Container carton

Abstract

A carton for housing a plurality of containers includes a bottom panel, at least one top panel, at least one side panel, at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The carton further includes a handle separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a relief portion defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap, the relief portion positioned in a container gap defined by the nested arrangement of the plurality of containers when the handle is actuated.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,628, filed May 22, 2020.

[0002] [Incorporated by reference] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 028,628, filed May 22, 2020, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety herein.

[0003] FIELD OF THE 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 to accommodate nested containers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a carton for housing a plurality of nested containers, the carton including: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; and a plurality of panels foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, at least partially closing at least one end of the carton, the plurality of panels including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The carton further includes a handle separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a portion in relief, the portion in relief defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap, the portion in relief positioned in a container gap defined by the nested arrangement of the plurality of containers upon actuation of the handle.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for receiving a plurality of nested containers, the blank including: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels to at least partially close at least one end of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel. The blank further includes a handle separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a relief portion, the relief portion defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap, the relief portion positioned in a container gap defined by the nested arrangement of the plurality of containers when the carton is formed from the blank and the handle is actuated.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton for receiving a plurality of nested containers, the method including obtaining a blank including: a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels, including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; and a handle, separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a portion in relief, the portion in relief being defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap. The method further includes at least partially folding the plurality of panels around an interior of the carton; folding the plurality of end flaps to at least partially close at least one end of the carton; and actuating a handle, including lifting the handle strap, so that the portion in relief is positioned in a container gap defined by the nested arrangement of the plurality of containers.

[0007] According to another aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to a package including a carton having a plurality of panels, including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel, and extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; and a plurality of end flaps, including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel, foldably connected to each of the plurality of panels and at least partially closing at least one end of the carton. The carton further includes a handle separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a relief portion, the relief portion defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap. The package further includes a plurality of containers nested within the carton and defining container openings, the relief portion positioned in the container openings when the handle is actuated.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above advantages and other benefits and advantages of various additional embodiments after reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

[0009] According to common practice, the various features in the drawings described below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of the various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numerals throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [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 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inner surface of the blank of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view of a carton having an open end formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 3 with a closed end. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 4 with the handle actuated. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of the carton shown in FIG. 5 with the top portion removed for clarity. [Figure 7] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams of various configurations of containers for placement in cartons, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for housing articles, e.g., containers such as bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used, for example, to package food and beverage products. The articles can be made from materials suitable for the composition to package a particular food or beverage product, including, but not limited to, aluminum and / or other metals, glass, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and nylon, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0013] 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 directions determined with respect to a fully erected, upright carton.

[0014] As described herein, a carton may be formed by a plurality of overlapping panels and / or end flaps, which may be designated by sequential or non-sequential reference, e.g., "first," "second," "third," and other related terms, without departing from this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank, generally designated 103, that may be obtained to form a carton 105 (Figure 4) according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a plan view of an interior surface 102 of the blank 103. The carton 105 may be used to house multiple items, such as containers in the form of beverage bottles B (Figure 3). As described herein, the carton 105 includes a handle 106 having a relief feature for distributing forces associated with lifting and / or transporting the carton 105.

[0016] It will be understood that various nested packing arrangements of containers can be used with carton 105 or other cartons of the present disclosure, including various arrangements for cans or other containers, such as bottle B. In one embodiment, a fully nested arrangement of containers has at least one outer row and at least one inner row, where each inner row can have at least one more container than the outer row. For example, a nested arrangement can have two outer rows with six bottles B and two inner rows with seven bottles B, each outer row nested relative to its adjacent inner row. In one embodiment, an "inverse" or "internal" nesting arrangement can include one or more inner rows of bottles B or cans that are generally shorter than the outer row of bottles B or cans. Other nested or non-nested arrangements of containers, including bottles B, cans, or other containers, can be provided without departing from this disclosure. As described herein, carton 105 is configured to hold an inverted or internally nested arrangement of bottles B having two outer rows of seven bottles B and two inner rows of five bottles B, although carton 105 may hold different arrangements of containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 7, various nested packing arrangements of containers for use with carton 105 or other cartons of the present disclosure are shown, including various arrangements for other containers, such as bottles B or cans C. Arrangements N1-N5 and N13, and / or other arrangements shown or not shown in the illustrated embodiment, may be considered "fully nested" arrangements. In one embodiment, a fully nested arrangement of containers includes at least one outer row and at least one inner row, each of which may have at least one more container than the outer row. For example, nested arrangement N1 may have two outer rows with six bottles B in each and two inner rows with seven bottles B in each, with each outer row nested within its adjacent inner row. In one embodiment, at least nested arrangements N6-N12 can be considered "inverted" or "internal" nested arrangements because one or more of the inner rows of bottles B or cans C are generally shorter than the outer rows of containers B or C. Other nested or non-nested arrangements of containers, including bottles B or cans C, can be provided without departing from this disclosure. As described herein, carton 105 is configured to hold an inverted or internal nested arrangement of bottles B, but carton 105 can hold different arrangements of containers without departing from this disclosure.

