WO2022251470A1

WO2022251470A1 - Handle structure, article carrier and blank therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2022251470A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/031099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Osvaldo HERNÁNDEZ SÁNCHEZ
Original assignee: Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc
Priority date: 2021-05-27
Filing date: 2022-05-26
Publication date: 2022-12-01
Also published as: KR20240013757A; JP2024519157A; AU2022280878A1; TW202311129A; MX2023013510A

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a handle structure, an article carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles (B), and to a blank (10) for forming the handle structure or article carrier (90). The handle structure comprises a plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) including a pair of hinged handle panels (12, 14; 20, 22) disposed at an angle about a hinging connection (13; 21) therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel (14; 20). At least one of the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) forms an outer panel having a handle flap (60A, 60B) hinged along a non-linear fold line (61A, 61B). At least a second one of the plurality of panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22) forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge (E3; E4) which underlies the non-linear fold line (61A, 61B).

Description

HANDLE STRUCTURE, ARTICLE CARRIER AND BLANK THEREFOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to handle structures, article carriers and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an article carrier of the top gripping style and providing a carrying handle for transportation of one, two or more articles.

BACKGROUND

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

It is an object of the present invention to provide to a carrier having a carrying handle to enable two or more articles to be transported; in particular for large or heavy articles.

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

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The handle structure comprises at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels. At least an outer one of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non linear fold line. An inner one of the panels has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of panels including a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel. At least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second one of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel. The at least a second one of the plurality of panels comprises a non-linear edge which underlies the non linear fold line.

Optionally, the plurality of panels further comprises a base panel comprising at least one second non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the handle flap engages the second non-linear edge.

Optionally, the handle flap comprises at least one engaging edge that engages the second non linear edge.

Optionally, the at least one engaging edge is defined by a cut line separating a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

Optionally, the base panel is bowed inwardly towards the hinged connection between the pair of hinged handle panels.

Optionally, the handle flap extends below the base panel in a deployed condition.

Optionally, the at least one reinforcing panel is hinged to one of pair of hinged handle panels by a base panel.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection. The handle structure comprises at least one reinforcing panel. At least one panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Still yet another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of panels including a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The handle structure comprises a pair of hinged reinforcing panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The pair of hinged handle panels forms outer panels at least one of which comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line to said at least one outer panel. The pair of hinged reinforcing panels forms inner panels disposed in face- to-face relationship with respective ones of the outer panels. At least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing panels comprises a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Optionally, the pair of hinged handle panels is hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcing panels by a base panel.

A further aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having a fold line and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line. The engaging device comprises an annular series of engaging teeth. The series of teeth includes diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless areas which are aligned with, or interrupt, the fold line.

Optionally, each of the opposed toothless areas is provided by one of the following features: a cutaway, a recess, a slot, a slit, a outline and a severable line.

Yet a further aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel having a fold line and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line. The engaging device comprises an annular series of engaging teeth. The series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts which are aligned with the fold line.

Still yet a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel having a fold line and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line. The engaging device comprises an annular series of engaging teeth. The series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts which are aligned with the fold line.

Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank comprises an engaging panel having a fold line and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line. The engaging device comprises an annular series of engaging teeth. The series of teeth includes diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless areas which are aligned with, or interrupt, the fold line. A further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank comprises a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The blank comprises at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels. At least an outer one of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. An inner one of the panels has a non linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank comprises a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; The blank comprises at least one reinforcing panel. At least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second one of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Still a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank comprises a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection and at least one reinforcing panel. At least one panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second panel from the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Yet still a further aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The blank comprises a pair of hinged reinforcing panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween. The pair of hinged handle panels forms outer panels at least one of which comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line to said at least one outer panel. The pair of hinged reinforcing panels forms inner panels disposed in face-to-face relationship with respective ones of the outer panels. At least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing panels comprises a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

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

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

Figures 1 B to 1 D illustrate stages of construction of the blank 10 into a flat collapsed tubular form;

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

Figures 3 and 4 are alternative perspective views of the carton of Figure 2.

