Container carton

Abstract

A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton including: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and overlapping to form at least one closed end of the carton; and a handle feature for facilitating lifting and / or carrying the carton, the handle feature including at least one handle opening in the top panel, a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening, and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,603, filed November 4, 2022.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,603, filed November 4, 2022, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 906,117, filed October 31, 2023, are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes as if set forth in their entirety.

[0003] [Background of disclosure] The present disclosure relates generally to cartons for holding beverage containers or other types of articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons configured with handle features that facilitate uniform stress distribution across portions of the carton when carried by a user. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton including: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and overlapping to form at least one closed end of the carton; and a handle feature for facilitating lifting and / or carrying the carton, the handle feature including at least one handle opening in the top panel, a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening, and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another.

[0005] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the blank including: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of a carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and overlapping to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank; and a handle feature for facilitating lifting and / or carrying of the carton formed from the blank, the handle feature including at least one handle opening in the top panel, a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening, and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another.

[0006] According to another aspect, the disclosure generally relates to a method of forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, comprising obtaining a blank including: a plurality of panels, including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; at least one handle opening in the top panel; and a handle feature, including a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another. The method further includes arranging the plurality of panels at least partially extending around an interior of the carton, overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one closed end of the carton, and arranging the handle feature to facilitate lifting and / or carrying of the carton.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate these and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2 being held by a user. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the carton of FIG. 2 being lifted by a user.

[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for housing articles, e.g., containers such as bottles, cans, and the like. The articles can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The articles can be made from materials suitable for packaging a particular food or beverage article, including, but not limited to, aluminum and / or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon; or any combination thereof.

[0012] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For purposes of illustration, and not for purposes of limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans or glass beverage bottles) as placed within carton embodiments. As used herein, the terms "inside," "outside," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" refer to orientations determined with respect to a fully erected carton and an upright carton.

[0013] As described herein, a carton may be formed by a plurality of overlapping panels and / or end flaps, which may be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., in consecutive or non-consecutive reference, without departing from this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank, generally designated 103, that can be obtained to form a carton 105 (Figure 2) according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of blank 103.

[0015] As described herein, the carton 105 can be used to contain a plurality of articles, such as containers in the form of beverage containers C (FIG. 2), having within its interior 107 a lower base portion, an upper portion generally comprising a neck tapering inward from the lower base portion, a flange portion at the top of the neck portion extending radially outward from the neck portion, and an upper surface below the flange portion that includes a pull tab.

[0016] As described herein, the carton 105 is provided with a handle 109 having relief features for distributing forces associated with lifting and / or carrying the carton 105. Such forces can include the weight of the containers C in the interior 107 of the carton 105.

[0017] 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. The blank 103 can include a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior 107 of a carton 105 that can hold a container C or item.

[0018] As shown, the panel can include a bottom panel 121 foldably connected to a first side panel 123 at a horizontal fold line 125, a top panel 127 foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at a horizontal fold line 129, and a second side panel 131 foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a horizontal fold line 133.

[0019] The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, and may include a glue or attachment flap 135 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a transverse fold line 137.

[0020] The plurality of end flaps may also include an end flap 139 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at a respective longitudinal fold line 141, an end flap 143 foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at a respective fold line 141, an end flap 145 foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a respective fold line 141, and an end flap 147 foldably connected to the second side panel 131 at a respective fold line 141. End flaps 139, 143, 145, 147 may be a first plurality of end flaps that extend along the periphery of the blank 103 and overlap to form the first closed end 111 of the carton 105.

[0021] The plurality of end flaps may also include an end flap 149 foldably connected to the bottom panel 121 at respective portions of longitudinal fold lines 151, an end flap 153 foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at respective portions of fold lines 151, an end flap 155 foldably connected to the top panel 127 at respective portions of fold lines 151, and an end flap 157 foldably connected to the second side panel 131. End flaps 149, 153, 155, 157 may be a second plurality of end flaps that extend along the periphery of the blank 103 and are overlapped to form the second closed end 113 of the carton 105.