[0018] 1, blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis L2. Blank 103 can include a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 111 of carton 105 within which a bottle B or other container or article can be placed.

[0019] As shown, the panels can include a bottom panel 121 foldably connected to a first side panel 123 at a horizontal fold line 125, which is foldably connected to a second side panel 127 at a horizontal fold line 129. The first side panel 123 can include a lower portion 131 foldably connected to an upper portion 133 at a horizontal fold line 135 that bisects the first side panel 123. Similarly, the second side panel 127 can include a lower portion 137 foldably connected to an upper portion 139 at a horizontal fold line 141 that bisects the second side panel 127.

[0020] Also as shown, the first top panel 143 can be foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at a horizontal fold line 145, and the second top panel 147 can be foldably connected to the second side panel 127 at a horizontal fold line 149.

[0021] The blank 103 / carton 105 may also include a corner panel 151 (broadly, the “first corner panel” or “first end first corner panel”) foldably connected to the first side panel 123 by a curved fold line 153, defined between the curved fold line 153 and another curved fold line 155 having endpoints that intersect with the respective endpoints of the curved fold line 153. Additionally, a corner panel 157 (broadly, the “first corner panel” or “second end first corner panel”) may be foldably connected to the opposite end of the first side panel 123 by a curved fold line 159, defined between the curved fold line 159 and another curved fold line 161 having endpoints that intersect with the respective endpoints of the curved fold line 159. As shown, the corner panels 151, 157 may be at least partially bisected by the fold line 135.

[0022] Similarly, corner panel 161 (broadly, the “second corner panel” or “first end second corner panel”) can be foldably connected to second side panel 127 at curved fold line 163 and is defined between curved fold line 163 and curved fold line 165 having endpoints that intersect with the respective endpoints of curved fold line 163. Corner panel 167 (broadly, the “second corner panel” or “second end second corner panel”) can be foldably connected to the opposite end of second side panel 127 at curved fold line 169 and is defined between curved fold line 169 and curved fold line 171 having endpoints that intersect with the respective endpoints of curved fold line 169.

[0023] In this regard, the corner panels 151, 157, 161, 167 can be configured as elongated shapes having generally curved sides, such as, for example, oval, elliptical, lanceolate, oval, etc. It will be understood that one or more of the corner panels 151, 157, 161, 167 can have different shapes without departing from this disclosure. For example, one or more of the corner panels can be diamond-shaped, bevel-shaped, square / rectangular, circular / curved, or combinations thereof without departing from this disclosure.

[0024] Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of end flaps may be foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels to form closed ends of the carton 105 formed from the blank 103.

[0025] As shown, bottom end flap 173 (broadly, the "first end bottom end flap") can be foldably connected to bottom panel 121 at longitudinal fold line 175, and bottom end flap 177 (broadly, the "second end bottom end flap") can be foldably connected to the opposite side of bottom panel 121 at longitudinal fold line 179.

[0026] Side end flap 181 (broadly, the "first side end flap" or "first side flap of the first end") can be foldably connected to curved fold line 155 adjacent corner panel 151, and side end flap 183 (broadly, the "first side end flap" or "first side flap of the second end") can be foldably connected to curved fold line 161 adjacent corner panel 157. As shown, each of side end flaps 181, 183 is bisected by fold line 135 and includes a respective container-retaining portion 185 and a respective relief portion 187.

[0027] Each relief portion 187 is defined by a respective fold line 189 that intersects each fold line 155, 161 and a respective cut 191 that extends from an endpoint of each fold line 189 to the free edge of each end flap 181, 183. In this regard, each relief portion 187 is foldably connected to each container-retaining portion 185 at each fold line 189 and separable therefrom at each cut 191.

