing. Preferably, each relief severance line 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d terminates in opposite end portions 171 each acutely curved at least toward the finger aperture 1 1 1 . Preferably, each end portion 171 further curves to form an arc so that the respective terminal points of the opposite end portions 171 of each relief severance line are directed substantially toward one another. Preferably, these curved end portions 171 is generally J-shaped. The curved end portions 171 mitigate or at least limit the relief severance lines propagating further into the top panel 1 12.

Turning to the construction of a carton as illustrated in Figures 2C and 2D, it is envisaged that the carton can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton is not required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. The top panel 1 12 may be placed on top of a group of four articles; then the first and second side panels 1 16, 1 14 may be folded relative to the top panel 1 12 to bring the first and second side panels 1 14, 1 16 alongside and preferably into contact with opposite sides of the article group. Gusset panels may assist in the automatic deployment or movement of pairs of side end closure flaps 132a/132b about articles at opposite ends of the group to create corners of the carton and to secure the article group together. Finally, the locking bottom panels 1 18a, 1 18b may be brought into overlapping contact and locked together by punching the heel and toe locks 120b into the locking apertures 120a. The carton, when tightly wrapped about an article group in this manner secures the articles together as a unit which conveniently can be lifted and carried by the one-finger-type handle arrangement H.

The deployment of the carrying handle H is illustrated in Figure 2D. Optionally, the cushioning tabs 166a, 166b may be connected by a nick interrupting the common severance line or second cut line 180 so that the integrity of the top panel 1 12 is preserved until such time as the carrying handle H is deployed. Further optionally, in other embodiments it is envisaged that the cushioning tabs 166a, 166b may be spaced apart and whilst each may be frangibly connected to or disconnected at least in part from the top panel to allow their inward displacement each cushioning tab 166a, 166b may be distinct from the other. Additionally or alternatively, in other envisaged embodiments, the projecting tabs 176a, 176b may meet or be more closely situated and it may be the projecting tabs 176a, 176b that separate the cushioning tabs 166a, 166b. Optionally in such an arrangement, the cushioning tabs 166a, 166b may be substantially triangular in shape.

The carrying handle arrangement H of the present invention is a strong enough handle that it may be successfully deployed in a carton formed from a lower cal iper paperboard compared to pre-existing one-finger-type carrying handles for example, the carrying handle Hp illustrated in Figure 1 .

To compare the one-finger-type carrying handle H of the embodiment of the illustrated invention (see Figures 2A to 2D) with the one-finger-type carrying handle H_p known from the prior art (see Figure 1 ), Cyclic-Drop Testing (also known as Jerk-Testing) has been performed. The Cyclic-Drop Testing was performed on the same style of carton, namely the wraparound style carton shown in Figures 1 and 2A. To quantify the strength and robustness of each type of handle structure, testing was carried out on ten samples of the wraparound style carton shown in Figures 1 and 2A (loaded with a similar weight of articles and similarly secured in a set-up arrangement). Five of the samples comprised the single cushioning flap as shown in Figure 1 . These samples were made from 0.016 caliper Carrier Kote® paperboard. A further five samples of the wraparound style carrier comprised the handle arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in Figure 2A. These samples were cut from 0.016 caliper Carrier Kote® paperboard. (The term caliper refers to the thickness of the paperboard and is usually expressed in thousandths of an inch (0.001 ") or points. As such Carrier Kote® paperboard of 0.016 calipers has a thickness of 0.016" (approximately 0.4mm).)

The machine used to carry out the test was a Cyclic-Drop-Tester; the test method is Applied Paper Technology Standard Test Method Number 100-61 ; and the tests were performed in TAPPI Standard Test Conditions. The Applied Paper Technology Standard Test Method is annexed to the present application and the results of the test are provided in the table below:

Wraparound style carrier with Wraparound style carrier with traditional one-finger type handle one-finger type handle (see (see Figure 1 ), cut from 0.016 Figure 2A), cut from 0.016 Carrier Kote® paperboard. Carrier Kote® paperboard.

Sample

Number Number of Jerks Survived Number of Jerks Survived

Sample 1 1 12

Sample 2 1 8

Sample 3 2 4

Sample 4 1 3

Sample 5 1 3

Averages 1.2 Jerks 6 Jerks Table 1.1 : Results of Cyclic-Drop-Testing performed on carton samples having a traditional one-finger type handle arrangement H_p and on a similar carton having a one- finger type handle arrangement H according to an embodiment of the present invention.