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

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a secondary package or handle structure for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

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

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

The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. The paperboard may be selected from any conventional paperboard, for example, ranging in weight upwardly from about 10pt. to about 28pt. (0.0287-0.7mm). An example of such paperboard is SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (Coated Natural Kraft® -a coated natural kraft board, trade name CarrierKote™ and CustomKote™) manufactured by WestRock© Company. The paperboard substrate may be a bleached or unbleached board. The board may be coated on at least one side or may be uncoated. The corrugated board may be selected from that of almost any flute size. Optionally, the corrugated board may be a board material such as but not limited to Έ-flute”. The sheet material may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear- resistance of the package. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished package may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having one rows (m=1) and two columns (n=2); in the illustrated embodiment one rows of two articles are provided, and the articles are bottles. The bottles may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, glass, Aluminium or PET (polyester - polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

Turning to Figure 1, there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figures 2 to 4) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 respectively.

The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 form a tubular structure. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 comprises a first outer top panel 12. A second outer top panel 14 is hingedly connected to the first outer top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 13. A first base panel 16 is hingedly connected to the second outer top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 15. A second base panel 18 is hingedly connected to the first base panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. A first inner top panel 20 is hingedly connected to the second base panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 19. A second inner top panel 22 is hingedly connected to the first inner top panel 20 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 21.

The first base panel 16 and second base panel 18 together form a base wall 16/18 (also referred to herein as an engaging panel 16/18) of the carrier 90.

In some embodiments, one of the first outer top panel 12 and the second inner top panel 22 may be omitted. A portion of the top wall of the article carrier 90 becomes single ply in construction.

In embodiments in which the first outer top panel 12 is omitted the first inner top panel 20 becomes an outer or externally facing panel. The first inner top panel 20 may be provided with a handle flap in such embodiments.

In embodiments in which the second inner top panel 22 is omitted the second outer top panel 14 becomes an inner or internally facing panel.

The base wall 16/18 comprises at least one article retention structure RT. The base wall 16/18 comprises a plurality of article retention structures RT, specifically two article retention structures RT arranged in 1 x 2 matrix or array. Each of the article retention structures RT comprises an opening or aperture A2.

The article retention structures RT of the embodiment of Figure 1 take the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 40 arranged in an annular or otherwise endless series about an opening A2 to form part of an article receiving feature. The opening A2 may optionally be circular aperture; however, it may take a different shape, for example but not limited to, a polygonal or elliptical opening. In other embodiments, the article retention structures RT may take a different form, for example but not limited to, a pair of spaced apart opposing cuts which define a displaceable region forming a cover over an article and providing a pair of opposed engaging edges for engaging opposing sides of an article below a flange, chime or other projection.

The plurality of teeth 40 are provided by the main panel 12. Each of the teeth 40 is hingedly connected to one of the first and second base panels 16, 18, by a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by a plurality of cut lines 41. The plurality of cut lines 41 may be arranged as an annular series of cuts about the apertures A1 when the aperture is circular. The cut lines 41 may defines not circular configuration such as polygon or oval depending on the design.

The plurality of cut lines 41 may define or approximate a portion of circle.

Each of the plurality of teeth 40 comprises an engaging edge opposing a hinged edge. The engaging edges are defined by a portion of a cut line defining the aperture A2. Each engaging edge may define a part of a circle or polygon. Each tooth 40 comprises a pair of side edges, the side edges are defined by cuts 43 extending radially outward from the aperture A2. The illustrated embodiment comprises sixteen teeth 40; adjacent pairs of cuts 43 are divergently arranged with respect to each other and define an angle therebetween, the angle may be about 22.5°.

A first pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by a first cut line 43A, a second pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by a second cut line 43B. The first and second cutlines 43A, 43B are arranged to be collinear with each other and with the fold line 17 hinging the first base panel 16 to the second base panel 18.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second cutlines 43A, 43B may be replaced with notches, slots, recesses or another cutaway feature separating the teeth 40 of the first pair of teeth 40 or the second pair of teeth 40 from each other so as to provide a toothless area or separator therebetween.

The first inner top panel 20 and the second inner top panel 22 together form an inner top wall 20/22.

