Carton and carton blank

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, carton for packaging one or more articles and to a blank for forming the same. The present disclosure provides a carton comprises a handle opening in a handle panel and a window struck, at least in part, from an end closure flap hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line. The carton further comprises at least one deformation line, disposed between the handle opening and the window. The at least one deformation line extends transversely of a notional line oriented parallel to the hinged connection between the handle panel and the end closure flap.

Description

[0001] 22914-USPR0P1

[0002] CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a carton and blank for forming the same more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising a handle structure for transporting the carton.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In the field of packaging, it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and for the display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage as possible in the materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

[0007] It is desirable to provide a carton comprising a handle structure for transporting the carton. The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a package comprising a carton and at least one article. The carton comprises a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton. The at least one article is disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton. The at least one article comprises a front wall, a sloping top wall disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall, and an end wall having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall. The sloping top wall includes a sloping edge disposed next to the end wall. The plurality of carton walls comprise a first panel disposed over the sloping top wall of the at least one article and a second panel disposed alongside the end wall of the at least one article. The second panel has a window formed therein. The window is configured and positioned such that at least the sloping edge of the at least one article is exposed to view through the window when viewed from an exterior of the carton.

[0010] Optionally, the at least one article comprises a pair of adjoining articles. Each of the adjoining articles may comprise the sloping top wall including the sloping edge, wherein at least the sloping edges of the adjoining articles are exposed to view through the window when viewed from the exterior of the carton.

[0011] Optionally, the adjoining articles are arranged such that the sloping top walls of the adjoining articles define a step between the adjoining articles, wherein the step is exposed to view through the window when viewed from the exterior of the carton.

[0012] Optionally, each of the adjoining articles further comprises a rear wall opposing the front wall of that article. The rear wall of each of the adjoining articles may be taller in height than the front wall of that article. The rear wall of a first one of the adjoining articles may be disposed in contact with the front wall of the other one of the adjoining articles. 22914-USPR0P1

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a package comprising a carton and at least one article. The carton comprises a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton. The at least one article is disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton. The at least one article comprises a front wall, a sloping top wall disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall, and an end wall having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall. The plurality of carton walls comprise a first panel disposed over the sloping top wall of the at least one article wherein a lowermost end of the sloping top wall is spaced apart from the first panel by a first distance.

[0014] Optionally, the first panel has at least one handle opening through which the sloping top wall of the at least one article is exposed to view.

[0015] Optionally, the at least one handle opening is defined, at least in part, by a handle flap hingedly connected to the first panel along a handle fold line. The handle flap may have a handle length extending between the handle fold line and a distal end of the handle flap wherein the handle length may be less than the first distance.

[0016] Optionally, an uppermost end of the sloping top wall is spaced apart from the first panel by a second distance wherein the handle length is equal to or less than the second distance.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window. A first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window. The first notional line bisects the at least one handle opening. The at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window. The at least one window defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window. The second and third notional lines are parallel to the first notional line and are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line. The at least one handle opening is located within an area defined between the second and third notional lines.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window. A first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window, wherein the first notional line bisects the at least one handle opening. The at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window. The at least one window further defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window. The second and third notional lines are parallel to the first notional line and are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line. A deformation line pattern is provided in the handle panel and is disposed between the at least one handle opening and the at least one window. The deformation line pattern is disposed within the area defined between the second and third notional lines.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another to define a tubular structure having a tubular axis. The plurality of main panels comprise a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least 22914-USPR0P1 one window. The carton further comprises a deformation line pattern provided in the handle panel and disposed between the at least one handle opening and the at least one window wherein the deformation line pattern comprises a first deformation line collinear with a first notional line parallel to the tubular axis wherein the first notional line bisects the at least one handle opening.

[0020] Optionally, the carton further comprises an end closure wall hingedly connected to the handle panel to close an end of the tubular structure at least in part wherein the at least one window is struck, at least in part, from the end closure wall.

[0021] Optionally, the end closure wall is a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another. The plurality of panels including a handle panel. The carton further comprises an end wall hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection. The carton has a first opening defined in a handle panel and a second opening defined at least in part in the end wall flap. The carton further comprising at least one deformation line disposed between the first and second openings wherein the at least one deformation line extends transversely of a notional line oriented parallel to the hinged connection.

[0023] Optionally, the at least one deformation line comprises a pair of deformation lines extending divergently from each other toward the second opening.

[0024] Optionally, the at least one deformation line comprises a pair of deformation lines extending divergently from each other toward the first opening.

[0025] Optionally, the second opening interrupts the hinged connection and extends into the handle panel

[0026] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another. The plurality of panels including a handle panel. The carton further comprises an end wall hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection. The carton has a first opening in a handle panel and a second opening defined at least in part in the end wall. The first opening comprises a first width dimension measured along a notional line parallel to the hinged connection. The second opening comprises a second width dimension measured along a notional line parallel to the hinged connection. The second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

[0027] Optionally, the second opening interrupts the hinged connection and extends into the handle panel.

[0028] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including an end or side wall panel. The blank comprises a window formed in the at least an end or side wall panel. The window exposes to view an inclined top wall of at least one of article packaged in a setup carton.

[0029] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including an end or side wall panel. The blank comprises a window formed in at least 22914-USPROP1 the end or side wall panel. The blank is configured to accommodate a pair of adjacently disposed articles, each article having an inclined top wall The pair of adjacently disposed articles are arranged to define a step therebetween The window is configured and arranged such that said step is exposed to view through the window in the setup carton.

[0030] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including an end or side wall panel. The blank comprises a window formed in at least an end or side wall panel. The window is configured and arranged to expose to view at least one article packaged in a setup carton. The at least one article comprises a top wall having a closure mounted thereto. The closure is mounted in closer proximity to at least one edge of the top wall than to a respective opposing edge The window is configured and arranged such that the closure is visible therethrough.

