Handle structure, article carrier and blank therefor

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to handle structures, article carriers (90) for packaging a plurality of articles (B), and blanks (10) for forming a handle structure or an article carrier (90). The handle structure includes 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 hinged 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 panel 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) located below the non-linear fold line (61A, 61B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a handle structure, an article carrier, and a blank for forming the article carrier. More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a top-grip type article carrier that provides a carrying handle for transporting one, two, or more articles. Background Technology

[0002] In the packaging industry, it is known to provide item carriers or cardboard boxes for carrying multiple items. Cardboard boxes are well-known in the art and can be used to enable consumers to transport, store, and retrieve a set of items for consumption. For cost and environmental reasons, such cardboard boxes or carriers need to be made of as little material as possible, resulting in as little waste as possible from the materials used to form them. Other considerations include the strength of the cardboard box and its suitability for holding and transporting heavy items. Ideally, the contents of the cardboard box should be secured within the box.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a carrier with a carrying handle, so as to enable the transport of two or more items; particularly for large or heavy items.

[0004] This invention aims to provide an improvement in the field of cardboard boxes, which are typically made of cardboard or the like. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle plates angled together about a hinge connection therebetween. The handle structure includes at least one reinforcing plate disposed face-to-face with one of the hinged handle plates. At least the outer plate of the plates includes a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. The inner plate of the plates has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of plates, each plate including a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate, the pair of hinged handle plates being angled about the hinge therebetween. At least one of the plurality of plates forms an outer plate having a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second of the plurality of plates forms an inner plate facing the outer plate. At least a second of the plurality of plates includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0007] Optionally, the plurality of plates also include a substrate, which includes at least one second nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

[0008] Optionally, the handle fold plate engages with a second nonlinear edge.

[0009] Optionally, the handle fold includes at least one engaging edge that engages with the second nonlinear edge.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one engagement edge is defined by a cutting line that separates a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

[0011] Optionally, the substrate bends inward toward the hinge connection between the pair of hinged handle plates.

[0012] Optionally, in the unfolded state, the handle folding plate extends below the base plate.

[0013] Optionally, the at least one reinforcing plate is hinged to one of a pair of hinged handle plates via a base plate.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle plates arranged at an angle around the hinge. The handle structure includes at least one reinforcing plate. At least one plate from the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate forms an outer plate having a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second plate from the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention provides a handle structure comprising a plurality of plates, the plates including a pair of hinged handle plates angled about a hinge therebetween. The handle structure includes a pair of hinged reinforcing plates angled about a hinge therebetween. The pair of hinged handle plates form an outer plate, at least one of the outer plates including a handle fold plate hinged to the at least one outer plate along a non-linear fold line. The pair of hinged reinforcing plates form an inner plate, the inner plate being arranged face-to-face with corresponding plates in the outer plate. At least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing plates includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0016] Optionally, the pair of hinged handle plates are hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcing plates via a base plate.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging multiple articles. The article carrier includes a joining plate with a fold line and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line. The joining device includes an annular series of joining teeth. This series of teeth includes toothless regions aligned with or diagonally or diametrically opposite the fold line.

[0018] Optionally, each of the opposite toothless regions is provided by one of the following features: cut-off portion, recess, groove, slit, cutting line, and divisible line.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention provides an article carrier for packaging multiple articles. The article carrier includes a joining plate with a fold line and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line. The joining device includes an annular series of joining teeth. This series of teeth includes slits with diameters aligned with the fold line.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a joining plate with a fold line and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line. The joining device includes an annular series of joining teeth. The series of teeth includes cuts with diameters aligned with the fold line.