It can be seen from the results in Table 1 .1 above that the handle arrangement H of the embodiment of the present invention that is illustrated in Figure 2A demonstrates improved performance compared to the traditional one-finger-type handle arrangement H_p shown in Figure 1 . The handle arrangement H of the embodiment of the present invention that is illustrated in Figure 2A is stronger and its use in a carton formed from 0.016 calipers thick Carrier Kote® is viable. This is evidenced by the handle arrangement H of the embodiment of the present invention being able to withstand, on average, 500% more jerks than the traditional one-finger-type handle arrangement H_p shown in Figure 1 . The present invention provides a new style of handle that may have better strength than the standard one-finger-type handle H_p.

Typically the traditional single cushioning flap handle arrangement of Figure 1 has required cartons (such as that shown in Figure 1 ) employing that handle to be made from heavier weight paperboard (for example 0.021 caliper, (0.021 " (about 0.5mm) in thickness) in order for the handle to have sufficient strength to be used to carry a loaded carton. The jerk-testing was conducted on 0.016 caliper Carrier Kote® paperboard to illustrate the improved strength of the newly described handle arrangement of the present invention and its suitability for use in a carton formed from that lower-weight of paperboard. This also demonstrates that the handle arrangement of the present invention, at least in one embodiment, provides a cost and environmental saving in that less material can now be used to make cartons of the style shown in Figure 2A having a one-finger-type carrying handle H. It will be understood that the failure rate of the wraparound style carrier of the first five samples having the traditional handle and being formed from lower than recommended weight paperboard is not in any way representative of any product sold by the applicant of the present application. 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. In other embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the carrying handle will be deployed in a variety of carton types and its application is not limited to wraparound carriers as illustrated herein. For example, a carrying handle according to the present invention may be formed in a fully enclosed carrier; a box-style carton; and an end-loading style carton. Furthermore whereas the carrying handle has been described in respect of a paperboard application, it is envisaged that the carrying handle arrangement may be formed in other foldable sheet materials for example plastics material.

Whereas aspects of the invention have been described with reference to a one-finger- type carrying handle, it will be understood that one or more projecting tabs 176a, 176b shaped and configured to be stiff or otherwise discouraging of being folded (optionally by being substantially pointed and/or optionally by being defined by diverging lines 172a, 172b to restrict folding and/or optionally by being defined in part by a cut notch 173 between diverging lines 172a, 172b) and therefore operable to discourage a user to try and fold a carton adjacent such a projecting tab 176a, 176b may advantageously be deployed in other applications.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "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 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 short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention. Further a line of demarcation may be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line, a fold line, an embossment, a debossment or a series of any of the aforementioned that may be interrupted by any other of the aforementioned.

The following sets out the Test method for the cyclic-drop test as supplied by Applied Paper Technology. The copyright in the following test method may belong to Applied Paper Technology and no rights in the test method are asserted by the applicant.

APPLIED PAPER TECHNOLOGY STANDARD TEST METHOD

SUPERSEDES: SERIES: TEST METHOD: 01/11/01 PHYSICAL TESTING 100-61

ISSUE DATE: TEST:

07/28/10 CYCLIC DROP (JERK) - DRY CARTON

1 .0 PURPOSE

To determine the number of drops to failure and the area of failure for a dry basket or carton.

2.0 EQUIPMENT

2.1 Cyclic Drop Tester with appropriate handle fixtures

2.2 Appropriately filled primary containers

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

3.1 This test should be run at TAPPI Standard Test Conditions.

3.2.1 Conditioning atmosphere = 50%±2% Relative Humidity; 73.4±1 .8°F (23±1 °C).

3.2.2 Testing atmosphere is the same as conditioning atmosphere. 3.2 Condition the specimens for 24 hours. 4.0 SPECIMENS

4.1 Samples should be free of any damaged edges, bends, indention's or other irregularities

4.1 Load 10 cartons with the appropriately filled primary containers.

4.2 Seal the cartons with a process (gluing, locking, etc.) that best simulates their machine production.

4.3 Do not lift or carry cartons by the handle features prior to testing.

5.0 SAFETY

This method does not purport to address the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this method to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Refer to all appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets for a complete list of safety procedures and precautions.

6.0 PROCEDURE

6.1 Weigh a loaded carton and record its weight.

6.2 Set the drop length according to the carton weight. Cartons weighing 1 .5lbs. (6.8kg) or less are typically subjected to 1 .5" mechanical drops (jerks). Cartons more than 15 lbs. are typically subjected to 1 .25" mechanical drops (jerks). The drop distance can also be 1 " based on customer direction.

6.3 Place the handle fixture through the carton handhole/fingerhole.

6.4 While supporting the bottom of the carton, attach the fixture to the tester, making sure that the carton is balanced on the fixture.

6.5 Set the counter to zero.

6.6 Turn on the test device.

6.7 As soon as the carton fails (ruptures) or the counter reads 200 cycles without failure, turn the tester off. 6.8 Record the number of cycles without failure.

