CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

Abstract

A package includes at least one primary article, at least one secondary carton, a tertiary carton, and a carrying handle. The at least one secondary carton includes a top panel and a first handle structure having a first grip element. The tertiary carton includes an outer top panel and a second handle structure having a second grip element. The first grip element is arranged in registry with the second grip element such that the first handle structure provides a first portion of the carrying handle and the second handle structure provides a second portion of the carrying handle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113566, filed Feb. 9, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carton and to a blank for forming the carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a tertiary carton for combining at least two secondary cartons. Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a carrying handle for cooperation with a carrying handle provided in one of said at least two secondary cartons.

BACKGROUND

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. 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. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a tertiary package which comprises two or more secondary packages. It is desirable that the two or more secondary packages are severable from the tertiary package.

It is also desirable to provide a carrying handle so that a consumer may transport the tertiary package from a retail outlet. It is desirable that the carrying handle is both comfortable to use and strong enough to bear the load of the tertiary package contents.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a package comprising:

• • at least one primary articles,
  • at least one secondary carton disposed along the exterior of the at least one primary article,
  • a tertiary carton disposed along the exterior of the at least one secondary carton, and
  • a carrying handle for lifting and carrying the package,

the at least one secondary carton comprises a top panel and a first handle structure having a first grip element,

the tertiary carton comprises an outer top panel and a second handle structure having a second grip element wherein the first grip element is arranged in registry with the second grip element such that the first handle structure provides a first portion of a carrying handle and the second handle structure provides a second portion of a carrying handle.

Preferably, the first handle structure comprises a first aperture and a second aperture struck from the top panel of said at least one secondary carton, the second aperture being spaced apart from the first aperture, wherein the first grip element is defined at least in part by the first aperture and the second aperture.

Preferably, the first handle structure comprises a handle strap extending across the top panel of said at least one secondary carton.

Preferably, the second handle structure comprises a first handle aperture and a second handle aperture struck from the outer top panel of the tertiary carton, the second handle aperture being spaced apart from the first handle aperture, wherein the second grip element is defined at least in part by the first handle aperture and the second handle aperture.

Preferably, the first handle aperture is arranged in registry with the first aperture and the second handle aperture is arranged in registry with the second aperture.

Preferably, the secondary carton comprises a base panel and opposed side wall panels, which together with the top panel form a tubular structure.

In some embodiments, the secondary carton comprises end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel.

Preferably, the first outer side panel and the second outer side panel are secured to the at least one secondary carton.

In some embodiments, the package comprises two or more secondary cartons arranged in tiers, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to at least one secondary carton disposed in a lowermost tier.

Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each end closure panel being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain at least one secondary carton provided in at least an uppermost tier.

In some embodiments, the package comprises two secondary cartons stacked one upon another, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to a secondary carton disposed in a lowermost tier and the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each end closure panel being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain a secondary carton provided in the uppermost tier.

Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel; the first outer side panel comprises a first tear device and the second outer side panel comprises a second tear device such that the secondary carton disposed in the lowermost tier is separable from the secondary carton provided in the uppermost tier.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for assembly into the tertiary package as described in the foregoing paragraphs, the blank forming a secondary carton comprising a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel and a base panel, the top panel comprising a first handle structure having a grip element for forming a first ply of a carrying handle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for assembly into the tertiary package as described in the foregoing paragraphs, the blank forming a tertiary carton comprising a first side panel, a second side panel, and a top panel, the top panel comprising a second handle structure having a grip element for forming a second ply of a carrying handle.

Within the scope of this application it is 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 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:

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

FIG. 2 is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a tertiary carton according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a stage in the formation of a tertiary package from a pair of secondary cartons as shown in FIG. 3 and the blank of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package formed from a pair of secondary cartons as shown in FIG. 3 and the blank of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package of FIG. 5 showing a carrying handle in use; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package of FIG. 5 showing an access device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first blank 10 capable of forming a carton 90, as shown in FIG. 3, for primary products such as, but not limited to, cans, hereinafter referred to as articles C.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a second blank 110 capable of forming a tertiary carton which along with two cartons 90, as shown in FIG. 3, form a tertiary package 190, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

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 for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as 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. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

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

In the exemplary embodiment, the blanks are configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In some of the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the arrangement is a 3×5 matrix or array of fifteen articles, which are cans. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank 10 comprises a glue panel 12 hinged to a base panel 14 by a fold line 13. The base panel 14 is hinged to a first side panel 16 by a fold line 15. The first side panel 16 is hinged to a top panel 18 by a fold line 17. The top panel 18 is hinged to a second side panel 20 by a fold line 19.