[0022] The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may also include handle features to facilitate lifting and / or carrying the carton 105 formed from the blank 103. As described further herein, the handle features are constructed and arranged to act evenly to distribute stress across the carton 105.

[0023] 1A, the handle feature can include a first handle opening 163 (broadly, a "second handle opening") defined by a break 165 in the top panel 127. Break 165 includes a first generally longitudinal segment 165a, a second generally longitudinal segment 165b, and respective generally curved segments 165c, 165d extending from respective ends of segment 165a to respective ends of segment 165b.

[0024] Generally curved lines of weakness 167, 169 (broadly, the respective “first line of weakness,” “third line of weakness,” “fifth line of weakness,” or “seventh line of weakness”) extend away from the endpoints / intersections of respective segments 165a and 165c, 165d of break 165. Also as shown, generally elongated, J-shaped lines of weakness 171, 173 (broadly, the respective “second line of weakness,” “fourth line of weakness,” “sixth line of weakness,” or “eighth line of weakness”) may extend diagonally away from the respective endpoints of lines of weakness 167, 169, although respective portions thereof may be at least partially coextensive. Lines of weakness 171, 173 may include respective generally diagonal segments 171a, 173a and respective generally curved segments 171b, 173b extending away therefrom.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the endpoints of respective diagonal segments 171 a, 173 a of lines of weakness 171, 173 are spaced apart from the endpoints of respective lines of weakness 167, 169 to at least partially define respective bypass or bridging portions 175, 177 (broadly, the respective “first bridging portion,” “second bridging portion,” “third bridging portion,” or “fourth bridging portion”) of top panel 127 therebetween. In some embodiments, the endpoints of lines of weakness 167, 171 and / or lines of weakness 169, 173 can be spaced apart by between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the endpoints of lines of weakness 167, 171 and / or lines of weakness 169, 173 can be spaced apart by between about 0.052 inches and about 0.054 inches.

[0026] The handle reinforcement flap 179 may be foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 181 having endpoints that intersect with respective curved cuts 183 , 185 that extend to the handle opening 163 .

[0027] Additionally, respective diagonal folds or diagonal lines of weakness 187, 189 may extend from respective fold lines 129, 133 and may intersect portions of segments 171b, 173b of lines of weakness 171, 173.

[0028] Similarly, the handle feature may include a second handle opening 191 (broadly the "first handle opening") defined by a break 193 in the top panel 127 that includes a first generally longitudinal segment 193a, a second generally longitudinal segment 193b, and respective generally curved segments 193c, 193d extending from respective ends of segment 193a to respective ends of segment 193b.

[0029] Generally curved lines of weakness 195, 197 (broadly, the respective “first line of weakness,” “third line of weakness,” “fifth line of weakness,” or “seventh line of weakness”) extend away from the endpoints / intersections of respective segments 193 a and 193 c, 193 d of break 193. Also as shown, generally elongated, J-shaped lines of weakness 199, 201 (broadly, the respective “second line of weakness,” “fourth line of weakness,” “sixth line of weakness,” or “eighth line of weakness”) may extend away from the respective endpoints of lines of weakness 195, 197, although respective portions thereof may be at least partially coextensive. Lines of weakness 199, 201 may include respective generally diagonal segments 199 a, 201 a and respective generally curved segments 199 b, 201 b extending away therefrom.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the endpoints of the lines of weakness 199, 201 at the respective diagonal segments 199a, 201a of the lines of weakness 195, 197 may be spaced apart from the endpoints of the respective lines of weakness 195, 197 to define respective bypass or bridging portions 203, 205 (broadly, the respective "first bridging portion," "second bridging portion," "third bridging portion," or "fourth bridging portion") of the top panel 127 therebetween. In some embodiments, the endpoints of the lines of weakness 195, 199 and / or the endpoints of the lines of weakness 197, 201 may be spaced apart by between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the endpoints of the lines of weakness 167, 171 and / or the endpoints of the lines of weakness 169, 173 may be spaced apart by between about 0.052 inches and about 0.054 inches.

