Carton with handle

Abstract

A carton for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel that combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton. The top wall includes a handle defined in the top wall and includes first and second handle openings. The handle further includes a grip portion disposed between the first and second handle openings. The first handle opening is disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features and the second handle opening is disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761,335 filed on February 21, 2025.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761,335, filed on February 21, 2025, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a carton having a reinforced handle.BACKGROUND

[0004] Paperboard cartons for holding multiple containers, such as beverage multipacks, commonly include top handles formed by slit openings or apertures to facilitate carrying. However, conventional handle designs may suffer from structural limitations when supporting heavy loads, particularly in larger multipacks containing twenty-four or more containers. Stress concentrations at the ends of handle openings can lead to tear initiation and propagation into the top wall of the carton, potentially resulting in catastrophic handle failure. Additionally, the edges where top panels meet side panels may experience excessive stress under handle loads, leading to cracking and / or buckling of fold lines and adjacent board regions. Existing solutions often require increased paper board thickness or separate reinforcement components, which can increase material costs and complicate manufacturing processes while still allowing unpredictable tear propagation from handle openings.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] According to one aspect, a carton for holding a plurality of containers may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel that may combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton. The top wall may include a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handle openings. The handle may further include a grip portion disposed between the first and second handle openings. The first handle opening may be disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features and the second handle opening may be disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first handle opening may have a first central axis and the first pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the first central axis. The second handle opening may have a second central axis and the second pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the second central axis. Each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features may include an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

[0007] The grip portion may include at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel. In some embodiments, the at least one top panel may include a first top panel and a second top panel and the grip portion may include at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

[0008] The at least one top panel may include a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top panel may further include a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels. The side panel may include a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease and a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

[0009] In some embodiments, the side panel may include a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

[0010] According to another aspect, a blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel that may be configured to combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton when the blank is erected into the carton. The top wall may be configured to include a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handle openings. The handle may further be configured to include a grip portion disposed between the first and second handle openings. The first handle opening may be disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features and the second handle opening may be disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

[0011] In some embodiments of the blank, the first handle opening may have a first central axis and the first pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the first central axis. The second handle opening may have a second central axis and the second pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the second central axis. Each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features may include an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

[0012] The grip portion may include at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel. In some embodiments, the at least one top panel may include a first top panel and a second top panel and the grip portion may include at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

[0013] The at least one top panel of the blank may include a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top panel may further include a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels. The side panel may include a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease and a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

[0014] In some embodiments of the blank, the side panel may include a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, a method for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers may include providing a blank that may include a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels may include at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel. The method may further include erecting the blank to form the carton such that the at least one top panel and the handle reinforcement panel may combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton. The top wall may include a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handle openings. The handle may further include a grip portion disposed between the first and second handle openings. The first handle opening may be disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features and the second handle opening may be disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the first handle opening may have a first central axis and the first pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the first central axis. The second handle opening may have a second central axis and the second pair of tear arrest features may be aligned with the second central axis. Each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features may include an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

[0017] The grip portion formed by the method may include at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel. In some embodiments, the at least one top panel may include a first top panel and a second top panel and the grip portion may include at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

[0018] The at least one top panel provided in the method may include a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top panel may further include a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels. The side panel may include a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease and a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, the side panel may include a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed 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 the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1A is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1B is a top detail plan view of handle features of the blank of FIG. 1A.

[0024] FIG. 2A is a detail plan view of a top panel of the blank of FIG. 1A with a folded reinforcement panel, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 2B is an interior plan view of a top wall of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1A, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1A, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the carton of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0028] FIGS. 5A-6B are perspective views of a handle in the top wall of the carton of FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of the handle of FIGS. 5A-6B, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0030] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons, boxes, carriers, trays, constructs, or the like, for holding one or more products or articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The article(s) can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example, or any other suitable item. The article(s) can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, or other item, and the materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum and / or other metals; glass or other breakable material; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; paperboard; and the like, or any combination thereof, or any other suitable material.

