TWI912289B - Carton and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank for forming the carrier. The carton comprises plurality of walls defining an interior of the carton. The carton comprises a handle flap hingedly connected along a flap fold line to at least one of the plurality of walls. The handle flap has a plurality of parallel fold lines extending transversely of the flap fold line.

Description

Cardboard boxes and their blanks

This invention relates to cardboard boxes and blanks for forming the cardboard boxes, and particularly, but not limited to, a spiral carrying device having an improved handle structure.

In the packaging industry, it is known that cardboard boxes are available for carrying multiple items. Cardboard boxes are a well-known technology and help consumers transport, store, and retrieve a set of items to be consumed. For cost and environmental reasons, these boxes or containers must be made with the least amount of material possible and waste must be minimized. Other considerations include the strength of the box and its suitability for packing and transporting heavy items. The contents of the box should be securely placed inside.

The idea is to manufacture cartons from interlocking blanks, which has both environmental and economic benefits and helps to increase or maximize the quantity of carton blanks obtained from standard or fixed-width cardboard or other sheets.

It is also desirable that when the carton is packed into a bag or pouch for transport, the bag's integrity is not torn or otherwise compromised, or other items inside the bag are damaged.

One objective of this invention is to provide a handle structure for carrying the carton. It is desirable to provide a sturdy and robust handle, and it is also necessary to reduce the thickness or bulkiness of the material constituting the carton.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in the field of cardboard boxes, which are typically made of materials such as cardboard.

A first aspect of the invention is to provide a carton for packaging one or more items. The carton includes a plurality of side panels defining an interior of one of the carton panels, and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of side panels along a flap fold line. The handle flap has a plurality of parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line.

A second aspect of the invention is to provide a blank sheet for forming a carton. It includes a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment, and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. The handle flap has a plurality of parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel overlapping lines may include three or more parallel lines.

Optionally, each of the plurality of parallel fold lines is set to be substantially perpendicular to the fold line of the placket.

Optionally, each of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends from the fold line of the flap toward a free edge of the handle flap.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends from the flap fold line to the free edge of the handle flap.

Optionally, the handle flap has a pair of opposing side edges, each of which is parallel to the plurality of parallel fold lines.

Optionally, at least one of the plurality of plates includes a delivery plate defined by a pair of tear lines, wherein the handle flap is located at a position separated from the tear lines between the pair of tear lines.

Optionally, the handle flap is positioned in the middle of the tear lines.

Optionally, the fold line of the flap is oriented such that an imaginary extension of the fold line intersects the pair of tear lines.

Optionally, the imaginary extension of the flap fold line is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the corresponding portion of the intersecting tear lines.

Optionally, the handle flap defines a central axis extending approximately perpendicular to the flap fold line, wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines are symmetrical on both sides of the central axis.

Optionally, one of the plurality of parallel overlapping lines extends collinearly with the central axis.

Optionally, the handle flap defines a central axis extending substantially perpendicular to the flap fold line, wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines include a first pair of fold lines located equidistant from the central axis on opposite sides of the central axis, and the first pair of fold lines are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first distance.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel overlapping lines may further include a second pair of overlapping lines disposed on opposite sides of the central axis at positions equidistant from the central axis, wherein the second pair of overlapping lines are disposed apart from each other by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

Optionally, the length of each of the first fold lines is greater than that of each of the second fold lines.

Optionally, each of the first two fold lines extends from the fold line of the flap toward a free edge of the handle flap, and neither of the first two fold lines touches the free edge.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel overlapping lines may further include an intermediate overlapping line that extends collinearly with the central axis.

Optionally, the center fold line extends from the flap fold line across the handle flap to the free edge.

Optionally, the length of the intermediate fold line is greater than that of each of the first pair of fold lines.

Optionally, the length of the flap fold line is not greater than the maximum width of the handle flap.

A third aspect of the invention is to provide a blank sheet for forming a carton. The blank sheet includes a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment and a handle flap. The handle flap is hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels, and includes a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hinged to the proximal portion along a pair of distal portion fold lines. Furthermore, the handle flap has a plurality of additional fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank sheet for forming a carton. The blank sheet includes a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment and a handle flap. The handle flap is hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels and includes a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hinged to the proximal portion along a corresponding one of a pair of distal portion fold lines. Furthermore, each of the distal portion fold lines substantially extends from a free edge of the handle flap, and the pair of distal portion fold lines are configured to diverge from each other toward the flap fold line. The handle flap has at least one other fold line extending laterally from the flap fold line.

A fifth aspect of the invention is to provide a packaging comprising a set of articles and a carton. Each container of the set of articles has a generally circular cross-section. The carton is configured to at least partially enclose an exterior of the set of articles. The carton includes a plurality of sheet panels and a handle flap. The handle flap is hinged to at least one of the plurality of sheet panels along a flap fold line. Furthermore, the handle flap also includes a plurality of parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line.

A sixth aspect of the invention is to provide a packaging comprising a set of containers and a carton. Each of the containers has a generally circular cross-section. The carton is configured to at least partially enclose an exterior of the set of containers. Furthermore, the carton includes a plurality of panels and a handle flap. The handle flap is hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line, and the handle flap includes a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hinged to the proximal portion along a corresponding distal portion fold line. Moreover, the handle flap has a plurality of other fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line.

Within the scope of this application, the foregoing content, the scope of the patent application and/or the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives contained in the following detailed description and illustrations are all contemplated for use individually or in combination.

A feature or element described in a particular embodiment may be applied to all other embodiments unless incompatible. One or more features or elements from a particular embodiment may be incorporated into or combined with any other embodiment herein, and such features or elements from said embodiment may also be included, added to, or replace one or more features or elements of said other embodiments.

A particular feature or combination of features of an embodiment described herein may be used independently, excluding other features of the embodiment. Alternatively, a particular feature or combination of features of an embodiment may be omitted from the embodiment.

Specific embodiments of the packaging, blanks, and cartons of this invention will now be described in detail. It should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of ways in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented, and therefore do not represent a complete list of all ways in which the invention can be embodied. The term "example" as used herein refers broadly to various embodiments serving as examples, samples, models, or patterns. In reality, the packaging, blanks, and cartons described herein can be implemented in various different and alternative forms. Furthermore, the drawings may not be to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or reduced to show details of certain components. Various well-known components, materials, or methods may not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the content of this invention. Any specific details regarding the structure and function described herein shall not be construed as restrictive, but are merely the basis for the scope of the patent application and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art how to apply the invention in various aspects.

Please refer to Figure 1, which shows a plan view of a blank sheet 10 that can be formed into a carton or carrying device 90 as shown in Figure 2 for loading and transporting a set of primary products (hereinafter referred to as "Article B") such as, but not limited to, beverage cans as shown in Figure 2. The blank sheet 10 is formed as a secondary packaging component for packaging at least one container or package of primary products.

