AU2013205013A1 - Package, carton and blank therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

- 24 A package includes a carton and at least one article held in the carton. The at least one article has a recessed top. The carton includes main panels (12, 14, 16, 18) forming a tubular structure. A first panel (18) of the main panels includes a handle structure which is hingedly connected to second and third panels (12, 16) of the main panels for movement between a stowed position where the handle structure lies flat on top of the at least one article and a deployed position where the handle structure is erected to assume a three dimensional form. At least one of the opposed end edges of the first panel provides at least one engaging edge (70) such that the at least one engaging edge engages with the recessed top of the at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position so as to maintain the handle structure in the deployed position. 22163-WOORD

Description

-1 PACKAGE, CARTON AND BLANK THEREFOR CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/614,579 filed 5 March 23, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a package for articles, more specifically, but not exclusively to a carton and carton blank having a carrying handle which carrying handle is retained in a 10 deployed position by articles contained therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers, such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and 15 distribution and for display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles. 20 It is desirable to provide a carrying handle, such that a consumer may transport the product containers. SUMMARY OF INVENTION 25 The present invention seek to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a package comprising one or more articles and a carton holding the one or more articles, the carton comprising a 22163-WOORD -2 plurality of panels forming a tubular structure and at least one end flap for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure, a first panel of said plurality of panels comprising at least one engaging edge, a portion of said first panel adjacent the/or each at least one engaging edge defining at least in part an engagement portion of a handle structure wherein 5 the or each engaging edge engages with at least one of said one or more articles when the handle structure is in a deployed condition so as to maintain the handle structure in the deployed condition. Advantageously, the package may be shipped or distributed with the handle structure in a 10 flat planar arrangement for example in a palletised form comprising multiple packages. A further advantage is provided in that the handle structure may be deployed and remain deployed, for example when the package is being displayed or transported individually such as at a point of sale to a consumer. 15 Optionally, there further comprises at least one end flap for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure. Preferably, said at least one end flap is hinged to a side or base panel of the carton. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming 20 a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, a first panel of said plurality of panels comprising a handle structure including a first fold line defining, at least in part, a first grip portion in the first panel and a second fold line defining, at least in part, a second grip portion, wherein the first panel is foldable about the first and second fold lines such that the first panel forms a handle structure. 25 Optionally, the first and second grip portions are disposed adjacent opposing edges of a top panel. 22163-WOORD -3 Optionally, the first panel comprises an engaging edge disposed adjacent each grip portion wherein the or each engaging edge is adapted for engaging with one or more articles in a setup condition for maintaining the handle structure in a deployed condition. 5 Optionally, the first fold line and the second fold line each comprise a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions arranged to be divergent with respect to one another. Optionally, the first fold line and second fold line each comprises a first end and a second 10 end, wherein the first and second ends of the first fold line terminate proximate at a first free end edge of the first panel; and wherein the first and second fold lines of the second fold line terminate proximate a second free end edge of the first panel, which second free end edge of the first panel comprises the first free end edge. 15 According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, a first panel of said plurality of panels comprising a handle structure including a first fold line defining, at least in part, a first grip portion in the first panel and a second fold line defining, at least in part, a second grip portion, wherein the first panel is foldable about the first and second fold lines such that the 20 first panel forms a handle structure. Optionally, the first and second grip portions are disposed adjacent opposing edges of a top panel. 25 Optionally, the first and second grip portion are disposed in the plane of the top panel when in a stowed or undeployed condition and are folded out of the plane of the top panel in a deployed condition. 22163-WOORD -4 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels forming walls of a tubular structure, the tubular structure comprising a top panel, the top panel comprising at least two fold lines defining at least in part, a pair of engagement portions disposed on 5 opposing edges of the top panel, the engagement portions each being foldable about a respective one of the fold lines out of the plane of the top panel to form a carrying handle, the opposing edges of the top panel being adapted for engagement with one or more articles for maintaining the handle structure in a deployed position. 