CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/984,965 filed March 4, 2020, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to cartons and to blanks for forming the same. More specifically, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a wraparound carrier having an improved handle structure.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is known to provide cartons for carrying multiple articles. Cartons are well known in the art and are useful for enabling consumers to transport, store and access a group of articles for consumption. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Further considerations are the strength of the carton and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. It is desirable that the contents of the carton are secure within the carton.

It is desirable to produce cartons from blanks which are nestable, this provides environmental and economic benefit, and it may be beneficial in increasing or maximising the number of carton blanks which can be taken from paperboard or other sheet material having a standard or fixed width.

It is also desirable to be able to transport the carton in a bag or sack without tearing or otherwise compromising the integrity of the bag or damaging other items in the bag.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a handle structure for carrying the carton. It is desirable to provide a handle which is robust and strong, and it is also desirable to reduce the thickness or caliper of the material from which the carton is constructed. The present invention seeks to provide an improvement in the field of cartons, typically formed from paperboard or the like.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a 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.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior chamber. The blank comprises a handle flap hingedly connected along a flap fold line to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap has a plurality of parallel fold lines extending transversely of the flap fold line.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel fold lines comprises three or more parallel fold lines.

Optionally, each of the plurality of parallel fold lines is disposed generally perpendicularly to the flap fold line.

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

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

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

Optionally, the at least one of the plurality of panels comprises a dispenser panel defined by a pair of tear lines, and wherein the handle flap is disposed between the pair of tear lines at a position spaced from the tear lines.

Optionally, the handle flap is disposed medially between the tear lines.

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

Optionally, the notional extension of the flap fold line is generally perpendicular to the respective parts of the tear lines with which the notional extension intersects. Optionally, the handle flap defines a centre axis extending generally perpendicularly to the flap fold line, and wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines are disposed symmetrically about the centre axis.

Optionally, one of the plurality of parallel fold lines extends co-linearly with the centre axis.

Optionally, the handle flap defines a centre axis extending generally perpendicularly to the flap fold line, and wherein the plurality of parallel fold lines includes a first pair of fold lines disposed on the opposite sides of the centre axis at positions equidistant from the centre axis, the first pair of fold lines are spaced apart from each other by a first distance.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel fold lines further includes a second pair of fold lines disposed on the opposite sides of the centre axis at positions equidistant from the centre axis, and wherein the second pair of fold lines are spaced apart from each other by a second distance, the second distance is greater than the first distance.

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

Optionally, the first pair of fold lines each extend from the flap fold line toward a free edge of the handle flap, and wherein each of the first fold lines stops short of the free edge.

Optionally, the plurality of parallel fold lines further includes a centre fold line extending co- linearly with the centre axis.

Optionally, the centre fold line extends from the flap fold line all the way across the handle flap to the free edge.

Optionally, the centre fold line is greater in length than each of the first fold lines.

Optionally, the length of the flap fold line is no greater than the maximum width of the handle flap.

A third aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior chamber and a handle flap. The handle flap is hingedly connected to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap comprises a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hingedly connected to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hingedly connected to the proximal portion along a respective one of a pair of distal portion fold lines. The handle flap comprises a plurality of further fold lines extending transversely of the flap fold line.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior chamber and a handle flap. The handle flap is hingedly connected to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap comprises a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hingedly connected to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hingedly connected to the proximal portion along a respective one of a pair of distal portion fold lines. Each of the distal portion fold lines extends substantially from a free edge of the handle flap. The pair of distal portion fold lines are arranged divergently with respect to each other so as to diverge toward the flap fold line. The handle flap has at least one further fold line extending substantially from the free edge toward the flap fold line.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a group of articles and a carton. Each container of the group of articles has a generally circular cross section. The carton is disposed at least partially around an exterior of the group of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels and a handle flap. The handle flap is hingedly connected along a flap fold line to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap comprises a plurality of parallel fold lines extending transversely of the flap fold line.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a package comprising a group of containers and a carton. Each container of the group of containers has a generally circular cross section. The carton is disposed at least partially around an exterior of the group of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels and a handle flap. The handle flap is hingedly connected to at least one of the plurality of panels. The handle flap comprises a proximal portion and a pair of distal portions. The proximal portion is hingedly connected to the at least one of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line. Each of the pair of distal portions is hingedly connected to the proximal portion along a respective one of a pair of distal portion fold lines. The handle flap has a plurality of further fold lines extending transversely of the flap fold line.

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.

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.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the carton formed from the blank of Figure

1

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the blank of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a plan view from above of a portion of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment; and

Figure 5 is a plan view from above of a portion of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

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 can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. 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 minimised 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.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton or carrier 90, as shown in Figure 2, for containing and carrying a group of primary products such as, but not limited to, beverage cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B, as shown in Figure 2. The blank 10 forms a secondary package for packaging at least one primary product container or package.

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 for engaging and carrying articles B, such as primary product containers B. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers B, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, cups, pots, pouches, packets and the like.

The blank 10 is 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 recognised that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below.