In the various embodiments described in detail herein, for the purpose of illustrating various features of the invention without limitation, the terms "carton" and "carrying device" refer to containers used for engaging and carrying article B, such as primary product container B. However, the teachings of the invention are also contemplated for application to various product containers B that may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical in shape. Other examples of containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), jars (e.g., aluminum cans), tin cans, cups, pots, pouches, and packets.

The blank 10 is formed from a single suitable substrate. It should be understood that the term "suitable substrate" as used herein includes various types of foldable sheet materials, such as cardboard, corrugated paper, cardboard, plastic, and combinations thereof. It should also be recognized that the number of blanks used for the carrying device structure, which will be explained in detail later, may be, for example, one or other quantities, as will be explained in detail later.

The sheet forming the packaging structure or carton 90 described herein can be, for example, made of a strength-enhancing material, or coated with a strength-enhancing material. An example of such a sheet is the tear-resistant NATRALOCK® cardboard manufactured by WestRock. It should be noted that more than one layer of tear-resistant material can be used to enhance the tear resistance of the packaging. Typically, one side of the sheet can have different characteristics than the other. For example, the outer surface of the sheet of a finished package can be very smooth and may have a coating such as clay coating or other surface treatments to provide good printability. In addition, the coating, layer or treatment on the inner surface of the sheet may have, or be prepared to have, one or more other properties, such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability or other desired functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, the preform 10 is designed to form a carton or carrying container 90 for packaging an article B in a certain configuration. In this embodiment, the configuration shown is an m x n matrix or array with two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); each of the two columns contains three articles B, and the articles B are 500ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the preform 10 can be designed to form a carrying container for packaging articles of other types, quantities, or sizes and/or articles in different configurations or arrangements, such as, but not limited to, fully enclosed cartons or basket-type carrying containers, where the articles B can be bottles or jars.

Referring now to FIG1, a blank sheet 10 for forming a carton 90 (see FIG2) according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The blank sheet 10 includes a plurality of main sheet sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main sheet sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 include: a first bottom sheet 12, a first corner sheet 14, a first side sheet 16, a top sheet 18, a second side sheet 20, a second corner sheet 22, and a second bottom sheet 24. The plurality of main board pieces 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 can be configured to be connected sequentially from one piece to the next using corresponding folding lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23.

In some alternative embodiments, the first and second corner plates 14 and 22 may be omitted, as may the fold lines 15 and 21.

The first and second corner plates 14 and 22 may be regarded as forming the lower part of the corresponding piece of the first or second side plates 16 and 20, respectively, or may be modified to form part of the first or second bottom plates 12 and 24 to which they are hinged.

The blank sheet 10 can be folded to form a packaging component 90 as shown in FIG. 2. The first and second bottom plates 12, 24 can be joined together to form a composite bottom wall panel 12/24 of the carton 90 in an overlapping relationship. In addition, the blank sheet 10 may include a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second bottom plate 24 to the first bottom plate 12. The second bottom plate 24 may include at least one first portion F of the complementary locking mechanism, and the first bottom plate 12 may include at least one second portion M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bottom plate 24 includes a plurality of tabs F that define a plurality of openings on the second bottom plate 24. The first base plate 12 includes a plurality of male tongue pieces M, and the openings of the second base plate 24 are designed to accommodate corresponding male tongue pieces M. The female tongue pieces F are configured to be removed from the second base plate 24 to form the openings and to abut against the male tongue pieces M when they are received within the openings. In some embodiments, the complementary locking mechanism M/F can be omitted; the first and second base plates 12, 24 can be secured to each other using other means, such as, but not limited to, adhesives or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base plates 12, 24 may include at least one first opening A1. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base plates 12, 24 includes two first openings A1. Alternatively, the first and second base plates 12, 24 may further include at least one second opening A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base plates 12, 24 includes one second opening A2. The first and second openings A1, A2 can facilitate the manufacture of the carton 90. When a component of a packaging machine engages with the first and second openings A1, A2, the plurality of plates 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 can be tightly wrapped around a set of articles B. Furthermore, the first and second openings A1 and A2 also facilitate the alignment of the first and second base plates 12 and 24 with each other, or facilitate the alignment of the first and second portions of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism shown and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 may include at least one heel joint structure N for engaging with the heel or lower part of an article B. The blank 10 shown in FIG1 includes a total of six heel joint structures N, each for engaging a corresponding article B. The heel joint structures N are substantially identical in construction, and therefore will be described below only with reference to one heel joint structure N provided on the first side plate 16.

The heel joint structure N may include an opening. Part of the opening is defined by a heel opening A3 and another part by a heel tongue 42. The heel tongue 42 is hinged to the first base plate 12 using a fold line 43. Furthermore, the heel tongue 42 is pressed from the first corner plate 14.

The fold line 43 branches off the fold line 13 that hinges the first base plate 12 to the first corner plate 14. The fold line 43 may be non-straight, and in the illustrated example, the fold line 43 is curved or arc-shaped. In other embodiments, the fold line 43 may be formed by at least two straight fold lines that are separated from each other but interconnected.

The heel tongue 42 may include a pair of forked fold lines 45a, 45b, which may define the corner of the bend of the heel tongue 42.

The top panel 18 may include a handle structure H. The handle structure H includes at least one bendable finger tab 52. The illustrated embodiment includes a pair of bendable finger tabs 52.

The finger guards 52 are spaced apart from each other. Each finger guard 52 can be aligned with the void or gap between a group of four adjacent items B inside the carton 90.

Furthermore, each finger guard 52 is hinged to the top plate 18 via a first fold line 55, and a portion of it is defined by a cutting line or slit line 51. The cutting line 51 may be substantially semi-circular in shape. The two opposite ends of the cutting line 51 are close to the opposite ends of the first fold line 55. Additionally, the ends of the cutting line or slit line 51 may be arc-shaped or curved. These curved ends are configured to be contiguous or continuous with the first fold line 55. The first fold line 55 includes a length dimension L1, and the length dimension L1 may be equal to or less than the maximum width dimension W1 of the finger guard 52. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 may be less than or equal to 3 mm, and in some embodiments, it may be about 2 mm.

As shown in Figure 3, the cutting line 51 may include a pair of straight line segments 51a and 51b, thereby defining at least a portion of the maximum width dimension W1 of the finger guard 52. Each straight line segment 51a and 51b may extend continuously from a curved end adjacent to the first fold line 55. Furthermore, the pair of straight line segments 51a and 51b may also be connected to each other by a curved line segment, thereby forming a continuous cutting line or cutting line 51 from opposite ends of the first fold line 55. In some embodiments, the curved line segment may be arc-shaped; in other embodiments, it may be a combination of straight lines and/or arc-shaped portions, for example, it may include two or more straight lines that are skewed apart from each other and an arc-shaped portion disposed therebetween.

The straight or linear cut segments 51a and 51b are optional, but in some embodiments they can improve the strength of the handle. Alternatively, the straight cut segments 51a and 51b can be replaced by cut segments of other shapes or configurations, such as curved or oblique cut segments that converge toward the first or flap fold line 55.