10 Optionally, the at least two fold lines each comprise a first section and a second section the first and second sections being arranged divergently with respect to one another. Optionally, a first one of the at least two fold lines is arranged to diverge towards a first free edge of the top panel and a second one of the at least two fold lines is arranged to diverge 15 towards a second free edge of the top panel opposing the first free edge. Optionally, there further comprises at least one further fold line disposed between the at least two fold lines which at least one further fold line facilitates folding of the top panel. 20 Optionally, the first free end edge and second end edge of the top panel are adapted for engaging with at least one article disposed within the carton. Optionally, the first and second free edges comprise arcuate sections for being received in recess of an article. 25 Optionally, the arcuate sections are disposed at corners of the top panel Optionally, the first and second free edges comprise at least one slit or notch for receiving a protrusion of an article. 22163-WOORD -5 Optionally, the first and second free edge each comprise a pair of slits or notches each pair of slits or notches being arranged to receive a protrusion from a respective one of a pair of adjacent articles. 5 Within the scope of this application it is envisaged 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment 10 are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 15 FIGURE 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; 20 FIGURE 3 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; FIGURE 5 is a side view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; 25 FIGURE 6 is an end view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 1; FIGURE 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 7; 22163-WOORD -6 FIGURE 9 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 7; FIGURE 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment of the invention; 5 FIGURE 11 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 10; FIGURE 12 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 10; FIGURE 13 is a side view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 10; 10 FIGURE 14 is an end view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 10; FIGURE 15 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 16 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 15; 15 FIGURE 17 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 15; FIGURE 18 is an end view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 15; FIGURE 19 is a side view of a carton formed from the blank of Figure 15; FIGURE 20 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a fifth 20 embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 21 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a sixth embodiment of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF 25 THE PRESENT INVENTION 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. Indeed, it will 22163-WOORD -7 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 5 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. 10 Referring to FIGURE 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton for holding a group of primary products, such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles A. Blank 10 comprises a series of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 hinged one to the next in a linear 15 series. A first side panel 12 is hinged to a base panel 14 along a fold line 13; a second side panel 16 is hinged to base panel 14 along a fold line 15, second side panel 16 is hinged to top panel 28 along a fold line 17. Securing flap 20 is hinged to top panel 18 along a fold line 19. 20 In a constructed carton 90, see Figure 2, the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18 form an open ended tubular structure. The tubular structure is, at least partially, closed by end flaps. Blank 10 comprises a first side end flap 22A and a second side end flap 22B hingedly connected to the first side panel 12 by fold lines 21A, 21B respectively; preferably a gusset 25 panel 24A, 24B interconnects the first and second side end flap 22A, 22B to the first side panel 12 respectively. Gusset panel 24A is defined, in part by fold line 21A, and in part by fold line 23A, fold line 23A couples the gusset panel 24A to the first side end flap 22A. 22163-WOORD -8 Gusset panel 24B is defined, in part by the fold line 21B, and in part by the fold line 23B, the fold line 23B couples the gusset panel 24B to first side end flap 22B. 5 A first bottom end flap 26A is hingedly connected to the base panel 14 by a fold line 25A, a second bottom end flap 26B is hingedly connected to the base panel 14 by a fold line 25B. A third side end flap 28A and fourth side end flap 28B are hingedly connected to the second side panel 16 by fold lines 27A, 27B respectively. Preferably, a gusset panel 30A, 30B 10 interconnects a respective one of the third and fourth side end flaps 28A, 28B to the second side panel 16. Gusset panel 30A is defined, in part by the fold line 27A, and in part by the fold line 29A; the fold line 29A couples the gusset panel 28A to the third side end flap 30A. 15 Gusset panel 30B is defined, in part by the fold line 27B, and in part by the fold line 29B, the fold line 29B couples the gusset panel 28B to the third side end flap 30B. Top panel 18 has a greater length dimension in the direction of the tubular axis of the 20 tubular structure than the length dimension of the fold line 17 which couples the top panel 18 to the second side panel 16 and the length dimension of the fold line 19 which couples the top panel 18 to the securing flap 20. In the illustrated embodiment the top panel 18 is substantially square in shape. The corners 25 of the top panel 18 are rounded or arcuate. In other embodiments, other shapes are envisaged such as, but not limited to, rectangular. 22163-WOORD -9 Top panel 18 comprises a fold line arrangement that includes a plurality of fold lines 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B each extending across the top panel 18. These fold lines 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B define a carrying handle structure which is formed from the top panel 18. 