The packaging structure or carton 90 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 package. 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 package 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.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton or carrier 90 for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles B. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is an m x n matrix or array, having two rows (m=2) and three columns (n=3); in the illustrated embodiments two rows of three articles B are provided, and the articles B are 500ml beverage cans. Alternatively, the blank 10 can be configured to form a carrier 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, fully enclosed cartons or basket carriers, the articles B may be bottles or cans.

Turning to Figure 1 , there is illustrated a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 (see Figure 2) according to a first embodiment. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises: a first base panel 12, a first corner panel 14, a first side panel 16, a top panel 18, a second side panel 20, a second corner panel 22 and a second base panel 24. The plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next by corresponding fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 , 23.

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

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 may be considered to form lower portions of the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20, or alternatively parts of the first or second base panels 12, 24, to which they are hingedly connected.

The blank 10 is foldable to form a package 90 as illustrated in Figure 2. The first and second base panels 12, 24 are engageable with one another in an overlapping relationship to form a composite base wall 12/24 of the carton 90. The blank 10 may comprise a complementary locking mechanism for securing the second base panel 24 to the first base panel 12. The second base panel 24 may comprise at least one first part F of the complementary locking mechanism. The first base panel 12 may comprise at least one second part M of the complementary locking mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base panel 24 comprises a plurality of female tabs F defining openings in the second base panel 24. The first base panel 12 comprises a plurality of male tabs M, the openings in the second base panel 24 being configured to receive a respective one of the male tabs M. The female tabs F are arranged to be displaced out of the second base panel 24 to form the opening and to bear against the male tabs M when received therein. In some embodiments the complementary locking mechanism M/F may be omitted, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may be secured to each other by other means such as but not limited to adhesive or staples.

Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one first aperture A1 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises two first apertures A1. Optionally, the first and second base panels 12, 24 may comprise at least one second aperture A2. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base panels 12, 24 comprises one second apertures A2. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may be employed to facilitate construction of the carton 90. A packaging machine component may engage with the first and second apertures A1 , A2 to enable the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 to be tightened about a group of articles B. The first and second apertures A1 , A2 may also be employed to facilitate alignment of the first and second base panels 12, 24 with respect to each other or to align the first part of the complementary locking mechanism with the second part of the complementary locking mechanism. The complementary locking mechanism illustrated and described is entirely optional.

The blank 10 may comprise at least one heel engagement structure N for engaging with a heel or lower portion of an article B. The blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises six heel engagement structures N each is provided for engaging a respective article B. Each of the heel engagement structures N is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a heel engagement structure N provided in the first side panel 16.

The heel engagement structure N may comprise an opening. The opening is defined in part by a heel aperture A3 and in part by a heel tab 42. The heel tab 42 is hingedly connected to the first base panel by fold line 43. The heel tab 42 is struck from the first corner panel 14.

The fold line 43 interrupts the fold line 13 hingedly connecting the first base panel 12 to the first corner panel 14. The fold line 43 may be non-linear, in the illustrated embodiment the fold line 43 is curved or arcuate in shape, in other embodiments it may be formed from at least two linear fold lines divergently arranged with respect to each other and contiguous with each other.

The heel tab 42 may comprise a pair of divergently arranged fold lines 45a, 45b which may define foldable corner portions of the heel tab 42. The top panel 18 comprise a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises at least one foldable tab 52. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of foldable finger tabs 52.

The pair of finger tabs 52 are spaced apart from each other. Each finger tab 52 may be arranged to be disposed in registry with a void or gap between a group of four adjacently disposed articles B within the carton 90.

Each finger tab 52 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 by a first fold line 55 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 51. The cutline 51 may be substantially semi-circular in shape. The cut line or severance line 51 comprises opposing ends disposed proximate to opposing ends of the first fold line 55. The end portions of the cut line or severance line 51 may be arcuate or curvilinear. The curved end portions of the severance line 51 are arranged to be contiguous or continuous with the first fold line 55. The first fold line 55 comprises a length dimension L1 where the length dimension L1 may be arranged to be substantially equal to or less than a maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 52. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 may be less than or equal to 3mm, and in some embodiments may be about 2mm.

The severance line 51 may comprise a pair of linear sections 51 a, 51 b defining at least in part the maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 52, best shown in Figure 3. A linear section 51a, 51b may extend contiguously from each curved end portion proximate the first fold line 55. The pair of linear sections 51a, 51b may be coupled to each other by a curvilinear section arranged to form a continuous cut or severance line 51 from the opposing ends of the first fold line 55. In some embodiments the curvilinear section may be arcuate, in other embodiments it may be a combination of linear and/or arcuate portions, for example it may comprise two or more linear portions divergently arranged with respect each other and an arcuate portion disposed therebetween.

The straight or linear severance line segments 51 a, 51 b are optional but they may be provided in some embodiments to increase the handle strength. The straight severance line segments 51a, 51b may be replaced by severance line segments of other shape or configuration such as curved or oblique severance line segments which convergently extend toward the first or flap fold line 55.