6.9 Repeat 6.3 - 6.8 for remaining cartons.

7.0 REPORT

5 7.1 Report the weight of the loaded carton and the drop length.

7.2 Report the 10 counter readings and their average as number of cycles required to rupture the carton.

7.3 Report the point of rupture for each carton.

Claims

1 . A carton for packaging articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels hingedly interconnected to form the carton and a carrying handle for use in lifting the carton, one of the panels having a perimeter that defines at least one corner of the one of the panels, the carrying handle comprising a finger aperture defined in the one of the panels and at least one relief severance line disposed transversely of a notional line extending between the finger aperture and the at least one corner, the at least one relief severance line comprising opposite end portions each curving toward the finger aperture, the at least one relief severance line extending from and terminating in the one of the panels such that opposite end portions are disposed at positions spaced from the perimeter.

2. The carton according to claim 1 , wherein each of the end portions of the at least one relief severance line is further curved to form an arc so that the opposite end portions of the at least one relief severance line are directed toward one another.

3. The carton according to claim 2, wherein each of the end portions of the at least one relief severance line is generally J-shaped.

4. The carton according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one relief severance line bows concavely as viewed from the finger aperture.

5. The carton according to claim 1 , wherein the perimeter defines at least two diagonally opposed corners of the one of the panels, and the at least one relief severance line comprises at least two relief severance lines located at diagonally opposed positions with the finger aperture therebetween, the notional line extending between the at least two diagonally opposed corners.

6. The carton according to claim 1 , wherein the carrying handle further comprises a pair of oppositely positioned cushioning flaps formed from part of the one of the panels to define at least in part the finger aperture, each of the cushioning flaps being defined by a pair of divergent frangible lines and is hingedly connected to the one of the panels by a hinged connection extending between the divergent frangible lines so that the cushioning flaps are foldable inwardly of the carton.

7. The carton according to claim 6, wherein a further frangible line defines a common free end of the cushioning flaps when the cushioning flaps take unfolded positions where the cushioning flaps lie in a plane of the one of the panels.

8. The carton according to claim 6, wherein the carton is formed from paperboard, and wherein each of the cushioning flaps is arranged in the one of the panels such that each of the hinged connections is disposed at least substantially transversely of a grain direction of the paperboard.

9. The carton according to claim 6, wherein the carrying handle further comprises at least one projecting tab formed from part of the one of the panels to define at least in part the finger aperture, the at least one projecting tab being connected to the one of the panels by divergent lines of demarcation so as to be resistant to folding.

10. The carton according to claim 9 wherein the at least one projecting tab comprises two projecting tabs, and wherein each of the two projecting tabs has a substantially pointed edge that is defined by one of the divergent frangible lines defining one of the cushioning flaps and by one of the divergent frangible lines defining the other of the cushioning flaps.

1 1 . The carton according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one relief severance line is disposed at about ninety degrees relative to the notional line.

12. The carton according to claim 1 wherein the at least one relief severance line is nonlinear and is curved substantially about the finger aperture.

13. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels hingedly interconnected to form the carton and a carrying handle for use in lifting the carton, one of the panels having a perimeter that defines at least one corner of the one of the panels, the carrying handle comprising a finger aperture defined in the one of the panels and at least one relief severance line disposed transversely of a notional line extending between the finger aperture and the at least one corner, the at least one relief severance line comprising opposite end portions each curving toward the finger aperture, the at least one relief severance line extending from and terminating in the one of the panels such that opposite end portions are disposed at positions spaced from the perimeter.

14. The blank according to claim 13, wherein each of the end portions of the at least one relief severance line is further curved to form an arc so that the opposite end portions of the at least one relief severance line are directed substantially toward one another.

15. The blank according to claim 14, wherein each of the end portions of the at least one relief severance line is generally J-shaped.

16. The blank according to claim 13, wherein the at least one relief severance line bows concavely as viewed from the finger aperture.

17. The blank according to claim 13, wherein the perimeter defines at least two diagonally opposed corners of the one of the panels, and the at least one relief severance line comprises at least two relief severance lines located at diagonally opposed positions with the finger aperture therebetween, the notional line extending between the at least two diagonally opposed corners.

18. The blank according to claim 13, wherein the carrying handle further comprises a pair of oppositely positioned cushioning flaps formed from part of the one of the panels to define at least in part the finger aperture, each of the cushioning flaps being defined by a pair of divergent frangible lines and is hingedly connected to the one of the panels by a hinged connection extending between the divergent frangible lines.

19. The blank according to claim 18, wherein a further frangible line defines a common free end of the cushioning flaps.

20. The blank according to claim 18, wherein the blank is formed from paperboard, and wherein each of the cushioning flaps is arranged in the one of the panels such that each of the hinged connections is disposed at least substantially transversely of a grain direction of the paperboard.