Each finger guard 52 includes a second fold line 61 extending along its own height H1 from the first fold line 55 to the opposite free edge. The second fold line 61 may be perpendicular to the first fold line 55. Furthermore, the second fold line 61 may divide the finger guard 52 in two. The second fold line 61 may divide the first fold line 55 in two. In some embodiments, the second fold line 61 may be horizontal or diagonal to the first fold line 55. In embodiments where the second fold line 61 is diagonal to the first fold line 55, the second fold line 61 may not divide the finger guard 52 in two, nor may it divide the first fold line 55 in two.

Each finger guard 52 may also include a pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b. The pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b are configured to be skewed apart from each other. The pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b converge to define a apex, which may be located at or near the end of the second fold line 61 adjacent to the free edge of the tongue 52. Furthermore, each of the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b extends to a corresponding curved end on the cut line 51. In this way, the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b defines a "V"-shaped fold line extending across the maximum width dimension W1 of the finger guard 52.

Each finger guard 52 may also include several additional fold lines extending from the first fold line 55. These additional fold lines may extend toward the free edge of the finger guard 52 and/or one of the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b.

In the illustrated embodiment, four fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b extend from the first fold line 55. These fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b do not extend completely beyond the finger guard 52. Furthermore, these fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b do not extend completely between the first fold line 55 and one of the corresponding third fold lines 53a and 53b.

The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b can be located on opposite sides of the second fold line 61 and can be arranged to be parallel to each other. The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b can also be arranged to be parallel to the second fold line 61.

The first side of the second fold line 61 may have two fold lines 57a and 59a; the second side of the second fold line 61 may have two other fold lines 57b and 59b.

The inner fold lines 59a and 59b, which are closer to the second fold line 61, may be longer than the outer fold lines 57a and 57b.

The first piece of the finger guard 52 is hinged to the top plate 18 from the opposite side of the second piece of the finger guard 52.

The handle structure is configured to distribute various load forces throughout the carrying device 90. The finger guards 52 can act as mandrels to define the deformation of the top plate 18 when subjected to load.

The arrow GR in Figure 1 indicates the direction of grain or machine. The second fold line 61 and the fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b can guide the load in a direction perpendicular to it.

In use, the top plate 18 can deform or bend in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the tube of the carton 90, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the silk flow or mechanical direction. This can increase the rigidity and/or strength of the carton 90.

The second fold line 61 and the fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, and 59b have the effect of reducing or alleviating the load or stress borne by the area on the top plate 18 that is close to the two ends of the first fold line 55 and the opposite two ends of the cutting line 51, or the situation where such load or stress is concentrated there.

The top panel 18 may include a tear strip-shaped opening D. The opening D is defined by a first tear or cut line 62a and a second tear or cut line 62b. The first and second cut lines 62a and 62b extend generally longitudinally across the entire top panel 18. Furthermore, the second cut line 62b is transversely spaced from the first cut line 62a. Each end of the tear strip may be provided with an opening device in the form of a pull tab 60a or 60b. The pull tabs 60a and 60b are respectively hinged to the tear strip by corresponding fold lines 63a and 63b, and a portion of them can be defined by weakening lines that are easier to tear than the first and second cutting lines 62a and 62b. That is to say, the tear resistance of the weakening lines is lower than that of the first and second cutting lines 62a and 62b.

When the disassembly part D is removed, the contents of the carton 90, namely item B, can be easily accessed.

Each of the plates 12, 16, 18, 20, and 24 has a pair of cut-outs or notches. These cut-outs are defined at opposite ends of the embryo plate 10. The cut-outs include complete or large cut-outs 70, 70a, and 70c, and half or small cut-outs 70b.

A first cut-off portion 70 is defined near the middle of each of the opposing end edges of the top plate 18. A second cut-off portion 70a is defined at each end edge of the first side plate 16. A third cut-off portion 70c is defined at each end edge of the second side plate 20.

The partial or small cut-off portion 70b is defined at the opposite end edges of the first and second base plates 12 and 24, respectively.

Therefore, the embryo plate 10 has four tongues 72, 72a, 72b, 72c along each of its longitudinal edges, each tongue being adjacent to two of the cut portions 70, 70a, 70b, 70c.

As shown in Figure 1, a first upper tongue piece 72 is disposed between and defined by the adjacent first and third cut portions 70 and 70c. A second upper tongue piece 72a is disposed between and defined by the adjacent first and second cut portions 70 and 70a. A first lower tongue piece 72b is disposed between and defined by the second cut portion 70a and a first half-cut portion 70b defined on the first base plate 12. A second lower tongue piece 72c is disposed between and defined by the third cut portion 70c and a second half-cut portion 70b defined on the second base plate 24.

The first upper tongue 72 spans over the adjacent fold line 19. The second upper tongue 72a spans over the adjacent fold line 17.

The first lower tongue 72b spans over the adjacent fold lines 13 and 15. The second lower tongue 72c spans over the adjacent fold lines 21 and 23.

The complete or large excision portions 70, 70a, 70c are capable of accommodating one of the tongues 72, 72a, 72c of appropriate size for adjacent identical or similar embryonic pieces.

As shown in Figure 1, a second embryo (not shown) may be disposed end-to-end with the rear or front of the embryo 10. Each of the half or small cut portions 70b cooperates with a half or small cut portion 70b of the second embryo to provide a gap or cut portion capable of accommodating a tongue 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of a suitable size for an adjacent third embryo (not shown). The third embryo is configured to be side-by-side with the embryo 10 of Figure 1 (or, at least a portion of the longitudinal edge of the embryo 10 may be shared or jointly owned with at least a portion of the longitudinal edge of the third embryo). A first half-cut portion 70b from a first embryo 10 and a second half-cut portion 70b from a second embryo must be able to accommodate a tongue 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of the third embryo. Thus, the two hemisection portions 70b can be regarded as a complete resection portion.

The first and second upper tabs 72, 72a each form or contribute to forming an end retaining structure, thereby preventing the contents of the carton 90 from falling out when the blanks 10 are assembled into the carton 90. In addition, the first and second upper tabs 72, 72a may each be provided with cutting and folding lines so that a top joining structure can be formed when folded along the folding lines.

Specifically, each upper tongue 72, 72a may include an anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b that is hinged to the adjacent side plate 16, 20 along a fold line 25a, 25b, 39a, 39b. Furthermore, each upper tongue 72, 72a may also include a corner brace 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b that is hinged to the anchor portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.

Each upper tongue 72, 72a may also include an extension 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b along one of the corresponding fold lines 17, 19, hinged to the web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b of the corner brace portions 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. Furthermore, each upper tongue 72, 72a may also include a covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b integrally formed with the top plate 18. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hinged to the corresponding covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b via a fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b.

