WO2022072682A1

WO2022072682A1 - Carton and associated carton blank and manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: WO2022072682A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/052945
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Valencia
Original assignee: Westrock Shared Services, Llc
Priority date: 2020-09-30
Filing date: 2021-09-30
Publication date: 2022-04-07
Also published as: EP4222065A1; US20230365292A1; CA3194472A1; MX2023003721A

Abstract

A carton for packaging product includes a bottom wall having a plurality of bottom wall panels. The carton further includes a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall, a first handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls, and a second handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls. The carton further includes a first support structure formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls and a second support structure formed by a least a portion of the plurality of side walls. A method includes providing a carton blank comprising a plurality of panels and manipulating the carton blank such that the plurality of panels define a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, a first support structure, a second support structure, a first handle of the carton, and a second handle of the carton.

Description

CARTON AND ASSOCIATED CARTON BLANK AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

F IELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to product packaging and, more particularly, to cartons for packaging product, carton blanks, and methods for manufacturing cartons from carton blanks. More particularly, though not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to cartons that include dual integral handles.

B A C K GRO UND

[0002] In the field of packaging and, more particularly, in the field of fresh food packaging, a product is often provided with an exterior container. For example, the product, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, may be packaged in a carton. Such containers are desirable for shipping and distribution, for product protection and for display of product identification or promotional information.

[0003] It is also desirable that the end consumer be able to use the container as a product carrier when the product is sold. For example, many product containers include a handle that provides the consumer the ability to carry the product. Usually, the handle is located at the top of the container and extends outwardly from the top of the container.

[0004] For shipping, product protection and consumer carrying considerations, it is also desirable to ensure that such containers have suitable strength for holding and transporting the product. For cost and environmental considerations, it is also desirable that such containers be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage of the materials as possible. For cost and process considerations, it is also desirable for such containers to be formed through as simple a set of operations as possible to aid in automation of the container formation and loading process.

[0005] Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of product packaging. S UMMARY

[0006] Disclosed are cartons for packaging product, carton blanks that can be assembled into cartons, methods for manufacturing cartons, such as from the disclosed carton blanks, and methods for packaging product, such as by using the disclosed cartons. The following is a non- exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure.

[0007] Disclosed is a carton for packaging a product.

[0008] In an example, the disclosed carton for packaging product includes a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes a plurality of bottom wall panels. The carton further includes a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall. The carton further includes a first handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls and a second handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls. The carton further includes a first support structure formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls and a second support structure formed by a least a portion of the plurality of side walls.

[0009] Also disclosed is a carton blank that may be assembled into a carton.

[0010] In an example, the disclosed carton blank includes a first side panel and a second side panel, which is foldably connected to the first side panel. The carton blank further includes a third side panel foldably connected to the second side panel and a fourth side panel foldably connected to the third side panel. The carton blank further includes a first handle panel foldably connected to the first side panel and a second handle panel foldably connected to the third side panel. The carton blank further includes a first support structure and a second support structure.

[0011] Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing a carton.

[0012] In an example, the method includes providing a carton blank that includes a plurality of panels. The method further includes manipulating the carton blank such that the plurality of panels define a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, a first support structure, a second support structure, a first handle of the carton, and a second handle of the carton. The method further includes placing a product in the carton. B RIEF D E S CRIP T I ON O F THE DRAW ING S

[0013] FIG. l is a schematic, plan view of an example of a carton blank assemblable into a carton.

[0014] FIG. 2 a schematic, perspective view of an example of a carton blank assemblable into a carton.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic, perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic, perspective view of a carton formed from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a carton from the carton blank of FIG. 2.

D ET AILED DE S CRIP T I ON

[0023] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the disclosed carton and carton blank described by the present disclosure. It will be understood that the disclosed examples are merely exemplary embodiments 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. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as the item and a plurality of items may be referred to collectively as the items. Moreover, as used herein, a feature, element, component or step preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, components or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited.