[0028] Similarly, side end flap 193 (broadly, the "second side end flap" or "first end second side end flap") can be foldably connected to curved fold line 165 adjacent corner panel 161, and side end flap 195 (broadly, the "second side end flap" or "second end second side end flap") can be foldably connected to curved fold line 171 adjacent corner panel 167. As shown, each of side end flaps 193, 195 is bisected by fold line 141 and includes a respective container-retaining portion 197 and a respective relief portion 199 (broadly, the "second relief portion").

[0029] Each relief portion 199 is defined by a respective fold line 201 that intersects a respective fold line 165, 171 and a respective cut 203 that extends from an endpoint of the respective fold line 201 to the free edge of the respective end flap 193, 195. In this regard, each relief portion 199 is foldably connected to a respective container-retaining portion 197 at the respective fold line 201 and separable therefrom at the respective cut 203.

[0030] Top end flap 205 (broadly, the “first top end flap of the first end” or “first top end flap”) can be foldably connected to first top panel 143 at a longitudinal fold line 207, and top end flap 209 (broadly, the “first top end flap” or “first top end flap of the second end”) can be foldably connected to first top panel 143 at a longitudinal fold line 211. As shown, each top end flap 205, 209 includes a relief portion 215 (broadly, the “first relief portion”) between a pair of spaced apart container-retaining portions 213 defined by respective generally diagonally extending cuts 217 that intersect the respective fold lines 207, 211 and the endpoints of respective diagonal fold lines 219 that extend to the free edges of the respective top end flaps 205, 209. In this regard, each relief portion 213 is defined by respective spaced cuts 217 and fold lines 219, is foldably connected to a respective container holding portion 215 at a respective fold line 219, and is separable from the remainder of a respective top end flap 205, 209 at a respective cut 217.

[0031] Top end flap 221 (broadly, the "second top end flap" or "first end second top end flap") can be foldably connected to second top panel 147 at longitudinal fold line 223, and top end flap 225 (broadly, the "second top end flap" or "second end second top end flap") can be foldably connected to second top panel 147 at longitudinal fold line 226. Fold lines 223, 226 can be interrupted by respective pairs of longitudinally spaced openings 227. It will be understood that blank 103 / carton 105 can lack one or more openings 227 without departing from this disclosure.

[0032] As shown, each top end flap 221, 225 may include a relief portion 228 disposed between a respective pair of spaced apart container-retaining portions 229 defined by respective generally diagonally extending cuts 231 that intersect respective fold lines 223, 226 and the endpoints of respective diagonal fold lines 233 that extend to the free edges of respective top end flaps 221, 225. In this regard, relief portion 228 is foldably connected to respective container-retaining portions 229 at respective fold lines 233 and separable therefrom at respective cuts 231.

[0033] In one embodiment, the relief portions 228 of the top end flaps 221, 225 are defined by spaced cuts 231 and fold lines 233 and foldably connected to respective relief strips 241 at respective longitudinal fold lines 237. The relief strips 241 can be defined between a pair of cuts 243 extending from the fold lines 237 such that the relief strips 241 are separable from the top panel 147. Each relief strip 241 can include a plurality of spaced longitudinal fold lines 245 positioned to intersect with the respective cuts 243. It will be understood that the relief strips 241 can have different configurations, e.g., different configurations of fold lines, without departing from this disclosure. In one embodiment, the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can lack the relief strips 241, which can be replaced with openings of similar size / dimensions, in one example.

[0034] The blank 103 may include a handle feature for forming the handle 106 of the carton 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle feature may include a handle strap 247 defined between a pair of spaced-apart transverse cuts 249 extending in the first top panel 143 from the fold line 207 to the fold line 211. A pair of elongated curved cuts 251 may intersect the respective cuts 249 to define a pair of handle reinforcement flaps 253 foldably connected to the handle strap 247 at respective transverse fold lines 255 that interrupt the respective cuts 249. Additionally, a pair of access openings 257 may be defined by the curved cuts 259 that interrupt the respective cuts 251. The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may lack one or more of the aforementioned handle features without departing from this disclosure.