An optional aperture A4 can be press-formed from a portion of the top plate 18, a portion of the first or second side plates 16, 20, and a portion of the upper tongues 72, 72a. The aperture A4 defines one end point of each of the fold lines 17, 19; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 25b, 39a, 39b, and is located at one apex of the fold lines.

Each of the upper tabs 72 and 72a is bent during the assembly of the carton. To form a top joint structure from each of the upper tabs 72 and 72a, the anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b are first bent at approximately 180 degrees so that they are in contact with the inner surfaces of the adjacent side panels 16 and 20. Then, one of the packaged items B is used to hold the adjacent side panels 16 and 20 in place, keeping the anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b in the bent position. The bending of the anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b will cause the corner supports 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to bend outward around the fold lines 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b, so that the corner supports 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extend outward from the fold lines 27a, 27a, 37a, 37b along the side wall of the packaged item B. Simultaneously, the web portions 30a, 30b, 32a, and 32b are also prompted to bend downwards along the fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b, so that they are brought to a bending position between the fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, and 33b and the outer edges of the corner braces 28a, 28b, 34a, and 34b. Figure 2 shows the top joining structure thus completed, showing the top of the structure tightly joined to the article B.

The function of each lower tab 72b, 72c is to provide material that adequately defines the adjacent endmost heel opening A3. Specifically, the heel opening A3 adjacent to each lower tab 72b, 72c is configured such that even when the heel opening A3 extends into the lower tab 72b, 72c, there will still be sufficient material surrounding it. During assembly and packaging of the items B, the blank 10 is configured to accommodate the bottom of each corresponding item B through each heel opening A3, thereby securing the item B within the carton 90. Additionally, the heel tabs 42 are also bent to further secure the item B.

Each lower flap 72b, 72c may include a deformable structure G for forming a folded corner area of the carton 90. The deformable structure G is in the form of a configuration consisting of multiple fold lines, suitable for eliminating sharp corners or edges of the carton 90. This is beneficial when transporting or carrying the carton 90 using a carrying bag, especially but not limited to carrying bags made of plastic, paper, or similar sheets. The deformable structure G prevents or reduces the possibility of the carton 90 causing perforations, tears, or other punctures to the forming material of the carrying bag. It should be understood that any punctures in the carrying bag may reduce its load-bearing capacity, and once reduced, the tear may spread, causing the cardboard box 90 or other items inside the bag to fall out and potentially be damaged.

Since the structures of each variant G are essentially the same, the following description will only refer to Figure 1 to explain one of the variant structures G disposed on one of the second lower tongue pieces 72c. The second lower tongue piece 72c is formed by the second side plate 20, the selected second corner plate 22, and the second bottom plate 24.

The modified structure G may include a pressure relief tongue 88 formed partly by the second side plate 20 and partly by the second corner plate 22. In embodiments where the first or second corner plates 14, 22 are omitted, the pressure relief tongue 88 may be formed partly by the second side plate 20 and partly by the second bottom plate 24.

The pressure relief tongue 88 is partially defined by a first fold line 87 on the second side plate 20, and partially defined by a second fold line 91 on the second corner plate 22.

The first fold line 87 is configured to be perpendicular to the second fold line 91. Furthermore, the first and second fold lines 87 and 91 are perpendicular to the longitudinal or free side edge of the embryo 10. In addition, the end of the first and second fold lines 87 and 91 that is close to each other is the first end, and the end that is far from each other is the second end.

The pressure relief tongue 88 is further defined by a cutting line or slit line 93. The cutting line 93 may extend from the first end of the first fold line 87 toward the first end of the second fold line 91. Essentially, the cutting line 93 may extend between the first or proximal end of the first fold line 87 and the first or proximal end of the second fold line 91. Furthermore, the cutting line 93 may connect the first end of the first fold line 87 and the first end of the second fold line 91, thus interconnecting them. Moreover, the cutting line 93 may be substantially parallel to a contiguous portion of the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tongue 72c. The pressure relief tongue 88 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

An extension or portion of the fold line 21 defines a third fold line 89 that substantially divides the pressure relief tongue 88 in two. In other embodiments, the third fold line 89 may be off-center, causing the pressure relief tongue 88 to be asymmetrical on both sides of the third fold line 89.

The pressure relief tongue 88 may include a first notch or recess R1 pressed from its longitudinal or free edge. In the embodiment of FIG1, the recess R1 is essentially triangular, thus defining a "V"-shaped free edge. Furthermore, the recess R1 forks the third fold line 89, which terminates at the apex of the "V". Moreover, the recess R1 removes material from both sides of the third fold line 89 to reduce the prominence of the third fold line 89 near the free edge of the second lower tongue 72c. The recess R1 trims one edge of the third fold line 89.

The pressure relief tongue 88 is located between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tongue 72c and the adjacent outermost heel opening A3.

The modified structure G may include a web structure consisting of a pair of flaps 84 and 86. A first flap 84 is hinged to the second side plate 20 via a fourth fold line 83. The fourth fold line 83 may be collinear with a longitudinal free edge of the third large cut-off portion 70c. Furthermore, a second flap 86 is hinged to the first flap 84 via a fifth fold line 85. The fifth fold line 85 is offset from the fourth fold line 83. The first flap 84 is essentially triangular in shape. Additionally, the second flap 86 is also hinged to the pressure relief tongue 88 via a first fold line 87. The fifth fold line 85 is also offset from the first fold line 87. The second flap 86 is essentially triangular in shape.

The first and second flaps 84 and 86 connect the pressure relief flap 88 to the second side panel 20.

The deformable structure G allows the portion of the second lower tongue 72c provided by the second side plate 20 (and, if present, also by the optional second corner plate 22) to bend or deform around the end of an outermost adjacent item B, such that the free edge of said portion of the second lower tongue 72c becomes closer to said outermost item B. This reduces the rigidity of the outer region of said portion of the second lower tongue 72c, making it easier to deform. In this way, the likelihood of the second lower tongue 72c puncturing the wall of a carrying bag during loading or transport is reduced. This also reduces the need for "double bagging," which involves placing a first bag inside a second bag to create one or two layers of storage.

The deformed structure G may also include a second notch or recess R2 pressed from its longitudinal or free edge. In the embodiment of FIG1, the second recess R2 is essentially triangular, thus defining a portion of a "V"-shaped free edge. Furthermore, the second recess R2 branches off the fold line 23 connecting the second base plate 24 to the second corner plate 22. The fold line 23 terminates at the apex of the "V" shape. Moreover, the second recess R2 removes material from both sides of the fold line 23 to reduce the abruptness of the fold line 23 near the free edge of the second lower tongue 72c. The second recess R2 trims one edge of the fold line 23.

Now refer to the manufacturing of the carton 90 shown in Figure 2. The carton 90 can be formed on a linear machine by a series of sequential bending operations, so that the carton 90 can be manufactured without turning or flipping. The bending process is not limited to what is described below and can be modified according to specific manufacturing requirements.