[0021] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming an article carrier. The blank includes a joining plate with a fold line and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line. The joining device includes an annular series of joining teeth. This series of teeth includes toothless regions that are aligned with the fold line or diagonally or diametrically opposite the interrupted fold line.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle plates, the pair of handle plates being angled about the hinge connection between them. The blank includes at least one reinforcing plate, the reinforcing plate being disposed face-to-face with one of the hinged handle plates. At least the outer plate of the plates includes a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. The inner plate of the plates has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle plates, the pair of handle plates being angled about the hinge connection therebetween; the blank includes at least one reinforcing plate. At least one of the plurality of plates forms an outer plate having a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second of the plurality of plates forms an inner plate, the inner plate being face-to-face with the outer plate and having a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate, the pair of hinged handle plates being angled about the hinge. At least one plate from the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate forms an outer plate, the outer plate having a handle fold plate hinged along a non-linear fold line. At least a second plate from the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate has a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a handle structure. The blank includes a plurality of plates, including a pair of hinged handle plates angled together about a hinge point therebetween. The blank also includes a pair of hinged reinforcing plates angled together about a hinge point therebetween. The pair of hinged handle plates form an outer plate, at least one of which includes a handle fold plate hinged to the at least one outer plate along a non-linear fold line. The pair of hinged reinforcing plates form an inner plate, which is positioned face-to-face with a corresponding plate in the outer plate. At least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing plates includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

[0027] Within the scope of this application, it is contemplated or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features, and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or employed independently or in any combination thereof.

[0028] Features or elements described in connection with or relating to one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless the features are incompatible. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment disclosed herein, and the features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included outside of or replace one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

[0029] The features or combinations of features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be independently extracted from other features of the embodiments. Alternatively, features or combinations of features of the embodiments may be omitted from the embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a top plan view of the blank for forming the carrier according to the first embodiment; Figures 1B to 1D The illustration shows the stages of constructing the blank 10 into a flattened, collapsed tubular shape; Figure 2 It is by Figure 1 A perspective view of the cardboard box formed from the blank; and Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Alternate perspective view of the cardboard box. Detailed Implementation

[0031] This document discloses detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of handle structures, packaging, blanks, and cartons. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of ways in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and are not an exhaustive list of all ways in which the invention can be specifically implemented. As used herein, the term "exemplary" is broadly used to refer to embodiments used as illustrations, samples, models, or diagrams. In practice, it will be understood that the handle structures, packaging, blanks, and cartons described herein can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show detail of particular parts. Well-known parts, materials, or methods are not necessarily described in great detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in various ways.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 This demonstrates the ability to form such as Figures 2 to 4 The diagram shows a plan view of blank 10 of a cardboard box or carrier 90 for carrying a set of main products, such as, but not limited to, bottles, hereinafter referred to as Article B. Blank 10 forms a secondary packaging or handle structure for packaging at least one main product container or package.

[0033] In the embodiments detailed herein, for the purpose of illustrating various features of the invention, the terms "cardboard box" and "carrier" refer to a container 90 used for joining and carrying articles, such as a main product container. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to a variety of product containers, which may or may not be conical and / or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal-containing, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tinware, bags, pouches, etc.

[0034] The blank 10 is formed from a suitable substrate sheet. It should be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes all forms of foldable sheet materials, such as cardboard, corrugated board, hardboard, plastics, combinations thereof, etc. It should be recognized that, where appropriate, one or more blanks may be used, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0035] The packaging structure or cardboard box 90 described herein may be formed from sheet materials such as cardboard, corrugated board, plastic, or combinations thereof. The cardboard can be selected from any conventional cardboard, for example, ranging in weight from approximately 10 pt. to approximately 28 pt. (0.0287~0.7 mm). Examples of such cardboard are SBS board (solid bleached sulfate paperboard coated on one side, trade name PrintKote®) or CNK® board (coated natural kraft paper®) manufactured by WestRock®. Kraft® – Coated natural kraft paperboard (trade names CarrierKote™ and CustomKote™). The paperboard substrate can be bleached or unbleached board. The board can be coated or uncoated on at least one side. The corrugated board can be selected from corrugated boards of virtually any flute size. Optionally, the corrugated board can be a board material, such as, but not limited to, “E-groove”. The sheet material can be made of or coated with a material that increases its strength. An example of such sheet material is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard manufactured by WestRock. It should be noted that tear-resistant material can be provided in more than one layer to help improve the tear resistance of the packaging. Typically, one surface of the sheet material can have different properties than the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material facing outwards from the finished package can be particularly smooth and can have a coating, such as a clay coating or other surface treatment, to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inward-facing surface of the sheet material can be coated, layered, treated, or otherwise prepared to provide one or more of the following properties: tear resistance, good glueability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, blank 10 is configured to form a cardboard box or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array having one row (m=1) and two columns (n=2); in the illustrated embodiment, two articles are provided in one row, and the articles are bottles. The bottles can be formed from suitable materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, aluminum, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively, blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, quantities, and sizes of articles and / or for packaging articles in different arrangements or configurations, such as, but not limited to, fully enclosed cardboard boxes or wraparound carriers, and the articles can be cups, bags, jugs, or cans.