[0031] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including an end or side wall panel. The blank comprises a window formed in at least an end or side wall panel. The window is configured and arranged such that at least one article packaged in the setup carton is exposed to view. The at least one article comprises a top wall having a closure mounted thereto. The closure is mounted to the top wall in an off-center position and is visible through the window

[0032] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a handle panel having at least one handle opening. The at least one handle opening is configured and arranged such that respective corners of four adjacently disposed articles are exposed to view therethrough in a setup carton.

[0033] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the carton. The plurality of panels includes an end or side wall panel The blank comprises a window formed in at least the end or side wall panel. The blank is configured and arranged to accommodate a pair of adjacently disposed articles in a setup condition. Each article has an inclined top wall, the pair of adjacently disposed articles arranged to define a step therebetween. In a setup carton, the step is exposed to view through the window.

[0034] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window defined at least in part therein. A first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window and bisects the at least one handle opening. The at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the window. The at least one window defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the window. The second notional line defines a first boundary line of an area of the handle panel and the third notional line defines a second boundary line of the area of the handle panel. The at least one handle opening is located within the area defined between first and second boundary lines. The first and second boundary lines are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line. 22914-USPR0P1

[0035] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window defined at least in part therein. A first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window and bisects the at least one handle opening. The at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the window. The at least one window defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the window. The second notional line defines a first boundary line of an area of the handle panel and the third notional line defines a second boundary line of the area of the handle panel. A deformation line pattern is provided in the handle panel and is disposed between the at least one handle feature and the window. The deformation line pattern is disposed within the area defined between the first and second boundary lines.

[0036] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming the carton. The plurality of panels includes a handle panel and a wall panel for forming a side or end wall of the carton. The handle panel comprises at least one handle opening. The blank comprises at least one window struck, at least in part from the handle panel and the wall panel. The blank further comprising a deformation line pattern provided in the handle panel and disposed between at least one handle opening and the window. The deformation line pattern comprises a first fold line collinear with a center line, the center line bisecting the at least one handle opening and being parallel to a tubular axis of a setup carton.

[0037] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a handle panel and an end closure flap hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection. The handle panel comprises a first opening. The blank comprises a second opening struck, at least in part, from the panel forming the end closure flap. The blank further comprises at least one deformation line disposed between the first opening and the second opening. The at least one deformation line extends transversely of a notional line oriented parallel to the hinged connection between the handle panel and the panel forming the end closure flap.

[0038] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels including a handle panel and a wall panel forming an end or side wall of the carton, the wall panel being hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection. The handle panel comprises a first opening. The blank comprises a second opening struck, at least in part, from the wall panel. The first opening comprises a first width dimension measured along a notional line parallel to the hinged connection between the handle panel and the wall panel. The second opening comprises a second width dimension measured along a notional line parallel to the hinged connection between the handle panel and the wall panel. The second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

[0039] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below. 22914-USPR0P1

[0040] Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

[0041] Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment

[0042] A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 1 B is an enlarged plan view from above of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1 ;

[0048] Figure 3 is a perspective view from above of an exemplary article according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 4 is an end view of the carton of Figure 2;

[0050] Figure 5 is an end view of the carton of Figure 2 showing a carrying handle in use;

[0051] Figures 6 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 7 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 2;

[0053] Figure 8 is an end view of the carton of Figure 7 showing a carrying handle in use;

[0054] Figure 8B is a top view of the carton of Figure 7;

[0055] Figure 9 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0056] Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 9.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention 22914-USPR0P1 can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 and 1 B there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 capable of accepting an input of primary products such as, but not limited to, a product container B shown in Figure 3, hereinafter referred to as articles B. The blank 10 forms a carton or secondary package for packaging at least one article or primary product container. Alternative blanks 110; 210 are shown in Figures 6 and 9 for forming alternative cartons (see Figures 7 and 10).

[0060] In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container 90; 190; 290 for engaging and carrying articles, such as primary product containers having a generally cuboid shape also known as “brick” packs. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminum cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.

[0061] The blanks 10; 110; 210 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

[0062] The packaging structure or carton 90; 190; 290 described herein may be formed from a sheet material such as paperboard, which may be made of or coated with materials to increase its strength. An example of such a sheet material is tear-resistant NATRALOCK® paperboard made by WestRock Company. It should be noted that the tear resistant materials may be provided by more than one layer, to help improve the tear-resistance of the carton or carton blank. Typically, one surface of the sheet material may have different characteristics to the other surface. For example, the surface of the sheet material that faces outwardly from a finished carton may be particularly smooth and may have a coating such as a clay coating or other surface treatment to provide good printability. The surface of the sheet material that faces inwardly may, on the other hand, be provided with a coating, a layer, a treatment or be otherwise prepared to provide properties such as one or more of tear-resistance, good glue-ability, heat sealability, or other desired functional properties.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, the blanks 10; 110; 210 are configured to form a carton or carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments, the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having three rows (m = 3) and two columns (n = 2); in the illustrated embodiments, three rows of two articles B, or two columns of three articles B, are provided and the articles B are cuboid or brick-shaped 22914-USPR0P1 containers such as those made by TetraPak™, and may be configured to accommodate a primary product volume of 237ml, 500mL or WOOmL.

[0064] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary article B for use with a carton 90 formed from the blank 10 of Figure 1. The article B is generally or approximately brick-shaped pack that may be known commonly as a “brick” or “brick pack". The article B may take the form of a generally rectangular cuboid or a generally square cuboid. A top wall TW of the article B may be arranged to be sloping or inclined at least in part; the top wall TW or its sloping or inclined section being non-parallel with a base wall of the article B. The top wall TW may be obliquely oriented, or angled, at a nonright angle with respect to a front wall W1 and to a rear wall W3 of the article B More particularly, the top wall TW is disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the front wall W1 while it is at an acute angle with respect to the rear wall W3, wherein the front wall W1 is less in height than the rear wall W3. The article B comprises a closure C coupled to the top wall TW. Closure C protrudes outwardly from top wall TW. The article B comprises a pair of wing portions WP disposed on opposing ends the article B. In normal use, the wing portions are folded about fold lines FL1 , FL2 and secured to respective end walls W2, W4, wherein the fold lines FL1 , FL2 define the opposed end edges of the top wall TW, respectively. The opposed end edges FL1 , FL2 are disposed in the plane of the sloping to wall TW. As such, both the opposed end edges FL1 , FL2 of the top wall TW are angled at a non-right angle, or obliquely disposed, with respect to the front wall W1 and thus each of them is hereby sometimes referred to as a “sloping edge”. The article B may be formed from a laminate sheet material comprising a metallic foil layer sandwiched between a paper layer and a layer of a plastics material such as polyethylene. The sheet material may comprise additional layers.

