Carton and carton blank

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier or carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank; 110) for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises a handle wall and a carrying handle. The handle wall comprises a pair of first and second overlapping panels. The carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection. The first and second handle flaps are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another. The first and second handle flaps each have a distal end edge opposing the respective one of the first and second hinged connections. The distal end edges are defined by a severance line extending entirely across the handle wall.

Description

[0001] CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a carton and blank for forming the same; more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising a carrying handle for facilitating transport of the carton.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] 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 purposes and for the 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 as possible in the materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

[0006] It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a carrying handle for facilitating transport of the carton.

[0007] The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle wall and a carrying handle. The handle wall comprises a pair of first and second overlapping panels. The carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection. The first and second handle flaps are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another. The first and second handle flaps each have a distal end edge opposing the respective one of the first and second hinged connections. The distal end edges are defined by a severance line extending entirely across the handle wall.

[0010] Advantageously, the handle wall may be formed from an end wall of a carton, the end wall closing a tubular structure formed from a plurality of main panels; the end wall being formed from a plurality of end closure panels. The carton may comprise a dispenser provided in at least one, two or more of the main panels the carrying handle and dispenser may be configured and arranged with respect to each other so that the integrity or strength of the carton is not compromised or at least any reduction is such is minimised. Placement of the carrying handle in the end wall may also have the benefit of increasing the available space for provision of the dispenser such that a larger removable portion can be defined than would otherwise be available.

[0011] In some embodiments, the carrying handle is assembled and formed by securing the first and second overlapping panels after loading the carton with one or more articles.

[0012] Providing the carrying handle in the end wall may be further advantageous for removal of the carton from a shelf or display apparatus, when a carrying handle is provided in each of a pair of opposed end walls a carrying handle is available to a user irrespective of which end wall is presented to them.

[0013] In some embodiments, the carrying handle may be oriented perpendicular to the grain or paper machine direction, the severance line extending orthogonally to grain or paper machine direction. When a dispenser is provided the dispenser tear line may comprise portions extending parallel or obliquely to the grain or paper machine direction. The severance line may extend toward said parallel or obliquely extending portions of the dispenser tear line and terminate in spaced apart relationship with respect thereto.

[0014] Optionally, the severance line extends into at least one panel hingedly connected to one of the pair of first and second overlapping panels, the severance line terminating with a stopper cut disposed in said at least one panel.

[0015] Optionally, the carton comprises a plurality of main panels for forming a tubular structure and said at least one panel is provided by one of said main panels.

[0016] Optionally, the handle wall and a carrying handle form a first handle wall and a first carrying handle respectively, and the carton comprises a second handle wall and a second carrying handle. The second handle wall comprises a pair of third and fourth overlapping panels. The second carrying handle comprises a third handle flap hingedly connected to the third overlapping panel by a third hinged connection and a fourth handle flap hingedly connected to the fourth overlapping panel by a fourth hinged connection. The third and fourth handle flaps are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another. The second handle wall opposes the first handle wall. The second carrying handle may be disposed opposite the first carrying handle.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle wall and a carrying handle. The handle wall comprises a pair of first and second overlapping panels. The carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection. The first and second handle flaps are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another and are adhesively secured together in a face-contacting arrangement.

[0018] Optionally, the handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap which includes an embossed area, the embossed area being adhesively secured to at least one of the first and second overlapping panels.

[0019] Optionally, the embossed area is transversely aligned with an overlapping area of the first and second overlapping panels.

[0020] Optionally, the handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap and the first overlapping panel has a cut-out through which the second overlapping panel is adhesively secured to the at least one dust flap.

[0021] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle wall and a carrying handle. The handle wall comprises a pair of first and second overlapping panels. The carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection. The handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap which is adhesively secured to the first and second overlapping panels to form the handle wall.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of main panels hingedly connected in series for forming a tubular structure. The blank further comprises at least a pair of first and second end closure panels hingedly connected to respective main panels of the plurality of main panels for forming an end closure wall for closing one of opposed ends of the tubular structure. The plurality of main panels are disposed along a longitudinal axis of the blank which is perpendicular to a tubular axis of the tubular structure. The first and second end closure panels are disposed on one of the opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. The first end closure panel comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first end closure panel by a first hinged connection. The second end closure panel comprises a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second end closure panel by a second hinged connection. The first and second hinged connections each extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0023] Optionally, the first and second hinged connections each is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] Optionally, the plurality of main panels define first and second opposed longitudinal edges each extending alongside the longitudinal axis wherein the first and second end closure panels are hingedly connected along the first longitudinal edge of the plurality of main panels.