[0037] Turning Figure 1 The illustration shows a method for forming a cardboard box 90 according to a first embodiment (see figure). Figures 2 to 4The blank 10 comprises a plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, which are arranged in a linear series hinged one after another by fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21.

[0038] Multiple plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 form a tubular structure. The multiple plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 include a first outer top plate 12. A second outer top plate 14 is hinged to the first outer top plate 12 via a hinge connection in the form of a zigzag line 13. A first base plate 16 is hinged to the second outer top plate 14 via a hinge connection in the form of a zigzag line 15. A second base plate 18 is hinged to the first base plate 16 via a hinge connection in the form of a zigzag line 17. A first inner top plate 20 is hinged to the second base plate 18 via a hinge connection in the form of a zigzag line 19. A second inner top plate 22 is hinged to the first inner top plate 20 via a hinge connection in the form of a zigzag line 21.

[0039] The first substrate 16 and the second substrate 18 together form the bottom wall 16 / 18 of the carrier 90 (also referred to herein as the bonding plate 16 / 18).

[0040] In some embodiments, one of the first outer top plate 12 and the second inner top plate 22 may be omitted. A portion of the top wall of the article carrier 90 is constructed to be a single layer.

[0041] In embodiments where the first outer top plate 12 is omitted, the first inner top plate 20 becomes an outer plate or an outward-facing plate. In such embodiments, the first inner top plate 20 may be provided with a handle folding plate.

[0042] In embodiments where the second inner top plate 22 is omitted, the second outer top plate 14 becomes an inner plate or an inward-facing plate.

[0043] The bottom wall 16 / 18 includes at least one item holding structure RT. The bottom wall 16 / 18 includes multiple item holding structures RT, particularly two item holding structures RT arranged in a 1×2 matrix or array. Each item holding structure RT includes an opening or aperture A2.

[0044] Figure 1 In one embodiment, the article holding structure RT takes the form of a plurality of teeth or tabs 40 arranged in a ring or other annular series around the opening A2 to form part of the article receiving feature. The opening A2 may optionally be a circular aperture; however, it may take different shapes, such as, but not limited to, polygonal or elliptical openings. In other embodiments, the article holding structure RT may take different forms, such as, but not limited to, a pair of spaced-apart opposing cuts defining a displaceable area on the article forming a cover, and providing a pair of opposing engaging edges for engaging opposite sides of the article below a flange, ridge, or other protrusion.

[0045] Multiple teeth 40 are provided by the main board 12. Each tooth 40 is hingedly connected to one of the first and second substrates 16, 18 via a hinged connection. The hinged connection may be defined by multiple cut lines 41. When the aperture is circular, the multiple cut lines 41 may be arranged as a series of annular cuts around the aperture A2. Depending on the design, the cut lines 41 may define non-circular configurations, such as polygonal or oval shapes.

[0046] Multiple cutting lines 41 can define or approximate a portion of a circle.

[0047] Each of the plurality of teeth 40 includes an engagement edge opposite to the hinge edge. The engagement edge is defined by a portion of a cutting line defining the aperture A2. Each engagement edge may define a portion of a circle or a polygon. Each tooth 40 includes a pair of side edges defined by cuts 43 extending radially outward from the aperture A2. The illustrated embodiment includes sixteen teeth 40; adjacent pairs of cuts 43 are arranged divergently relative to each other and define an angle between them, which may be approximately 22.5 degrees.

[0048] The first pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by the first cutting line 43A, and the second pair of teeth 40 are separated from each other by the second cutting line 43B. The first and second cutting lines 43A and 43B are arranged to be collinear with each other and collinear with the fold line 17 that hinges the first substrate 16 to the second substrate 18.

[0049] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second cutting lines 43A, 43B may be replaced by notches, grooves, recesses or other cut-out features that separate 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 region or separation between them.