[0065] Figures 4, 5 and 8 each shows a package containing a plurality of articles B wherein the plurality of articles B are arranged in a 2 x N configuration where N may be a positive integer greater than zero. More specifically, those figures show exemplified packages where N, optionally, is two or greater. In a package containing a group of articles B in, for example, a 2 x 3 configuration, a pair of end articles at each end of the group may be arranged in a front-to-back contacting relationship wherein the rear wall W3 of a first article B is in a flat face contact with the front wall W1 of a second article B. Figure 4 shows part of such a pair of end articles B exposed to view through a window A2 which is described later in more details. The part of the pair of articles B shown in the window A2 includes the respective upper portion of the articles B which show the respective end edges FL1 of the two end articles B as well as a stepwise change in elevation formed between the two end articles B. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, a stepwise change in elevation may also be created by placing an article B having a first height dimension next to a second article B having a second, different, height dimension. In such embodiments, both the first and second articles B may have a top wall that is normal or perpendicular to the front and rear walls. In still other embodiments, the top wall may have two opposed inclined surfaces extending between the front and rear walls and configured to define a ridge therebetween. Alternatively, the blanks 10; 110; 210 can be configured to form a carrier 90; 190; 290 for packaging other types, number and size of articles B and / or for packaging articles B in a different arrangement or configuration for example, but not limited to, wrap-around carriers, the articles B may be cups, pouches, pots, bottles or cans. 22914-USPR0P1

[0066] The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A base panel 14 is hinged to a first side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The first side wall panel 16 is hinged to top panel 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The top panel 18 is hinged to a second side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19. A glue panel 12 is hinged to the base panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13.

[0067] The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form walls of an open-ended tubular structure in a set-up condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures. The tubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction of the carton 90.

[0068] Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panels which form end walls of the tubular structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 30A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 30B.

[0069] A first group of end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 30A are configured to form a first end closure structure forming a first end wall to close, at least partially, a first end of the tubular structure and a second group of end closure panels 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, 30B are configured to form a second end closure structure forming a second end wall to close, at least partially, a second end of the tubular structure.

[0070] The first end of the tubular structure is closed by a first end closure panel 22A, a second end closure panel 24A, a third end closure panel 26A, a fourth end closure panel 28A, and an optional fifth end closure panel 30A. The first end closure panel 22A is hinged to a first end of the base panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 21 A. The second end closure panel 24A is hinged to the first side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23A. The fold line 23A may be nonlinear, and may comprise at least two linear sections arranged continuously or contiguously with each other and divergently with respect to each other. The third end closure panel 26A is hinged to a first end of the top panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25A. The fourth end closure panel 28A is hinged to a first end of the second side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27A. The fifth end closure panel 30A is hinged to a first end of the glue panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29A.

[0071] The second end of the tubular structure is closed by a sixth end closure panel 22B, a seventh end closure panel 24B, an eighth end closure panel 26B, a ninth end closure panel 28B, and an optional tenth end closure panel 30B. The sixth end closure panel 22B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the base panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 21 B. The seventh end closure panel 24B is hinged to the first side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23B. The fold line 23A may be nonlinear, and may comprise at least two linear sections arranged continuously or contiguously with each other and divergently with respect to each other. The eighth end closure panel 26B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25B. The ninth end closure panel 28B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the second side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27B. The tenth end closure panel 30B is hinged to a second end of the glue panel 12 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 29B. 22914-USPR0P1

[0072] The second end closure panel 24A and the seventh end closure panel 24B each form a side end closure panel at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The fourth end closure panel 28A and the ninth end closure panel 28B each form a side end closure panel at opposing ends of the tubular structure.

[0073] The first end closure panel 22A and the sixth end closure panel 22B each form a bottom end closure panel at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The third end closure panel 26A and the eighth end closure panel 26B each form a top end closure panel at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The first end closure panel 22A and the third end closure panel 22B each form a major end closure panel at the first end of the tubular structure. The sixth end closure panel 22B and the eighth end closure panel 26B each form a major end closure panel at the second end of the tubular structure.

[0074] The second end closure panel 24A and the fourth end closure panel 28A each form a side end closure panel (also referred to herein as minor end closure panels or dust flaps) at the first end of the tubular structure. The seventh end closure panel 24B and the ninth end closure panel 28B each form a side end closure panel (also referred to herein as minor end closure panels or dust flaps) at the second end of the tubular structure.

[0075] The blank 10 may comprise a carrying handle H defined in at least one wall. The illustrated embodiment comprises carrying handle H defined in the top panel 18.

[0076] The carrying handle H comprises at least one handle opening A1 (see Figure 1 B) defined in the top panel 18 (also referred to herein as handle panel 18). In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of handle openings A1 , A1 are provided in the top panel 18

[0077] Each handle opening A1 may be defined, at least in part, by an aperture A1. Each handle opening A1 may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 60 struck from, or defined within the top panel 18 and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61 .

[0078] The blank 10 may comprise at least one window A2, in the form of a cutaway or aperture, or defined, at least in part, in a top end closure panel 26A, 26B hingedly connected to the handle panel 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 may comprise a pair of windows A2, a first window A2 defined in one of a pair of the top end closure panels 26A, 26B hingedly connected to a first end of the handle panel 18 and a second window A2 defined in the other one of the pair of top end closure panels 26A, 26B hingedly connected to a second, opposing, end of the handle panel 18.

[0079] Each window A2 may extend into the handle panel 18. In the illustrated embodiment, both windows A2 extend into the handle panel 18.