[0032] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any suitable shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., aluminum beverage cans) as disposed within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,”“outer,”“interior,”“exterior,”“lower,”“bottom,”“upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons. As described herein, constructs can be formed from blanks by being glued with multiple panels, portions, tabs, flaps, folds, cuts, and / or other aspects, which may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first,”“second,”“third,” etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 1A is a plan view of an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 used to form a carton 105 (see e.g., FIGS. 3A and 3B) according to embodiments of the disclosure. The carton 105 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as containers C (see FIGS. 5A-7). The carton 105 has a handle, generally indicated at 107 (see FIGS. 2B-7), for grasping and carrying the carton 105. In the illustrated embodiments, the carton 105 is sized to house thirty-six containers C in two layers in a 3x6 arrangement, but it is understood that the carton may be sized and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in a single layer, more than two layers, and / or in different row / column arrangements (e.g., 1x6, 3x4, 2x6, 4x6, 2x6x2, 3x4x2, 2x9, 3x5, 3x5x2, etc.). In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C are cans, but other types of containers (e.g., bottles) can be used in the carton 105.

[0034] The blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 comprises a bottom panel 111 foldably connected to first and second side panels 113, 115 along respective lateral fold lines 117, 119, a first top panel 123 foldably connected to the first side panel 113 along a lateral fold line 125, and a second top panel 129 foldably connected to the second side panel 115 along a lateral fold line 131. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second top panels 123, 129 can at least partially overlap to form a top wall 133 in the erected carton 105.

[0035] The bottom panel 111 is foldably connected to a first bottom end flap 135 and a second bottom end flap 137. The first side panel 113 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 141 and a second side end flap 143. The second side panel 115 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 145 and a second side end flap 147. The first top panel 123 is foldably connected to a first top end flap 151 and a second top end flap 153. The second top panel 129 is foldably connected to a third top end flap 155 and a fourth top end flap 157.

[0036] The end flaps 135, 141, 145, 151, 155 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 103 and are foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 161 that extends along the length of the blank 103. The end flaps 137, 143, 147, 153,157 extend along a second marginal area of the blank 103 and are foldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 163 that also extends along the length of the blank 103. The longitudinal fold lines 161, 163 may be, for example, substantially straight, offset, and / or oblique at one or more locations to account for blank thickness and / or for other factors. When the carton 105 is erected, the end flaps 135, 141, 145, 151, 155 close a first end 167 of the carton, and the end flaps 137, 143, 147, 153, 157 close a second end 169 of the carton (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, different flap arrangements and / or fold line configurations can be used for closing the ends 167, 169 of the carton 105.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the handle features that form the handle 107 can include a first handle opening 171 in the first top panel 123 and a first handle portion 173 (e.g., a first grip portion) in the first top panel 123 adjacent to the first handle opening 171 (e.g., the first handle portion 173 extending along at least a portion of the first handle opening 171). As shown in FIG. 1A, the handle features also can include a second handle opening 177 in the second top panel 129 and a second handle portion 179 (e.g., a second grip portion) in the second top panel 129 adjacent to the second handle opening 177. In embodiments, the second handle portion 179 can extend along the second handle opening 177 and along a laterally-extending free edge 175 of the blank 103. In the illustrated embodiments, the handle openings 171, 177 each can have an elongated shape for receiving at least a portion of a user’s hand (e.g., one or more fingers), wherein each of the handle openings 171, 177 can be elongated along a central axis in the lateral direction L2. As shown in FIG. 1A, the handle openings 171, 177 and the handle portions 173, 179 can be aligned with one another (e.g., along a centerline extending in the longitudinal direction L1). The handle features, including the handle openings 171, 177 and / or the handle portions 173, 179, could be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, one or both of the handle openings 171, 177 could include a comfort flap (not shown).