[0050] The first inner top plate 20 and the second inner top plate 22 together form the inner top wall 20 / 22.

[0051] At least one first article receiving opening A5 extends partially from the first inner top plate 20 and partially from the second inner top plate 22. A fold line 21, hinged to the second inner top plate 22, bisects and is interrupted by the at least one first article receiving opening A5. The illustrated embodiment includes two first article receiving openings A5, each providing a pair of opposing engagement edges E8. In the illustrated embodiment, the first article receiving openings A5 are hexagonal in shape, although other shapes may be used in other embodiments. The pair of opposing engagement edges E8 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance W1.

[0052] The first outer top plate 12 and the second outer top plate 14 together form the outer top wall 12 / 14.

[0053] At least one second article receiving opening A1 partially protrudes from the first outer top plate 12 and partially from the second outer top plate 14. A fold line 13, hinged between the first outer top plate 12 and the second outer top plate 14, bisects and is interrupted by the at least one second article receiving opening A1. The illustrated embodiment includes two second article receiving openings A1, each providing a pair of opposing engagement edges E7. In the illustrated embodiment, the second article receiving openings A1 are hexagonal in shape, although other shapes may be used in other embodiments. The pair of opposing engagement edges E7 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance W2. The second distance W2 may be equal to or greater than a first distance W1. In the illustrated embodiment, the second distance W2 is greater than the first distance W1. .

[0054] The first outer top plate 12 includes a first handle cutout defined at least partially by a first handle flap 60A. The first handle flap 60A is hinged to the first outer top plate 12 via a hinged connection in the form of a zigzag line 61A. The hinged connection may be non-linear; in the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is arc-shaped or curved. The opposite ends of the first handle flap 60A are defined at least partially by a non-linear or arc-shaped cut line 63A, extending substantially between the hinged connection and the free edges of the first outer top plate 12 opposite to the zigzag line 61A. Optionally, the handle flap 60A may be coupled to the first outer top plate 12 via a fragile connection N. The fragile connection may take the form of a connection notch or bridging portion between the handle flap 60A and the first outer top plate 12. The fragile connection N may be disposed between the free edge of the first outer top plate 12 and one of the cut lines 63A.

[0055] The second outer top plate 14 includes a second handle cutout defined at least partially by a second handle flap 60B. The second handle flap 60B is hinged to the second outer top plate 14 via a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61B. The hinged connection may be non-linear; in the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection is arc-shaped or curved. The opposite ends of the second handle flap 60B are defined at least partially by one of a pair of non-linear or arc-shaped cut lines 63B. The cut line 63B has an inner end near the fold line 61B and extends substantially from the curved hinged connection to an outer end located at a side edge of the second outer top plate 14; said side edge is defined at least partially by a fold line 15 between the second outer top plate 14 and the first substrate 16.

[0056] The first substrate 16 includes a third handle cutout portion defined at least partially by a first handle opening A3. The first handle opening A3 includes a non-linear or curved edge E1 formed by a non-linear or curved cutting line extending between the outer end of one of a pair of cutting lines 63B and the outer end of the other of the pair of cutting lines 63B.

[0057] The second handle fold plate 60B may be partially defined by a linear cutting line extending between the outer ends of one and the other of the pair of cutting lines 63B. The linear cutting line may be collinear with the fold line 15.

[0058] The second substrate 18 includes a fourth handle cutout portion defined at least partially by a second handle opening A4. The second handle opening A4 partially protrudes from the second substrate 18 and partially protrudes from the first inner top plate 20.

[0059] The second handle opening A4 defines the fifth handle cut-off portion in the first inner top plate 20.

[0060] The second handle opening A4 defines a second non-linear or curved edge E2 in the second substrate 18. The second handle opening A4 defines a third non-linear or curved edge E3 in the first inner top plate 20.

[0061] The second inner top plate 22 includes a sixth handle cutout, which is at least partially defined by a recess R punched out from a free edge of the second inner top plate 22, the free edge being opposite to a hinged connection to the first inner top plate 20. The recess R defines a fourth non-linear or curved edge E4 in the second inner top plate 22.

[0062] The third nonlinear or curved edge E3 and the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 define the waist in the inner top plate 20 / 22. In blank form, the third nonlinear or curved edge E3 and the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 are spaced apart by a first minimum dimension D1.