At least one first article receiving aperture A5 is struck in part from the first inner top panel 20 and in part from the second inner top panel 22. The fold line 21 hinging the first inner top panel 20 to the second inner top panel 22 bisects the at least one first article receiving aperture A5 and is interrupted by the at least one first article receiving aperture A5. The illustrated embodiment comprises two first article receiving aperture A5, each provide a pair of opposed engaging edges E8. The first article receiving apertures A5, in the illustrated embodiment, are hexagonal in shape although in other embodiments other shapes may be employed. The pair of opposed engaging edges E8 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance W1. The first outer top panel 12 and the second outer top panel 14 together form an outer top wall 12/14.

At least one second article receiving aperture A1 is struck in part from the first outer top panel 12 and in part from the second outer top panel 14. The fold line 13 hinging the first outer top panel 12 to the second outer top panel 14 bisects the at least one second article receiving aperture A1 and is interrupted by the at least one second article receiving aperture A1. The illustrated embodiment comprises two second article receiving aperture A1, each provide a pair of opposed engaging edges E7. The second article receiving apertures A1, in the illustrated embodiment, are hexagonal in shape although in other embodiments other shapes may be employed. The pair of opposed engaging edges E7 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance W2. The second distance W2 may be equal to or greater than the first distance W1. In the illustrated embodiment, second distance W2 is greater than the first distance W1 , (W 2 > W 1).

The first outer top panel 12 comprises a first handle cutaway defined, at least in part, by a first handle flap 60A. The first handle flap 60A is hingedly connected to the first outer top panel 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61A. The hinged connection may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the hinged connection is arcuate or curvilinear. Opposed ends of the first handle flap 60A are defined, at least in part, by non-linear or arcuate outlines 63A, extending substantially between the hinged connection and a free edge of the first outer top panel 12 opposing the fold line 61A. Optionally, the handle flap 60A may be coupled to the first outer top panel 12 by frangible connections N. The frangible connection may take the form of connecting nick or bridging portion between handle flap 60A and the first outer top panel 12. The frangible connections N may be disposed between the free edge of the first outer top panel 12 and one of the outlines 63A.

The second outer top panel 14 comprises a second handle cutaway defined, at least in part, by a second handle flap 60B. The second handle flap 60B is hingedly connected to the second outer top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 B. The hinged connection may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the hinged connection is arcuate or curvilinear. Opposed ends of the second handle flap 60B are defined, at least in part, by one of a pair of non linear or arcuate outlines 63B. The outlines 63B having an inner end proximate the fold line 61 B and extend substantially from the curved hinged connection to an outer end disposed at a side edge of the second outer top panel 14; said side edge being defined, at least in part, by the fold line 15 between the second outer top panel 14 and the first base panel 16.

The first base panel 16 comprises a third handle cutaway defined, at least in part, by a first handle aperture A3. First handle aperture A3 comprises a non-linear or curved edge E1 , the curved edge E1 is formed from a non-linear or curved outline extending between an outer end of one of the pair of outlines 63B and an outer end of the other one of the pair of outlines 63B.

The second handle flap 60B may be defined, in part by, a linear outline extending between an outer end of one of the pair of outlines 63B and an outer end of the other one of the pair of outlines 63B. The linear outline may be collinear with the fold line 15.

The second base panel 16 comprises a fourth handle cutaway defined, at least in part, by a second handle aperture A4. The second handle aperture A4 is struck in part from the second base panel 16 and in part from the first inner top panel 20.

The second handle aperture A4 defines a fifth handle cutaway in the first inner top panel 20.

The second handle aperture A4 defines a second non-linear or curved edge E2 in the second base panel 16. The second handle aperture A4 defines a third non-linear or curved edge E3 in the first inner top panel 20.

The second inner top panel 22 comprises a sixth handle cutaway defined, at least in part, by a recess R struck from a free edge of the second inner top panel 22 opposing the hinged connection to the first inner top panel 20. The recess R defines a fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 in the second inner top panel 22.