First, a group of items B is assembled; in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, six items are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. Then, the top plate 18 of the blank 10 is placed on top of the group of items B, becoming a top panel 18 of the carton 90.

Relative to the top panel 18, the first and second side panels 16 and 20 are folded around the fold lines 17 and 19 to the sides of the group of items B, so as to form the first and second side panels 16 and 20 of the carton 90 on the sides of the group of items B.

Relative to the top plate 18, while bending the first and second side plates 16 and 20 to form the aforementioned top joint structure, the anchoring portions 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b can be bent to form a face-fitting relationship with the corresponding piece of the first and second side plates 16 and 20.

Alternatively, the carton 90 can be assembled into a tubular form first, and then the top joining structure can be formed. The anchors 26a, 26b, 36a, and 36b can be tucked between the corresponding piece of the first and second side panels 16 and 20 that they are hinged to and an adjacent item B.

Relative to one of the first and second side panels 16 and 20, the first and second corner panels 14 and 22 are respectively folded around the fold lines 15 and 21 to be close to the heel or lower part of the adjacent item B.

Before bending the first and second corner plates 14 and 22 from one of the corresponding first and second side plates 16 and 20, the heel tongue 42 can be bent out from the plane of the first and second corner plates 14 and 22 along the fold line 43.

Then, the first bottom plate 12 is folded around fold line 13 so that it is adjacent to the bottom of the item B. The second bottom plate 24 is then folded around fold line 23 so that it is at least partially overlapped with the first bottom plate 12. In this way, the heel tongues 42 of each piece can be made to engage with the bottom of a corresponding item B.

The first and second base plates 12 and 24 are fixed together. Next, each of the male tongue plates M is moved inward from the plane of the second base plate 24. This causes each of the female tongue plates F to move inward as well, thereby creating corresponding openings in the first base plate 12. Once the male tongue plates M are accommodated within the corresponding openings, the first and second base plates 12 and 24 are locked together. Thus, a tubular structure is formed surrounding the group of articles B.

Figure 2 shows the assembled cardboard box 90. The handle structure H is located between the first and second tear lines 62a and 62b. The finger guards 52 shown are in an initial or undeployed state.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, other embodiments of the present invention are shown. In these second and third embodiments, where possible, similar reference numerals are used to denote similar components, except that a number such as "100" or "200" is added before them to indicate that the components belong to the second and third embodiments, respectively. These other embodiments share many common components with the first embodiment, and therefore, the differences from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 will be described in detail below.

Please refer to Figure 4, which shows a portion of a blank sheet 110 for a cardboard box (not shown) according to a second embodiment. The blank sheet 110 includes a sheet 118 for forming a handle sheet. The handle sheet 118 includes a handle structure H. The handle structure H includes at least one bendable tongue 152.

The tongue 152 is hinged to the handle plate 118 by a first flap fold line 155, and a portion of it is defined by a cutting line or slit line 151. The cutting line 151 may be substantially semi-circular. The cutting line or slit line 151 includes opposing ends that are close to the opposing ends of the first fold line 155. Furthermore, the ends of the cutting line or slit line 151 may be arc-shaped or curved. The curved ends of the cutting line or slit line 151 are configured to interconnect or continue with the first fold line 155. The first fold line 155 includes a length dimension L1, and the length dimension L1 may be substantially equal to or less than a maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 152. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 may be less than or equal to 3 mm, and in some embodiments, it may be about 2 mm.

Optionally, the cutting line 151 may include a pair of straight line segments 151a, 151b, thereby defining at least a portion of the maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 152. An optional straight line segment 151a, 151b may extend continuously from each curved end adjacent to the first fold line 155. The pair of straight line segments 151a, 151b may also be connected to each other by a curved line segment, thereby forming a continuous cutting line or severance line 151 from the opposite ends of the first fold line 155. Furthermore, the straight cutting line segments 151a, 151b may be replaced by cutting line segments of other shapes or configurations.

In some embodiments, the curve segment may be arc-shaped, while in other embodiments it may be a combination of straight lines and/or arc-shaped portions. For example, it may include two or more straight portions that are separated from each other and an arc-shaped portion disposed therebetween.

The tongue 152 includes a second or intermediate fold line 161 extending from a free edge E1 of the tongue 152. The free edge E1 on the tongue 152 is opposite to the hinge edge defined by the first fold line 155 and may optionally extend beyond the first fold line 155 to terminate at a location outside there. In some embodiments, the second fold line 161 terminates on the handle plate 118 at a location outside the tongue 152. In other embodiments, the second fold line 161 terminates with respect to the first fold line 155. In other embodiments, the second fold line 161 terminates before reaching the first fold line 155, such that a terminal is located within the range of the tongue 152, that is, the terminal is separated from the first fold line 155.

The second fold line 161 can be configured to be perpendicular to the first fold line 155. Furthermore, the second fold line 161 can divide the tongue 152 in two. The second fold line 161 can divide the first fold line 155 in two.

The tongue 152 may also include a pair of third fold lines 153a and 153b. The pair of third fold lines 153a and 153b are configured to be skewed apart from each other. The pair of third fold lines 153a and 153b converge to define a apex, which may be located at or near the end of the second fold line 161 adjacent to the free edge of the tongue 252. Furthermore, each of the pair of third fold lines 153a and 153b extends to the corresponding curved end of the cut line 151. In this way, the pair of third fold lines 153a and 153b define a "V"-shaped fold line extending across the maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 152.

The tongue 152 may further include a plurality of other fold lines extending beyond the first fold line 155. These other fold lines may extend from locations outside the tongue 152. The tongue 152 is defined by the first fold line 155 and the cutting line 151. These other fold lines may extend toward the free edge E1 of the tongue 152 and/or one of the pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b. In other embodiments, any of these other fold lines may have one end located on the first fold line 155. In still other embodiments, both ends of any of these other fold lines may be located within the boundary of the tongue 152 and may be spaced apart from the first fold line 155. Alternatively, these other fold lines can be made symmetrical (mirror symmetry) on both sides of the intermediate fold line 161.

In the illustrated embodiment, six fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, and 165b extend beyond the first fold line 155. These fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, and 165b do not extend completely beyond the tongue 152. These fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, and 165b extend from a first end outside the tongue 152 to a second end located within the boundary of the tongue 152. This second end may be separated from one of the corresponding third fold lines 153a and 153b.

The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, and 165b can be located on opposite sides of the second fold line 161 and can be arranged parallel to each other. The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, and 165b can be arranged parallel to the second fold line 161.

Three fold lines 157a, 159a, and 165a may be provided on the first side of the second fold line 161; and three other fold lines 157b, 159b, and 165b may be provided on the second side of the second fold line 161.

The inner fold lines 165a and 165b closest to the second fold line 161 may be longer than the outer fold lines 157a and 157b and/or the middle fold lines 159a and 159b. Furthermore, the middle fold lines 159a and 159b may also be longer than the outer fold lines 157a and 157b.