[0035] Also as shown, a removable strip 261 can be defined between a pair of spaced longitudinal cuts 263 extending from one of the cuts 249 to a respective opening 265 defined in the top panel 143. In one embodiment, the removable strip 261 can include printed indicia such as a gift token, coupon, rebate, encoded data payload (e.g., a two-dimensional or matrix barcode), other redeemable information, or other advertising or promotional information. The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may lack the removable strip 261 and associated features without departing from this disclosure. While the removable strip 261 is shown intersecting / adjacent to the handle strap 247, it will be understood that the removable strip 261 can be spaced apart from the handle strap 247 without departing from this disclosure.

[0036] 2, a handle reinforcement strip 267 can be disposed on the inner surface 102 of the blank 103. The handle reinforcement strip 267 can be a length of material, such as a length of tape, and can be composed of a fibrous or other material having sufficient tensile strength to resist tearing under stresses associated with lifting and / or carrying the carton 105 and bottles B or other articles or containers. In this regard, the handle reinforcement strip 267 can be generally aligned with the handle straps 247 on the inner surface 102 of the blank 103 and can extend over a portion of each of the relief portions 215 of each of the top end flaps 205, 209 on the inner surface 102 of the blank 103.

[0037] As further described herein, the handle features of the blank 103 / carton 105 may include one or more of a handle strap 247, a relief portion 215 of the end flaps 205, 209, a relief portion 228 of the end flaps 221, 225, a handle reinforcement flap 253, an access opening 257, an opening 265, a handle reinforcement strip 267, and associated lines of weakness.

[0038] Still referring to FIG. 1, the blank 103 may include a dispensing mechanism for forming a dispenser 113 for the carton 105 formed from the blank 103 .

[0039] As shown, the dispenser panel 269 can be defined between the fold line 125 and the tear line 271, having a first section 273 extending from the fold line 125 to a turn point 275 in the first side panel 123, a second section 277 extending from the turn point 275 to a turn point 279 in the first top panel 143, a third section 281 extending from the turn point 275 in the first top panel 143 to a turn point 283 in the first top panel 143, a fourth section 285 extending from the turn point 283 in the first top panel 143 to a turn point 287 in the first side panel 123, and a fifth section 289 extending from the turn point 287 in the first side panel 123 to the fold line 125. One or more of the tear line sections can include diagonal, angled, and / or curved portions.

[0040] In this regard, the dispenser panel 269 is formed across portions of both the first side panel 123 and the first top panel 143. Also as shown, a pair of dispenser tabs 271 are defined by cuts 273 that intersect and partially interrupt the third section 281 of the tear line 271. The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may lack the dispenser mechanism described above without departing from this disclosure.

[0041] 1, a pair of tab openings 291 are formed in the second top panel 147 and joined by a transverse cut 293, with diagonal tear line sections 295, 297 extending from each tab opening 291 to the free edge of the second top panel 147. As described further herein, the tear line sections 295, 297 define a dispenser panel section 299 for alignment with a portion of the dispenser panel 269 when the carton 105 is formed from the blank 103.

[0042] 3, the formation of a carton 105 from a blank 103 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown and described. The blank 103 can be inverted, for example, so that the outer surface 101 of the blank 103 faces a support surface and the inner surface 102 of the blank 103 faces upward.

[0043] The upper portion 139 of the second side panel 127 can be folded at fold line 135 in the direction of arrow A2 to make at least partial face-to-face contact with the lower portion 137 of the second side panel 127, and the second top panel 147 can be made at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the bottom panel 121.

[0044] Simultaneously or thereafter, upper portion 133 of first side panel 123 may be folded at fold line 141 in the direction of arrow A1 into at least partial face-to-face contact with lower portion 131 of first side panel 123, and first top panel 143 into at least partial face-to-face contact with second top panel 147. This folded arrangement of carton 105 may be maintained with an adhesive, such as glue G.

[0045] The carton 105 may then be erected so that the overlapping first and second top panels 143, 147 are generally parallel and spaced apart from the bottom panel 121, and each of the first and second side panels 123, 127 extends upwardly from the bottom panel 121 to the respective first and second top panels 143, 147. Forming such a carton 105 may include folding lower portions 131, 137 of the first and second side panels 123, 127 upwardly relative to the bottom panel 121 at respective fold lines 125, 129, and folding upper portions 133, 139 of the first and second side panels 123, 127 relative to the respective lower portions 131, 137 at respective fold lines 135, 141.