[0024] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to “example” means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases “an example,” “another example,” “one or more examples,” and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0025] Referring to Figs. 1-9, by way of examples, the present disclosure is directed to a carton 100 for packaging product. The carton 100 facilitates packaging, shipping and displaying of the product. In other words, the carton 100 provides, or serves as, an exterior packaging container for the product. The carton 100 also provides, or serves, as a carrier for the product, for example, after purchase by the consumer.

[0026] The carton 100 may be made from any suitable packaging material. Examples of suitable packaging material include paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof and any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein.

[0027] The product may be any one of various types of primary product packaged by the carton 100. In one or more examples, the product is fresh food, such as fresh fruit or fresh vegetables. The carton 100 may be suitably sized and shaped to accommodate any reasonable number of products. Thus, throughout the present disclosure, the term “product” refers to one or more products.

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the disclosure is directed to a blank of sheet material, generally referred to herein as “carton blank” 102. The carton blank 102 is used to manufacture (e.g., assemble, make, erect or otherwise construct) a carton 100. As an example, the carton 100 illustrated in Figs. 4-9 may be assembled from the carton blank 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0029] The carton blank 102 may be made of a sheet of suitable stock material. The carton blank 102 may be cut (e.g., die cut) from the sheet of stock material. Suitable stock material includes all manner of foldable sheet material. In one or more examples, the stock material is a cellulosic material, such as paperboard (e.g., solid bleached sulfate paperboard), cardboard or other heavy-duty paper-based material. In one or more examples, the stock material is polymeric material, such as plastic board (e.g., plastic cardboard) or sheet plastic. In one or more examples, the stock material is made of corrugated board (e.g., cellulosic or polymeric), such as corrugated board that includes two liner sheets and an inner fluted corrugated material sandwiched between and coupled to the liner sheets.

[0030] The carton blank 102 includes a series of panels connected one to the next by respective fold lines. Any one of the fold lines and/or hinge lines, described herein, may include any suitable predefined or preformed line of weakening and/or line of separation known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein provided, such as a crease, a score, a perforation, or the like. Generally, the fold lines transform the carton blank 102 into a plurality of separate but integral panels, flaps, tabs and the like. [0031] For clarity, it should be recognized that a first surface of the carton blank 102 is exposed (e.g., projecting towards the viewer). For example, the first surface of the carton blank 102 may become an interior surface 200 of the carton 100. The carton blank 102 also includes a corresponding second surface (e.g., underside) that is not seen until the carton 100 is formed from the carton blank 102. For example, the second surface of the carton blank 102 may become an exterior surface 210 of the carton 100.

[0032] In one or more examples, the second surface of the carton blank 102, which may define the exterior surface 210 of the carton 100, is coated (e.g., includes an exterior surface coating). The exterior surface coating may be a waterproof coating, a protective coating, an aesthetic coating and the like. In one or more examples, at least a portion of the second surface of the carton blank 102, which defines the exterior surface 210 of the carton 100, is printed with various product information about the product. For example, the exterior surface 210 of the carton 100 may include branding or other product identification that is easily viewable by the consumer when the carton 100 is displayed.

[0033] In one or more examples, the first surface of the carton blank 102, which defines the interior surface 200 of the carton 100, is coated (e.g., includes an interior surface coating). The interior surface coating may be a waterproof coating, a protective coating, an aesthetic coating and the like. For example, the interior surface 200 of the carton 100 may be coated to resist liquid or moisture from the product from weakening or damaging the carton 100.