The handle configuration distributes various loads throughout the carrying device.

Please refer to Figure 5, which shows a portion of a blank sheet 210 for a cardboard box (not shown) according to a third embodiment. The blank sheet 210 includes a sheet 218 for forming a handle sheet. The handle sheet 218 includes a handle structure H. The handle structure H includes at least one bendable tongue 252.

The tongue 252 is hinged to the handle plate 218 by a first flap fold line 255, and a portion of it is defined by a cutting line or slit line 251. Furthermore, the tongue 252 is bounded by the first fold line 255 and the cutting line 251. The cutting line 251 may be a solid semicircle. The cutting line or slit line 251 includes two opposing ends close to the opposing ends of the first fold line 255. Additionally, the ends of the cutting line or slit line 151 may be arc-shaped or curved. The curved ends of the cutting line or slit line 151 are configured to interconnect with or continue from the first fold line 255. The first fold line 255 includes a length dimension L1, and the length dimension L1 can be substantially equal to or less than a maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 252. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 can be less than or equal to 3 mm, and in some embodiments, it can be about 2 mm.

Optionally, the cutting line 251 may include a pair of straight line segments 251a, 251b, thereby defining at least a portion of the maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 252. An optional straight line segment 251a, 251b may extend sequentially from each curved end adjacent to the first fold line 255. The pair of straight line segments 251a, 251b may also be connected to each other using a curved line segment, thereby forming a continuous cutting line or severance line 251 from opposite ends of the first fold line 255. Furthermore, these straight cutting line segments 251a, 251b may be replaced by cutting line segments of other shapes or configurations.

In some embodiments, the curve segment may be arc-shaped, while in other embodiments it may be a combination of straight lines and/or arc-shaped portions. For example, it may include two or more straight portions that are separated from each other and an arc-shaped portion disposed therebetween.

The tongue 252 includes a second or intermediate fold line 261 extending from a location spaced apart from the free edge E1 of the tongue 252, which is opposite to a hinge edge defined by the first fold line 255. The second fold line 261 may extend across the tongue 252 along the height H1 of the tongue 252. The second fold line 261 terminates at a location on the first fold line 255. In some embodiments, the second fold line 261 may extend beyond the first fold line 255 and terminate at a location on the handle plate 218 other than the tongue 152. In other embodiments, the second fold line 261 may terminate before reaching the first fold line 255, such that a proximity terminal is located within the range of the tongue 252, that is, the proximity terminal is separated from the first fold line 255. Another remote terminal may be located on the free edge E1.

The second fold line 261 can be configured to be perpendicular to the first fold line 255. Furthermore, the second fold line 261 can divide the tongue 252 in two. The second fold line 261 can divide the first fold line 255 in two.

The tongue 252 may also include a pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b. The pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b are configured to be skewed apart from each other. The pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b converge to define a apex, which may be located at or near the end of the second fold line 261 adjacent to the free edge of the tongue 252. Furthermore, each of the pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b extends to the corresponding curved end of the cut line 251. In this way, the pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b define a "V"-shaped fold line extending to the maximum width dimension W1 of the tongue 252.

The tongue 252 may further include a plurality of other fold lines extending beyond or from the first fold line 255. These other fold lines may extend toward the free edge E1 of the tongue 252 and/or one of the pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each of these other fold lines includes a terminal located on the first fold line 255. In other embodiments, the proximal terminal of any of these other fold lines may be located outside or inside the boundary of the tongue 252 and may be spaced apart from the first fold line 255. Alternatively, these other fold lines may be symmetrical (mirror symmetry) on both sides of the intermediate fold line 261.

In the illustrated embodiment, four fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b are provided within the area of the tongue 252. These fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b do not extend completely beyond the tongue 252. Each of the fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b extends from a proximal end located on the first fold line 255 to a second or distal end. The distal end may be separated from a corresponding one of the pair of third fold lines 253a and 253b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the other fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b are straight lines. In other embodiments, the other fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b may be non-straight lines or curved lines.

In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of the other fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b is oblique relative to the intermediate fold line 261.

In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of the other fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b is oblique relative to the first fold line 255.

The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b may be located on opposite sides of the second fold line 261. The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, and 259b may be arranged to be offset from the second fold line 261.

Two fold lines 257a and 259a may be provided on the first side of the second fold line 261; and two other fold lines 257b and 259b may be provided on the second side of the second fold line 261.

The inner fold lines 259a and 259b closest to the second fold line 261 are set apart from each other, and their length may be longer than the outer fold lines 257a and 257b. In addition, the outer fold lines 257a and 257b are also set apart from each other.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first inner fold line 259a is configured to be substantially parallel to a first outer fold line 257a. In another embodiment, the first inner fold line 259a and the first outer fold line 257a may be configured to be non-parallel.

In the illustrated embodiment, a second inner fold line 259b is configured to be substantially parallel to a second outer fold line 257b. In another embodiment, the second inner fold line 259b and the second outer fold line 257b may be configured to be non-parallel.

This invention provides a carton blank 10; 110; 210, which includes a plurality of sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 defining an interior of a carton 90, and at least one sheet 18; 110; 110; 218 hinged to the plurality of sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255. 8; 218 handle flap 52; 152; 252, wherein the handle flap 52; 152; 252 includes a plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b.

The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may include three or more parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b.

The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b can be set to be approximately perpendicular to the fold line 55; 155 of the placket.

The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b extend from the flap fold line 55; 155; 255 toward a free edge E1 of the handle flap 52; 152; 252.

Of the plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b, at least one parallel line 61; 161; 261 extends all the way to the free edge E1.

The handle flap 52; 152; 252 may be provided with a pair of opposing side edges 51a, 51b; 151a, 151b; 251a, 251b, and these edges are parallel to at least one of the plurality of parallel overlapping lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b.

At least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, comprising a dispenser panel D defined by a pair of tear lines 62a, 62b, wherein the handle flap 52 is positioned separately between the tear lines 62a, 62b. In normal use, at least one of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, comprising a single panel 18.

The handle flap 52 may be located in the middle of the tear lines 62a, 62b.

The fold line 55 of the flap can be oriented such that an imaginary extension x-x’ of the fold line 55 intersects with the pair of tear lines 62a and 62b.

The imaginary extension x-x’ of the flap fold line 55 is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the corresponding portions of the intersecting tear lines 62a, 62b.

The handle flaps 52; 152; 252 define a central axis y-y’ whose extension direction is substantially perpendicular to the flap fold lines 55; 155; 255. The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b can be arranged symmetrically on both sides of the central axis y-y’. The plurality of parallel overlapping lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b can be positioned such that a first pair of overlapping lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b are located on opposite sides of the central axis y-y' at a distance equidistant from the central axis y-y', and wherein the first pair of overlapping lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b can be positioned such that they are separated from each other by a first distance D1.

One of the plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b, 61; 161 is a fold line 61 extending collinearly with the central axis y-y’.