[0025] Optionally, each of the first and second end closure panels comprises a flap hinged connection to the respective main panel and a free distal end edge opposing the flap hinged connection, wherein at least one of the first and second end closure panels further comprises a varnish free area along the free distal edge thereof.

[0026] Optionally, the at least a pair of first and second end closure panels comprises at least one dust flap for forming the end closure wall, wherein the at least one dust flap is hingedly connected to a respective main panel of the plurality of main panels.

[0027] Optionally, the plurality of main panels comprises a top panel, a side wall panel and a base panel hingedly connected in the sequence, wherein the first end closure panel is hingedly connected to the top panel, and wherein the second end closure panel is hingedly connected to the base panel.

[0028] Optionally, each of the first and second end closure panels comprises a flap hinged connection to the respective main panel and a free distal end edge opposing the flap hinged connection, the first and second end closure panels extend from their respective flap hinged connections in the same direction to their respective distal free end edges. Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 3 is an end view of the carton of Figure 2; and

[0037] Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0039] 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. 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The blanks 10; 110 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 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.

[0042] The packaging structure or carton 90 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which 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 embodiments in Figure 1 , the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having four row (m=4) and six columns (n=6); four rows of six articles are provided, and the articles may be 11.2 US fl. oz. (330ml) beverage cans. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having three row (m=3) and six columns (n=6); three rows of six articles are provided, and the articles may be 1 1.2 US fl. oz. (330ml) beverage cans. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 1 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, basket carriers or wrap-around carriers, the articles may be cups, pouches, pots or cans.

[0043] 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 Figure 2, for carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, cans or bottles, hereinafter referred to as articles. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

[0044] The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first side wall panel 12 is hinged to a top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13. A second side wall panel 16 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. A base panel 18 is hinged to the second side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The second side wall panel 18 is hinged to a glue panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19.

[0045] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form walls of an open-ended tubular structure in a set-up condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures. The tubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction.

[0046] Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panels which form end walls of the tubular structure. In the illustrated embodiment the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B.

[0047] End closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A are configured to close a first end of the tubular structure and end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B are configured to close a second end of the tubular structure. The first end of the tubular structure is closed by a first end closure panel 22A, a second end closure panel 24A, a third end closure panel 26A and a fourth end closure panel 28A. The first end closure panel 22A is hinged to a first end of the first side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23A. The second end closure panel 24A is hinged to a first end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25A. The third end closure panel 26A is hinged to a first end of the second side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27A. The fourth end closure panel 28A is hinged to a first end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29A.

[0048] The second end of the tubular structure is closed by a fifth end closure panel 22B, a sixth end closure panel 24B, seventh end closure panel 26B and an eighth end closure panel 28B. The fifth end closure panel 22B is hinged to a second end of the first side wall panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23B. The sixth end closure panel 24B is hinged to a second end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25B. The seventh end closure panel 26B is hinged to a second end of the second side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27B. The eighth end closure panel 28B is hinged to a second end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29B.

[0049] The first end closure panel 22A and the fifth end closure panel 22B each form a minor end closure panel or dust flap at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The third end closure panel 26A and the seventh end closure panel 26B each form a minor end closure panel or dust flap at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The minor end closure panels or dust flaps are also referred to herein as side wall end closure panels.

[0050] The second end closure panel 24A and the fourth end closure panel 28A each form a major side end closure panel at the first end of the tubular structure. The sixth end closure panel 24B and the eighth end closure panel 28B each form a major side end closure panel at the second end of the tubular structure. The second end closure panel 24A and sixth end closure panel 24B are also referred to herein as top end closure panels. The fourth end closure panel 28A and eighth end closure panel 28B are also referred to herein as bottom end closure panels.

[0051] The blank 10 comprises a first carrying handle H1 / H2 defined at least in part in each of the second end closure panel 24A and the fourth end closure panel 28A. The first carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises a pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B which are defined in part by a severance line 65A / 65B. The second end closure panel 24A comprises a first portion H1 of the first carrying handle H1 / H2, the fourth end closure panel 28A comprises a second portion H2 of the first carrying handle H1 / H2.