[0080] Each window A2 may comprise a first or upper edge provided by the handle panel 18; the upper edge may be substantially linear in shape. Each window A2 may comprise a second or lower edge provided by the top end closure panel 26A, 26B; the lower edge may be non-linear in shape and may be arcuate or curvilinear. Each window A2 may comprise a pair of opposed, parallel, side edges each extending between the upper edge and the lower edge. Each 22914-USPR0P1 of the opposed side edges of each window A2 extends from the end closure flap 26A, 26B into the handle panel 18. Each window A2 may be generally “U” or "D" shaped.

[0081] The blank 10 may comprise one or more deformation lines such as those defined by, for example, crease lines, score lines, lines of perforations or lines defined by a combination of two or more of them. Such one or more deformation lines are also referred to herein as a deformation line pattern, disposed between a handle opening A1 and a next adjacent window A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 comprises a pair of deformation line patterns. The one or more deformations lines of each deformation line pattern each extends substantially between the respective handle opening A1 , A1 and its adjacent window A2.

[0082] Each deformation line pattern may comprise a first deformation line F1 extending substantially longitudinally of the handle panel 18. The first deformation line F1 may extend substantially parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0083] Each deformation line pattern may comprise a second deformation line F2 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 18. The second deformation line F2 is divergently arranged with respect to the first deformation line F1 and may converge with the first deformation line F1 , to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1.

[0084] Each deformation line pattern may comprise a third deformation line F3 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 18. The third deformation line F3 is divergently arranged with respect to the first deformation line F1 and may converge with the first deformation line F1 , to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1 .

[0085] The third deformation line F3 is divergently arranged with respect to the second deformation line F2 and may converge with the second deformation line F2, to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1.

[0086] The first deformation line F1 may extend along a first notional line N1 , see Figure 1 B, bisecting one or both of a handle opening A1 and a window A2. The first notional line N1 may longitudinally bisect the handle panel 18.

[0087] The second deformation line F2 may extend from a point along the first notional line N1 adjacent the respective handle opening A1 towards a first side edge or first upper corner of the adjacent window A2.

[0088] The third deformation line F3 may extend from a point along the first notional line N1 adjacent the respective handle opening A1 towards a second, opposing, side edge or second, adjacent, upper corner of the adjacent window A2.

[0089] Each handle opening A1 , A1 is located within an area defined between the second and third notional lines N2, N3, also referred to herein as boundary lines N2, N3. Each boundary line N2, N3 is in tangential contact with the respective window A2 wherein the boundary lines N2, N3 are disposed parallel to, and on the opposite sides of, the first notional line N1 (also referred to herein as a center line N 1). The center line N1 bisects the at least one handle 22914-USPR0P1 opening A1 or carrying handle H and disposed parallel to the tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

[0090] Each deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3 is disposed between the respective handle opening A1 and the adjacent window A2 and is disposed within the area defined between the boundary lines N2, N3.

[0091] Each deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3 is disposed between the respective handle opening H2 and the adjacent window A2, and the first fold line F1 is collinear with the center line N1 which is parallel to the tubular axis of the carton 90.

[0092] The carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 may not be required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. During loading and assembly of the carton 90, the carton 90 may be orientated such that the base panel 14 forms a loading surface. The bases of one or more articles B may be in sliding contact with the loading surface when being inserted into the carton 90. The articles B may be substantially square or rectangular in cross-sectional shape and have a tubular axis TA. The tubular axis TA is orientated perpendicularly to the base panel 14 and may also be orientated substantially vertically.

[0093] The main panel 18 forms the top panel (top wall) 18 when the handle structure H is in use as a carrying handle by a user and this top wall 18 is optionally, disposed adjacent to the tops of the articles.

[0094] The main panel 14 forms the base panel 14 when the handle structure H is in use as a carrying handle by a user. It will be understood that descriptive terms "top”, “base”, and “side" do not necessarily limit the carton 90 to adopting a particular orientation but serve to distinguish those panels from one another.

[0095] Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the blank 10 is folded about the fold line 15 such that the base panel 14 is disposed in overlying relationship with the first side panel 16 and such that the securing panel 12 is disposed in face contacting relationship with the first side panel 16.

[0096] Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 12. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding edge portion of an inner surface of the second side panel 20.

[0097] Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of fifth end closure panel 30A and the tenth end closure panel 30B, when provided. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding portions of an inner surface of the fourth end closure panel 28A and the eighth end closure panel 28B.

[0098] The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second side panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the securing panel 12, top panel 18 and a portion of the first side panel 16. The second side panel 20 is brought into face-contacting relationship with the securing panel 12. The second side panel 20 is thereby secured to the securing panel 12

[0099] The fifth end closure panel 30A, when provided, is brought into a face-contacting relationship with the fourth end closure panel 28A and the tenth end closure panel 30B, when provided, is brought into face-contacting relationship 22914-USPR0P1 with the eighth end closure panel 28B. The fifth end closure panel 30A, when provided, may be secured to the fourth end closure panel 28A and the tenth end closure panel 30B, when provided, may be secured to the eighth end closure panel 28B.

[0100] The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a converter plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open-ended tubular structure and loaded with articles.

[0101] The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open-ended tubular structure by unfolding the first side panel 16 with respect to the base panel 14 such that the first side panel 16 is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base panel 14.

[0102] The carton 90, in its open-ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles B through one or both open ends thereof. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one of the open ends of the carton 90 may be closed before loading the interior with articles B through the remaining open end. In one embodiment, the carton 90 is loaded with six articles B arranged in a 2 x 3 matrix or array.

[0103] Once the carton 90 has been loaded with articles B, the open ends of the carton 90 are closed.

[0104] A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second end closure panel 24A about fold line 23A and by folding the fourth end closure panel 28A about fold line 27A.

[0105] Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the second end closure panel 24A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of third end closure panel 26A and / or first end closure panel 22A.

[0106] Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the fourth end closure panel 28A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of third end closure panel 26A and / or first end closure panel 22A.

[0107] The first end closure panel 22A is then folded about the fold line 21A to be brought into contact with the second and fourth end closure panels 24A, 28A. The first end closure panel 22A may be secured to each of the second and fourth end closure panels 24A, 28A.