The plurality of parallel overlapping lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may further include a second pair of overlapping lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b at positions equidistant from the central axis y-y' on opposite sides of the central axis y-y', and wherein the second pair of overlapping lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b are set to be separated from each other by a second distance D2, and the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1.

The plurality of parallel overlapping lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may further include a third pair of overlapping lines 157a, 157b, which are disposed at positions equidistant from the central axis y-y' on opposite sides of the central axis y-y', and wherein the third pair of overlapping lines 157a, 157b are set to be separated from each other by a third distance D3, and the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1.

The lengths of the first fold lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b; 259a, 259b are all greater than the lengths of the second fold lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b; 257a, 257b.

The first fold lines 59a, 59b; 259a, 259b each extend from the flap fold line 55; 255 toward a free edge E1 of the handle flap 52; 252, wherein the first fold lines 59a, 59b; 259a, 259b do not touch (stop short of) the free edge E1.

The handle structure H also includes an intermediate fold line 61; 161; 261 that extends collinearly with the central axis y-y’.

The intermediate fold lines 61; 161; 261 extend at least from the flap fold lines 55; 155; 255 to the free edge E1.

The length of the intermediate fold lines 61, 161, and 261 is greater than that of each of the first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b, 165a, 165b, 259a, and 259b.

The length L1 of the fold lines 55; 155; 255 of the flap is not greater than the maximum width W1 of the flap 52; 152; 252 of the handle.

The invention also provides a carton 90 for packaging article B. The carton 90 is formed from a blank 10, and the blank 10 can be fitted with the same blank 10, each of which can be used to form a carton 90.

The present invention provides a blank sheet 10; 110; 210 for forming a carton 90, which includes a plurality of sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 to define an internal compartment, and a handle flap 52; 152; 252 hinged to at least one of the plurality of sheets 18; 118; 218. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 includes a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hinged to the at least one piece 18; 118; 218 along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255, and a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hinged to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b. In addition, the handle flap 52; 152; 252 also includes a plurality of other fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261, 259b, 257b.

The invention also provides a blank sheet 10; 110; 210 for forming a carton 90, which includes a plurality of sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 to define an internal compartment, and a handle flap 52; 152; 252 hinged to at least one of the plurality of sheets 18; 118; 218. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 includes a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hinged to the at least one piece 18; 118; 218 along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255, and a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hinged to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b. The fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b of the distal portion substantially branch off from a free edge E1 of the handle flap 52; 152; 252 and extend toward the flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 is provided with at least one other fold line 61; 161; 261 that substantially extends from the free edge E1 toward the flap fold line 55; 155; 255.

The invention also provides a packaging comprising a set of articles or containers B, each with a generally circular cross-section, and a carton 90 that at least partially encloses the exterior of the set of containers B. The carton 90 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218, and a handle flap 52; 152; 252. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 is hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels 18; 118; 218 along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255. In addition, the handle flaps 52; 152; 252 are provided with a plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261, 259b, 257b.

The invention also provides a packaging comprising a set of articles or containers B, each with a generally circular cross-section, and a carton 90 that at least partially encloses the exterior of the set of containers B. The carton 90 includes a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218, and a handle flap 52; 152; 252. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 is hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels 18; 118; 218. Additionally, the handle flap 52; 152; 252 includes a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hinged to the at least one piece 18; 118; 218 along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255, and a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hinged to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b. Furthermore, the handle flaps 52; 152; 252 are also provided with a plurality of other fold lines 57a, 59a, 61, 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161, 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261, 259b, 257b.

The longitudinal edge of the blank sheet 10 may have a plurality of notches, thereby defining tongues therebetween. These notches may be configured to allow the blank sheet 10 to fit over other blank sheets 10. These tongues form the upper and lower corner portions of the carton 90. The lower corner portion may include a deformation or bending structure G, which deforms or bends the lower corner portion of the carton 90 to reduce its sharpness. Furthermore, when a load is applied to the lower corner portion, the deformation or bending structure G also makes it easy to bend, essentially transforming it into a rounded shape.

It should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the size and shape of each plate and orifice can be adjusted to accommodate items of different sizes and shapes.

It should also be recognized that the various directional terms used in this article, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower", do not necessarily limit the relevant plates to that orientation, but are only used to distinguish such plates.

The terms "hing" and "fold line" as used herein refer to hinged components that define the blank sheet, making the various parts of the blank sheet easier to bend relative to each other, or various lines that define appropriate bending positions for the various plates to which the blank sheet belongs. The use of "hing" should not be construed as necessarily limited to a single fold line; in fact, a hinge can be formed by two or more fold lines, each of which can be straight or curved. When a hinge is formed using straight fold lines, they can be arranged to be parallel to each other or at a slight angle. Furthermore, when a hinge is formed using curved fold lines, they can be arranged to intersect each other, thereby defining a molded plate within the area they enclose. A typical example of this type of hinge may include a pair of arched or curved fold lines that intersect at two points, thus defining an elliptical plate between them. Alternatively, another typical example of such a hinge may include a combination of a straight fold line and an arched or curved fold line that intersect at two points, thus defining a crescent-shaped plate between them.

The term "fold line" as used in this article may refer to one of the following: a notch line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a discontinuous cutting line, a row of aligned cracks, a row of short notches, and any combination thereof.

It should also be understood that the hinge and the fold line can each include elements formed on the blank substrate, such as perforations, a row of perforations, a row of short slits, a row of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutting line, an intermittent cutting line, a crack, a notch, a raised line, a recessed line, and any combination thereof. The size and arrangement of these elements can be determined according to the intended function. For example, a row of perforations can be sized or designed to have a degree of weakening that defines the fold line and/or the cutting line. Furthermore, the row of perforations can be designed to be easily bent and resistant to breakage, easily bent and easily broken with more force, or easily broken with a little force.

As used herein, "alignment" refers to aligning two or more components in an assembled carton, such as aligning an opening formed on the first of two overlapping panels with a second opening formed on the second panel. The aligned components can be aligned with each other along the thickness direction of the overlapping panels. For example, when an opening on the first panel is "aligned" with a second opening on a second panel that is overlapped with the first panel, the edge of the opening can extend along at least a portion of the edge of the second opening and can be aligned with the second opening along the thickness direction of both the first and second panels.