[0046] The aforementioned folding sequence can result in an open-sleeve configuration of the carton 105, as shown in Figure 3, where the interior space 111 of the carton 105 is accessible, for example, to receive multiple containers. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple bottles B can be provided / loaded / inserted / positioned in an inverted or internal nested arrangement in which the interior row of one or more bottles B is generally shorter than the exterior row of bottles B, so as to define a container gap 110 between the interior row of bottles B, the exterior row of bottles B, and the ends 107, 109 of the carton 105 (broadly, the "first end" and "second end," respectively). In one embodiment, the container gap 110 is a portion of the interior space 111 of the carton 105 in which no bottles B are located. In the illustrated embodiment, container gaps 110 extend vertically from overlapping top panels 143, 147 adjacent respective ends 107, 109 to bottom panel 121 and are defined by the spacing between each end bottle B of each row of bottles B and the respective end flaps forming respective closed ends 107, 109 of carton 105. As described herein, carton 105 is configured to hold an inverted or internally nested arrangement of bottles B, although carton 105 could hold different arrangements and / or types of containers without departing from this disclosure. Carton 105 can be provided as package 200 with bottles B or other containers / items.

[0047] 3, end 109 of carton 105 can be closed by folding corner panels 157, 167 diagonally inward in the direction of arrows A3, A4 at respective curved fold lines 159, 169. Side end flaps 183, 195 can also be folded in the direction of respective arrows A3, A4 at respective fold lines 161, 171.

[0048] Simultaneously or thereafter, bottom end flap 177 is directed upwardly in the direction of arrow A5 at fold line 179 into at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of side end flaps 183, 195.

[0049] The overlapping top end flaps 209, 225 may then be folded downwardly in the direction of arrow A6 at their respective overlapping fold lines 211, 226 such that the top end flap 225 is placed in at least partial face-to-face contact with portions of the side end flaps 183, 195 and bottom end flap 177, respectively, over which the top end flap 209 is superimposed. In this regard, the relief portion 215 of the top end flap 209 may be aligned with the relief portion 228 of the top end flap 225, and the top end flap 225 may be aligned with the relief portion 199 of the respective side end flaps 183, 195.

[0050] The opposite end 107 of the carton 105 can be closed by overlapping the end flaps 181 , 193 , 173 , 221 , 205 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the end flaps 183 , 195 , 177 , 225 , 209 .

[0051] 5 and 6, operation of the carton 105, including actuation of the handle 106, according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0052] An operator can insert fingers into the handle access opening 257 to grasp the underside of the handle reinforcement flaps 253 and the handle strap 247. In one embodiment, the operator can fold one or both of the handle reinforcement flaps 253 at their respective fold lines 255 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the handle strap 247 to provide cushioning and reinforcement.

[0053] Lifting the handle strap 247 and flap 253 separates the handle reinforcement flap 253 from the top panel 143 at cut 251 and separates the handle strap 247 from the top panel 143 at respective cuts 249 .

[0054] Further lifting of the handle 106 may cause the handle strap 247 to separate the relief strips 241 attached, e.g., glued, to the underside of the handle strap 247 / handle reinforcement strip 267 from the top panel 147 at respective cuts 243 or at least partially fold / bend / reconfigure at one or more fold lines 245. It will be appreciated that the handle reinforcement strips 267 provide tensile reinforcement / resistance to tearing under lifting / carrying forces applied to the handle strap 247. In one embodiment, the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom may lack the handle reinforcement strips 267.

[0055] Further lifting of the handle 106 causes the respective relief portions 215 of the respective top end flaps 205, 209 to be at least partially separated therefrom at the respective cut lines 217, and also causes the respective relief portions 228 of the respective underlying top end flaps 221, 225 to be at least partially separated therefrom at the respective cuts 231 so that the respective relief portions 228 can move inward toward the interior 111 of the carton 105 to be positioned in the container gaps 110 adjacent the respective ends 107, 109 of the carton 105.

[0056] Such movement of the relief portions 215, 228 of the respective end flaps 205, 209, 221, 225 can position the relief portions to engage with the bottles B of the carton 105. For example, the relief portions 228 of the end flaps 221, 225 (and the overlying relief portions 215 of the end flaps 205, 209) can be biased to engage the shoulder portions of the respective bottles B and to extend between the respective necks of the respective bottles B that extend upwardly from the respective shoulder portions.