[0052] The first portion H1 of the first carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises first parts 60A, 62A of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B struck from, or defined within, the second end closure panel 24A and hingedly connected thereto by respective hinged connections 61 A, 63A. The first parts 60A, 62A of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B are hinged in opposition to each other and are separated from each other by a first severance line portion 65A. Optionally, the first severance line portion 65A comprises an end portion 67A comprises a plurality of severance lines each disposed in parallel. The first severance line portion 65A may extend into the top panel 14. The first severance line portion 65A may terminate in the top panel 14 with a relief structure, the relief structure may comprise a “V” shaped cut (also referred to herein as a stopper cut), the vertex of which lies on the terminus of the first severance line portion 65A. A fold line 67A, 69A extends from each terminal end of the “V” shaped cut towards the hinged connection, fold line 25A, between the second end closure panel 24A and the top panel 14, the fold lines 67A, 69A being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

[0053] The second portion H2 of the first carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises second parts 60B, 62B of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B struck from, or defined within, the fourth end closure panel 28A and hingedly connected thereto by respective hinged connections 61 B, 63B. The second parts 60B, 62B of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B are hinged in opposition to each other and are separated from each other by a second severance line portion 65B. The second severance line portion 65B may extend into the base panel 18. The second severance line portion 65B may terminate in the base panel 18 with a relief structure, the relief structure may comprise a “V” shaped cut (also referred to herein as a stopper cut), the vertex of which lies on the terminus of the second severance line portion 65B. A fold line 67B, 69B extends from each terminal end of the “V” shaped cut towards the hinged connection, fold line 29A, between the fourth end closure panel 28A and the base panel 18, the fold lines 67B, 69B being divergently arranged with respect to each other.

[0054] The second parts 60B, 62B of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B are configured to be disposed in overlapping relationship, at least in part, with the first parts 60A, 62A of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B in a setup condition, and secured thereto with adhesive or other suitable securing means.

[0055] The end portion 67A of the first severance line portion 65A may be provided in a region of overlap between the first and second parts 60A, 62A, 60B, 62B of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B.

[0056] Optionally, the fourth end closure panel 28A comprises a cutaway or recess R at each free corner, the free corners oppose respective hinged corners adjacent to the hinged connection, fold line 29A, between fourth end closure panel 28A and the base panel 18. The cutaways or recesses R may be provided in a region of overlap between fourth end closure panel 28A and second end closure panel 24A.

[0057] Optionally, each of the first and third end closure panels 24A, 26A comprises an embossed, raised or thickened region Em. The embossed region Emis configured to be disposed in registry with a respective one of the cutaways or recesses R in the fourth end closure panel 28A.

[0058] Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a second carrying handle H1 / H2 defined at least in part in each of the sixth end closure panel 24B and the eighth end closure panel 28B. The second carrying handle H1 / H2 is substantially the same in construction as the first carrying handle H1 / H2 and will not be described in further detail.

[0059] Optionally, the eighth end closure panel 28B comprises a cutaway or recess R at each free corner, the free corners oppose respective hinged corners adjacent to the hinged connection, fold line 29B, between eighth end closure panel 28B and the base panel 18. The cutaways or recesses R may be provided in a region of overlap between eighth end closure panel 28B and sixth end closure panel 24B.

[0060] Optionally, each of the fifth and seventh end closure panels 24B, 26B comprises an embossed, raised or thickened region Em. The embossed region Emis configured to be disposed in registry with a respective one of the cutaways or recesses R in the eighth end closure panel 28B.

[0061] Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a dispenser D for facilitating access to the contents of the carton 90. The dispenser D comprises a removable portion 14D / 16D of the carton 90. The dispenser D comprises a plurality of severance lines 41 , 43, 45. The removable portion 14D / 16D is provided by a portion of at least one of the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20. In the illustrated embodiment, removable portion 14D / 16D is provided by a portion of the top panel 14 and a portion of the second side wall panel 16.

[0062] The second side panel 16 comprises a first severance line 41 extending from a first location on the hinged connection, fold line 15, between the second side panel 16 and the top panel 14 to a second distal location on said hinged connection. The first severance line 41 may be generally “U” shaped.

[0063] A second severance line 43A extends from the first location on fold line 15 to a tear initiation device I. A third severance line 43B extends from the second location on fold line 15 to the tear initiation device I. The tear initiation device I comprises a tab 40 struck from the top panel 14 and hingedly connected to a removable portion 14D of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 47. The tear initiation device I is defined in part by a tear line element which has a lower tear resistance than the second and third severance lines 43A, 43B.