The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form an open ended tubular structure in a set-up condition.

Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a, 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b, 30b.

End closure panels 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a are configured to partially close a first end of the tubular structure, and end panels 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b, 30b are configured to partially close a second end of the tubular structure.

A first end closure panel 22a is hinged to a first end of base panel 14 by a fold line 23a. A second end closure panel 24a is hinged to a first gusset panel 26a by a fold line 25a. The first gusset panel 26a is hinged to a first end of first side panel 16 by a fold line 27a. A third end closure panel 28a is hinged to a second gusset panel 30a by a fold line 29a. The second gusset panel 30a is hinged to a first end of second side panel 20 by a fold line 31a.

A fourth end closure panel 22b is hinged to a second end of base panel 14 by a fold line 23b. A fifth end closure panel 24b is hinged to a third gusset panel 26b by a fold line 25b. The third gusset panel 26b is hinged to a second end of first side panel 16 by a fold line 27b. A sixth end closure panel 28b is hinged to a fourth gusset panel 30b by a fold line 29b. The fourth gusset panel 30b is hinged to a second end of second side panel 20 by a fold line 31b.

The blank 10 comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a handle strap S; the handle strap S extends transversely across the top panel 18. The handle strap S extends into the first side panel 16. The handle strap S extends into the second side panel 20.

The handle structure H comprises a first aperture A1 and a second aperture A2. The second aperture A2 is spaced apart from the first aperture A1 by a portion of the handle strap S, which forms a grip element. The grip element comprises a first cushion flap 40a hinged to a first side thereof by a fold line 41a. A second cushioning flap 40b is hinged to an opposing side of the grip element by a fold line 41b.

The handle structure H comprises a first cutline or weakened line of severance 43a extending from a point proximate a first end of the first aperture A1 into the first side panel 16. A pair of fold lines 44a, 44b extends between the first cutline 43a and the first aperture A1.

The handle structure H comprises a second cutline or weakened line of severance 43b extending from a point proximate a second end of the first aperture A1 into the second side panel 20. A pair of fold lines 42a, 42b extends between the second cutline 43b and the first aperture A1.

The handle structure H comprises a third cutline or weakened line of severance 43c extending from a point proximate a first end of the second aperture A2 into the first side panel 16. A pair of fold lines 46a, 46b extends between the third cutline 43c and the second aperture A2.

The handle structure H comprises a fourth cutline or weakened line of severance 43d extending from a point proximate a second end of the second aperture A2 into the second side panel 20. A pair of fold lines 48a, 48b extends between the fourth cutline 43d and the second aperture A2.

A first fold line 45a extends between the first cut line 43a and the third cut line 43c. The fold line 45a extends from an end of the first cut line 43a disposed in the first side panel 16 to an end of the third cut line 43c disposed in the first side panel 16.

A second fold line 45b extends between the second cut line 43b and the fourth cut line 43d. The second fold line 45b extends from an end of the second cut line 43b disposed in the second side panel 20 to an end of the fourth cut line 43d disposed in the second side panel 20.

The second blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116 hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first outer side panel 112 is hinged to an outer top panel 114 by a fold line 113. The outer top panel 114 is hinged to a second outer side panel 116 by a fold line 115.

The plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116 form an inverted “U”-shape in a set-up condition; the inverted “U”-shape is partially closed at each end by outer end closure panels 120a, 120b. A first end is partially closed by a first outer end closure panel 120a; a second end is partially closed by a second outer end closure panel 120b. The first outer end closure panel 120a is hingedly connected to the outer top panel 114 by a fold line 121a. The second outer end closure panel 120b is hingedly connected to the outer top panel 114 by a fold line 121b.

A bevel panel 122a, 124a is hinged to each side edge of the first outer end closure panel 120a. A first bevel panel 122a is hinged to the first outer end closure panel 120a by a fold line 123a. A second bevel 124a is hinged to the first outer end closure panel 120a by a fold line 125a.