Each finger tab 52 comprises a second fold line 61 , extending from the first fold line 55 across the tab 52 along the height H1 thereof to an opposing free edge thereof. The second fold line 61 may be perpendicular with respect to the first fold line 55. The second fold line 61 may bisect the tab 52. The second fold line 61 may bisect the first fold line 55. In some embodiments, the second fold line 61 may extend from a location spaced apart from the first fold line 55 and/or may stop short of the opposing free edge E1 . In some other embodiments, the second fold line 61 may be disposed transversely of, and oblique with respect to, the first fold line 55. In the embodiments wherein the second fold line 61 is oblique to the first fold line 55, the second fold line 61 may not bisect the tab 52 nor may it bisect the first fold line 55.

Each finger tab 52 may comprise a pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b. The pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b converge to define a vertex, the vertex may be disposed, or lie, at an end of the second fold line 61 proximate the free edge of the tab 52. Each of the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b extends to a respective one of the curved end portions of the severance 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 tab 52.

Each finger tab 52 may comprise further fold lines extending from the first fold line 55. The further fold lines may extend towards the free edge of the finger tab 52 and / or towards one of the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b.

In the illustrated embodiment four fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b extend from the first fold line 55. The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b extend partially across the finger tab 52. The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b extend partially between the first fold line 55 and a respective one of the pair of third fold lines 53a, 53b.

The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b may be disposed on opposing sides of the second fold line 61 and may be arranged in parallel with each other. The fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b may be arranged in parallel with the second fold line 61 .

Two fold lines 57a, 59a may be disposed on first side of the second fold line 61 ; two fold lines 57b, 59b may be disposed on second side of the second fold line 61 .

Inner fold lines 59a, 59b, which are disposed in closer proximity to the second fold line 61 , may be longer in length dimension than outer fold lines 57a, 57b.

A first one of the finger tabs 52 is hingedly connected to the top panel 18 in opposition to a second one of the finger tabs 52. The handle structure arrangement may serve to disperse load forces through the carrier 90. The finger tabs 52 may act as a mandrel defining a deformation of the top panel 18 when under load.

The second fold line 61 and the fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b may direct load forces across or perpendicular to the grain or paper machine direction, indicated by direction arrow GR in Figure 1 .

In use, the top panel 18 may deform or fold in a direction substantially parallel to a tubular axis of the carton 90, that is to say, perpendicular to the grain or paper machine direction GR. This may increase the rigidity and/or strength of the carton 90.

The second fold line 61 and the fold lines 57a, 59a, 57b, 59b may have the effect of reducing the load forces or stress, or mitigating against the concentration of those forces or stresses, in the region of the top panel 18 proximate the ends of the first fold line 55 and the opposing ends of the severance line 51 .

The top panel 18 may comprise a detachable portion D in the form of a tear strip. The detachable portion D is defined by a first tear or severance line 62a and by a second tear or severance line 62b. The first and second severance lines 62a, 62b extend generally longitudinally across the top panel 18. The second severance line 62b is laterally spaced apart from the first severance line 62a. A tear initiation device in the form of a pull tab 60a, 60b may be provided at each end of the tear strip. The pull tabs 60a, 60b are hingedly connected to the tear strip by respective fold lines 63a, 63b, and may be defined in part by weakened lines which are more readily torn than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b, that is to say the weakened lines offer less tear resistance than the first and second severance lines 62a, 62b.

The detachable portion D may facilitate access to the contents, articles B, of the carton 90 upon removal thereof.

Each of the panels 12, 16, 18, 20, 24 may be formed with a pair of cut-outs or recesses. The cut-outs are defined in opposed end edges of the blank 10. The cut-outs comprise full, major cut-outs 70, 70a, 70c and partial or minor cut-outs 70b. A first cut-out 70 is defined in the top panel 18 around midway along each of its opposed end edges. A second cut-out 70a is defined in each end edge of the first side panel 16. A third cutout 70c is defined in each end edge of the second side panel 20.

A partial or minor cut-out 70b is defined in each of the opposed end edges of each of the first and second base panels 12, 24.

As a result, the blank 10 is provided along either longitudinal edge thereof with four tabs 72, 72a, 72b, 72c each interposed between adjacent ones of the cut-outs 70, 70a, 70b, 70c.

As illustrated in Figure 1 , a first upper tab 72 is sandwiched and defined by the adjacently disposed first and third cut-outs 70, 70c. A second upper tab 72a is sandwiched and defined by the first and second cut-outs 70, 70a. A first lower tab 72b is sandwiched and defined by the second cut-out 70a and by a first one of the partial cut-outs 70b, defined in the first base panel 12. A second lower tab 72c is sandwiched and defined by the third cut-out 70c and by a second one of the partial cut-outs 70b, defined in the second base panel 24.

The first upper tab 72 is positioned astride the adjacent fold line 19. The second upper tab 72a is positioned astride the adjacent fold line 17.

The first lower tab 72b is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 13, 15. The second lower tab 72c is positioned astride the adjacent fold lines 21 , 23.