[0057] Additionally, each relief portion 187, 199 of each end flap 181, 183, 193, 195 may be biased inward toward the container gap 110 to at least partially separate from the respective container-retaining portion 185, 197 at the respective cut 191, 203 and be disposed therewith along with the overlapping / aligned relief portion 215, 228 of the respective end flap 205, 209, 221, 225. It will be understood that one or more of the cuts 191, 203 may be, for example, fold lines or other tear lines such that each 187, 199 is folded inward toward the container gap 110 at such line without departing from this disclosure.

[0058] In this regard, the force applied to the handle 106 during the process of lifting / carrying the carton 105 is distributed from the handle strap 247 to the respective relief portions 228, 215 in the respective end flaps 221, 225, 205, 209, distributing the force therealong, thereby minimizing undesirable stress and shear on the handle 106.

[0059] Furthermore, separation of the respective relief portions 228, 215 of the respective end flaps 221, 225, 205, 209 therefrom positions the respective relief portions 228, 215 to engage portions of the bottle B, thereby utilizing the container in the interior 111 of the carton 105 as a stress distribution point that can further absorb and distribute stresses applied to the handle 106. Furthermore, the foldable connection of the respective container-retaining portions 213, 229 to the respective relief portions 228 of the respective top end flaps 205, 209, 221, 225 at the respective fold lines 219, 233 can also result in distribution of stresses associated with carrying and / or lifting the carton 105.

[0060] For example, as shown, bottle B adjacent container gap 110 at closed end 109 of carton 105 can exhibit points P1, P2 where container-retaining portions 213, 229 engage bottle B to distribute stresses associated with transporting / lifting carton 105, and points P3, P4 where relief portions 215, 228 engage bottle B to distribute stresses associated with transporting / lifting carton 105. For example, such points can abut the neck or sloped upper portion of bottle B.

[0061] The dispenser 113 of the carton 105 can be activated, for example, by an operator engaging one or both of the dispenser tabs 271, and can be separated along respective portions of the cuts 271 to move into the opening 291 in the second top panel 147 that is aligned with the tabs 271 to access the upper edge of the dispenser panel 269. The operator can then at least partially separate the dispenser panel 269 along respective portions of the tear line 271 to access the interior 111 of the carton 105 and the bottle B or other article / container disposed therein.

[0062] Any feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined, substituted, 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 by way of example.

[0063] 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 interior and / or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating can then be printed over with product, advertising, price codes, and other information or images. The blank can then be coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the blank. The blank can also be coated on one or both sides with, for example, a moisture barrier. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank can be constructed from caliber paperboard such that it is heavier and more rigid than regular paper. The blank can also be constructed from other materials, such as corrugated 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 at selected panels or panel sections.

[0064] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, the fold lines need not necessarily be straight, but may be any substantially straight form of weakness that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but without intent to narrow the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include score lines, such as lines formed with a dull 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 or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, and various combinations of these features.

[0065] As an example, a 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 the material along the desired line of weakness and / or completely through the material, 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, such that nicks (e.g., small, somewhat bridge-like portions of material) are defined between adjacent slits to typically temporarily connect the material across the tear line. The nicks break upon tearing along the tear line. Nicks are typically a relatively small percentage of the tear line; alternatively, nicks can be omitted from the tear line or torn at the tear line so that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of this disclosure for each tear line to be replaced with a continuous slit, etc. For example, the cut line may be a continuous slit or may be wider than the slit without departing from this disclosure.

[0066] The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels adhered together by an adhesive during assembly of the carton embodiment. The term "adhesive" is intended to encompass any type of adhesive commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0067] 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. All matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting. 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 corresponding to the above, and can be changed or modified within the scope of the inventive concept expressed herein. Furthermore, specific 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 containing a plurality of containers in an arrangement defining a container gap including a space adjacent an edge of the carton between an inner row of containers and an outer row of containers, the outer row of containers having at least one more container of the plurality of containers than the inner row of containers, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially closing at least one end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; a handle separable from the at least one top panel and including a handle strap foldably connected to a relief portion defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap, the relief portion positioned within the container gap in contact with a container adjacent the container gap when the handle is actuated; the relief portion is separable from the remainder of the at least one top end flap at the spaced cuts, the relief portion being a first relief portion and the at least one side end flap including a second relief portion defined by at least one cut in the at least one side end flap; the first relief portion is aligned with the second relief portion such that each of the first relief portion and the second relief portion is positioned in the container gap when the handle is actuated.