A first web panel 126a is hinged to the first bevel panel 122a by a fold line 127a. A first gusset panel 128a is hinged to the first web panel 126a by a fold line 133a. The first gusset panel 128a is hinged to the first outer side panel 112 by a fold line 131a. An aperture A5 is provided between the first bevel panel 122a and the outer top panel 114 and the first outer side panel 112. The aperture A5 separates the first gusset panel 128a and the first web panel 126a from the outer top panel 114.

Preferably, the fold line 133a between the first gusset panel 128a and the first web panel 126a is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line 138a.

A second web panel 130a is hinged to the second bevel panel 124a by a fold line 129a. A second gusset panel 132a is hinged to the second web panel 130a by a fold line 135a. The second gusset panel 132a is hinged to the second outer side panel 116 by a fold line 137a. An aperture A8 is provided between the second bevel panel 124a and the outer top panel 114 and the second outer side panel 116. The aperture A8 separates the second gusset panel 132a and the first web panel 130a from the outer top panel 114.

Preferably, the fold line 135a between second gusset panel 132a and the second web panel 130a is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line 140a.

A bevel panel 122b, 124b is hinged to each side edge of the second outer end closure panel 120b. A third bevel panel 122b is hinged to the second outer end closure panel 120b by a fold line 123b. A fourth bevel 124b is hinged to the second outer end closure panel 120b by a fold line 125b.

A third web panel 126b is hinged to the third bevel panel 122b by a fold line 127b. A third gusset panel 128b is hinged to the third web panel 126b by a fold line 133b. The third gusset panel 128b is hinged to the first outer side panel 112 by a fold line 131b. An aperture A6 is provided between the third bevel panel 122b and the outer top panel 114 and the first outer side panel 112. The aperture A6 separates the third gusset panel 128b and the third web panel 126b from the outer top panel 114.

Preferably, the fold line 133b between third gusset panel 128b and the third web panel 126b is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line 138b.

A fourth web panel 130b is hinged to the fourth bevel panel 124b by a fold line 129b. A fourth gusset panel 132b is hinged to the fourth web panel 130b by a fold line 135b. The fourth gusset panel 132b is hinged to the second outer side panel 116 by a fold line 137b. An aperture A7 is provided between the fourth bevel panel 124b and the outer top panel 114 and the second outer side panel 116. The aperture A7 separates the fourth gusset panel 132b and the fourth web panel 130b from the outer top panel 114.

Preferably, the fold line 135b between fourth gusset panel 132b and the fourth web panel 130b is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line 140b.

Outer top panel 114 comprises a second handle structure comprising a pair of handle apertures A3, A4. The pair of handle apertures A3, A4 are spaced apart from one another to define a grip portion therebetween. Each of the pair of handle apertures A3, A4 is arranged to be disposed in registry with the first or second aperture A1, A2 of the handle structure H provided in the first blank 10 when the outer top panel is disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel 18 of a carton 90 (see FIG. 3) formed from the first blank 10.

The second blank 110 comprises a first tear strip T1 provided in the first outer side panel 112. The first tear strip T1 extends longitudinally across the first outer side panel 112 from a first end edge to a second end edge. The first tear strip T1 is defined at least in part by a first weakened line of severance 117a and a second weakened line of severance 117b; the second weakened line of severance 117b is spaced apart from the first weakened line of severance 117a.

The second blank 110 comprises a second tear strip T2 provided in the second outer side panel 116. The second tear strip T2 extends longitudinally across the second outer side panel 116 from a first end edge to a second end edge. The second tear strip T2 is defined at least in part by a first weakened line of severance 119a and a second weakened line of severance 119b; the second weakened line of severance 119b is spaced apart from the first weakened line of severance 119a.

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

The blank 10 is folded about fold line 15, such that the glue panel 12 and base panel 14 are folded thereabouts. The base panel 14 is brought into face contacting relationship with the first side panel 16; the glue panel 12 is brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel 18.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the glue panel 12 or, in alternative embodiments, to a corresponding portion of the second side panel 20.

The second side panel 20 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second side panel 20 overlies the glue panel 12.

The second side panel 20 is secured to the glue panel 12 to form a flat collapsed carton. The carton 90 may be shipped or distributed in this flat collapsed form.