The full or major cut-outs 70, 70a, 70c are capable of accommodating an appropriately sized one of the tabs 72, 72a, 72c of a like or similar adjacently disposed blank.

Each of the partial or minor cut-outs 70b cooperates with a partial or minor cut-outs 70b of a subsequent or preceding second blank (not shown), disposed end to end with the blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 , so as to provide a void or cut-out capable of accommodating an appropriately sized tab 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of an adjacent third blank (not shown) which third blank is disposed side by side (optionally, at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the blank 10 may be shared, or in common, with at least a portion of a longitudinal edge of the third blank) with the blank 10 of Figure 1. A first partial cut-out 70b from a first blank 10 and a second partial cut-out 70b from a second blank are required to accommodate a single tab 72, 72a, 72b, 72c of a third blank. In this way two partial cut-outs 70b may be considered to form a full cut-out. Each of the first and second upper tabs 72 and 72a forms, or assists in forming of, an end retention structure for preventing the contents of the carton 90 from dislodging from the carton 90 when said blank 10 is erected into the carton 90. Each of the first and second upper tabs 72 and 72a may be provided with cut and fold lines to form a top-engaging structure when it is folded along the fold lines.

More specifically, each upper tab 72, 72a may comprise an anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b hingedly connected to the adjacent side panel 16, 20 along a fold line 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b. Each upper tab 72, 72a may comprise a gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b hingedly connected to the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b along a fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b.

Each upper tab 72, 72a may comprise a web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b hingedly connected to the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b along an extension 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b of respective one of the fold lines 17, 19. Each upper tab 72, 72a may comprise a covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b that is integrally formed with the top panel 18. Each web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is hingedly connected to the respective covering portion 80a, 80b, 82a, 82b by a fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b.

An optional aperture A4 may be struck in part from the top panel 18, in part from the first or second side panel 16, 20 and in part from the upper tab 72, 72a. The aperture A4 defines a terminus of each of the fold lines 17, 19; 29a, 29b, 35a, 35b; 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b; 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b; 25a, 35b, 39a, 39b and is disposed at a vertex of aforesaid fold lines.

Folding of each upper tab 72, 72a is achieved during the erection of the carton. To form a top engaging structure out of each upper tab 72, 72a, the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is folded about 180 degrees to bring it into a face-contacting relationship with the inside surface of the adjacent side panel 16, 20. The anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b is held in the folded position by being pressed by one of the packaged articles B against the adjacent side panel 16, 20. The folding of the anchoring portion 26a, 26b, 36a, 36b causes the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b to be folded outwardly about the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b so that the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b extends outwardly from the fold line 27a, 27b, 37a, 37b along the side wall of the one packaged article B. At the same time, the web portion 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b is caused to fold downwardly along the fold line 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b and is thereby brought to a folded position where it extends between the fold line 31 a, 31 b, 33a, 33b and the outer edge of the gusset portion 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b. The top-engaging structure thus completed is illustrated in Figure 2 wherein the structure is shown as tightly engaging the top of the one article B. Each lower tab 72b, 72c may serve to provide sufficient material in which the adjacent endmost heel aperture A3 is defined. More particularly, the heel aperture A3 adjacent to each lower tab 72b, 72c is positioned such that sufficient material surrounds the heel aperture A3 even when the heel aperture A3 extends into that lower tab 72b, 72c. During the erection and packaging of articles B, the blank 10 is manipulated so that each heel aperture A3 receives the bottom of a respective article B to retain said article B within the carton 90. The heel tabs 42 are also folded to assist in retaining the articles B.

Each lower tab 72b, 72c may comprise a deformable structure G forming a foldable corner region of a carton 90. The deformable structure G takes the form of an arrangement of fold lines and is suitable for removing a sharp corner or edge of the carton 90. This may be advantageous when the carton 90 is transported or carried in a carrier bag, particularly, but not exclusively, those formed from plastic, paper or similar sheet material. The deformable structure G prevents or reduces the likelihood of the carton 90 perforating, tearing or otherwise piercing the material from which the carrier bag is formed. It will be appreciated that any puncture in the carrier bag will compromise the load bearing capacity of the carrier bag, and once compromised a tear is likely to propagate which may lead to egress of the carton 90 or other items disposed in the carrier bag and the consequent possibility of damage thereto.

Each deformable structure G is substantially similar in construction and will be described by reference to a deformable structure G provided in one of the second lower tabs 72c shown in Figure 1. The second lower tab 72c is formed in part from the second side panel 20, in part from the optional second corner panel 22 and in part from the second base panel 24.

The deformable structure G may comprise a relief tab 88 formed in part from the second side panel 20 and in part from the second corner panel 22. In embodiments in which the first or second corner panels 14, 22 are omitted, the relief tab 88 may be formed in part from the second side panel 20 and in part from the second base panel 24.

The relief tab 88 is defined in part by a first fold line 87 provided in the second side panel 20 and in part by a second fold line 91 provided in the second corner panel 22.