[0034] In an example, the carton blank 102 comprises a plurality of sidewall panels 190 that, when assembled into a carton 100, define an internal volume. The plurality of sidewall panels 190 includes a first sidewall 160. First sidewall 160 may be generally rectangular in shape with one or more curved edge. First sidewall 160 may be defined by a sealing tab 175, a half bottom panel 151, a first handle 110, and a second sidewall 161. The second sidewall 161 may be generally rectangular in shape with one or more curved edges. Second sidewall 161 may be defined by a first interlocking panel 153, first sidewall 160, a first support structure 130, and a third sidewall 163. The third sidewall 163 may be generally rectangular and have one or more curved edge. The third sidewall 163 is defined by a full bottom panel 150, second sidewall 161, a second handle 120, and a fourth sidewall 165. The fourth sidewall 165 is generally rectangular in shape and may have one or more curved edge. The fourth sidewall 165 is defined by a second interlocking panel 155, the third sidewall 163, and a second support structure 140. In an example, the carton blank 102 further comprises a plurality of bottom panels configured to define a bottom wall 157. The carton blank 102 comprises a plurality of predefined fold lines that define the plurality of sidewall panels 190 and the plurality of bottom panels.

[0035] In an example, the carton blank 102 includes a first handle predefined line 112. The first handle predefined line 112 may be a cut, perforation, score, or any other means suitable for defining a line for separation of the carton blank 102 material. The first handle predefined line 112 may be straight or curved. The first handle predefined line 112 defines a first handle 110. First handle 110 comprises a first handle planar surface 114 that extends the length of the first sidewall 160. First handle 110 further comprises a first lower support panel 132 and a first upper support panel 136. The first handle first lower support panel 132 and the first handle first upper support panel 136 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102. In an example, the first handle further comprises a first handle second lower support panel 144 and a first handle second upper support panel 148. The first handle second lower support panel 144 and the first handle second upper support panel 148 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102.

[0036] In an example, the carton blank 102 includes a second handle predefined line 122. The second handle predefined line 122 may be a cut, perforation, score, or any other means suitable for defining a line for separation of the carton blank 102 material. The second handle predefined line 122 may be straight or curved. The second handle predefined line 122 defines a second handle 120. The second handle 120 comprises a second handle planar surface 124 that extends the length of the third sidewall 163. Second handle 120 further comprises a first lower support panel 134 and a first upper support panel 138. The second handle first lower support panel 134 and the second handle first upper support panel 138 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102. In an example, the second handle 120 further comprises a second handle second lower support panel 142 and a second handle second upper support panel 146. The second handle second lower support panel 142 and the second handle second upper support panel 146 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102.

[0037] In an example, the carton blank 102 comprises a plurality of bottom panels configured to define a bottom wall 157 including a full bottom panel 150. Full bottom panel 150 is generally rectangular in shape and extends the entire length of each of the plurality of sidewall panels 190 defining. In an example, the carton blank 102 further comprises a half bottom panel 151 configured to nest below full bottom panel 150 when the carton blank 102 is formed into a carton 100. Carton blank 102 may further comprise a first interlocking panel 153 and a second interlocking panel 155. The first interlocking panel 153 may include a first bottom locking panel 153b and a first bottom base panel 153a. The second interlocking panel 155 may include a second bottom locking panel 155b and a second bottom base panel 155a. The first bottom locking panel 153b and first bottom base panel 153a are configured to nest with second bottom locking panel 155b and second bottom base panel 155a such that they provide structural strength to the bottom wall 157.

[0038] One or more of the plurality of bottom panels 150, 151, 153, and 155 may be coupled to another one of more of the plurality of bottom panels 150, 151, 153, and 155 by any suitable technique known to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings provided herein. For example, one or more of the bottom panels 150, 151, 153, and 155 may be interlocked with each other, folded over each other, adhesively coupled to each other, taped to each other and combinations thereof.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the carton blank 102 is folded such that the plurality of sidewall panels 190 are coupled together. The plurality of sidewall panels 190 may be coupled together via any suitable means including interlocking, tape, or adhesive. In an example, the carton blank 102 includes a sealing tab 175. Sealing tab 175 includes one or more of an adhesive, sealant, tape, interlocking feature, or any combination thereof. In an example, the sealing tab 175 includes an adhesive on the exterior surface 210 and is configured to fold toward the interior surface 200 of the carton blank 102 such that the exterior surface 210 of the sealing tab 175 aligns with the interior surface 200 of the carton blank 102 along the fourth sidewall 165 to couple the carton blank 102 plurality of sidewall panels 190 such that it initiates formation of a carton 100.