5 A first fold line 31A comprises a first linear portion 41 and a second linear portion 42. The first and second linear portions 41, 42 each extends from the adjacent one of the opposed end edges of the top panel 18 so that the first and second linear portions 41, 42 are arranged divergently with respect to one another. In this embodiment, the first and second linear portions 41, 42 define a first angle a therebetween. Stated differently, the first and 10 second linear portions 41, 42 diverge towards the adjacent free end edge of the top panel 18. A second fold line 33A comprises a first linear portion 51 and a second linear portion 52 (see the corresponding portions 51, 52 of fold line 33B). The first and second linear 15 portions 51, 52 extend from the adjacent free end edge of the top panel 18 to the first fold line 31A. These first and second linear portions 51, 52 are arranged divergently, with respect to one another so as to define an angle P therebetween. The first and second linear portions 51, 52 of the second fold line 33A define a smaller angle, angle P, than the first angle a defined by the first fold line 31A. Either angle a or angle P preferably is an obtuse 20 angle. A third fold line 31B is provided in the top panel 18. The third fold line 31B is preferably a mirror image of the first fold line 31A in a notional transverse axis which extends between fold lines 17 and 19 and bisects the top panel 18. 25 A fourth fold line 33B is provided in the top panel 18. The fourth fold line 33B is preferably a mirror image of fold line 33A in the aforementioned notional transverse axis which bisects the top panel 18. 22163-WOORD -10 Third and fourth fold lines 31 B, 33B each comprise first and second linear portions coupled to one another by an arcuate section 60. The first and second linear portions of each of the third and fourth fold lines 31 B, 33B are arranged to be divergent with respect to one another towards the adjacent free end edge of the top panel 18. 5 Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in Figures 2 to 6, it is envisaged that 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 10 according to particular manufacturing requirements. The blank 10 is constructed into a carton 90 by adhering the securing panel 20 to the first side panel 12. This may be done prior to loading with articles A in which case the cartons 90 will be end loaded through an open end of the tubular structure formed by main panels 12, 15 14, 16, 18. Alternatively, the blank 10 may wraparound a group of articles A about fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19 and then securing the securing panel 20 to the first side panel 12. The first and second linear portions of each of the first and second fold lines 31A, 33A are coupled to one another by an arcuate section 61. In the illustrated embodiment the first and 20 second fold lines 31A, 33A share a common arcuate section 61. In alternative embodiments the first and second fold lines 31A, 33A may comprise separate arcuate sections. Optionally, these separate arcuate sections may be substantially tangential, that is to say, touch each other, preferably at a centrally disposed location. 25 The blank is constructed into a carton 90 by adhering the securing panel 20 to the first side panel 12. This may be done prior to loading with articles A in which case the cartons will be end loaded through an open end of the tubular structure formed by main panels 12, 14, 16, 18. Alternatively, the blank 10 may wraparound a group of articles A by folding the main 22163-WOORD -11 panels 12, 14, 16, 18 about fold lines 13, 15, 17, 19 and then securing the securing panel 20 to the first side panel 12. The ends of the tubular structure formed about the group of articles A are then at least 5 partially closed by folding the end flaps. Each open end of the tubular structure which has been formed about the group of articles A is then at least partially closed by folding of the end flaps. First, second, third and fourth side end flaps 22A, 22B, 28A, 28B are folded about fold lines 21A, 21B, 27A, 27B respectively. 10 The first and third end flaps 22A, 28A are then secured to the bottom end flap 26A, preferably by adhesive, although other securing means are envisaged. The second and fourth side end flaps 22B, 28B are secured to the second bottom end flap 26B; preferably, by adhesive or other bonding agent. In alternative embodiments mechanical fixing means such as locking mechanisms may be employed. The constructed carton 90 is shown in 15 Figure 2. In use the carton 90 may be gripped by a user U as shown in Figure 3. The user U may grasp the top panel 18 by grip portions 34A, 34B for example between thumb and forefinger, so as to squeeze the grip portions 34A, 34B towards each other. In doing so the 20 top panel 18 folds about the fold lines 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B, such that the top panel 18 bows outwardly, so as to be convex when viewed from outside the carton 90. Top panel 18 bows convexly between the fold lines 17 and 19 which hinge the top panel 18 to the first and second side panels 12, 18 respectively. In other words the top panel 18 bows convexly in a direction which is transverse to the tubular axis of the main panels 12, 14, 16, 18. 25 The user U may squeeze the top panel 18 such that at least the rounded corners (i.e., engaging edges) 70 of the top panel 18 engage with substantially upward protrusions "C" from the articles "A", such as the chime or rim of an article A or the recessed tops of the articles A, defined by the circular protrusions (see Figure 4) . 22163-WOORD -12 Slits 32, when provided, in the grip portions 34A, 34B of the top panel 18 receive the protrusion of the article A. 5 The engagement of the grip portions of the top panel 18 with the recessed tops of the articles A maintains the top panel 18 (or handle structure) in a bowed, three-dimensional configuration (or deployed position) such that the top panel 18 remains in the deployed position for use as a carrying handle. 