In alternative embodiments the second side panel 20 may be secured to the glue panel 12 by alternative securing means for example, but not limited to, staples or other mechanical fixing means.

The flat collapsed carton 90 may be erected into a tubular structure by separating the top panel 18 from the base panel 14.

The carton 90, in its open ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles C through one or both open ends. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments one of the open ends of the carton 90 may be closed before loading the carton 90 with articles C through the remaining open end.

In some embodiments, some or all of the end closure panels 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a, 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b, 30b are folded outwardly to form a funnel at one or both ends of the carton 90. This facilitates loading of the articles C into the carton 90 and reduces the risk of the end closure panels 22a, 24a, 26a, 28a, 30a, 22b, 24b, 26b, 28b, 30b interfering with the articles C when they are being loaded.

Once the carton 90 is loaded with articles C the ends of the tubular structure are closed.

A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second and third end closure panels 24a, 28a about fold lines 25a, 29a respectively. The first and second gusset panels 26a, 30a are folded about fold lines 27a, 31a respectively.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second end closure panel 24a or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first end closure panel 22a.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the third end closure panel 28a or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first end closure panel 22a.

The first end closure panel 22a is then folded about the fold line 23a to be brought into contact with the second and third end closure panels 24a, 28a and secured thereto.

A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the fifth and sixth end closure panels 24b, 28b about fold lines 25b, 29b respectively. The third and fourth gusset panels 26b, 30b are folded about fold lines 27b, 31b respectively.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the fifth end closure panel 24b or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the fourth end closure panel 22b.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the sixth end closure panel 28b or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the fourth end closure panel 22b.

The fourth end closure panel 22b is then folded about the fold line 23b to be brought into contact with the fifth and sixth end closure panels 24b, 28b and secured thereto.

In this way a secondary package is formed from the carton 90 and a group of articles C. The carton 90 comprises a handle structure H which extends transversely across the carton 90, between the first and second side walls 16, 20. Preferably, the upper ends of the articles C are tapered or beveled in shape such that a void exists between an upper portion of the first and second side walls and the adjacent articles C. This void allows the ends of the handle strap S to move inwardly of the carton 90 when a user grasps the grip element of the handle strap S. In this way a central portion of the handle strap comprising the grip element can be displaced upwardly with respect to a remainder of the top panel 18. Displacing the grip element upwardly provides a gap or space between the upper ends of the articles C and the handle strap S; a user can insert their hand or fingers into this space so as to comfortably carry the carton 90 and its contents. The upward displacement of the central portion of the handle strap is facilitated by the pairs of fold lines 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b, 48a, 48b. When the handle strap is in use the carton 90 folds about the pairs of fold lines 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b, 46a, 46b, 48a, 48b such that the handle strap S can be displaced upwardly.

Preferably, the ends of the cut lines 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d disposed in the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20 are arranged to terminate adjacent to a side wall of an article C disposed in the carton 90. In this way each of the ends of the cut lines 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d disposed in the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20 is in contact with an article C, or each end can be brought into contact with an article C when the handle structure H is in use. In this way the article C provides strength or reinforcement to the handle structure H to mitigate against, or prevent, tears propagating in the material forming the carton 90. Preferably the articles C are arranged in rows within the carton 90; the end of the cut line 43a in the first side panel 16 and the end of the cut line 43b in the second side panel 20 are configured to be aligned with articles in the same row as each other such that said entire row of articles C forms a brace therebetween. The end of the cut line 43c in the first side panel 16 and the end of the cut line 43d in the second side panel 20 are configured to be aligned with articles in the same row as each other such that that entire row of articles C forms a brace therebetween.

FIG. 4 shows stages in the production of a tertiary package 190 (see FIG. 5) from a pair of secondary packages 90A, 90B and a second blank 110. In a first stage, a pair of secondary packages 90A, 90B are stacked one on top of another, the base panel 14 of a first secondary package 90A being placed upon the top panel 18 of a second secondary package 90B to form a group of secondary packages 92.

In a second stage the second blank 110 is wrapped about the group of secondary packages 92. An inner surface of the outer top panel 114 of the first blank 110 is placed in face contacting relationship with an outer surface of the top panel 18 of the first secondary package 90A.