[0040] In an example, a carton 100 is assembled from a carton blank 102. The carton 100 includes a first handle 110. The first handle 110 is defined by a first handle predefined line 112. The first handle predefined line 112 may be a cut, perforation, score, or any other means suitable for defining a line for separation of the carton blank 102 material. First handle 110 comprises a planar surface 114 that extends the length of the first sidewall 160. First handle 110 further comprises a first lower support panel 132 and a first upper support panel 136. The first lower support panel 132 and the first upper support panel 136 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102. In an example, the first handle further comprises a second lower support panel 144 and a second upper support panel 148. The second lower support panel 144 and the second upper support panel 148 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102.

[0041] In an example, the carton 100 includes a second handle 120. The second handle 120 is defined by a second handle predefined line 122. The second handle predefined line 122 may be a cut, perforation, score, or any other means suitable for defining a line for separation of the carton blank 102 material. The second handle 120 comprises a planar surface 124 that extends the length of the third sidewall 163. Second handle 120 further comprises a first lower support panel 134 and a first upper support panel 138. The first lower support panel 134 and the first upper support panel 138 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102. In an example, the second handle 120 further comprises a second lower support panel 142 and a second upper support panel 146. The second lower support panel 142 and the second upper support panel 146 are defined by predefined fold lines across the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210 of the carton blank 102.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a carton 100 formed from the carton blank 102. In this illustration, the plurality of bottom panels is assembled to define a bottom wall 157. In an example, the bottom wall 157 is configured in a stacked arrangement such that the first interlocking panel 153 and the second interlocking panel 155 may interlock with each other on the bottom of carton 100, the half bottom panel 151 lays generally parallel to and against the first interlocking panel 153 and second interlocking panel 155, and the full bottom panel 150 lays generally parallel to and against the half bottom panel 151. In this configuration, the half bottom panel 151 is sandwiched between the full bottom panel 150 and the interlocked arrangement of the first interlocking panel 153 and the second interlocking panel 155.

[0043] The plurality of sidewall panels 190 is assembled to define a generally rectangular shape. The first handle 110 and the second handle 120 are still aligned with the first sidewall 160 and the third sidewall 163, respectively. The first handle predefined line 112 and the second handle predefined line 122 may be an interrupted cut such that, for example, the first handle 110 is connected to the first sidewall 160 at a few points along the first handle predefined line 112 and cut between those few points and the second handle 120 is connected to the third sidewall 163 at a few points along the second handle predefined line 122.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates the carton 100 having the first handle 110 separated from the first sidewall 160. The first handle 110 is folded such that the first handle planar surface 114 is generally parallel to the bottom wall 157. The first handle 110 is folded along its fold lines and configured such that the interior surface 200 of the first handle 110 faces away from the carton 100. The first handle first lower support panel 134 and the first handle first upper support panel 138 fold along their respective predefined fold lines such that they generally overlap the first support structure 130. The first handle second lower support panel 144 and the first handle second upper support panel 148 fold along their respective predefined fold lines such that they generally overlap the second support structure 140. The overlapping configurations affords strength and integrity to the carton 100 when a product 250 is placed in the carton 100.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates the carton 100 in a fully assembled configuration. Both the first handle 110 and the second handle 120 are separated from the first sidewall 160 and the third sidewall 163, respectively. The second handle 120 is folded along its fold lines and configured such that the interior surface 200 of the second handle 120 faces away from the carton 100. The second handle first lower support panel 134 and the second handle first upper support panel 138 fold along their respective predefined fold lines such that they generally overlap the first support structure 130. The second handle second lower support panel 142 and the second handle second upper support panel 146 fold along their respective predefined fold lines such that they generally overlap the second support structure 140. The overlapping configurations affords strength and integrity to the carton 100 when a product 250 is placed in the carton 100.