The first fold line 87 is divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line 91 . The first and second fold lines 87, 91 diverge towards the longitudinal or free side edge of the blank 10. The first and second fold lines 87, 91 comprises first ends disposed proximal to each other and second ends disposed distal from each other. The relief tab 88 is defined in part by a outline or severable line 93. The outline 93 may extend from the first end of first fold line 87 towards the first end of the second fold line 91 . The cutline 93 may substantially extend between the first, proximal, end of first fold line 87 and the first, proximal, end of the second fold line 91 . The outline 93 may connect the first end of first fold line 87 with the first end of the second fold line 91 so as to be contiguous therewith. The outline 93 may be arranged to be substantially parallel to an adjacent portion of the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab 72c. The relief tab 88 may be substantially trapezoidal in shape.

An extension or portion of fold line 21 defines a third fold line 89 that substantially bisects the relief tab 88. In other embodiments the third fold line 89 may be off centre such that the relief tab 88 is asymmetrical with respect to the third fold line 89.

The relief tab 88 may comprise a first cutaway or recess R1 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the recess R1 is substantially triangular so as to define a “V” shaped free edge. The recess R1 interrupts the third fold line 89. The third fold line 89 terminates at the vertex of the “V” shape. The recess R1 removes material astride the third fold line 89 so as to reduce the prominence of the third fold line 89 proximate the free edge of the second lower tab 72c. The recess R1 provides a clipped edge of the third fold line 89.

The relief tab 88 is disposed between the longitudinal or free side edge of the second lower tab 72c and the adjacent endmost heel aperture A3.

The deformable structure G may comprise a web structure comprising a pair of flaps 84, 86. A first flap 84 is hinged to the second side panel 20 by a fourth fold line 83. The fourth fold line 83 may be collinear with a longitudinal free edge of the third major cut-out 70c. A second flap 86 is hingedly connected to the first flap 84 by a fifth fold line 85. The fifth fold line 83 is divergently arranged with respect to the fourth fold line 83. The first flap 84 is substantially triangular in shape. The second flap 86 is hingedly connected to the relief tab 88 by the first fold line 87. The fifth fold line 83 is divergently arranged with respect to the first fold line 87. The second flap 86 is substantially triangular in shape.

The first and second flaps 84, 86 interconnect the relief tab 88 to the second side panel 20. The deformable structure G enables the portion of the second lower tab 72c provided by the second side panel 20 (and by the optional second corner panel 22 when provided) to be folded or deformed about the end of an endmost adjacent article B so as to bring the free edge of said portion of the second lower tab 72c into closer proximity with said endmost article B. It reduces the rigidity of the outer region of said portion of the second lower tab 72c such that it is readily deformed. In this way, the likelihood of the second lower tab 72c puncturing the wall of a carrier bag when disposed inside, either during loading or carrying of the carrier bag, is reduced. This may reduce the practice of “double bagging” placing a first carrier bag inside a second carrier bag to create a two-ply wall.

The deformable structure G may comprise a second cutaway or recess R2 struck from the longitudinal or free side edge thereof. In the embodiment of Figure 1 the second recess R2 is substantially triangular so as to define a “V” shaped free edge portion. The second recess R2 interrupts the fold line 23 coupling the second base panel 24 to the second corner panel 22. The fold line 23 terminates at the vertex of the “V” shape. The second recess R2 removes material astride the fold line 23 so as to reduce the prominence of the fold line 23 proximate the free edge of the second lower tab 72c. The second recess R2 provides a clipped edge of the fold line 23.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figure 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 is not 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.

A group of articles B is assembled; in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 six articles B are arranged in a 2 x 3 array. The top panel 18 of the blank 10 is disposed above the group of articles B to provide a top wall 18 of the carton 90.

The first and second side panels 16, 20 are folded, with respect to the top panel 18 about fold lines 17, 19 respectively, about opposing sides of the group of articles B so as to be disposed about the opposing sides of the group of articles B to form first and second side walls 16, 20 of the carton 90.

The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 may be folded into face contacting relationship with the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 substantially simultaneously with folding the first and second side panels 16, 20 with respect to the top panel 18, to form the top engaging structures described above.

Alternatively, the top engaging structures may be formed subsequent to erection of the carton 90 into a tubular form. The anchor portions 26a, 26b, 36a, 36 may be tucked between the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 to which they are hingedly connected and an adjacently disposed article B.

The first and second corner panels 14, 22 are folded, with respect to the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20 about fold lines 15, 21 respectively, about the heels or lower portions of adjacently disposed articles B.

The heel tabs 42 may folded out of the plane of the first and second corner panels 14, 22, about fold lines 43, prior to folding the first and second corner panels 14, 22 the respective one of the first and second side panels 16, 20.

The first base panel 12 is folded about the fold line 13 so as to be disposed adjacent to the base of the group of articles B, the second base panel 24 is then folded about the fold line 23 so as to be in at least partial overlapping relationship with the first base panel 12; in doing so each of the heel tabs 42 may be brought into engagement with a base of a respective article B.