The third non-linear or curved edge E3 and the fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 define a waist in an inner top panel 20/22. In the blank form, the third non-linear or curved edge E3 is spaced apart by a first minimum dimension D1 from the fourth non-linear or curved edge E4.

The fold line 61 A and the fold line 61 B define a waist in an outer top panel 12/14. In the blank form, the fold line 61 A is spaced apart by a second minimum dimension D2 from the fold line 61 B. In the illustrated embodiment, second minimum dimension D2 is greater than the first minimum dimension D1, ( D2 > Dl).

The first minimum dimension D1 between the third non-linear or curved edge E3 and the fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 is less than second distance W1 between the opposed engaging edges E8 of the at least one first article receiving aperture A5, (Dl < W 1).

The second minimum dimension D2 between fold line 61 A and fold line 61 B is greater than second distance W2 between the opposed engaging edges E7 of the at least one second article receiving aperture A1 , (D 2 > W 2).

The first non-linear or curved edge E1 and the second non-linear or curved edge E2 define a waist in the base panel 16/18. In the blank form, the first non-linear or curved edge E1 is spaced apart by a third minimum dimension D3 from the second non-linear or curved edge E2. In the illustrated embodiment, first minimum dimension D1 is greater than the third minimum dimension D3, (Dl > D3).

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 1B to 1D, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

The second inner top panel 22 is folded, with respect to the first inner top panel 20 about fold line 21 , to be brought into face contacting relationship therewith as shown in Figure 1 B.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer top panel 14. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the second inner top panel 22.

The first inner top panel 20, second inner top panel 22, and the second base panel 18 are folded with respect to the first base panel 16, about fold line 17, to bring the first base panel 16 into face contacting relationship with the second base panel 18 and the second outer top panel 14 into face contacting relationship with second inner top panel 22 as shown in Figure 1C. The second outer top panel 14 is secured to the second inner top panel 22. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner top panel 20 as shown in Figure 1C. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first outer top panel 12.

The first outer top panel 12 is folded with respect to the second outer top panel 14, about fold line 33, as shown in Figure 1D. The first outer top panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship the second outer top panel 14. The first outer top panel 12 is secured to the second outer top panel 14.

In this way a flat collapsed tubular structure 10B is formed.

A flat collapsed carrier 10B is thereby formed, as shown in Figure 1 D, the flat collapsed carrier 10B can be readily shipped or distributed in the flat condition to a plant for erecting and loading with primary product containers.

The flat collapsed carrier 10B can be opened into a tubular structure by unfolding the base wall 16/18 to bring the first and second base panel 16, 18 into a substantially coplanar relationship with each other.

Once the carrier 90 is erected, the carrier 90 may be loaded with a group of articles B; in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 two articles B arranged in a 1 x 2 array.

The group of articles B may be loaded through the base wall 16/18, upper portions of the articles B, the upper portion may include a cap or end closure C and optionally a neck flange F, are inserted into the carrier 90. Each article retention structure RT receives a portion of a respective article B. The teeth 40 are displaced inwardly of the tubular structure. The teeth 40 may optionally engage an article B below a flange F (see Figure 4), projection, under cut or other suitable feature of the article B or its end closure C.

The upper portion of the articles B is received in openings in the inner and outer top walls 20/22, 12/14 provided by the first and second article receiving apertures A5, A1. Each second article receiving aperture A1 is disposed in vertical alignment with a respective one of the first article receiving apertures A5. The opposed edges E7 of the second article receiving aperture A1 and the opposed edges E8 of first article receiving apertures A5 engage an article below the flange F (see Figure 4), projection, under cut or other suitable feature of the article B or its end closure C. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposed edges E7, E7 and E8, E8 are primary bottle engaging edges and thus the inner and outer top walls 20/22, 12/14 bear primarily the load of the bottles.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular structure does not extend above the uppermost end of the article B or its end closure C, best shown in Figure 4. In other words, the hinged connection, fold line 13, between the first and second outer top panels 12, 14 defines a ridge or peak which is disposed at an elevation below the uppermost end of the article B or its end closure C.

The second inner and first outer top panel 22, 14 and the first base panel 16 define an angle therebetween, the angle is an acute angle.