[0064] The dispenser D may comprise a first partial cut line 45A disposed in parallel to at least a portion of the second severance line 43A. The dispenser D may comprise a second partial cut line 45B disposed in parallel to at least a portion of the third severance line 43B.

[0065] The carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 may not be 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. During loading and assembly of the carton 90, the carton 90 may be orientated such that one of the top or base panels 14, 18 forms a loading surface. The bases of one or more articles may be in sliding contact with the loading surface when being inserted into the carton 90. The articles may be substantially cylindrical in shape and have a cylindrical axis. Figure 1 shows the orientation of the articles with respect to the blank 10, the dashed lines illustrated on the top or base panels 14, 18 indicate the footprint B of the articles. The cylindrical axis is orientated perpendicularly to the top panel 14 and may also be orientated substantially vertically. First end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, or alternatively second end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, form the top panel (top wall) 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A when the handle structure H1 / H2 is in use as a carrying handle by a user and this top wall is optionally, disposed adjacent to the sides of the articles. In this orientation the top wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B is not disposed substantially planar to the tops or bottoms of the articles held within the carton 90. In other words, the cylindrical axis of the articles is substantially parallel with the plane of the top wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B of the carton 90.

[0066] The second end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, or alternatively the first end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, form the base panel 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B when the handle structure H1 / H2 is in use as a carrying handle by a user. The base panel 18 may form the base panel 18 when the articles are being dispensed from the carton 90 or when the carton 90 is at rest upon a surface such as a shelf. As such, it will be understood that descriptive terms “top”, “base”, and “side” do not necessarily limit the carton 90 to adopting a particular orientation but serve to distinguish those panels from one another. In other embodiments, the cylindrical axis of the articles may be orientated differently with respect to the top wall 14 of the carton 90. For example, but not limited to, the cylindrical axis of the articles may be orientated substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the top wall 14 of the carton 90.

[0067] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the blank 10 is folded about the fold line 17 such that the base panel 18 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second side wall panel 16 and the top panel 14 and such that the securing panel 20 is disposed in face contacting relationship with the top panel 14.

[0068] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 20. Alternatively, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding edge portion of an inner surface of the first side wall panel 12.

[0069] The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 13 such that the first side wall panel 12 is disposed in overlying relationship with the securing panel 20 and part of the top panel 14. The first side wall panel 12 is thereby secured to the securing panel 20, this forms a manufacturers seam; the manufacturers seam is typically formed prior to shipping a convertor plant where loading with product takes place. The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open-ended tubular structure and loaded with articles.

[0070] The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open-ended tubular structure by unfolding the first side panel 12 with respect to the top panel 14 such that the first side panel 12 is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the top panel 14.

[0071] The carton 90, in its open-ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles through one or both open ends thereof. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, one of the open ends of the carton 90 may be closed before loading the interior with articles through the remaining open end.

[0072] Once the carton 90 has been loaded with articles the open ends of the carton 90 are closed.

[0073] A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the first end closure panel 22A about fold line 23A and by folding the third end closure panel 26A about fold line 27A.

[0074] The fourth end closure panel 28A is then folded about the fold line 29A to be brought into contact with the first and third end closure panels 22A, 26A.

[0075] Glue GL or other adhesive treatment is applied to outward facing surfaces surface of the fourth end closure panel 28A and of the first and third end closure panels 22A, 26A, best shown in Figure 3.

[0076] The second end closure panel 24A (not shown in Figure 3) is then folded about the fold line 25A to be brought into contact with the fourth end closure panel 28A and optionally into contact with the first and third end closure panels 22A, 26A, specifically the embossed regions Em.

[0077] The second end closure panel 24A is secured to the fourth end closure panel 28A. The second end closure panel 24A may be secured to the first and third end closure panels 22A, 26A.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the second end closure panel 24A can thus be secured to each of the second, third and fourth closure panels 22A, 26A, 28A with a single glue application; the second parts 60B, 62B of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B secured to the first parts 60A, 62A of the pair of elongate tabs 60A / 60B, 62A / 62B by the same glue application. It has been found that the bonding performed by the convertor plant, typically hot melt gluing, after loading with articles is sufficient to employ the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B as a handle panel 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B.

