Carton Handle Formed by Overlapping Top Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cartons lack an efficient and ergonomic design for handling and carrying multiple containers, particularly those with irregular shapes, as they often do not provide adequate support or ease of use when transporting items like beverage cans or bottles.

Innovation Solution

A carton design featuring a handle formed by overlapping panels with curved edges and reinforced flaps, allowing for secure grasping and carrying of containers, with the handle comprising central and end portions attached via tear lines and reinforcement tape for enhanced strength and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional cartons are used without handles, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but handling and carrying multiple containers becomes difficult and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling and carryingVSAvoidcarton structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is integrated into the carton structure by forming it from the same blank material, merging the handle function with the carton body rather than adding a separate component. This resolves the contradiction by providing easy handling while keeping the overall structure unified and relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle incorporates curved edges and rounded corners formed from the blank, creating an ergonomic shape that is comfortable for grasping. This curvature design improves ease of operation while the handle remains part of the carton's integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If panels are overlapped to form the top wall and handle, then the carton can accommodate various container shapes, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer shape accommodationVSAvoidpanel overlapping alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blank is divided into distinct panels (first top panel, second top panel, side panels, end flaps) with defined fold lines and overlap regions. This segmentation allows each panel to be formed and positioned independently, accommodating various container shapes while providing clear manufacturing guides for assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the blank have different properties - some areas are scored for folding, others are designed to overlap, and specific regions form the handle structure. This local differentiation allows the carton to adapt to various container shapes while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements through localized formation instructions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If end flaps are used to close the carton ends, then secure closure is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple foldable components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidnumber of flaps and folds
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end flaps are integrated into the same blank as the main carton body and handle, combining multiple functions (closure, structural support, handle formation) into a single unified component rather than using separate parts. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure closure through the flap mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the handle is formed by attaching end portions of panels, then ergonomic grasping is enabled, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping comfortVSAvoidhandle assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle structure is pre-formed within the blank design, with the first and second handle panels positioned and configured before final assembly. The end portions are pre-positioned for attachment, reducing the complexity of the assembly process while still enabling ergonomic grasping through the pre-configured handle geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2814757B1Carton with handle
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 GRAPHIC PACKAGING INTERNATIONAL LLC
  • EP2814757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2814757B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2814757B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first top panel and the second top panel are at least partially overlapped to form a top wall of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top wall. The handle can comprise at least a first handle portion of the first top panel and a second handle portion of the second top panel. The first handle portion can at least partially overlap the second handle portion at a rounded corner of the carton.