2. 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the handle strap is foldably connected to the relief portion at a fold line, and the spaced cuts intersect the fold line.

3. 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second top panel, the first top panel overlaps the second top panel, the at least one top end flap is at least one top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, and the plurality of end flaps further includes at least one second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel.

4. 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one second top end flap includes a third relief portion, the third relief portion positioned between and aligned with the first relief portion and the second relief portion such that each of the first relief portion, the second relief portion, and the third relief portion is positioned in the container gap when the handle is actuated.

5. 5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the handle is separable from the second top panel and further includes at least one relief strip aligned with a portion of the handle strap.

6. The carton of claim 5 further comprising at least one handle reinforcement flap foldably connected to said handle strap.

7. 1. A method of forming a carton containing a plurality of containers in an arrangement defining a container gap including a space adjacent an edge of the carton between an inner row of containers and an outer row of containers, the outer row of containers having at least one more container of the plurality of containers than the inner row of containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising: a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; and a handle separable from the at least one top panel and comprising a handle strap foldably connected to a portion in relief, the portion in relief being defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap; folding the plurality of panels at least partially around an interior of the carton; folding the plurality of end flaps to at least partially close the end of the carton; and actuating the handle, which includes lifting the handle strap so that the relief portion contacts a container adjacent the container gap and is positioned within the container gap; the relief portion is separable from the remainder of the at least one top end flap at the spaced cuts, the relief portion being a first relief portion and the at least one side end flap including a second relief portion defined by at least one cut in the at least one side end flap; The plurality of end flaps are folded so that the first relief portion is aligned with the second relief portion, and the handle is actuated so that each of the first relief portion and the second relief portion is positioned in the container gap.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising positioning the plurality of containers in the arrangement within the interior of the carton.

9. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the handle strap is foldably connected to the relief portion at a fold line, and the spaced cuts intersect the fold line.

10. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second top panel, the first top panel overlaps the second top panel, the at least one top end flap is at least one top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, and the plurality of end flaps further includes at least one second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one second top end flap includes a third relief portion, the third relief portion being located between the first relief portion and the second relief portion and aligned with the first relief portion and the second relief portion, and the handle is actuated such that each of the first relief portion, the second relief portion, and the third relief portion is located in the container gap.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the handle is separable from the second top panel and further includes at least one relief strip aligned with a portion of the handle strap.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising at least one handle reinforcement flap foldably connected to the handle strap.

14. A package, a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a bottom panel, at least one top panel, and at least one side panel; a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially closing at least one end of the carton, the plurality of end flaps including at least one top end flap foldably connected to the at least one top panel, at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one side end flap foldably connected to the at least one side panel; a handle including a handle strap separable from the at least one top panel and foldably connected to a portion in relief, the portion in relief being defined by spaced cuts in the at least one top end flap; a carton comprising: a plurality of containers disposed within the carton in an arrangement defining a container gap including a space adjacent the edge of the carton between an inner row of containers and an outer row of containers, the outer row of containers having at least one more container of the plurality of containers than the inner row of containers; Equipped with When the handle is actuated, the relief portion contacts a container adjacent the container gap and is positioned within the container gap; the relief portion is separable from the remainder of the at least one top end flap at the spaced cuts, the relief portion being a first relief portion and the at least one side end flap including a second relief portion defined by at least one cut in the at least one side end flap; The package, wherein the first relief portion is aligned with the second relief portion such that each of the first relief portion and the second relief portion is located in the container gap when the handle is actuated.

15. 15. The package of claim 14, wherein the handle strap is foldably connected to the relief portion at a fold line, and the spaced cuts intersect the fold line.

16. 15. The package of claim 14, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel, the plurality of panels further includes a second top panel, the first top panel overlaps the second top panel, the at least one top end flap is at least one top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, and the plurality of end flaps further includes at least one second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel.

17. 17. The package of claim 16, wherein the at least one second top end flap includes a third relief portion, the third relief portion being positioned between and aligned with the first relief portion and the second relief portion such that, when the handle is actuated, each of the first relief portion, the second relief portion, and the third relief portion is located in the container gap.

18. 18. The package of claim 17, wherein the handle is separable from the second top panel and further includes at least one relief strip aligned with a portion of the handle strap.

19. 20. The package of claim 18, further comprising at least one handle reinforcement flap foldably connected to the handle strap.

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