The first inner and second outer top panel 20, 12 and the second base panel 18 define an angle therebetween, the angle is an acute angle.

A user may grasp the carrier 90 to carry the articles B. In doing so the first handle flap 60A and the second handle flap 60B can be folded out of the plane of the respective one of the first and second outer top panels 12, 14 to which they are hingedly connected.

The first handle flap 60A is received in a recess in the tubular structure provided by the second handle aperture A4, in the erected condition the second handle aperture A4 defines or provides a recess in the second base panel 18 and a recess in the first inner top panel 20.

The second handle flap 60B is received in a recess in the tubular structure provided by the first handle aperture A3 and by the recess R, in the erected condition the first handle aperture A3 defines or provides a recess in the first base panel 16 and the recess R provides a recess in the second inner top panel 22.

Edges of the first handle flap 60A, defined by the outlines 63A, may engage with portions of second and third non-linear or curved edge E2, E3. Edges of the second handle flap 60B, defined by the outlines 63B, may engage with portions of first and fourth non-linear or curved edge E1, E4.

A region of the base wall 16/18 disposed between the article retention structure RT and defined at least in part between the first and second handle apertures A3, A4 may be deformed or displaced upwardly. The region of the base wall 16/18 may bow upwardly at its centre or middle such that the base wall 16/18 appear concave when viewed from below.

An inner surface of the first and second handle flaps 60A, 60B may be brought into contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second non-linear or curved edges E1 , E2.

In use the inner surfaces of the first and second handle flaps 60A, 60B may be folded sufficiently to be brought into substantially face-to-face relationship with the base wall 16/18.

In the erected condition, the third non-linear or curved edge E3 may be in vertical registry with the second non-linear or curved edge E2.

In the erected condition, the fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 may be in vertical registry with the first non-linear or curved edge E1.

The curved or non-linear fold lines 61 A, 61 B and/or the first and second non-linear or curved edges E1 , E2 may encourage the base wall 16/18 to deform, the base wall 16/18 may deform or bend in a direction generally transverse to the fold line 17 hinging the first base panel 16 to the second base panel 18.

The present disclosure provides an article carrier 90 comprising a plurality of primary panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, forming walls of a tubular structure and defining an interior of the article carrier 90. The walls include a base wall 16/18 and a top wall 12/14, 20/22. The top wall 12/14, 20/22 may include an outer top wall 12/14 and an inner top wall 20/22. At least one of the base wall 16/18 and the top wall 12/14, 20/22 may comprise an article retention structure for engaging an article so as to provide a top gripping article carrier 90. At least a portion of the top wall 12/14, 20/22 may be two-ply in construction. The inner top wall 20/22 may comprise a first inner top panel 20 and a second inner top panel 22 hinged to each other by a hinged connection providing an inner ridge line 21.

The outer top wall 12/14 may comprise a first outer top panel 12 and a second outer top panel 14 hinged to each other by a hinged connection providing an outer ridge line 13.

The inner ridge line 21 is disposed in contacting relationship or at least close proximity to the outer ridge line 13.

The present disclosure provides a handle structure, and a blank 10 for forming the same, comprising a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14; 20, 22 disposed at an angle about their hinging line 13; 21 and at least one reinforcing panel 14; 20. At least an outer one of the panels 14, 22; 12, 22 has a handle flap 60A, 60B hinged along a non-linear fold line 61A, 61 B. The other one of the panels 14, 22; 12, 22 has a non-linear edge E3; E4 which underlies the non-linear fold line 61 A, 61 B.

The present disclosure provides a handle structure, and a blank 10 for forming the same, comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 including a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14; 20, 22 disposed at an angle about a hinging connection 13; 21 therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel 14; 20. At least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an outer panel having a handle flap 60A, 60B hinged along a non-linear fold line 61 A, 61 B. At least a second one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge E3; E4 which underlies the non linear fold line 61 A, 61 B.