[0046] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate enlarged views of the first support structure 130 from the interior surface 200 and exterior surface 210, respectively. The interior surface 200 of the first support structure 130 is generally aligned with the second sidewall 161 from which it extends. The first support structure 130 is generally tapered such that it is widest along the top portion where the first handle 110 and the second handle 120 overlap the exterior surface 210 of the first support structure 130.

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates the carton 100 having a product 250 placed within the internal volume of the carton 100. In an example, the product 250 comprises produce. In the example of FIG. 9, the product 250 includes apples. The carton 100 is configured such that a minimal amount of material, such as paperboard or cardboard, is able to sufficiently house the product 250 and hold it when being held by the firs handle 110 and the second handle 120.

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method 400. The present disclosure is further directed to a method 400 for manufacturing the carton 100 from the carton blank 102. The method 400 may include a series of sequential folding and separating operations. The folding process is not limited to any particular folding process and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

[0049] In one or more examples, the method 400 includes a step of providing 410 the carton blank 102 that includes the plurality of sidewall panels 190. The method 400 includes a step of manipulating 420 the carton blank 102 such that the plurality of sidewall panels 190 define the bottom wall 157, the first sidewall 160, the second sidewall 161, the third sidewall 163, the fourth sidewall 164, the first handle 110, and the second handle 120 of the carton 100. The first handle 110 and the second handle 120 are coupled to an opposed pair of the plurality of sidewall panels 190. The first handle 110 is releasably coupled to at least a portion of the first sidewall 160. The second handle 120 is releasably coupled to at least a portion of the third sidewall 163. [0050] In one or more examples, the carton 100 may be erected and formed around a product 250. In one or more examples, the carton 100 may be partially erected and filled with the product 250. The erecting and filling process may be performed manually or using a machine in an automated process or a combination thereof. In an example, the method 400 is further directed to loading 430 a product 250 into the carton 100.

[0051] The disclosed carton 100 provides a minimal-material solution, with comparable performance (e.g., integrity and market) to a conventional product container. The various examples of the disclosed carton 100 formed from the carton blank 102 include the first handle 110 and the second handle 120, thereby enabling the carton 100 to serve as a product 250 carrier. The first support structure 130 and the second support structure 140 provide additional strength to the first handle 110 and the second handle 120 of the carton 100. Accordingly, the first handle 110 extends across both the first support structure 130 and the second support structure 140 with the first lower support panel 132, the first upper support panel 136, second lower support panel 144, and the second upper support panel 148. The predefined fold lines defining each feature of the first handle 110 allow for increased handle strength and integrity with minimal material. Further, The second handle 120 extends across both the first support structure 130 and the second support structure 140 with the first lower support panel 134, first upper support panel 138, second lower support panel 142, and the second upper support panel 146. The predefined fold lines defining each feature of the second handle 120 allow for increased handle strength and integrity with minimal material.

[0052] For the purpose of the present disclosure, the terms “interior,” “exterior,” “lower,” “upper,” “bottom,” “top,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “end” and similar terms or other forms of such terms are relative and refer to an example of a spatial relationship between structures, elements, items, components or features or indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erect and upright cartons (e.g., as shown in Figs. 4-9). As such, examples of the carton 100 and the carton blank 102, described herein and illustrated in the figures, are not intended to be limited by the specific relative terms used to describe any structure, element, item, component or feature of the carton 100 or the carton blank 102. [0053] Examples of the disclosed carton 100 and carton blank 102 for making the same are described above in detail. The carton blank 102 and the carton 100 are not limited to the specific examples described herein, but rather, components, elements, and/or features of the carton blanks and/or the containers may be utilized independently and separately from other components, elements, and/or features described herein. For example, the carton blanks may also be used in combination with other type of product and is not limited to practice with only the articles as described and illustrated herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications.