[0038] In the illustrated embodiments, a handle reinforcement panel 195 can be foldably connected to the first top panel 123 along a central lateral fold line 197a and spaced end lateral fold lines 197b (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The lateral fold lines 197a, 197b can be collinear (e.g., can be spaced portions of a lateral fold line) and the end lateral fold lines 197b can be spaced from the central lateral fold line 197a by respective cut lines 198. In embodiments, the handle reinforcement panel 195 can be separable from the first top panel 123 along the cut lines 198 (e.g., when folding the handle reinforcement panel 195 along the lateral fold line 197a, 197b), and the cut lines 198 can include curved inner portions 198a extending from respective ends of the central lateral fold line 197a and curved outer portions 198b extending from respective ends of the end lateral fold lines 197b. In some embodiments, the curved inner portions 198a of the cut lines 198 and the central lateral fold line 197a can form a shape that is similar to the shape of half of one of the handle openings 171, 177.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the handle reinforcement panel 195 can include a handle cutout 199 and a third handle portion 201 (e.g., a reinforcing grip portion) extending between the handle cutout 199 and the first handle portion 173 (e.g., the third handle portion 201 being at least partially defined between the central lateral fold line 197a and the edge of the handle reinforcement panel 195 extending along the handle cutout 199). In the illustrated embodiments, the handle cutout 199 can be similar in shape and / or size to half of one of the handle openings 171, 177. In some embodiments, reinforcing end flaps 203, 205 can be foldably connected to the handle reinforcement panel 195 along respective longitudinal fold lines 207, 209. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fold lines 207, 209 can comprise multiple creases, scores, and / or other fold line types that are aligned with and / or collinear with the respective longitudinal fold lines 161, 163. In the illustrated embodiments, the reinforcing end flaps 203, 205 can be foldably connected to the respective top end flaps 151, 153 along the end lateral fold lines 197b. Alternatively, the reinforcing end flaps could be separated from the top end flaps 151, 153 by cut lines or could be spaced apart from the top end flaps.

[0040] When the carton 105 is formed, the handle reinforcement panel 195 and the reinforcing end flaps 203, 205 can be folded into face-to-face contact with an interior surface of the respective first top panel 123 and top end flaps 151, 153 to help reinforce the first top panel 123, including the handle 107 (FIGS. 2B-6B), and the top end flaps 151, 153. In the illustrated embodiments, the handle cutout 199 is aligned with (e.g., extends along at least a portion of) the first handle opening 171, and the third handle portion 201 is at least partially in an overlapping relationship with the first handle portion 173 when the handle reinforcement panel 195 is in face-to-face contact with the first top panel 123 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The handle reinforcement panel 195, the handle cutout 199, and / or the third handle portion 201 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiments, a plurality of tear arrest features 217 (e.g., a first tear arrest feature, a second tear arrest feature, a third tear arrest feature, a fourth tear arrest feature, etc.) can extend in the top panels 123, 129 proximate to respective ends 215 of the respective handle openings 171, 177. For example, one or more tear arrest features 217 can be spaced apart from each end 215 in the lateral direction L2 and the tear arrest features 217 can be aligned with the respective handle openings 171, 177 (e.g., so that the tear arrest features 217 are centered on a respective central axis or lateral centerline of the respective handle openings 171, 177). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the tear arrest features 217 can be V- or U-shaped (e.g., having two oblique lines extending from a curved corner or vertex) and can be arranged in the top panels 123, 129 so that the corners or vertices are spaced farther from the respective handle openings 171, 177 than the oblique lines are spaced from the handle openings 171, 177 (e.g., the oblique lines of the tear arrest features 217 are closer to the respective handle openings 171, 177 than the corners or vertices). As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the tear arrest features 217 can include an arcuate cut 219 (e.g., at least partially defining the curved corner or vertex of the respective tear arrest features 217) and can include two oblique lines 221 (e.g., a first oblique line and a second oblique line), each extending from a respective end of the arcuate cut 219. In embodiments, the oblique lines 221 can be creases and / or any other suitable lines of weakening. In embodiments, the tear arrest features 217 can form tear stops in the top panels 123, 129 (and in the top wall 133) to help prevent unwanted tearing of the handle reinforcement panel 195 when the carton 105 is lifted and / or supported at the handle 107. For example, a tear 271 (see FIG. 7) propagating from one of the handle openings 171, 177 may encounter one of the tear arrest features 217 (e.g., may encounter one of the arcuate cuts 219), which can help prevent the tear 271 from further propagation in the respective top panel 123, 129 (e.g., see FIG. 7).