[0031] The handle reinforcement flap 207 may be foldably connected to the top panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 209 having endpoints that intersect with respective curved cuts 211 , 213 that extend to the handle opening 191 .

[0032] Additionally, respective diagonal folds or lines of weakness 215, 217 may extend from respective fold lines 129, 133 and may intersect portions of segments 199b, 201b of lines of weakness 199, 201.

[0033] In some embodiments, one or more of the arrangements of lines of weakness 167, 171 and bridging portion 175, lines of weakness 169, 173 and bridging portion 177, lines of weakness 195, 199 and bridging portion 203, and lines of weakness 197, 201 and bridging portion 205 can be considered lines of weakness having one or more interruptions along the lines.

[0034] The foregoing arrangement of the handle features allows the portions of the top panel 127 between each of the lines of weakness, the handle opening, and the handle reinforcement flaps to form the handle strap 110 of the handle 109. In some embodiments, the handle reinforcement flaps 179, 207 can be foldably connected to the handle strap 110 adjacent the respective handle openings 163, 191.

[0035] The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may be provided with different arrangements of handle features without departing from this disclosure.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the carton 105 can be formed from the blank 103 by folding a plurality of panels 121, 123, 127, 131 at respective fold lines 125, 129, 133, such that the top panel 127 and the bottom panel 121 are disposed in a generally spaced-apart parallel relationship, and each of the side panels 123, 131 extends from the top panel 127 to the bottom panel 121 and is in a generally perpendicular relationship thereto.

[0037] Such an arrangement may be an open sleeve configuration of the carton 105, with multiple panels extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the carton 105 so as to be able to receive one or more containers C therein.

[0038] End flaps 139, 143, 145, 147 can be folded at their respective portions of fold line 141 and overlap to form a first closed end 111 of carton 105, and end flaps 149, 153, 155, 157 can be folded at their respective portions of fold line 151 and at least partially overlap to form a second closed end 113 of carton 105.

[0039] The above-described configuration of carton 105 can be maintained at least in part by one or more applications of adhesive, such as glue. In some embodiments, adhesive can be applied to one or more portions of attachment flap 135, side panel 131, end flap 139, end flap 143, end flap 147, end flap 149, end flap 153, and end flap 157.

[0040] 3 and 4, during formation of the carton 105, in some embodiments, a user can grasp the handle 109. Engaging the handle 109 can include at least partially inserting one or more of the user's fingers into the respective handle openings 163, 191 and wrapping the user's fingers around the handle strap 110.

[0041] Such engagement of the handle 109 may cause one or both of the handle reinforcement flaps 179 , 207 to fold at respective fold lines 181 , 209 to provide an additional layer of material between the user's hand and the handle strap 110 .

[0042] When the carton 105 is lifted via the handle 109, the weight of the container C in the interior 107 of the carton 105 can cause the handle strap 110 to at least partially separate from the remainder of the carton 105 via actuation of the remainder of the handle feature.

[0043] In some embodiments, the aforementioned actuation of the handle features can include separation of the handle strap 110 from the remainder of the carton 105 at least the lines of weakness 167, 169, 171, 173, 195, 197, 199, 201. In this regard, such handle actuation is symmetrical across multiple directions emanating from the handle 109, e.g., four directions in the illustrated embodiment.

[0044] The handle strap 110 may remain attached to the remainder of the top panel 127 of the carton 105 at one or more of the bridging portions 175, 177, 203, 205, but it will be understood that failure, e.g., breaking, tearing, etc., of one or more of the bridging portions 175, 177, 203, 205 does not inhibit the aforementioned activation of each of the lines of weakness 167, 169, 171, 173, 195, 197, 199, 201.

[0045] Actuation of the handle and / or transportation of the carton 105 may also include relative movement of one or more portions of the side panel 123 at the lines of weakness 187, 215 and / or relative movement of one or more portions of the side panel 131 at the lines of weakness 189, 217.