The first and second base panels 12, 24 are secured together. Each of the male tabs M is displaced inwardly out of the plane of the second base panel 24. In so doing, each of the female tabs F is displaced inwardly creating a corresponding opening in the first base panel 12. The male tabs M are received in respective ones of the openings so as to lock the first and second base panels 12, 24 together. In this way a tubular structure is formed about the group of articles B.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in Figure 2. The handle structure H is disposed between the first and second tear lines 62a, 62b. The tabs 52 are shown in an initial or undeployed condition.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, 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 embodiments 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 3 will be described in detail.

Referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated a portion of a blank 110 for forming a carton (not shown) according to a second embodiment. The blank 110 comprises a panel 118 for forming a handle panel. The handle panel 118 comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises at least one foldable tab 152.

The tab 152 is hingedly connected to the handle panel 118 by a first or flap fold line 155 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 151. The cutline 151 may be substantially semi-circular in shape. The cut line or severance line 151 comprises opposing ends disposed proximate to opposing ends of the first fold line 155. The end portions of the cut line or severance line 151 may be arcuate or curvilinear. The curved end portions of the severance line 151 are arranged to be contiguous or continuous with the first fold line 155. The first fold line 155 comprises a length dimension L1 , the length dimension L1 may be arranged to be substantially equal to or less than a maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 152. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 may be less than or equal to 3mm, and in some embodiments may be about 2mm.

Optionally, the severance line 151 may comprise a pair of linear sections 151a, 151b defining at least in part the maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 152. An optional linear section 151a, 151b may extend contiguously from each curved end portion proximate the first fold line 155. The pair of linear sections 151a, 151b may be coupled to each other by a curvilinear section arranged to form a continuous cut or severance line 151 from the opposing ends of the first fold line 155. The straight severance line segments 151a, 151b may be replaced by severance line segments of other shape or configuration.

In some embodiments, the curvilinear section may be arcuate, in other embodiments it may be a combination of linear and/or arcuate portions, for example it may comprise two or more linear portions divergently arranged with respect each other and an arcuate portion disposed therebetween.

The tab 152 comprises a second or centre fold line 161 , extending from a free edge E1 of the tab 152, the free edge E1 of the tab 152 opposes a hinged edge defined by the first fold line 155, across the tab 152 and may optionally extend across the first fold line 155 to terminate at a location beyond the first fold line 155. In some embodiments the second fold line 161 terminates in the handle panel 118 at a location outside the tab 152. In some embodiments the second fold line 161 terminates at or on the first fold line 155. In still other embodiments the second fold line 161 terminates before the first fold line 155 such that a terminal end is located within the tab 152, that is to say, the terminal end is spaced apart from the first fold line 155.

The second fold line 161 may be perpendicular with respect to the first fold line 155. The second fold line 161 may bisect the tab 152. The second fold line 161 may bisect the first fold line 155.

The tab 152 may comprise a pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b. The pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b converge to define a vertex, the vertex may be disposed, or lie, at an end of the second fold line 161 proximate the free edge E1 of the tab 152. Each of the pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b extends to a respective one of the curved end portions of the severance line 151. In this way the pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b defines a “V” shaped fold line extending across the maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 152.

The tab 152 may comprise further fold lines extending across the first fold line 155. The further fold lines may extend from locations outside of the tab 152. A boundary of the tab 152 is defined by the first fold line 155 and the severance line 151 . The further fold lines may extend toward the free edge E1 of the tab 152 and/or towards one of the pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b. In other embodiments any of the further fold lines may comprise a terminal end located on the first fold line 155. In still other embodiments both terminal ends of any one of the further fold lines may be located within the boundary of the tab 152, and may be spaced apart therefrom. Optionally, the arrangement of the further fold lines is symmetrical (mirror symmetrical) about the centre fold line 161 .

In the illustrated embodiment six fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, 165b extend across the first fold line 155. The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, 165b extend partially across the tab 152. The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, 165b extend from a first end located outside the tab 152 to a second end disposed within the boundary of the tab 152. The second end may be spaced apart from a respective one of the pair of third fold lines 153a, 153b.

The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, 165b may be disposed on opposing sides of the second fold line 161 and may be arranged in parallel with each other. The fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a, 157b, 159b, 165b may be arranged in parallel with the second fold line 161 . Three fold lines 157a, 159a, 165a may be disposed on first side of the second fold line 161 ; three fold lines 157b, 159b, 165b may be disposed on second side of the second fold line 161.

Inner fold lines 165a, 165b, which are disposed in closest proximity to the second fold line 161 , may be longer in length dimension than outer fold lines 157a, 157b and/or intermediate fold lines 159a, 159b. Intermediate fold lines 159a, 159b may be longer in length dimension than outer fold lines 157a, 157b.

The handle structure arrangement may serve to disperse load forces through the carrier.

Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a portion of a blank 210 for forming a carton (not shown) according to a third embodiment. The blank 210 comprises a panel 218 for forming a handle panel. The handle panel 218 comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises at least one foldable tab 252.