[0079] In other embodiments alternative securing means may be employed to secure the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B for example, but not limited to, mechanical locking devices such as staples or punch locks integrally formed within the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B.

[0080] A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B in a manner substantially similar to that described above in relation to the first end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates the assembled carton 90 forming a package with a plurality of articles.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 the carton 90 comprises dispenser D disposed in part in the top panel 14 and in part in the second side wall 16, when the detachable portion 14D / 16D is removed an opening is created.

[0083] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in detail.

[0084] Figure 4 shows a blank 110 for forming a carton, the blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first side wall panel 1 12 is hinged to a top panel 114 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 1 13. The top panel 1 14 is hinged to a second side wall panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 115. The second side wall panel 1 16 is hinged to base panel 118 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 117. The base panel 118 is hinged to a glue panel 120 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 119. The blank 110 is substantially similar in construction to the blank 10 of Figure 1 albeit the cutaways or recesses R in the fourth end closure panel 128A and the eighth end closure panel 128B, have been omitted, similarly the embossed or thickened regions Em, in the first and third end closure panels 24A, 26A, have been omitted. Additionally, the plurality of parallel severance lines forming the end portion 67A of the first severance line portion 65A have been omitted; first severance line portion 165A comprises a single severance line extending across the second and sixth end closure panels 124A, 124B.

[0085] The end closure panels 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B may be formed into end walls 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B in a similar manner to that of the embodiment of Figure 1 and described above, albeit in order to secure the minor end closure panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B to the major end closure panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B an additional glue stage may be included to apply glue to an outward facing surface of the minor end closure panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B prior to folding the major end closure panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B with respect to the main panel 114, 1 18 to which they are hinged. In some embodiments, the minor end closure panels 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B may be free from securement to the major end closure panels 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B and the additional glue stage may be omitted.

[0086] The blank 110 is arranged to accommodate eighteen articles arranged in an 3 x 6 matrix or array arrangement, three rows of six articles are provided, and accordingly the location of the handle structure H1 / H2 has been adjusted to align with a gap or void between an adjacent pair of articles as a consequence the severance line 165A / 165B is disposed off-centre whereas in the embodiment of Figure 1 the severance line 165A / 165B bisected the end wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B formed from the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B.

[0087] The blank 1 10 comprises a dispenser D for facilitating access to the contents of the carton. The dispenser D comprises a removable portion 1 14D / 116D of the carton. The dispenser D comprises a plurality of severance lines 141 , 143, 145. The removable portion 114D / 116D is provided by a portion of at least one of the plurality of main panels 112, 1 14, 116, 118, 120. In the illustrated embodiment, removable portion 114D / 116D is provided by a portion of the top panel 114 and a portion of the second side wall panel 116. The second side panel 116 comprises a first severance line 141 extending from a first location on the hinged connection, fold line 1 15, between the second side panel 116 and the top panel 114 to a second distal location on said hinged connection. The first severance line 141 may be generally “U” shaped.

[0088] A second severance line 143 extends from the first location on fold line 1 15 to the second location on fold line 115. The second severance line 143 may be generally “U” shaped. Together the first and second severance lines 141 , 143 defined a generally rectangular removable portion 114D / 1 16D.

[0089] The dispenser D comprises at least one tear initiation device I. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of tear initiation devices I. Each tear initiation device I is struck from the removable portion 16D of the second side wall panel 16 and is hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 147, the fold line may be provided by a pair of parallel fold lines. The tear initiation device I is defined in part by a tear line element which has a lower tear resistance than the severance lines 141 , 143.

[0090] The dispenser D may comprise a first partial cut line 145 disposed in parallel to at least a portion of the severance lines 141 , 143.

[0091] The present disclosure provides an article carrier or carton 90 for packaging one or more articles. The carton 90 comprises a handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B and a carrying handle H1 / H2. The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B comprises a pair of first 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B and second 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B overlapping panels. The carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises a first handle flap 60A, 62A hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap 60B, 62B hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B by a second hinged connection. The first and second handle flaps 60A, 62A, 60B, 62B are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another. The first and second handle flaps 60A, 62A, 60B, 62B each have a distal end edge opposing the respective one of the first and second hinged connections. The distal end edges are defined by a severance line 65A, 65B; 165A, 165B extending entirely across the handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B. The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B may be formed from an end wall of the carton 90. The end wall closes a tubular structure formed from a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120. The end wall is formed from a plurality of end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B; 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B. The carton 90 may comprise a dispenser D provided in at least one, two or more of the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 1 12, 114, 1 16, 118, 120 the carrying handle H1 / H2 and dispenser D may be configured and arranged with respect to each other so that the integrity or strength of the carton 90 is not compromised or at least any reduction is such is minimised. Placement of the carrying handle H1 / H2 in the end wall may also have the benefit of increasing the available space for provision of the dispenser D such that a larger removable portion 14D / 16D; 114D / 116D can be defined than would otherwise be available.