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a plurality of relief lines 223 (e.g., a first relief line, a second relief line, a third relief line, a fourth relief line, etc.) can extend in the top panels 123, 129. For example, a relief line 223 can extend from each end 215 of each of the handle openings 171, 177 to the respective lateral fold lines 125, 131. In embodiments, the relief lines 223 can be creases (e.g., relief creases) and / or any other suitable lines of weakening. As shown in FIG. 1A, a plurality of side relief structures 225 can extend in the side panels 113, 115 along the respective fold lines 125, 131 (e.g., along the respective top panels 123, 129). In the illustrated embodiments, each of the side relief structures 225 can include two relief flaps 227 (see FIG. 1B) that are separable from one another along a longitudinal cut line 229 (e.g., a side panel cut line). In embodiments, the relief flaps 227 in each of the side relief structures 225 can be connected by one or more breakable nicks interrupting the longitudinal cut line 229. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the relief flaps 227 can be foldably connected to the respective side panel 113, 115 along a respective oblique fold line 231 (e.g., a crease, crease line, side panel crease line, and / or other suitable line of weakening) and can be separable from the respective side panel 113, 115 along a respective curved cut 233.

[0043] Each curved cut 233 can be located at a distal end of a respective longitudinal cut line 229. Further, in some embodiments, each of the relief flaps 227 can be foldably connected to the respective top panel 123, 129 along the respective lateral fold line 125, 131. In various embodiments, the side relief structures 225 can be at least partially aligned with respective containers C in the carton 105 so that the containers C adjacent the top wall 133 and the respective side panels 113, 115 can push the relief flaps 227 outwardly (e.g., so that the relief flaps 227 at least partially separate along the longitudinal cut lines 229 and / or the curved cuts 233) to help relieve stress at the side edges of the top wall 133 when the carton 105 is carried at the handle 107 (e.g., see FIGS. 6A and 6B). As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1 B, each the relief lines 223 can extend from respective side relief structures 225 (e.g., extending from and aligned with respective ends of the respective longitudinal cut lines 229). Any of the tear arrest features 217, the curved cuts 219, the oblique lines 221, the relief lines 223, the side relief structures 225, the relief flaps 227, the longitudinal cut lines 229, the oblique fold lines 231, and / or the curved cuts 233 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 can include dispenser features 241 (FIGS. 2A, 2B) for forming one or more dispensers 243 (FIGS. 3A-4) in the carton 105. For example, the dispenser features 241 can include two dispenser panels 245 respectively foldably connected to the first top panel 123 along respective longitudinal fold lines 247 and extending from the first top panel 123 into the respective top end flaps 151, 153. As shown in FIG. 1A, the dispenser panels 245 can be separable from the respective top end flaps 151, 153 along respective tear lines 249. In the illustrated embodiments, the dispenser features 241 also can include two dispenser panels 251 respectively foldably connected to the second top panel 129 along respective longitudinal fold lines 253 and extending from the second top panel 129 into the respective top end flaps 155, 157. As shown in FIG. 1A, the dispenser panels 251 can be separable from the respective top end flaps 155, 157 along respective tear lines 255. In the illustrated embodiments, the dispenser panels 245, 251 can be overlapped at the respective ends 167, 169 of the carton 105 to at least partially form the dispensers 243 (FIGS. 3A-4) in the top wall 133 and the respective ends 167, 169. In embodiments, the dispensers 243 can be opened by pulling upwardly on the overlapped dispenser panels 245, 251, tearing along the tear lines 249, 255 and folding the dispenser panels 245, 251 upwardly along the fold lines 247, 253 to at least partially form a dispenser opening (not shown) for providing access to the containers C in the interior of the carton 105. Any of the dispenser features 241 and / or the dispensers 243 could be omitted or could be otherwise positioned, shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0045] A method of erecting the carton 105 is discussed in detail below and shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. At various stages of the erecting process, glue or other adhesive can be applied to various portions of the blank 103. For example, one or more glue strips G1 (see FIG. 1A) can be applied to the interior surface of the handle reinforcement panel 195 and the reinforcing end flaps 203, 205 as shown in FIG. 1A for adhering the handle reinforcement panel 195 and the reinforcing end flaps 203, 205 to the interior surfaces of the respective first top panel 123 and top end flaps 151, 153 (see FIG. 2A). Also, one or more glue strips G2 can be applied to the exterior surface of the first top panel 123 and the top end flaps 151, 153 as shown in FIG. 1A for adhering the second top panel 129 and the top end flaps 155, 157 to the exterior surface of the respective first top panel 123 and top end flaps 151, 153 (FIG. 2B). Any of the glue strips G1, G2 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and / or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the glue strips G1 could be applied to the interior surface of the first top panel 123 instead of, or in addition to, the handle reinforcement panel 195, and the glue strips G2 could be applied to the interior surface of the second top panel 129 instead of, or in addition to, the first top panel 123. Further, the glue strips G1, G2 could be in the form of lines, dots, and / or other suitable features.