[0054] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," “third,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0055] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, “at least one of’ may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

[0056] For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “coupled,” “coupling,” and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist. [0057] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a condition that is essentially the stated condition that performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. As used herein, the term “approximately” refers to a condition that is close to the stated condition, but not exactly, the stated condition that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. However, use of the terms “substantially” and “approximately” do not exclude a condition that is exactly the stated condition.

[0058] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all elements described and illustrated in Figs. 1-10 need be included in every example and not all elements described herein are necessarily depicted in each illustrative example. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the schematic illustrations of the examples depicted in Figs. 1-10 are not meant to imply structural limitations with respect to the illustrative example. Rather, although one illustrative structure is indicated, it is to be understood that the structure may be modified when appropriate. Additionally, modifications, additions and/or omissions may be made to the illustrated structure.

[0059] Further, references throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

[0060] The described features, advantages, and characteristics of one example may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain examples that may not be present in all examples. Furthermore, although various examples of the carton 100, the carton blank 102, and the methods have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carton for packaging product, the carton comprising: a bottom wall; a plurality of side walls connected to the bottom wall; a first handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls; a second handle formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls; a first support structure formed by at least a portion of the plurality of side walls; and a second support structure formed by a least a portion of the plurality of side walls.

2. The carton of Claim 1 wherein the first support structure defines a portion of the first handle and a portion of the second handle.

3. The carton of Claim 1 wherein the second support structure defines a portion of the first handle and a portion of the second handle.

4. The carton of Claim 1 wherein the first handle comprises a planar surface, a first handle first lower support panel, a first handle first upper support panel, a first handle second lower support panel, and a first handle second upper support panel.

5. The carton of Claim 1 wherein the second handle comprises a planar surface, a second handle first lower support panel, a second handle first upper support panel, a second handle second lower support panel, and a second handle second upper support panel.

6. The carton of Claim 1 wherein the bottom wall comprises a plurality of bottom wall panels.

7. A carton blank assemblable into the carton of Claim 1.

8. The carton blank of Claim 7 comprising a sealing tab.

9. A carton for packaging product, the carton comprising: a plurality of sidewall panels that define an internal volume, a first handle, a second handle, the plurality of panels comprising: a first side panel; a second side panel foldably connected to the first side panel; a third side panel foldably connected to the second side panel; a fourth side panel foldably connected to the third side panel; a first handle panel foldably connected to the first side panel; a second handle panel foldably connected to the third side panel; a first support structure foldably connected to the second side panel; and a second support structure foldably connected to the fourth side panel.

10. The carton of Claim 9 wherein the first handle and the second handle overlap at least a portion of the first support structure and at least a portion of the second support structure.

11. The carton of Claim 9 wherein the carton is erected from a carton blank of stock material.

12. The carton of Claim 11 wherein the stock material comprises paperboard.

13. The carton of Claim 12 wherein the stock material comprises cardboard.

14. The carton of Claim 9 further comprising an interior surface, wherein the interior surface comprises a surface coating.

15. The carton of Claim 9 further comprising an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface comprises a surface coating.

16. A carton blank assemblable into the carton of Claim 9.

17. A carton blank assemblable into a carton, the carton blank comprising: a first side panel; a second side panel foldably connected to the first side panel; 17 a third side panel foldably connected to the second side panel; a fourth side panel foldably connected to the third side panel; a first handle panel foldably connected to the first side panel; a second handle panel foldably connected to the third side panel; a first support structure; and a second support structure.

18. The carton blank of Claim 17 wherein, when the carton is formed from the carton blank: the first handle and the second handle overlap at least a portion of the first support structure; and the first handle and the second handle overlap at least a portion of the second support structure.

19. The carton blank of Claim 17 comprising paperboard.

20. The carton blank of Claim 17 comprising cardboard.

21. A method for manufacturing a carton, the method comprising: providing a carton blank comprising a plurality of sidewall panels; and manipulating the carton blank such that the plurality of sidewall panels define a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, a first support structure, a second support structure, a first handle of the carton, and a second handle of the carton.