10, 110, 210: Embryo slices 12: First basal plate 14: First corner plate 16: First lateral plate 18, 118, 218: Top plate 20: Second lateral plate 22: Second corner plate 24: Second basal plate 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b, 43, 45a, 45b, 53a, 53b, 55, 57a, 57b, 59a, 59b, 61 63a, 63b, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 155, 153a, 153b, 161, 157a, 157b, 159a, 159b, 165a, 165b, 255, 253a, 253b, 257a, 257b, 259a, 259b, 261: Folding Line 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b: Anchoring Part 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b: Corner Support Part 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b: Extension Part 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b: Abdomen Plate section 42: Heel tongue 51, 62a, 62b, 93, 151, 251: Cutting line, severance line, tear line 51a, 51b, 151a, 151b, 251a, 251b: Straight line segment, opposite lateral edge 52, 152, 252: Finger guard, tongue, handle flap 60a, 60b: Pull tab 66, 166, 266: Proximal part 67, 68, 167, 168, 267, 268: Distal part 70, 70a, 70b, 70c: Removal part 72, 72a, 72b, 72c: Tongue 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b: Covering part 84, 86: Flap 88: Pressure relief tongue 90: Carton, carrying tool, packaging A1, A2, A3, A4: Opening B: Item D: Disassembly part D1, D2, D3: Distance E1: Free edge F: Female tongue G: Deformation structure GR: Arrow head H: Handle structure H1: Height L1: Length dimension M: Male tongue N: Heel joint structure R1, R2: Notch or notch W1: Width dimension x-x’: Imaginary extension y-y’: Central axis

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a blank sheet for forming a carton according to the first embodiment; Figure 2 is a top perspective view of a carton formed from the blank sheet of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank sheet of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of a blank sheet for forming a carton according to the second embodiment; and Figure 5 is a top plan view of a portion of a blank sheet for forming a carton according to the third embodiment.

10: Embryo slice

12: First base plate

14: First corner plate

16: First side plate

18: Top plate

20: Second side plate

22: Second corner plate

24: Second base plate

13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25a, 25b, 27a, 27b, 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b, 37a, 37b, 39a, 39b, 43, 45a, 45b, 53a, 53b, 55, 57a, 57b, 59a, 59b, 61, 63a, 63b, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91: folding line

26a, 26b, 36a, 36b: Anchoring section

28a, 28b, 34a, 34b: Corner supports

29a, 29b, 35a, 35b: Extensions

30a, 30b, 32a, 32b: Web portion

51, 62a, 62b, 93: Cutting lines or severance lines

42: Heel tongue plate

52: Nail protectors

60a, 60b: Film pull-out

70, 70a, 70b, 70c: Resected portion

72, 72a, 72b, 72c: Tongue slices

80a, 80b, 82a, 82b: Covering part

84, 86: Lapel piece

88: Tongue-relieving tablets

A1, A2, A3, A4: Orifice

F: Glossal tongue film

G: Deformed structure

GR: Arrowhead

H: Handle structure

M: Erectile Dysfunction Tablets

N: Heel-joint structure

R1: Notch or notch

x-x’: Imaginary extension

Claims (25)

A carton for packaging one or more items, the carton comprising a plurality of side panels defining an interior of one of the carton, and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of side panels along a flap fold line, wherein the handle flap has three or more parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line. A blank for forming a carton includes a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment, and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line, wherein the handle flap has three or more parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line. As described in claim 2, the blank sheet wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines are each configured to be substantially perpendicular to the fold line of the flap. As described in claim 3, the blank sheet wherein each of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends from the flap fold line toward a free edge of the handle flap. As described in claim 4, the blank sheet, wherein at least one of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends from the flap fold line to the free edge of the handle flap. As described in claim 2, the handle flap has a pair of opposing side edges, each of which is parallel to the plurality of parallel fold lines. As described in claim 2, the blank sheet includes at least one of the plurality of sheets, which comprises a delivery sheet defined by a pair of tear lines, and wherein the handle flap is disposed at a position between the pair of tear lines and spaced apart from the tear lines. The blank as described in claim 7, wherein the handle flap is located in the middle of the tear lines. As described in claim 7, the blank sheet wherein the fold line of the flap is oriented such that an imaginary extension of the fold line intersects the pair of tear lines. As described in claim 9, the imaginary extension of the flap fold line is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the corresponding portion of the intersecting tear lines. As described in claim 2, the handle flap defines a central axis extending substantially perpendicular to the flap fold line, and the plurality of parallel fold lines are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the central axis. As described in claim 11, the embryo sheet wherein one of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends collinearly with and overlaps the central axis. As described in claim 2, the handle flap defines a central axis extending substantially perpendicular to the flap fold line, and the plurality of parallel fold lines include a first pair of fold lines located equidistant from the central axis on opposite sides of the central axis, and the first pair of fold lines are spaced apart from each other by a first distance. As described in claim 13, the embryo sheet further includes a second pair of fold lines located equidistant from the central axis on opposite sides of the central axis, wherein the second pair of fold lines are spaced apart from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance. The embryo sheet as described in claim 14, wherein the length of each of the first fold lines is greater than that of each of the second fold lines. As described in claim 13, the first fold lines each extend from the flap fold line toward a free edge of the handle flap, and each of the first fold lines does not touch the free edge. The embryo sheet as described in claim 16, wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines further includes an intermediate fold line extending collinearly with the central axis. As described in claim 17, the blank sheet has a central fold line that extends from the flap fold line across the handle flap to the free edge. The embryo as described in claim 18, wherein the length of the intermediate fold line is greater than that of each of the first pair of fold lines. The blank sheet as described in claim 2, wherein the length of the fold line of the flap is not greater than the maximum width of the handle flap. A blank sheet for forming a carton, the blank sheet comprising: a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment; and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels, the handle flap comprising: a proximal portion hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line; and a pair of distal portions hinged to the proximal portion along a pair of distal portion fold lines, wherein the handle flap has three or more other fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line. A blank sheet for forming a carton includes a plurality of panels defining an internal compartment, and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap includes a proximal portion hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line, and a pair of distal portions hinged to the proximal portion along a pair of distal fold lines, each of the distal fold lines substantially extending from a free edge of the handle flap, and the pair of distal fold lines being configured to diverge from each other toward the flap fold line. The handle flap has at least one other fold line extending laterally from the flap fold line. A packaging component comprising: a set of containers, each having a generally circular cross-section; and a carton that at least partially encloses an exterior of the set of containers, the carton comprising a plurality of panels and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line, wherein the handle flap further comprises three or more parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line. A packaging component comprising: a set of containers, each having a generally circular cross-section; and a carton that at least partially encloses an exterior of the set of containers, the carton comprising a plurality of panels and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line, wherein the handle flap comprises: a proximal portion hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line; and a pair of distal portions hinged to the proximal portion along a pair of distal portion fold lines, wherein the handle flap has three or more other parallel fold lines extending laterally from the flap fold line. A packaging component comprising: a set of containers, each having a generally circular cross-section; and a carton that at least partially surrounds an exterior of the set of containers, the carton including a plurality of panels and a handle flap hinged to at least one of the plurality of panels, wherein the handle flap includes: a proximal portion hinged to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line; and a pair of distal portions hinged to the proximal portion along a pair of distal fold lines, each of the distal fold lines substantially extending from a free edge of the handle flap, and the pair of distal fold lines being diagonally opposite to each other toward the flap fold line; wherein the handle flap has at least one additional fold line extending laterally from the flap fold line.