[0108] Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a portion of an outer surface of the first end closure panel 22A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a portion of an inner surface of the third end closure panel 26A.

[0109] The third end closure panel 26A is then folded about the fold line 25A to be brought into contact with the first end closure panel 22A and optionally into contact with the second and fourth end closure panels 24A, 28A.

[0110] The third end closure panel 26A is secured to the first end closure panel 22A.

[0111] In alternative embodiments, the first end closure panel 22A may be folded about fold line 21A after folding the third end closure panel 26A about fold line 25A. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments the first end closure panel 22A is disposed outermost. 22914-USPROP1

[0112] In other embodiments alternative securing means may be employed to secure the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A for example, but not limited to, mechanical locking devices such as staples or punch locks integrally formed within the end closure panels 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A.

[0113] A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second end closure structure in a manner similar to that described in the foregoing paragraphs in relation to the first end closure structure.

[0114] The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5. The pair of adjoining end articles B next to the top end closure panel 26A are partially visible through the respective window A2. The upper extremity of the articles B may be spaced apart from the inside surface of the top panel 18 of the carton 90 by a first distance d1 , see Figure 4 In this way a gap or void may be provided above the articles B. The uppermost extremity of the articles B may be defined by a portion of the closure C. The top walls TW of the articles B may be spaced apart from the top panel 18 of the carton 90 by a second distance d2. The second distance d2 is defined between the top panel 18 of the carton 90 and the uppermost ends of the sloping top walls TW of the articles B. A lowermost ends of the sloping top walls TW of the adjoining articles B are spaced apart from the top panel 18 of the carton 90 by a third distance d3. Figure 4 shows the locations of the side end closure panels 24A, 28A relative to the top end closure panel 26A wherein the side end closure panels 24A, 26A are illustrated by the phantom, dot-dash, lines. Figure 4 also shows the respective sloping edges FL1 , FL1 of the pair of end articles B exposed to view through the window A2, wherein the sloping top walls TW of the adjoining articles B define a step between the adjoining articles.

[0115] Figure 5 show the assembled carton 90 when the carrying handle H is in use by a user U. Figure 5 illustrates the deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3 controlling the deformation or creasing of the top panel 18 when under load. The deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3 may control or direct load stresses or forces in the top panel 18 to reduce or mitigate against the likelihood of tears propagating from the handle openings A1 , A1 or windows A2

[0116] Referring now to Figures 6 to 10, there are shown additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In the second and third illustrated embodiments like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100”, “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second and third respectively. The additional embodiments share many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 will be described in detail.

[0117] Figure 6 illustrates a blank 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A base panel 114 is hinged to a first side wall panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 115. The first side wall panel 116 is hinged to top panel 118 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 117. The top panel 118 is hinged to a second side wall panel 120 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 119. A glue panel 112 is hinged to the base panel 114 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 113

[0118] The blank 110 may comprise one or more deformation lines, also referred to herein as a deformation line pattern, disposed between each handle opening A1 , A1 and a next adjacent window A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the 22914-USPR0P1 blank 110 comprises a pair of deformation line patterns. The one or more deformation lines of each deformation line pattern of the blank 110 each extends substantially between the respective handle opening A1 and the adjacent window A2.

[0119] Each deformation line pattern of the blank 110 may comprise a first deformation line F1 extending substantially longitudinally of the handle panel 118. The first deformation line F1 may extend substantially parallel to a tubular axis of the tubular structure formed by the plurality of main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120.

[0120] Each deformation pattern of the blank 110 may comprise a second deformation line F2 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 118. The second deformation line F2 is divergently arranged with respect to the first deformation line F1 and may converge with the first deformation line F1 , to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1 .

[0121] Each deformation pattern of the blank 110 may comprise a third deformation line F3 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 118. The third deformation line F3 is divergently arranged with respect to the first deformation line F1 and may converge with the first deformation line F1 , to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1 .

[0122] The third deformation line F3 is divergently arranged with respect to the second deformation line F2 and may converge with the second deformation line F2, to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective handle opening A1.

[0123] Each deformation pattern of the blank 110 may comprise a fourth deformation line F4 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 118. The fourth deformation line F4 is divergently arranged with respect to the second deformation line F2 and may converge with the second deformation line F2, to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective window A2.

[0124] Each deformation patten of the blank 110 may comprise a fifth deformation line F5 extending obliquely to a longitudinal axis of the handle panel 118. The fifth deformation line F5 is divergently arranged with respect to the third deformation line F3 and may converge with the third deformation line F3, to form a vertex or intersection, proximate or adjacent to the respective window A2. The fifth deformation line F5 is divergently arranged with respect to the fourth deformation line F4 and fourth and fifth fold lines F4, F5 are arranged to taper inwardly towards the respective handle opening A1.

[0125] Each deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5 is disposed between the respective handle opening A1 and the adjacent window A2 and is disposed within the area defined between notional lines in tangential contact with the respective window A2, wherein the notional lines are disposed parallel to each other and to the tubular axis of the tubular structure defined by the main panels 112, 114, 116, 118, 120.

[0126] Figure 7 illustrates a carton 190 formed from the blank 110 of Figure 6. The blank 110 is assembled into carton 190 in a manner substantially similar to that described herein in relation to the blank 10 of Figure 1. 22914-USPR0P1

[0127] Figure 8 shows the assembled carton 190 when the carrying handle H is in use by a user U. Figure 8 illustrates the deformation line patterns F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5 controlling the deformation or creasing of the top panel 118 when under load. The deformation line patterns F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5 may control or direct load stresses or forces in the top panel 118 to reduce or mitigate against the likelihood of tears propagating from the handle openings A1 or windows A2. Figure 8 also shows the respective sloping edges FL2, FL2 of the pair of end articles B exposed to view through the window A2, wherein the sloping top walls TW of the adjoining articles B define a step between the adjoining articles B, B.

[0128] Figure 9 illustrates a blank 210 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A base panel 214 is hinged to a first side wall panel 216 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 215. The first side wall panel 216 is hinged to top panel 218 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 217. The top panel 218 is hinged to a second side wall panel 220 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 219. A glue panel 212 is hinged to the base panel 214 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 213.