[0063] Fold lines 61A and 61B define the waist portion of the outer top plate 12 / 14. In blank form, fold lines 61A and 61B are spaced apart by a second minimum dimension D2.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the second minimum size D2 is greater than the first minimum size D1. The first minimum dimension D1 between the third nonlinear or curved edge E3 and the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 is less than the second distance W1 between the opposing mating edges E8 of the at least one first article receiving aperture A5. .

[0065] The second minimum dimension D2 between fold lines 61A and 61B is greater than the second distance W2 between the opposing engagement edges E7 of the at least one second article receiving opening A1. .

[0066] The first nonlinear or curved edge E1 and the second nonlinear or curved edge E2 define the waist of the substrate 16 / 18. In blank form, the first nonlinear or curved edge E1 and the second nonlinear or curved edge E2 are spaced apart by a third minimum dimension D3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first minimum dimension D1 is larger than the third minimum dimension D3. .

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown in Figure 5, blank 10 can be folded to form package 90.

[0068] Steering Figures 1B to 1D The cardboard box 90 shown can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations. The folding process is not limited to the process described below and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

[0069] like Figure 1B As shown, the second inner top plate 22 is folded around the fold line 21 relative to the first inner top plate 20 so as to form a surface contact relationship with it.

[0070] Adhesive G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer top panel 14. Alternatively, adhesive G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the second inner top panel 22.

[0071] like Figure 1C As shown, the first inner top plate 20, the second inner top plate 22, and the second substrate 18 are folded around the fold line 17 relative to the first substrate 16, so that the first substrate 16 and the second substrate 18 are in surface contact, and the second outer top plate 14 is in surface contact with the second inner top plate 22. The second outer top plate 14 is fixed to the second inner top plate 22.

[0072] like Figure 1C As shown, adhesive G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner top plate 20. Alternatively, adhesive G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first outer top plate 12.

[0073] like Figure 1D As shown, the first outer top plate 12 is folded around the fold line 13 relative to the second outer top plate 14, so that the first outer top plate 12 and the second outer top plate 14 are in surface contact. The first outer top plate 12 is fixed to the second outer top plate 14.

[0074] In this way, a flattened, collapsed tubular structure is formed.

[0075] This forms the following Figure 1D The flattened and collapsed carrier 10B shown can be easily transported or distributed to plants for erecting and loading main product containers in a flattened state.

[0076] By unfolding the bottom walls 16 / 18 so that the first and second substrates 16, 18 are substantially coplanar with each other, the flattened and collapsed carrier 10B can be opened into a tubular structure.

[0077] Once the carrier 90 is erected, it can carry a set of items B; Figure 2 , 3 In the embodiments shown in Figure 4, the two items B are arranged in a 1×2 array.

[0078] The upper portion of item B can be loaded via the bottom wall 16 / 18, which may include a cap or end closure C, and optionally a neck flange F is inserted into the carrier 90. Each item retaining structure RT receives a portion of the corresponding item B. Teeth 40 are displaced into the tubular structure. Teeth 40 may optionally be located at the flange F of item B (see...). Figure 4 ), the protrusion, undercut or other suitable feature or end closure of the article B below the protrusion, undercut or other suitable feature or end closure of the article B.

[0079] The upper portion of article B is received in openings in the inner top wall 20 / 22 and outer top wall 12 / 14 provided by the first and second article receiving openings A5 and A1. Each of the second article receiving openings A1 is vertically aligned with a corresponding one of the first article receiving openings A5.

[0080] The opposite edge E7 of the second article receiving port A1 and the opposite edge E8 of the first article receiving port A5 are at the flange F of article B (see...). Figure 4 The protrusion, undercut, or other suitable feature or end closure C of the bottle are used to engage the article below. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing edges E7, E7 and E8, E8 are the primary bottle engagement edges, and therefore the inner top wall 20 / 22 and the outer top wall 12 / 14 primarily bear the load of the bottle.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular structure does not extend above the uppermost end of article B or above its end closure C, as shown. Figure 4 As best shown. In other words, the hinged connection between the first and second outer top plates 12, 14, and the fold line 13 define a ridge or apex located at a height below the uppermost end of the article B or its end closure C.

