Foldable Handle Structure for Cartons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carton designs lack a robust and efficient handle structure that is both secure and minimally wasteful, while also providing a display window for the contents, which is essential for cost-effective and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Innovation Solution
A carton design featuring a foldable handle structure with a handle strap and connecting panels hingedly connected to the side panels, allowing the handle to be folded into the carton for vertical alignment, and constructed from separate blanks to minimize material usage, with optional reinforcing members for added strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handle structure is added to the carton, then carrying capability is improved, but material usage and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure is designed to fold into the interior of the carton when not in use, with the handle strap and connecting panels nesting within the carton's internal space. This allows the handle to be integrated into the carton without permanently increasing its external dimensions or creating standalone complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure employs foldable connecting panels that can transition between an extended carrying position and a retracted folded position. This dynamic design allows the handle to adapt between providing carrying capability and minimizing structural complexity and material usage.
2Strength
If the handle structure is made robust for transporting heavy loads, then strength is improved, but material usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle structure utilizes the inherent strength characteristics of the carton substrate by orienting the grain direction of the substrate longitudinally along the handle strap. This local optimization of material properties provides maximum strength for carrying heavy loads while minimizing the amount of material needed, as the grain direction naturally reinforces the handle without requiring additional material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of grain direction orientation to achieve optimal strength. By aligning the substrate grain longitudinally along the handle strap, the material's natural strength properties are maximized, providing robust handling capability for heavy loads without requiring excessive material quantity.
3Ease of operation
If an end opening is provided for displaying articles, then accessibility is improved, but structural integrity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is designed with a segmented structure where one end is partially open to provide a display window and accessibility, while the handle structure is hingedly connected to the side panels to provide structural support. This segmentation allows the opening to serve its display function while the handle structure compensates for any structural integrity that might be compromised by the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier, and a blank (810) for forming the article carrier. An aspect of the invention provides an article carrier comprising a plurality of primary panels (812,814,816) at least partially extending around an interior of the article carrier. The plurality of primary panels comprises a first side panel (812), a top panel (814), a second side pane (816)1 and at least one bottom panel joined together to form a tubular structure having first and second opposed open ends. The article carrier comprises a carrying handle (H) including a handle feature defined in at least the top panel and a foldable handle structure (HS) having opposed connecting panels and a handle strap. The handle strap extends (882) between the connecting panels.