[0129] The blank 210 may comprise a deformation line pattern F1 / F4 / F5 substantially similar to the deformation line pattern F1 , F2, F3, F4, F5 of Figure 6 albeit the second and third fold lines F2, F3 have been omitted.

[0130] Figure 10 illustrates a carton 290 formed from the blank 210 of Figure 9, the blank 210 is assembled into carton 290 in a manner substantially similar to that described herein in relation to the blank 10 of Figure 1.

[0131] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a carton 90 for packaging one or more articles.

[0132] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a window A2 formed in at least an end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290 and exposing to view a sloping top wall TW of at least one of primary container or article B packaged in the carton 90; 190; 290.

[0133] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a window A2 formed in at least an end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a pair of adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B. Each container or article B has a sloping or inclined top wall TW arranged to define a step between the pair of adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B said step being exposed to view through the window A2.

[0134] Each container or article B may comprise a front wall and an opposing, rear wall, the rear wall being taller in height (or longer in length) than the front wall, and wherein the front wall of a first one of the pair of adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B is disposed adjacent to the rear wall of the other one of the pair of adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B.

[0135] The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a window A2 formed in at least an end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290 and exposing to view at least one primary container or article B packaged in the carton 90; 190; 290 The at least one primary container or article B comprises a top wall TW having an off-center cap or closure visible through the window A2. 22914-USPR0P1

[0136] The end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290 may be a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B; 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B; 222A, 224A, 226A, 228A, 222B, 224B, 226B, 228B.

[0137] The present disclosure also provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218. The handle panel 18; 118; 218 comprises at least one handle opening A1 through which respective corners of four adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B are exposed to view, best shown in Figure 8B.

[0138] Each container or article B in the carton 90; 190; 290 may have a sloping or inclined top wall TW, a lowermost end of the sloping or inclined top wall TW is spaced apart from the handle panel 18; 118; 218 by a third distance d3.

[0139] The at least one handle opening A1 may be defined at least in part, by a handle flap 60; 160; 260 hingedly connected to the handle panel 18; 118; 218, the length or height of the handle flap 60; 160; 260 being less than the third distance d3.

[0140] An uppermost end of the sloping or inclined top wall TW is spaced apart from the handle panel 18; 118; 218 by a second distance d2, the length or height of the handle flap 60; 160; 260 may be less than the second distance d2.

[0141] The upper extremity of the articles B may be spaced apart from the inside surface of the top panel 18; 118; 218 of the carton 90; 190; 290 by a first distance d1 , see Figure 4. In this way a gap or void may be provided above the articles B. The length or height of the handle flap 60; 160; 260 may be less than, equal to, or greater than the first distance d1.

[0142] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a window A2 formed in at least an end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290. The carton 90; 190; 290 comprises a pair of adjacently disposed primary containers or articles B. Each container or article B has a sloping or inclined top wall TW arranged to define a step between the pair of adjacently disposed said step being exposed to view through the window A2.

[0143] The end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290 may be a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B; 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B; 222A, 224A, 226A, 228A, 222B, 224B, 226B, 228B.

[0144] The present disclosure provides a carton 90; 190; 290, and blank 10; 110; 210 for forming the same, the carton 90; 190; 290 or blank 10; 110; 210 comprises a top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218 having at least one handle opening A1 and at least one window A2. A first notional line N1 passes through the at least one handle opening A1 and at least one window A2 and bisects the at least one handle opening A1. The at least one window A2 defines a second notional line N2 in tangential contact with a first side of the window A2. The at least one window A2 defines a third notional line N3 in tangential contact with a second side of the window A2. The second notional line N2 defines a first boundary line N2 of an area of the top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218 and the third notional line N3 defines a second boundary line N3 of the area of the top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218. 22914-USPR0P1

[0145] The at least one handle opening A1 may be located within the area defined between first and second boundary lines N2, N3. The first and second boundary lines N2, N3 are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line N1 bisecting the at least one handle opening.

[0146] A deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 may be provided in the top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218 and is disposed between at least one handle feature A1 and the window A2. The deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 is disposed within the area defined between the first and second boundary lines N2, N3.

[0147] A deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 may be provided in the top panel or handle panel 18; 118; 218 and is disposed between at least one handle feature A1 and the window A2. The deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 may comprise a first fold line F1 collinear with a center line N1 parallel to a tubular axis of the carton 90; 190; 290 and bisecting the at least one handle opening A1 or carrying handle H.

[0148] The at least one window A2 may be struck, at least in part, from, or defined, at least in part, in, an end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B of the carton 90; 190; 290. The end or side wall panel 14, 20, 26A, 26B; 114, 120, 126A, 126B; 214, 220, 226A, 226B may be a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B; 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B; 222A, 224A, 226A, 228A, 222B, 224B, 226B, 228B.

[0149] The present disclosure provides a package comprising a carton 90; 190; 290 and at least one article B. The carton comprises a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton. The at least one article B is disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton 90; 190; 290. The at least one article B comprises a front wall W1 , a sloping top wall TW disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall W1 , and an end wall W2 having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall W1 and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall TW. The sloping top wall TW includes a sloping edge FL1, FL2 disposed next to the end wall W2. The plurality of carton walls may comprise a first panel 18; 118; 218 disposed over the sloping top wall TW of the at least one article B and a second panel 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B disposed alongside the end wall W2 of the at least one article B. The second panel 26A, 26B; 126A, 126B; 226A, 226B has a window A2 formed therein. The window A2 is configured and positioned such that at least the sloping edge FL1 , FL2 of the at least one article B is exposed to view through the window A2 when viewed from an exterior of the carton 90; 190; 290.

[0150] The at least one article B may comprise a pair of adjoining articles B, B, each of which may comprise the sloping top wall TW including the sloping edge FL1 , FL2. At least the sloping edges FL1 , FL2 of the adjoining articles B, B are exposed to view through the window A2 when viewed from the exterior of the carton 90; 190; 290.