[0082] The second inner top plate 22, the second outer top plate 14, and the first substrate 16 define an angle between them, which is an acute angle.

[0083] The first inner top plate 20, the first outer top plate 12, and the second substrate 18 define an angle between them, which is an acute angle.

[0084] The user can grip the carrier 90 to carry item B. In doing so, the first handle folding plate 60A and the second handle folding plate 60B can be folded out from the plane of the respective one of the first and second outer top plates 12, 14 to which they are hinged.

[0085] The first handle folding plate 60A is received in a recess in a tubular structure provided by the second handle opening A4. In the upright state, the second handle opening A4 defines or provides a recess in the second base plate 18 and a recess in the first inner top plate 20.

[0086] The second handle folding plate 60B is received in a recess provided by the first handle opening A3 and the recess R in the tubular structure. In the upright state, the first handle opening A3 defines or provides the recess in the first substrate 16, and the recess R provides the recess in the second inner top plate 22.

[0087] The edge of the first handle folding plate 60A defined by the cutting line 63A can be joined to portions of the second and third non-linear or curved edges E2, E3.

[0088] The edge of the second handle folding plate 60B defined by the cutting line 63B can engage with portions of the first and fourth non-linear or curved edges E1, E4.

[0089] The area of ​​the bottom wall 16 / 18 disposed between the article holding structures RT and at least partially defined between the first and second handle openings A3, A4 can deform or be displaced upward. This area of ​​the bottom wall 16 / 18 can be curved upward at its center or middle, so that the bottom wall 16 / 18 appears concave when viewed from below.

[0090] The inner surfaces of the first and second handle fold plates 60A and 60B can be made in contact with one of the first and second non-linear or curved edges E1 and E2.

[0091] In use, the inner surfaces of the first and second handle folding plates 60A and 60B can be fully folded to form a substantially face-to-face relationship with the bottom wall 16 / 18.

[0092] In the upright position, the third nonlinear or curved edge E3 can be vertically aligned with the second nonlinear or curved edge E2.

[0093] In the upright position, the fourth nonlinear or curved edge E4 can be vertically aligned with the first nonlinear or curved edge E1.

[0094] The bending or nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B and / or the first and second nonlinear or bending edges E1, E2 can cause the bottom wall 16 / 18 to deform, and the bottom wall 16 / 18 can deform or bend in a direction generally transverse to the fold line 17 that hinges the first substrate 16 to the second substrate 18.

[0095] This disclosure provides an article carrier 90 including a plurality of main plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the main plates forming tubular walls and defining the interior of the article carrier 90. These walls include a bottom wall 16 / 18 and top walls 12 / 14, 20 / 22. The top walls 12 / 14, 20 / 22 may include an outer top wall 12 / 14 and an inner top wall 20 / 22. At least one of the bottom wall 16 / 18 and the top walls 12 / 14, 20 / 22 may include an article holding structure for engaging articles to provide a top-clamping type article carrier 90. At least a portion of the top walls 12 / 14, 20 / 22 may be of a double-layered construction.

[0096] The inner top wall 20 / 22 may include a first inner top plate 20 and a second inner top plate 22, which are hinged to each other by providing an inner ridge line.

[0097] The outer top wall 12 / 14 may include a first outer top plate 12 and a second outer top plate 14, which are hinged to each other by providing an outer ridge line.

[0098] The inner ridge line is set to be in contact with or at least very close to the outer ridge line.

[0099] This disclosure provides a handle structure and a blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a pair of hinged handle plates 12, 14; 20, 22, the handle plates being angled about their hinge line 21; and at least one reinforcing plate 14; 20. At least the outer plate of the plates 14, 22; 12, 22 has handle fold plates 60A, 60B hinged along nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B. The other of the plates 14, 22; 12, 22 has nonlinear edges E3; E4 located below the nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B.

[0100] This disclosure provides a handle structure and a blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, including a pair of hinged handle plates 12, 14; 20, 22 arranged at an angle around a hinge connection 21; and at least one reinforcing plate 14; 20. At least one of the plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an outer plate having handle folds 60A, 60B hinged along nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B. At least a second of the plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 forms an inner plate, which is face-to-face with the outer plate and has nonlinear edges E3; E4 located below the nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B.