[0092] In some embodiments, the carrying handle H1 / H2 is assembled and formed by securing the first and second overlapping panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B after loading the carton 90 with one or more articles.

[0093] Providing the carrying handle H1 / H2 in the end wall may be further advantageous for removal of the carton 90 from a shelf or display apparatus; when a carrying handle H1 / H2 is provided in each of a pair of opposed end walls, a carrying handle H1 / H2 is available to a user irrespective of which end wall is presented to them.

[0094] In some embodiments, the carrying handle H1 / H2 may be oriented perpendicular to the grain or paper machine direction PMD (see Figures 1 and 4). The severance line 65A, 65B; 165A, 165B extends orthogonally to grain or paper machine direction PMD. When a dispenser D is provided the dispenser tear line 41 , 43, 45; 141 , 143, 145 may comprise portions extending parallel or obliquely to the grain or paper machine direction PMD. The severance line 65A, 65B; 165A, 165B may extend toward said parallel or obliquely extending portions of the dispenser tear line 41 , 43, 45; 141 , 143, 145 and terminate in spaced apart relationship with respect thereto.

[0095] The severance line 65A, 65B; 165A, 165B may extend into at least one panel 14, 18; 114, 118 hingedly connected to one of the pair of first 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B and second 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B overlapping panels. The severance line 65A, 65B; 165A, 165B may terminate with a stopper cut disposed in said at least one panel 14, 18; 114, 1 18. The article carrier or carton 90 may comprise a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 114, 116, 118, 120 for forming a tubular structure and said at least one panel 14, 18; 114, 118 may be provided by one of the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20; 112, 1 14, 1 16, 1 18, 120.

[0096] The present disclosure also provides an article carrier or carton 90 for packaging one or more articles. The carton 90 comprises a handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B and a carrying handle H1 / H2. The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B comprises a pair of first 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B and second 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B overlapping panels. The carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises a first handle flap 60A, 62A hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap 60B, 62B hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B by a second hinged connection. The first and second handle flaps 60A, 62A, 60B, 62B are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another and being adhesively secured together in a facecontacting arrangement.

[0097] The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B may further comprise at least one dust flap 22A / 26A, 22B / 26B; 122A / 126A, 122B / 126B which comprises an embossed area Emwhich is adhesively secured to at least one of the first and second overlapping panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B.

[0098] The embossed area Emmay be transversely aligned with an overlapping area of the first and second overlapping panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B.

[0099] The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B may further comprise at least one dust flap 22A / 26A, 22B / 26B; 122A / 126A, 122B / 126B and the first overlapping panel 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B has a cut-out R through which the second overlapping panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B is adhesively secured to the at least one dust flap 22A / 26A, 22B / 26B; 122A / 126A, 122B / 126B.

[0100] The present disclosure further provides an article carrier or carton 90 for packaging one or more articles. The carton 90 comprises a handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B and a carrying handle H1 / H2. The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B comprises a pair of first 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B and second 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B overlapping panels. The carrying handle H1 / H2 comprises a first handle flap 60A, 62A hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel 24A, 24B; 124A, 124B and a second handle flap 60B, 62B hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel 28A, 28B; 128A, 128B. The handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B further comprises a pair of dust flaps 22A / 26A, 22B / 26B; 122A / 126A, 122B / 126B which are adhesively secured to the first and second overlapping panels 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B; 124A, 124B, 128A, 128B to form the handle wall 24A / 28A, 24B / 28B; 124A / 128A, 124B / 128B.