[0151] The adjoining articles B, B may be arranged such that the sloping top walls TW, TW define a step between the adjoining articles B, B, and wherein the step is exposed to view through the window A2 when viewed from the exterior of the carton 90; 190; 290. 22914-USPR0P1

[0152] Each of the adjoining articles B, B may further comprise a rear wall W3 opposing the front wall W1 of the respective article B. The rear wall W3 of each article may be taller in height than the front wall W1 of that article. The rear wall W3 of a first one of the adjoining articles B, B may be disposed in contact with the front wall W1 of the other one of the adjoining articles B, B.

[0153] The present disclosure also provides a package comprising a carton 90; 190; 290 and at least one article B. The carton may comprise a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton. The at least one article B may be disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton. The at least one article B may comprise a front wall W1 , a sloping top wall TW disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall W1 , and an end wall W2 having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall W1 and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall TW. The plurality of carton walls may comprise a first panel 18; 118; 218 disposed over the sloping top wall TW of the at least one article B. A lowermost end of the sloping top wall TW of the at least one article B is spaced apart from the first panel 18; 118; 218 by a first distance “d3”.

[0154] The first panel 18; 118; 218 may have at least one handle opening A1 through which the sloping top wall TW of the at least one article B is exposed to view.

[0155] The at least one handle opening A1 may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 60; 160; 260 hingedly connected to the first panel 18; 118; 218 along a handle fold line 61 ; 161 ; 261. The handle flap 60; 160; 260 may have a handle length extending between the handle fold line 61 ; 161 ; 261 and a distal end of the handle flap. The handle length may be less than the first distance “d3".

[0156] An uppermost end of the sloping top wall TW may be spaced apart from the first panel 18; 118; 218 by a second distance “d2”, wherein the handle length may be equal to or less than the second distance “d2”.

[0157] The present disclosure further provides carton 90; 190; 290 which comprises a handle panel 18; 118; 218 having at least one handle opening A1 and at least one window A2. A first notional line "N1” passes through the at least one handle opening A1 and the at least one window A2, and bisects the at least one handle opening A1. The at least one window A2 defines a second notional line “N2” in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window A2. The at least one window A2 defines a third notional line “N3” in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window A2. The second and third notional lines “N2", “N3” are parallel to the first notional line “N 1” and are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line “N1”. The at least one handle opening A1 is located within an area defined between the second and third notional lines “N2”, “N3”.

[0158] The present disclosure further provides a carton 90; 190; 290 which comprises a handle panel 18; 118; 218 having at least one handle opening A1 and at least one window A2. A first notional line 'NT' passes through the at least one handle opening A1 and the at least one window A2. The first notional line "N1” bisects the at least one handle opening A1. The at least one window A2 defines a second notional line "N2” in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window A2. The at least one window A2 defines a third notional line "N3” in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window A2. The second and third notional lines “N2”, “N3” are parallel to the first notional line “NT' and are disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line “N1”. A deformation line pattern 22914-USPR0P1

[0159] F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 is provided in the handle panel 18; 118; 218 and is disposed between the at least one handle opening A1 and the at least one window N2. The deformation line pattern is disposed within the area defined between the second and third notional lines “N2”, “N3”.

[0160] The present disclosure further provides a carton 90; 190; 290 which comprises a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another to define a tubular structure having a tubular axis. The plurality of main panels comprises a handle panel 18; 118; 218 having at least one handle opening A1 and at least one window A2. The carton 90; 190; 290 further comprises a deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 provided in the handle panel 18; 118; 218 and disposed between the at least one handle opening A1 and the at least one window A2. The deformation line pattern F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 comprises a first deformation line F1 collinear with a first notional line "N1” parallel to the tubular axis. The first notional line “N1” bisects the at least one handle opening A1 .

[0161] The carton 90; 190; 290 may further comprise an end closure wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B hingedly connected to the handle panel 18; 118; 218 to close an end of the tubular structure at least in part. The at least one window A2 may be struck, at least in part, from the end closure wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B.

[0162] The end closure wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B may be a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B; 122A, 124A, 126A, 128A, 122B, 124B, 126B, 128B; 222A, 224A, 226A, 228A, 222B, 224B, 226B, 228B.

[0163] The present disclosure further provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another. The plurality of panels includes a handle panel 18; 118; 218. The carton 90; 190; 290 further comprises an end wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B hingedly connected to the handle panel 18; 118; 218 by a hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B. The carton 90; 190; 290 has a first opening A1 defined in a handle panel 18; 118; 218 and a second opening A2 defined at least in part in the end wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B. The carton 90; 190; 290 further comprises at least one deformation line F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 disposed between the first and second openings A1 , A2, wherein the at least one deformation line F1 / F2 / F3; F1 / F2 / F3 / F4 / F5; F1 / F4 / F5 extends transversely of a notional line “N4" oriented parallel to the hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B.

[0164] The at least one deformation line may comprise a pair of deformation lines F1, F2, F3; F1 , F2, F3, F4, F5; F1 , F4, F5 extending divergently from each other toward the second opening A2.

[0165] The at least one deformation line may comprise a pair of deformation lines F1, F2, F3; F1 , F2, F3, F4, F5; F1 , F4, F5 extending divergently from each other toward the first opening A1. 22914-USPR0P1

[0166] The second opening A2 may interrupt the hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B and may extend into the handle panel 18; 118; 218.

[0167] The present disclosure further provides a carton 90; 190; 290 comprising a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another. The plurality of panels including a handle panel 18; 118; 218. The carton further comprises an end wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B;

[0168] 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B. The carton 90; 190; 290 has a first opening A1 in a handle panel 18; 118; 218 and a second opening A2 defined at least in part in the end wall 22A / 24A / 26A / 28A, 22B / 24B / 26B / 28B; 122A / 124A / 126A / 128A, 122B / 124B / 126B / 128B; 222A / 224A / 226A / 228A, 222B / 224B / 226B / 228B. The first opening comprises a first width dimension “wdT measured along a notional line "N4” parallel to the hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B. The second opening A2 comprises a second width dimension “wd2" measured along the notional line “N4”. The second width dimension “wd2” is greater than the first width dimension “wd1”.