[0101] This disclosure provides a handle structure and a blank 10 for forming the handle structure, comprising: a pair of hinged handle plates 12, 14; 20, 22, the pair of handle plates being angled about their hinge line 21; and at least one reinforcing plate 14; 20. At least one of the pair of hinged handle plates 12, 14; 20, 22 and the at least one reinforcing plate 14; 20 forms an outer plate having handle folds 60A, 60B hinged along nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B. At least the second of the pair of hinged handle plates 12, 14; 20, 22 and the at least one reinforcing plate 14; 20 has a nonlinear edge E3; E4 located below the nonlinear fold lines 61A, 61B.

[0102] This disclosure also provides an article carrier 90 and a blank 10 for forming the article carrier 90, including a joining plate 16 / 18 having a fold line 17 and at least one joining device RT that interrupts the fold line 17. The joining device RT has an annular series of joining teeth 40. The series of teeth 40 includes toothless regions (such as cutouts 43A, 43B) that are diagonally or diametrically opposite to the fold line 17.

[0103] It will be understood that various modifications can be made within the scope of this invention. For example, the size and shape of the plates and openings can be adjusted to accommodate articles of different sizes or shapes.

[0104] It will be recognized that directional references, such as “top,” “bottom,” “base,” “front,” “rear,” “end,” “side,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” and “lower,” as used herein, do not necessarily restrict the corresponding plates to such orientations, but are merely used to distinguish these plates from one another.

[0105] As used herein, the terms "hinged connection" and "folded line" refer to any line that defines a hinge feature of a blank, facilitates the folding of portions of the blank relative to each other, or otherwise indicates the optimal folding position of the blank. Any reference to "hinged connection" should not be construed as necessarily referring to only a single folded line; in fact, a hinged connection can be formed by two or more folded lines, each of which can be straight / linear or curved / curved in shape. When linear folded lines form a hinged connection, they can be arranged parallel to each other or at a slight angle relative to each other. When curved folded lines form a hinged connection, they can intersect each other to define a shaped plate within the area enclosed by the curved folded lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may include a pair of arched or curved folded lines intersecting at two points, such that they define an elliptical plate therebetween. A hinged connection can be formed by one or more linear folded lines and one or more curved folded lines. Typical examples of such hinged connections may include a combination of linear broken lines and arched or curved broken lines that intersect at two points, thereby defining a crescent-shaped plate between them.

[0106] As used herein, the term "zigzag line" may refer to one of the following: scribing line, embossed line, recessed line, perforated line, short slit line, half-cut line, single half-cut line, discontinuous cut line, aligned slit line, scuff line, and any combination of the foregoing options.

[0107] It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements formed in the substrate of the blank, including perforations, perforation lines, short slit lines, half-cut lines, single half-cut lines, cut lines, discontinuous cut lines, slits, scratches, and any combination thereof. The size and arrangement of the elements can be configured to provide the desired function. For example, the size or design of a perforation line can be configured to have a weakening effect to define fold lines and / or dividing lines. Perforation lines can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breakage, facilitating folding and breakage with greater force, or facilitating breakage with less force.

[0108] As used herein, the term "alignment" refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an upright cardboard box, such as an opening formed in a first of two overlapping plates and a second opening formed in a second of two overlapping plates. Those elements aligned with each other can be aligned with each other in the thickness direction of the overlapping plates. For example, when an opening in a first plate is "aligned" with a second opening in a second plate, the second plate is positioned to overlap with the first plate, the edge of the opening can extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second opening, and the opening can be aligned with the second opening in the thickness direction of both the first and second plates.

Claims

1. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate, the pair of hinged handle plates being arranged at an angle around the hinge connection therebetween, and the at least one reinforcing plate being arranged face-to-face with one of the pair of hinged handle plates, wherein, At least the outer plate of the plate includes a handle hinged along a nonlinear fold line, and wherein the inner plate of the plate has a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

2. A handle structure comprising multiple plates, including: A pair of hinged handles, the pair of handles being set at an angle around the hinge between them; and At least one reinforcing plate; At least one of the plurality of plates forms an outer plate having a handle hinged along a nonlinear fold line, and at least a second of the plurality of plates forms an inner plate facing the outer plate and having a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

3. The handle structure according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of plates also include a substrate, the substrate including at least one second nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

4. The handle structure according to claim 3, wherein, The handle fold plate engages with the second nonlinear edge.

5. The handle structure according to claim 4, wherein, The handle flap includes at least one engaging edge that engages with the second nonlinear edge.