The present disclosure provides a handle structure, and a blank 10 for forming the same, comprising a pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14; 20, 22 disposed at an angle about their hinging line 13; 21 and at least one reinforcing panel 14; 20. At least one of the pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14; 20, 22 and the at least one reinforcing panel 14; 20 forms an outer panel having a handle flap 60A, 60B hinged along a non-linear fold line 61 A, 61 B. At least a second one of the pair of hinged handle panels 12, 14; 20, 22 and the at least one reinforcing panel 14; 20 has a non-linear edge E3; E4 which underlies the non-linear fold line 61 A, 61 B. The present disclosure also provides an article carrier 90, and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier 90, comprising an engaging panel 16/18 having a fold line 17 and at least one engaging device RT interrupting the fold line 17. The engaging device RT has an annular series of engaging teeth 40. The series of teeth 40 includes diagonally or diametrically opposed toothless areas (such as cuts 43A, 43B) which are aligned with the fold line 17.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel disposed in face-to-face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein at least an outer one of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line, and wherein an inner one of the panels has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

2. A handle structure comprising a plurality of panels including; a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; and at least one reinforcing panel; wherein at least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and at least a second one of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

3. A handle structure according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a base panel comprising at least one second non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

4. A handle structure according to claim 3, wherein the handle flap engages the second non-linear edge.

5. A handle structure according to claim 4, wherein the handle flap comprises at least one engaging edge that engages the second non-linear edge.

6. A handle structure according to claim 4, wherein the at least one engaging edge is defined by a cut line separating a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

7. A handle structure according to claim 3, wherein the base panel is bowed inwardly towards the hinged connection between the pair of hinged handle panels.

8. A handle structure according to claim 3, wherein the handle flap extends below the base panel in a deployed condition.

9. A handle structure according to claim 2, wherein the at least one reinforcing panel is hinged to one of pair of hinged handle panels by a base panel.

10. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection and at least one reinforcing panel, wherein at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and wherein at least a second one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

11. A handle structure comprising a plurality of panels including; a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; and a pair of hinged reinforcing panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; wherein the pair of hinged handle panels forms outer panels at least one of which comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line to said at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcing panels forms inner panels in face-to-face relationship with respective ones of the outer panels and wherein at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing panels comprises a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

12. A handle structure according to claim 11 , wherein the pair of hinged handle panels is hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcing panels by a base panel.

13. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising an engaging panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging device has an annular series of engaging teeth and wherein the series of teeth includes diagonally opposed toothless areas which are aligned with the fold line.

14. An article carrier according to claim 13, wherein each of the opposed toothless areas is provided by one of the following features: a cutaway, a recess, a slot, a slit, a cutline and a severable line.

15. An article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, the article carrier comprising an engaging panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging device has an annular series of engaging teeth and wherein the series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts which are aligned with the fold line.

16. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising an engaging panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging device has an annular series of engaging teeth and wherein the series of teeth includes diametrically opposed cuts which are aligned with the fold line.

17. A blank for forming an article carrier, the blank comprising an engaging panel having a fold line; and at least one article engaging device interrupting the fold line, wherein the engaging device has an annular series of engaging teeth and wherein the series of teeth includes diagonally opposed toothless areas which are aligned with the fold line.

18. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween and at least one reinforcing panel disposed face to face relationship with one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein at least an outer one of the panels comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line, and wherein an inner one of the panels has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

19. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising; a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; and at least one reinforcing panel; wherein at least one of the plurality of panels forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and at least a second one of the plurality of panels forms an inner panel in face-to-face relationship with the outer panel and having a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

20. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection and at least one reinforcing panel, wherein at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel forms an outer panel having a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line and wherein at least a second one of the pair of hinged handle panels and the at least one reinforcing panel has a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.

21. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a plurality of panels including; a pair of hinged handle panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; and a pair of hinged reinforcing panels disposed at an angle about a hinging connection therebetween; wherein the pair of hinged handle panels forms outer panels at least one of which comprises a handle flap hinged along a non-linear fold line to said at least one of the pair of hinged handle panels, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcing panels forms inner panels in face-to-face relationship with respective ones of the outer panels and wherein at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing panels comprises a non-linear edge which underlies the non-linear fold line.