[0101] Referring to Figure 1 , the present disclosure further provide a blank 10 which comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 hingedly connected in series for forming a tubular structure as shown in Figure 2. The blank further comprises at least a pair of first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A hingedly connected to the respective main panels 14, 18 for forming an end closure wall 24A / 28A (shown n Figure 2) for closing one of the opposed ends of the tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 are disposed along a longitudinal axis X-X of the blank (see Figure 1 ) which is perpendicular to a tubular axis Y-Y (shown in Figure 2) of the tubular structure. The first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A are disposed on one of the opposite sides of the longitudinal axis X-X. The first end closure panel 24A comprises a first handle flap 60A hingedly connected to the first end closure panel 24A by a first hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 A. The second end closure panel 28A comprises a second handle flap 60B hingedly connected to the second end closure panel 28A by a second hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 B. The first and second hinged connections 61 A, 61 B each extends in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0102] Optionally, the first and second hinged connections 61 A, 61 B each is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis X-X.

[0103] Optionally, the plurality of main panels define a first longitudinal edge 23A, 25A, 27A, 29A and an opposing second longitudinal edge 23B, 25B, 27B, 29B each extending alongside the longitudinal axis X-X wherein the first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A are hingedly connected along the first longitudinal edge 23A, 25A, 27A, 29A of the plurality of main panels12, 14, 16, 18.

[0104] Optionally, each of the first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A comprises a flap hinged connection 25A, 29A to the respective main panel 14, 18 and a free distal end edge “DE1 ”, “DE2” opposing the flap hinged connection 25A, 29A wherein at least one 28A of the first and second end closure panels further comprises a varnish free area “VF” along the free distal edge “DE2” thereof. As shown in Figure 1 , the varnish free area “VF” covers an end portion of the second handle flap 60B. Adhesive is placed on the varnish free area to adhesively secure the second end closure panel 28A to the first end closure panel 24A in a face-contacting arrangement. This may allow the second handle flap 60B adhesively secured to the first handle flap 60A in a facecontacting arrangement also.

[0105] Optionally, the at least a pair of first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A comprises at least one dust flap 22A, 26A for forming the end closure wall, wherein the at least one dust flap 22A, 26A is hingedly connected to the respective main panel 12, 16 of the plurality of main panels.

[0106] Optionally, the plurality of main panels comprises a top panel 14, a side wall panel 16 and a base panel 18 hingedly connected one next to another in the described sequence, wherein the first end closure panel 24A is hingedly connected to the top panel 14, and wherein the second end closure panel 28A is hingedly connected to the base panel 18.

[0107] Optionally, each of the first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A comprises a flap hinged connection in the form of a fold line 25A. 29A to the respective main panel 14, 18 and a free distal end edge “DE1”, “DE2” opposing the flap hinged connection 25A, 29A. The first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A extend from their respective flap hinged connections 25A, 29A in the same direction to their respective distal free end edges “DE1 ”, “DE2”.

[0108] Optionally, the first handle flap 60A, when folded, defines a first opening or notch at least in part in the first end closure panel 24A, wherein the first end closure panel 24A further comprises a first severance line 65A extending from the first opening or notch toward a first flap hinged connection 25A by which the first end closure panel 24A is hingedly connected to the respective main panel 14. Optionally, the first severance line 65A intersects the flap hinged connection 25A and further extends into the respective main panel 14.

[0109] Optionally, the second handle flap 60B, when folded, defines a second opening or notch at least in part in the second end closure panel 28A, wherein the second end closure panel 28A further comprises a second severance line 65B extending from the second opening or notch toward a second flap hinged connection 29A by which the second end closure panel 28A is hingedly connected to the respective main panel 18. Optionally, the second severance line 65B intersects the second flap hinged connection 29A and further extends into the respective main panel 18. Optionally, the first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A are configured and dimensioned such that they overlap one another when the blank is erected into a carton. When the first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A overlap one another, the first and second handle flaps 60A, 60B overlap one another and form a single handle flap. When the single handle flap is folded inwardly of the carton, the first and second openings or notches together form a single handle slot into which a hand of a user may be inserted to grab a slot edge provided by the handle wall 24A / 28A. The first and second end closure panels 24A, 28A provide the outermost layers of the handle wall which is an end closure wall.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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 halfcut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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

CLAIMS1 . A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle wall and a carrying handle, the handle wall comprising a pair of first and second overlapping panels, wherein the carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection, the first and second handle flaps being disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another, the first and second handle flaps each have a distal end edge opposing the respective one of the first and second hinged connections, the distal end edges are defined by a severance line extending entirely across the handle wall.

2. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the severance line extends into at least one panel hingedly connected to one of the pair of first and second overlapping panels, the severance line terminating with a stopper cut disposed in said at least one panel.

3. A carton according to claim 2, wherein the carton comprises a plurality of main panels for forming a tubular structure and said at least one panel is provided by one of said main panels.

4. A carton according to claim 1 , wherein the handle wall and a carrying handle form a first handle wall and a first carrying handle respectively, and the carton comprises a second handle wall and a second carrying handle, the second handle wall comprises a pair of third and fourth overlapping panels, the second carrying handle comprises a third handle flap hingedly connected to the third overlapping panel by a third hinged connection and a fourth handle flap hingedly connected to the fourth overlapping panel by a fourth hinged connection, the third and fourth handle flaps are disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another and the second handle wall opposes the first handle wall.

5. A carton according to claim 4, wherein the second carrying handle is disposed opposite the first carrying handle.

6. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle wall and a carrying handle, the handle wall comprising a pair of first and second overlapping panels, wherein the carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection, the first and second handleflaps being disposed in an overlapping arrangement with one another and being adhesively secured together in a face-contacting arrangement.

7. A carton according to either of claims 1 or 6, wherein the handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap which comprises an embossed area, the embossed area being adhesively secured to at least one of the first and second overlapping panels.

8. A carton according to claim 7, wherein the embossed area is transversely aligned with an overlapping area of the first and second overlapping panels.

9. A carton according to either of claims 1 or 6, wherein the handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap and the first overlapping panel has a cut-out through which the second overlapping panel is adhesively secured to the at least one dust flap.

10. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle wall and a carrying handle, the handle wall comprising a pair of first and second overlapping panels, wherein the carrying handle comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first overlapping panel by a first hinged connection and a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second overlapping panel by a second hinged connection, the handle wall further comprises at least one dust flap which is adhesively secured to the first and second overlapping panels to form the handle wall.1 1. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality of main panels hingedly connected in series for forming a tubular structure; and at least a pair of first and second end closure panels hingedly connected to respective main panels of the plurality of main panels for forming an end closure wall for closing one of opposed ends of the tubular structure, the plurality of main panels being disposed along a longitudinal axis of the blank which is perpendicular to a tubular axis of the tubular structure, the first and second end closure panels being disposed on one of opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, wherein the first end closure panel comprises a first handle flap hingedly connected to the first end closure flap by a first hinged connection, wherein the second end closure panel comprises a second handle flap hingedly connected to the second end closure flap by a second hinged connection, and wherein the first and second hinged connections each extends in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.

12. A blank according to claim 11 , wherein the first and second hinged connections each is disposed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis.

13. A blank according to claim 1 1 , wherein the plurality of main panels define first and second opposed longitudinal edges each extending alongside the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and second end closure panels are hingedly connected along the first longitudinal edge of the plurality of main panels.

14. A blank according to claim 1 1 , wherein each of the first and second end closure panels comprises a flap hinged connection to the respective main panel and a free distal end edge opposing the flap hinged connection, at least one of the first and second end closure panels further comprises a varnish free area along the free distal edge thereof.

15. A blank according to claim 11 , wherein the at least a pair of first and second end closure panels comprises at least one dust flap for forming the end closure wall, the at least one dust flap is hingedly connected to a respective main panel of the plurality of main panels.

16. A blank according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of main panels comprises a top panel, a side wall panel, and a base panel hingedly connected one next the another in the sequence, wherein the first end closure panel is hingedly connected to the top panel, and wherein the second end closure panel is hingedly connected to the base panel.

17. A blank according to claim 1 1 , wherein each of the first and second end closure panels comprises a flap hinged connection to the respective main panel and a free distal end edge opposing the flap hinged connection, the first and second end closure panels extend from their respective flap hinged connections in the same direction to their respective distal free end edges.

18. A blank according to claim 11 , wherein the first handle flap, when folded, defines a first opening at least in part in the first end closure panel, and wherein the first end closure panel further comprises a severance line extending from the first opening toward a flap hinged connection by which the first end closure panel is hingedly connected to the respective main panel.

19. A blank according to claim 18, wherein the severance line intersects the flap hinged connection and further extends into the respective main panel to which the first end closure panel is hingedly connected.

20. A blank according to claim 1 1 , wherein the first and second end closure panels are configured and dimensioned such that the first and second end closure panels overlap one another when the blank is erected into a carton.

Images