The tab 252 is hingedly connected to the handle panel 218 by a first or flap fold line 255 and is defined in part by a cut line or severance line 251 . A boundary of the tab 252 is defined by the first fold line 255 and the severance line 251. The cutline 251 may be substantially semicircular in shape. The cut line or severance line 251 comprises opposing ends disposed proximate to opposing ends of the first fold line 255. The end portions of the cut line or severance line 251 may be arcuate or curvilinear. The curved end portions of the severance line 251 are arranged to be contiguous or continuous with the first fold line 255. The first fold line 255 comprises a length dimension L1 , the length dimension L1 may be arranged to be substantially equal to or less than a maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 252. For example, the difference between the length dimension L1 and the width dimension W1 may be less than or equal to 3mm, and in some embodiments may be about 2mm.

Optionally, the severance line 251 may comprise a pair of linear sections 251 a, 251 b defining at least in part the maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 252. An optional linear section 251 a, 251 b may extend contiguously from each curved end portion proximate the first fold line 255. The pair of linear sections 251a, 251b may be coupled to each other by a curvilinear section arranged to form a continuous cut or severance line 251 from the opposing ends of the first fold line 255. The straight severance line segments 251a, 251b may be replaced by severance line segments of other shape or configuration. In some embodiments the curvilinear section may be arcuate, in other embodiments it may be a combination of linear and arcuate portions, for example it may comprise two or more linear portions divergently arranged with respect each other and an arcuate portion disposed therebetween.

The tab 252 comprises a second or centre fold line 261 , extending from a location spaced apart from the free edge E1 of the tab 252, the free edge E1 opposing a hinged edge defined by the first fold line 255. The second fold line 261 may extend across the tab 252 along the height H1 of the tab 252. The second fold line 261 terminates at a location upon the first fold line 255. In some embodiments, the second fold line 261 may extend beyond the first fold line 255 and may terminate in the handle panel 218 at a location outside the tab 252. In still other embodiments, the second fold line 261 may terminate before the first fold line 255 such that a proximal terminal end is located within the tab 252, that is to say, the proximal terminal end is spaced apart from the first fold line 255. A distal terminal end may be located at the free edge E1.

The second fold line 261 may be perpendicular with respect to the first fold line 255. The second fold line 261 may bisect the tab 252. The second fold line 261 may bisect the first fold line 255.

The tab 252 may comprise a pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b. The pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b are divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b converge to define a vertex, the vertex may be disposed, or lie, at an end of the second fold line 261 proximate the free edge E1 of the tab 252. Each of the pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b extends to a respective one of the curved end portions of the severance line 251 . In this way the pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b defines a “V” shaped fold line extending across the maximum width dimension W1 of the tab 252

The tab 252 may comprise further fold lines extending from, or across, the first fold line 255. The further fold lines may extend toward the free edge E1 of the tab 252 and/or towards one of the pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5 each of the further fold lines comprises a terminal end located on the first fold line 255. In still other embodiments a proximal terminal end of any one of the further fold lines may be located outside or inside the boundary of the tab 252 and may be spaced apart from the first fold line 255. Optionally, the arrangement of the further fold lines is symmetrical (mirror symmetrical) about the centre fold line 261 . In the illustrated embodiment, four fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b are provided within the tab 252. The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b extend partially across the tab 252. The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b extend from their respective proximal ends located upon the first fold line 255 to a second distal end. The distal end may be spaced apart from a respective one of the pair of third fold lines 253a, 253b.

The further fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b in the illustrated embodiment are linear. In other embodiments the further fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b may be non-linear or curved.

In the illustrated embodiment the further fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b are obliquely oriented with respect to the centre fold line 261 .

In the illustrated embodiment the further fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b are obliquely oriented with respect to the first fold line 255.

The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b may be disposed on opposing sides of the second fold line 261 . The fold lines 257a, 259a, 257b, 259b are divergently arranged with respect to the second fold line 261 .

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

Inner fold lines 259a, 259b, which are disposed in closest proximity to the second fold line 261 are divergently arranged with respect to each other, and may be longer in length dimension than outer fold lines 257a, 257b. Outer fold lines 257a, 257b are divergently arranged with respect to each other.

In the illustrated embodiment a first inner fold line 259a is arranged substantially parallel to a first outer fold line 257a. In other embodiments the first inner fold line 259a and the first outer fold line 257a may be non-parallel.

In the illustrated embodiment a second inner fold line 259b is arranged substantially parallel to a second outer fold line 257b. In other embodiments the second inner fold line 259b and the second outer fold line 257b may be non-parallel.

The present disclosure provides a carton blank 10; 110; 210 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 for defining an interior of a carton 90 and a handle flap 52; 152; 252 hingedly connected along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255 to at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 wherein the handle flap 52; 152; 252 has a plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b extending transversely of the flap fold line 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 may comprise 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 may be disposed generally perpendicularly to the flap fold line 55; 155.

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.

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

The handle flap 52; 152; 252 may have a pair of opposed side edges 51a, 51b; 151a, 151b; 251a, 251b which are parallel to at least one of the plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b.