[0046] In this regard, the relative offset of lines of weakness 167, 171 (to provide bridging portion 175 therebetween), the relative offset of lines of weakness 169, 173 (to provide bridging portion 177 therebetween), the relative offset of lines of weakness 195, 199 (to provide bridging portion 203 therebetween), and the relative offset of lines of weakness 197, 201 (to provide bridging portion 205 therebetween) allow for uniform actuation of the handle features compared to handle feature arrangements lacking the aforementioned offsets and bridging portions.

[0047] For example, uneven actuation of the handle features, which the disclosed placement and configuration of the handle features avoids, can cause a user to hold and / or carry a carton in a biased or hesitant manner that can be detrimental to the user's form, for example, by causing the user to quickly shift to compensate for asymmetrical loads and / or for the safe transport of such carton and its contents.

[0048] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with, substituted for, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that the blank and carton nesting arrangements and / or features of the various embodiments may be incorporated into cartons or blanks having any carton style or panel configuration. The carton styles and panel configurations described above are included as examples.

[0049] Blanks according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be formed, for example, from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the inside and / or outside of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. Product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images can then be printed on top of the clay coating. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides of the blank with, for example, a moisture barrier layer. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank can be constructed of paperboard with a thickness such that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, rigid paper, or any other material having suitable properties to enable the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials in selected panels or panel sections.

[0050] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold line is not necessarily straight, but can be any substantially straight form of weakness that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, without intending to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, folds include score lines, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife or the like, that create a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness, cuts that extend partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0051] As an example, the tear line can include a slit extending partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced slits extending partially into and / or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced slits extending completely through the material, with adjacent slits spaced slightly apart so that nicks (e.g., small, somewhat bridge-like pieces of material) are defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks can be omitted from or cut into the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure to replace each tear line with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the nicks may be continuous slits or may be wider than the slits without departing from this disclosure.

[0052] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by an adhesive during assembly of the carton embodiment, the term "adhesive" being intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0053] The foregoing description of the present disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, alterations, and the like can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. In addition, while the present disclosure illustrates and describes only selected embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and changes or modifications can be made in accordance with the above teachings and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art, within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein. Furthermore, some features and characteristics of each embodiment can be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and overlapping to form at least one closed end of the carton; a handle feature for facilitating lifting and / or carrying of the carton, the handle feature including: at least one handle opening in the top panel; a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening; and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another.

2. 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein an endpoint of the first line of weakness and an endpoint of the second line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a bridge portion therebetween.

3. The carton of claim 2 , wherein the bridging portions are configured to facilitate symmetrical actuation of the handle features when the carton is lifted and / or carried by a user.

4. 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the endpoints of the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness can be between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches from each other.

5. 5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the endpoints of the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness can be between about 0.052 inches and about 0.054 inches from each other.

6. The carton of claim 3 , wherein the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness are at least partially coextensive.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the bridging portion comprises a portion of the top panel disposed between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness.

8. the handle feature further comprises a third line of weakness in the top panel extending from at least one of the handle openings and a fourth line of weakness in the top panel; The carton of claim 3 , wherein the third line of weakness and the fourth line of weakness are offset from one another.

9. the bridging moiety is a first bridging moiety; 9. The carton of claim 8, wherein an end point of the third line of weakness and an end point of the fourth line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a second bridge portion therebetween.

10. the at least one handle opening is a first handle opening; 10. The carton of claim 9, wherein the handle feature further includes a second handle opening spaced from the first handle opening and at least partially defines a handle strap between the first and second handle openings.

11. the handle feature further comprises a fifth line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and a sixth line of weakness in the top panel; 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the fifth line of weakness and the sixth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a third bridge portion therebetween.

12. the handle feature further comprises a seventh line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and an eighth line of weakness in the top panel; 12. The carton of claim 11, wherein the seventh line of weakness and the eighth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a fourth bridge portion therebetween.