[0046] In some embodiments, the handle reinforcement panel 195 is folded about the lateral fold lines 197a, 197b to be in face-to-face contact with the first top panel 123 with the end flaps 203, 205 being in face-to-face contact with the respective top end flaps 151, 153 and the third handle portion 201 in face-to-face contact with the first handle portion 173 (FIG. 2A). Accordingly, the glue strips G1 can help secure the interior surface of the handle reinforcement panel 195 and the end flaps 203, 205 to the first top panel 123 and the top end flaps 151, 153. In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle reinforcement panel 195 is folded, the first handle cutout 199 can be aligned with and / or extend along the first handle opening 171 in the first top panel 123. In addition, the handle reinforcement panel 195 and the first top panel 123 can cooperate to form a second handle cutout 261 opposite to the first handle opening 171 and the first handle cutout 199 when the handle reinforcement panel 195 is folded.

[0047] In some embodiments, the carton 105 can be further formed by folding the first top panel 123, with the folded under and attached reinforcement panel 195, and the first side panel 113 about fold line 117so that the second top panel 129 at least partially overlaps and is adhesively secured to the first top panel 123 by the glue strips G2 (FIG. 1) to form the top wall 133 (FIGS. 2B-7). As shown in FIGS. 2B-3B, the second handle portion 179 of the second top panel 129 overlaps and is adhesively secured to the first handle portion 173 of the first top panel 123, which, in turn, overlaps and is adhesively secured to the third handle portion 201 of the handle reinforcement panel 195 to form a three-ply grip portion 263 of the handle 107 (FIGS. 2B-7). Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second handle cutout 261 can extend along and be aligned with the second handle opening 177 in the top wall 133. The top wall 133 and the handle 107 could be formed by other forming steps and features without departing from the disclosure.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiments, the partially assembled carton can be assembled into an open-ended sleeve (not shown) by folding along the lateral fold lines 117, 119, 125, 131 to dispose the top wall 133 generally opposite to the bottom panel 111 so that containers C can be loaded into an interior 265 of the carton 105 (FIGS. 5A-7). The ends 167, 169 of the carton 105 can be closed by at least partially overlapping and adhering the end flaps 135, 141, 145, 151, 155, 203 at the first end 167 and at least partially overlapping and adhering the end flaps 137, 143, 147, 153, 157, 205 at the second end 169. For example, the first end 167 can be closed by folding the side end flaps 141, 145 inwardly over the end of the carton and upwardly folding and securing the bottom end flap 135 to the side end flaps 141, 145. Further, the overlapped top end flaps 151, 155 can be downwardly folded and secured to the end flaps 141, 145. The containers C can be loaded into the sleeve before closing the ends 167, 169, or after closing either of the ends 167, 169. The erected carton is shown in FIGS. 3A-7. The ends 167, 169 of the carton 105 could be closed by other closing steps and features and / or alternatively loaded without departing from the disclosure.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiments, the handle 107 is formed from the handle features of the blank 103 and comprises three layers of blank material at the grip portion 263 (the first handle portion 173, the second handle portion 179, and the handle reinforcement portion 201). The handle 107 could have other features and / or could include additional reinforcing layers or portions without departing from the disclosure. The handle 107 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the carton 105 can be lifted at the handle 107 by inserting at least a portion of a hand into the interior of the carton through the handle openings 171, 177 and grasping the three-ply grip portion 263 and lifting the carton 105. In embodiments, the tear arrest features 217 and the relief lines 223 can help direct the forces in the top wall 133 and / or can help control the deformation of the top wall 133 to help prevent unwanted tearing of the carton 105. Further, the tear arrest features 217 can help stop tears (e.g., propagating from an end of one of the handle openings 171, 177) from further propagating in the top wall 133. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the tear 271 can propagate in the second top panel 129 from an end 215 of the handle opening 177 and can be stopped from further propagating by the tear arrest feature 217 proximate to the end 215. Accordingly, the tear arrest features 217 and the relief lines 223 can help to enhance the strength of the handle 107 by channeling the pull force on the handle into controlled cuts and / or helping to direct the forces on the top wall 133 to the edges of the package.