The at least one 18 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 comprises a dispenser panel D defined by a pair of tear lines 62a, 62b, and wherein the handle flap 52 is disposed between the pair of tear lines 62a, 62b at a position spaced from the tear lines 62a, 62b. The at least one 18 of the plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 may be a top panel 18 in normal use.

The handle flap 52 may be disposed medially between the tear lines 62a, 62b.

The flap fold line 55 may be disposed in an orientation such that a notional extension x-x’ of the flap fold line 55 intersects the pair of tear lines 62a, 62b.

The notional extension x-x’ of the flap fold line 55 is generally perpendicular to the respective parts of the tear lines 62a, 62b with which the notional extension x-x’ intersects. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 defines a centre axis y-y’ extending generally perpendicularly to the flap fold line 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 may be disposed symmetrically about the centre axis y-y’. The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may include a first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b disposed on the opposite sides of the centre axis y-y’ at positions equidistant from the centre axis y-y’ and wherein the first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b are disposed at a first distance D1 from each other.

One fold line 61 ; 161 of the plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b extends co-linearly with the centre axis y-y’.

The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may further include a second pair of fold lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b disposed on the opposite sides of the centre axis y-y’ at positions equidistant from the centre axis y-y’ and wherein the second fold lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b are disposed at a second distance D2 from each other and wherein the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 .

The plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 259b, 257b may further include a third pair of fold lines 157a, 157b disposed on the opposite sides of the centre axis y-y’ at positions equidistant from the centre axis y-y’ and wherein the third fold lines 157a, 157b are disposed at a third distance D3 from each other and wherein the third distance D3 is greater than the second distance D2.

The first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b; 259a, 259b each is greater in length than each of the second pair of fold lines 57a, 57b; 159a, 159b; 257a, 257b.

The first pair of 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 and wherein the first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b; 259a, 259b stop short of the free edge E1 .

The handle structure H further includes a centre fold line 61 ; 161 ; 261 extending co-linearly with the centre axis y-y’. The centre fold line 61 ; 161 ; 261 extends, at least, from the flap fold line 55; 155; 255 all the way to the free edge E1 .

The centre fold line 61 ; 161 ; 261 is greater in length than each of the first pair of fold lines 59a, 59b; 165a, 165b; 259a, 259b.

The length L1 of the flap fold line 55; 155; 255 is no greater than the maximum width W1 of the handle flap 52; 152; 252.

The present disclosure also provides a carton 90 for packaging articles B. The carton 90 is formed from a blank 10 which can be nested with like blanks each forming a carton 90.

The present disclosure provides a blank 10; 110; 210 for forming a carton 90 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 for defining an interior chamber and a handle flap 52; 152; 252 hingedly connected to at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hingedly connected to the at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hingedly connected to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b respectively. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 has a plurality of further fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261 , 259b, 257b extending transversely of the flap fold line 55; 155; 255.

The present disclosure further provides a blank 10; 110; 210 for forming a carton 90 comprising a plurality of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24; 118; 218 for defining an interior chamber and a handle flap 52; 152; 252 hingedly connected to at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hingedly connected to the at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hingedly connected to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b respectively. The distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b extend substantially from a free edge E1 of the handle flap 52; 152; 252 divergently toward the flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 has at least one further fold lines 61 ; 161 ; 261 extending substantially from the free edge E1 toward the flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The present disclosure also provides a package comprising a group of articles or containers “B” each having a generally circular cross section and a carton 90 disposed at least partially around an exterior of the group of containers B. The carton 90 comprises 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 hingedly connected along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255 to at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 has a plurality of parallel fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261 , 259b, 257b extending transversely of the flap fold line 55; 155; 255.

The present disclosure also provides a package comprising a group of containers “B” each having a generally circular cross section and a carton 90 disposed at least partially around an exterior of the group of containers B. The carton 90 comprises 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 hingedly connected to at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a proximal portion 66; 166; 266 hingedly connected to the at least one 18; 118; 218 of the plurality of panels along a flap fold line 55; 155; 255. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 comprises a pair of distal portions 67, 68; 167, 168; 267, 268 hingedly connected to the proximal portion 66; 166; 266 along a pair of distal portion fold lines 53a, 53b; 153a, 153b; 253a, 253b respectively. The handle flap 52; 152; 252 has a plurality of further fold lines 57a, 59a, 61 , 59b, 57b; 157a, 159a, 165a, 161 , 165b, 159b, 157b; 257a, 259a, 261 , 259b, 257b extending transversely of the flap fold line 55; 155; 255.

The blank 10 may comprise longitudinal edges having a plurality of recesses defining tabs therebetween. The recesses may be arranged to allow the blank 10 to be nested with similar blanks 10. The tabs provide upper and lower corner portions of the carton 90. The lower corner portions may comprise a deformable, folding, structure G which enables the lower corner portions to be deformed or folded for reducing the sharpness of the lower corner portions of the carton 90. The deformable, folding, structure G enable the lower corner portions to be readily folded to become rounded in nature when load forces are applied thereto.

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.

It will be recognised 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.

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/curvilinear 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.

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.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cutline, an interrupted cutline, slits, scores, 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 facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

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.