6. The handle structure according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one engagement edge is defined by a cutting line that separates a portion of the handle flap from the outer panel.

7. The handle structure according to claim 3, wherein, The substrate bends inward toward the hinge connection between the pair of hinged handle plates.

8. The handle structure according to claim 3, wherein, In the unfolded state, the handle flap extends below the base plate.

9. The handle structure according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one reinforcing plate is hinged to one of the pair of hinged handle plates via a base plate.

10. A handle structure comprising a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate hinged together at an angle, wherein, At least one of the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate forms an outer plate having a handle plate hinged along a nonlinear fold line, wherein at least the second of the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate has a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

11. A handle structure comprising multiple plates, comprising: A pair of hinged handles, the pair of handles being set at an angle around the hinge between them; and A pair of hinged reinforcing plates, which are arranged at an angle around the hinge between them; Wherein, the pair of hinged handle plates form an outer plate, at least one of the outer plates includes a handle fold plate hinged to the outer plate along a non-linear fold line, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcing plates form an inner plate facing each other with the corresponding plates in the outer plate, and wherein at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing plates includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

12. The handle structure according to claim 11, wherein, The pair of hinged handle plates are hinged to the pair of hinged reinforcing plates via a base plate.

13. An article carrier for packaging multiple articles, the article carrier comprising a handle structure according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The article carrier includes a joining plate with a fold line; and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line, wherein the joining device has an annular series of joining teeth, and wherein the series of joining teeth includes toothless regions diagonally opposite to the fold line.

14. The article carrier according to claim 13, wherein, Each relatively toothless region is provided by one of the following features: excision portion, cutting line, and divisible line.

15. An article carrier for packaging multiple articles, the article carrier comprising a handle structure according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The article carrier includes a joining plate with a fold line; and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line, wherein the joining device has an annular series of joining teeth, and wherein the series of joining teeth includes cuts with diameters aligned with the fold line.

16. A blank for forming an article carrier, the article carrier comprising a handle structure according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The blank includes a joining plate with a fold line; and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line, wherein the joining device has an annular series of joining teeth, and wherein the series of joining teeth includes cuts with diameters aligned with the fold line.

17. A blank for forming an article carrier, the article carrier comprising a handle structure according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein, The blank includes a joining plate with a fold line; and at least one article joining device that interrupts the fold line, wherein the joining device has an annular series of joining teeth, and wherein the series of joining teeth includes toothless regions diagonally opposite to the fold line.

18. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate, the pair of hinged handle plates being arranged at an angle about the hinge between them, the reinforcing plate being arranged face-to-face with one of the pair of hinged handle plates, wherein, At least the outer plate of the plate includes a handle hinged along a nonlinear fold line, and wherein the inner plate of the plate has a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

19. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising: A pair of hinged handles, the pair of handles being set at an angle around the hinge between them; and At least one reinforcing plate; At least one of the plurality of plates forms an outer plate having a handle hinged along a nonlinear fold line, and at least a second of the plurality of plates forms an inner plate facing the outer plate and having a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

20. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a pair of hinged handle plates and at least one reinforcing plate arranged at an angle around which the handle plates are hinged, at least one of the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate forming an outer plate having a handle fold plate hinged along a nonlinear fold line, and at least the second of the pair of hinged handle plates and the at least one reinforcing plate having a nonlinear edge located below the nonlinear fold line.

21. A blank for forming a handle structure, the blank comprising a plurality of plates, including: A pair of hinged handles, the pair of handles being set at an angle around the hinge between them; and A pair of hinged reinforcing plates, which are arranged at an angle around the hinge between them; Wherein, the pair of hinged handle plates form an outer plate, at least one of the outer plates includes a handle fold plate hinged to the outer plate along a non-linear fold line, wherein the pair of hinged reinforcing plates form an inner plate facing the corresponding plate in the outer plate, and wherein at least one of the pair of hinged reinforcing plates includes a non-linear edge located below the non-linear fold line.

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