[0051] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, the panels, flaps, and / or other features shown and described in conjunction with the blanks, the cartons, and / or the packages of the above embodiments are included by way of example. The handle features and / or other features of the disclosure can alternatively be associated with any suitable carton or blank having any panel and flap configuration.

[0052] The cartons according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from blanks of coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and / or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0053] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a 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.

[0054] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of spaced apart slits that extend 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 apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0055] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels, flaps, or features, adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0056] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and / or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton comprising:a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising:at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel combining to at least partially form a top wall of the carton, the top wall comprising:a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handleopenings, the handle further including a grip portion disposed between the first andsecond handle openings, the first handle opening disposed between a first pair oftear arrest features and the second handle opening disposed between a second pairof tear arrest features.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first handle opening has a first central axis and wherein the first pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the first central axis.

3. The carton of claim 1, wherein the second handle opening has a second central axis and wherein the second pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the second central axis.

4. The carton of claim 1, wherein each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features includes an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first top panel and a second top panel and wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

7. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first handle opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one top panel further including a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first handle opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease, the side panel including a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

10. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising:a plurality of panels comprising:at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel configured to combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton when the blank is erected into the carton, the top wall configured to comprise:a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handleopenings, the handle further including a grip portion disposed between the first andsecond handle openings, the first handle opening disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features and the second handle opening disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

11. The blank of claim 10, wherein the first handle opening has a first central axis and wherein the first pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the first central axis.

12. The blank of claim 10, wherein the second handle opening has a second central axis and wherein the second pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the second central axis.

13. The blank of claim 10, wherein each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features includes an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

14. The blank of claim 10, wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first top panel and a second top panel and wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

16. The blank of claim 10, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first handle opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one top panel further including a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first handle opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease, the side panel including a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

19. A method for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising:providing a blank comprising a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising at least one top panel and a handle reinforcement panel; anderecting the blank to form the carton such that the at least one top panel and the handle reinforcement panel combine to at least partially form a top wall of the carton, the top wall comprising:a handle defined in the top wall and including first and second handle openings, thehandle further including a grip portion disposed between the first and second handleopenings, the first handle opening disposed between a first pair of tear arrest features andthe second handle opening disposed between a second pair of tear arrest features.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first handle opening has a first central axis and wherein the first pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the first central axis.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the second handle opening has a second central axis and wherein the second pair of tear arrest features are aligned with the second central axis.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein each tear arrest feature of the first pair of tear arrest features includes an arcuate cut and a pair of crease lines extending from the arcuate cut.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of the handle reinforcement panel.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first top panel and a second top panel and wherein the grip portion includes at least a portion of the first top panel and at least a portion of the second top panel.

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one top panel includes a first relief crease extending from a first end of the first handle opening to a side panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one top panel further including a second relief crease extending from a second end of the first handle opening to the side panel of the plurality of panels.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel cut line aligned with the first relief crease, the side panel including a second side panel cut line aligned with the second relief crease.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the side panel includes a first side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the first side panel cut line, a second side panel crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the first side panel cut line, a third side panel crease line extending obliquely from a distal end of the second side panel cut line, and a fourth side crease line extending obliquely from the distal end of the second side panel cut line.

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