The first, second, third and fourth gusset panels 128a, 132a, 128b, 132b are then folded so as to be in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the respective one of the first and second outer side panels 112, 116 to which they are hinged. In doing so the first and second end closure panels 120a, 120b are folded about the fold lines 121a, 121b respectively.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first outer side panel 112 or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first side panel 16 of the second secondary package 90B.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer side panel 116 or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the second side panel 20 of the second secondary package 90B.

The first and second outer side panels 112, 116 are then folded about fold line 113, 115 respectively to be brought into face contacting relationship with the opposing sides of the group of secondary packages 92.

The first and second outer side panels 112, 116 are secured to the second secondary package 90B to form the tertiary package shown in FIG. 5.

The handle apertures A3, A4 provided in the outer top panel 114 are in registry with one of the first and second apertures A1, A2 of the first secondary package 90A. The tertiary package can be carried by simultaneously engaging the handle apertures A3, A4 and the first and second apertures A1, A2 as shown in FIG. 6. In this way, the carrying handle comprises two layers or plies, a first portion or ply provided by the secondary package 90A and a second portion or ply provided by the tertiary carton. Thus the strength of the carrying handle is increased.

It will be appreciated that the outer end closure panels 120a, 120b retain the first secondary package 90A within the tertiary package 190, preventing the first secondary package 90A from moving (sliding) with respect to the tertiary package 190 or the second secondary package 90B.

The second secondary package 90B can be separated from the first secondary package 90A by tearing the first and second tear strips T1, T2 as shown in FIG. 7. When the tear strips T1, T2 have been detached from the tertiary package an upper portion of the tertiary carton formed by the second blank 110 can be removed from the first secondary package 90A, since the second blank is unsecured to, or free from, the first secondary package 90A.

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”, “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. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed the hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the term “severance line” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to 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, and 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 package comprising:

at least one primary article,

at least one secondary carton disposed along an exterior of the at least one primary article,

a tertiary carton disposed along an exterior of the at least one secondary carton, and

a carrying handle for lifting and carrying the package,

the at least one secondary carton comprises a top panel and a first handle structure having a first grip element,

the tertiary carton comprises an outer top panel and a second handle structure having a second grip element, wherein the first grip element is arranged in registry with the second grip element such that the first handle structure provides a first portion of the carrying handle and the second handle structure provides a second portion of the carrying handle.

2. The package according to claim 1 wherein the first handle structure comprises a first aperture and a second aperture struck from the top panel of the at least one secondary carton, the second aperture being spaced apart from the first aperture, wherein the first grip element is defined at least in part by the first aperture and the second aperture.

3. The package according to claim 1 wherein the first handle structure comprises a handle strap extending across the top panel of the at least one secondary carton.

4. The package according to claim 2 wherein the second handle structure comprises a first handle aperture and a second handle aperture struck from the outer top panel of the tertiary carton, the second handle aperture of the second handle structure being spaced apart from the first handle aperture of the second handle structure, wherein the second grip element is defined at least in part by the first and second handle apertures of the second handle structure.

5. The package according to claim 4 wherein the first handle aperture of the second handle structure is arranged in registry with the first aperture of the first handle structure and the second handle aperture of the second handle structure is arranged in registry with the second aperture of the first handle structure.

6. The package according to claim 1 wherein the secondary carton comprises a base panel and opposed side wall panels, which together with the top panel of the secondary carton form a tubular structure.

7. The package according to claim 6 wherein the secondary carton comprises end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure.

8. The package according to claim 1 wherein the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel.

9. The package according to claim 8 wherein the first outer side panel and the second outer side panel are secured to the at least one secondary carton.

10. The package according to claim 1 wherein the at least one secondary carton comprises two or more secondary cartons arranged in tiers, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to at least one of the two or more secondary cartons disposed in a lowermost tier.

11. The package according to claim 10 wherein the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each of the end closure panels being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain at least one of the two or more secondary cartons in at least an uppermost tier.

12. The package according to claim 1 wherein the at least one secondary carton comprises two secondary cartons stacked one upon another, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to a lowermost one of the two secondary cartons, and the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each of the end closure panels being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain an uppermost one of the two secondary cartons.

13. The package according to claim 12 wherein the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel, the first outer side panel comprises a first tear device and the second outer side panel comprises a second tear device such that the lowermost secondary carton is separable from the uppermost secondary carton.