[0169] The second opening A2 may interrupt the hinged connection 25A, 25B; 125A, 125B; 225A, 225B and may extend into the handle panel 18; 118; 218.

[0170] It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

[0171] Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a fully enclosed carton it is envisaged that the dispenser may be employed in cartons of alternative design such as, but not limited to, wraparound style cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips.

[0172] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", “base”, "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0173] As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight / linear or curved / curvil inear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween. 22914-USPR0P1

[0174] As used herein, the term “cutaway” may refer to one of the following: a recess, a notch, a slot, an opening, a cutline, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0175] As used herein, the terms “severance line”, “tear line”, “frangible line” may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the terms “severance line” , “tear line”, “frangible line” may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partialdepth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options.

[0176] It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines, deformation lines, crease lines and severance lines (tear lines or frangible lines) can each include elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, embossments or debossments, or any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and / or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line.

[0177] As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

[0178] The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

Claims

22914-USPROP1CLAIMS1 . A package comprising a carton and at least one article, the carton comprising a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton, the at least one article being disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton, wherein the at least one article comprises a front wall, a sloping top wall disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall, and an end wall having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall, the sloping top wall including a sloping edge disposed next to the end wall, wherein the plurality of carton walls comprising a first panel disposed over the sloping top wall of the at least one article and a second panel disposed alongside the end wall of the at least one article, the second panel having a window formed therein , wherein the window is configured and positioned such that at least the sloping edge of the at least one article is exposed to view through the window when viewed from an exterior of the carton.

2. A package according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one article comprises a pair of adjoining articles, each of the adjoining articles comprising the sloping top wall including the sloping edge, and wherein at least the sloping edges of the adjoining articles are exposed to view through the window when viewed from the exterior of the carton.

3. A package according to claim 2, wherein the adjoining articles are arranged such that the sloping top walls of the adjoining articles define a step between the adjoining articles, and wherein the step is exposed to view through the window when viewed from the exterior of the carton.

4. A package according to claim 2, wherein each of the adjoining articles further comprises a rear wall opposing the front wall of the respective article, the rear wall of each of the articles being taller in height than the front wall of the respective article, and wherein the rear wall of a first one of the adjoining articles is disposed in contact with the front wall of the other one of the adjoining articles.

5. A package comprising a carton and at least one article, the carton comprising a plurality of wall panels defining an interior of the carton, the at least one article being disposed at least in part in the interior of the carton, wherein the at least one article comprises a front wall, a sloping top wall disposed obliquely with respect to the front wall, and an end wall having a front end thereof adjacent to the front wall and an upper end thereof adjacent to the top wall, wherein the plurality of carton walls comprising a first panel disposed over the sloping top wall of the at least one article, wherein a lowermost end of the sloping top wall of the at least one article is spaced apart from the first panel by a first distance.

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the first panel having at least one handle opening through which the sloping top wall of the at least one article is exposed to view.

7. A package according to claim 6, wherein the at least one handle opening is defined, at least in part, by a handle flap hingedly connected to the first panel along a handle fold line, the handle flap having a handle length extending22914-USPROP1 between the handle fold line and a distal end of the handle flap, and wherein the handle length is less than the first distance.

8. A package according to claim 7, wherein an uppermost end of the sloping top wall is spaced apart from the first panel by a second distance, and wherein the handle length is equal to or less than the second distance.

9. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window, wherein a first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window and bisects the at least one handle opening, the at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window, the at least one window defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window, the second and third notional lines being parallel to the first notional line and being disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line, and wherein the at least one handle opening is located within an area defined between the second and third notional lines.

10. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window, wherein a first notional line passes through the at least one handle opening and the at least one window and bisects the at least one handle opening, the at least one window defines a second notional line in tangential contact with a first side of the at least one window, the at least one window defines a third notional line in tangential contact with a second, opposing, side of the at least one window, the second and third notional lines being parallel to the first notional line and being disposed on the opposite sides of the first notional line, and wherein a deformation line pattern is provided in the handle panel and is disposed between the at least one handle opening and the at least one window, the deformation line pattern being disposed within the area defined between the second and third notional lines.

11. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another to define a tubular structure having a tubular axis, the plurality of main panels comprising a handle panel having at least one handle opening and at least one window, the carton further comprising a deformation line pattern provided in the handle panel and disposed between the at least one handle opening and the at least one window, wherein the deformation line pattern comprises a first deformation line collinear with a first notional line parallel to the tubular axis, the first notional line bisecting the at least one handle opening.

12. A carton according to claim 11, further comprising an end closure wall hingedly connected to the handle panel to close an end of the tubular structure at least in part wherein the at least one window is struck, at least in part, from the end closure wall.

13. A carton according to claim 12, wherein the end closure wall is a composite wall comprising two or more end closure flaps.22914-USPROP114. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another, the plurality of panels including a handle panel, the carton further comprising an end wall hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection, the carton having a first opening defined in a handle panel and a second opening defined at least in part in the end wall, the carton further comprising at least one deformation line disposed between the first and second openings, wherein the at least one deformation line extends transversely of a notional line oriented parallel to the hinged connection.

15. A carton according to claim 14, wherein the at least one deformation line comprises a pair of deformation lines extending divergently from each other toward the second opening.

16. A carton according to claim 14, wherein the at least one deformation line comprises a pair of deformation lines extending divergently from each other toward the first opening.

17. A carton according to claim 14, wherein the second opening interrupts the hinged connection and extends into the handle panel.

18. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of main panels hingedly connected one to another, the plurality of panels including a handle panel, the carton further comprising an end wall hingedly connected to the handle panel by a hinged connection, the carton having a first opening in a handle panel and a second opening defined at least in part in the end wall, the first opening comprises a first width dimension measured along a notional line parallel to the hinged connection, the second opening comprises a second width dimension measured along the notional line, and wherein the second width dimension is greater than the first width dimension.

19. A carton according to claim 18, wherein the second opening interrupts the hinged connection and extends into the handle panel.

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