13. 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein at least one handle reinforcement flap is foldably connected to the handle strap and positioned adjacent each handle opening.

14. 1. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and overlapping to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank; a handle feature for facilitating lifting and / or carrying of the carton formed from the blank, the handle feature including at least one handle opening in the top panel, a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening, and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another.

15. 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein an endpoint of the first line of weakness and an endpoint of the second line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a bridge portion therebetween.

16. 16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the bridging portions are configured to facilitate symmetrical actuation of the handle features when the carton formed from the blank is lifted and / or carried by a user.

17. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein an end point of the first line of weakness and an end point of the second line of weakness can be between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches from each other.

18. 18. The blank of claim 17, wherein an end point of the first line of weakness and an end point of the second line of weakness can be between about 0.052 inches and about 0.054 inches from each other.

19. 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness are at least partially coextensive.

20. 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the bridging portion comprises a portion of the top panel disposed between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness.

21. the handle feature further comprises a third line of weakness in the top panel extending from at least one of the handle openings and a fourth line of weakness in the top panel; 17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the third line of weakness and the fourth line of weakness are offset from one another.

22. the bridging moiety is a first bridging moiety; 22. The blank of claim 21, wherein an end point of the third line of weakness and an end point of the fourth line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a second bridge portion therebetween.

23. the at least one handle opening is a first handle opening; 23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the handle feature further includes a second handle opening spaced from the first handle opening and at least partially defining a handle strap between the first handle opening and the second handle opening.

24. the handle feature further comprises a fifth line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and a sixth line of weakness in the top panel; 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein the fifth line of weakness and the sixth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a third bridge portion therebetween.

25. the handle feature further comprises a seventh line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and an eighth line of weakness in the top panel; 25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the seventh line of weakness and the eighth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a fourth bridge portion therebetween.

26. 24. The blank of claim 23, wherein at least one handle reinforcement flap is foldably connected to the handle strap and positioned adjacent each handle opening.

27. 1. A method of forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, comprising: obtaining a blank comprising: a plurality of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels; and a handle feature comprising: at least one handle opening in the top panel; a first line of weakness in the top panel extending from the at least one handle opening; and a second line of weakness in the top panel, the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness being offset from one another; disposing the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; overlapping the end flaps to form at least one closed end of the carton; and positioning the handle feature to facilitate lifting and / or carrying of the carton.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein an endpoint of the first line of weakness and an endpoint of the second line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a bridge portion therebetween.

29. 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the bridging portions are configured to facilitate symmetric actuation of the handle features when the carton is lifted and / or carried by a user.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein an end point of the first line of weakness and an end point of the second line of weakness can be between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches from each other.

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein an endpoint of the first line of weakness and an endpoint of the second line of weakness can be between about 0.052 inches and about 0.054 inches from each other.

32. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness are at least partially coextensive.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the bridging portion comprises a portion of the top panel disposed between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness.

34. the handle feature further comprises a third line of weakness in the top panel extending from at least one of the handle openings and a fourth line of weakness in the top panel; 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the third line of weakness and the fourth line of weakness are offset from one another.

35. the bridging moiety is a first bridging moiety; 35. The method of claim 34, wherein an endpoint of the third line of weakness and an endpoint of the fourth line of weakness are spaced apart to at least partially define a second bridge portion therebetween.

36. the at least one handle opening is a first handle opening; 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the handle feature further includes a second handle opening spaced from the first handle opening and at least partially defining a handle strap between the first handle opening and the second handle opening.

37. the handle feature further comprises a fifth line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and a sixth line of weakness in the top panel; 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the fifth line of weakness and the sixth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a third bridge portion therebetween.

38. the handle feature further comprises a seventh line of weakness in the top panel extending from the second handle opening and an eighth line of weakness in the top panel; 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the seventh line of weakness and the eighth line of weakness are offset from one another to at least partially define a fourth bridge portion therebetween.

39. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein at least one handle reinforcement flap is foldably connected to the handle strap and positioned adjacent each handle opening.

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