10 Referring now to Figures 7 to 21 there is shown alternative embodiments of the present invention. In the second, third and subsequent illustrated embodiments, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100" or "200" and so on to indicate that these features belong to the second, third or subsequent embodiments. The alternative embodiments share many common features with the first 15 embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 will be described in any greater detail. Figure 7 illustrates a blank 110 for forming a carton 90 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. 20 Blank 110 comprises main panels 112, 114, 116, 118 for forming a tubular structure and end flaps 122A, 122B, 126A, 126B, 128A, 128B for at least partially closing the tubular structure. Blank 110 comprises fold lines 131A, 131B, 133A, 133B for forming a carrying handle 25 structure. Fold line 131A and fold line 133A each comprise three linear sections coupled one to the next. Each of the three linear sections is arranged to be divergent with respect to one another. Fold line 131A and fold line 133A share a common central linear section. 22163-WOORD -13 Preferably, the central linear section is arranged to be parallel with a free end edge of the top panel 118. Fold line 131B and fold line 133B each comprises three linear sections coupled one to the 5 next. Each of the three linear sections is arranged to be divergent with respect to one another. Fold line 131B and fold line 133B share a common central linear section. Preferably, the central linear section is arranged to be parallel with a free end edge of the top panel 118. 10 In use the fold lines 131A, 133A and 131B, 133B facilitate folding of the top panel 118 so as to form a carrying handle. Grip portions 134A, 134B of the top panel 118 can be engaged or grasped by a user. When the carton 90 is used to package articles A having upwardly extending protrusion, as shown 15 in Figure 9, portions of the end edges of the top panel 118 engage with the articles A, locking the carrying handle in a deployed position. Figure 10 illustrates a blank 210 for forming a carton 290, as shown in Figures 11 to 14, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 20 Top panel 218, together with first side panel 212, second side panel 216 and base panel 214 form a tubular structure which is at least partially closed by end flaps 222A, 222B, 226A; 226B, 228A, 228B. Top panel 218 comprises a plurality of fold lines 231A, 231B, 233A, 233B, 235A, 235B, 237A, 237B for facilitating folding of the top panel 218 to form a 25 carrying handle. Fold lines 231A, 231B, 233A, 233B are substantially the same as fold lines 31A, 31B, 33A, 33B in the first embodiment of Figure 1. 22163-WOORD -14 A first fold line 331A comprises a first linear portion and a second linear portion, which first and second linear portions are arranged divergently with respect to one another, such as to define a first angle a therebetween. The first and second linear portions diverge towards a free end edge of the top panel 18. 5 The first and second linear portions are divergently arranged so as to form a second angle p therebetween. The linear portions of the second fold line 233A define a smaller angle, angle P, than the first angle a defined by the first fold line 231A. 10 A third fold line 231B is provided in the top panel 218, third fold line 231B is preferably a mirror image of the first fold line 231A in a notional transverse axis which bisects the top panel 218. A fourth fold line 233B is provided in the top panel 218, fourth fold line 233B is preferably a 15 mirror image of fold line 233A in a notional transverse axis which bisects the top panel 218. Third and fourth fold lines 231B, 233B each comprise first and second linear portions coupled to one another by an arcuate section. The first and second linear portions are arranged to be divergent with respect to one another towards a free end edge of the top 20 panel 218. Top panel 218 comprises a further fold line 235A, fold line 235A is preferably arcuate in shape, although other shapes are envisaged. A central portion of fold line 235A is shared in common with a central portion of fold line 231A and fold line 233A. In alternative 25 embodiments fold line 235A is separate from fold line 231A, and fold line 233A, preferably in touching contact therewith. 22163-WOORD -15 Fold line 235A is arranged to extend between fold lines 217 and 219 which respectively couple the top panel 218 to the said side panel 216 and the securing panel 220 for first side panel 212 in a set up condition. 5 Fold line 235 bows convexly when viewed from a free end edge of the top panel 218. Fold line 237A extends across the top panel 218 between fold line 217 and fold line 219. Fold line 237A extends between terminal ends of fold line 235A and is arranged to be substantially perpendicular to fold line 217 and to fold line 219. Preferably, fold line 237A is 10 substantially parallel to a free end edge of the top panel 218 adjacent to fold line 217 and fold line 219. Fold lines 235B and 237B are arranged similarly to fold lines 235A and 237A, fold lines 237B and 237B are a mirror image of the respective one of fold lines 237A, 237B about a 15 line of symmetry defined by a notional line extending transversely to fold lines 217, 219 which notional line bisects the top panel 218. In use the fold lines 231A, 231B, 233A, 233B, 235A, 235B, 237A, 237B facilitate folding of the top panel 218 so as to form a carrying handle as shown in Figure 12. Preferably, free 20 end edges of top panel 218 engage with the articles A retaining the top panel 218 in a deployed configuration. The blank 210 forms a carton 290; which carton 290 comprises a top panel 218 which in use forms a carrying handle, as can be seen in Figures 13 and 14. Top panel 218 when in 25 use bows concavely, when viewed from the outside transversely to the longitudinal or tubular axis of the tubular structure of a carton 290. As shown in Figure 13, top panel 218 bows convexly when viewed from the outside, along a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure of the carton 290 best illustrated in Figure 14. 22163-WOORD -16 Turning now to the embodiment of Figure 15, there is illustrated a blank 310 for forming a carton 390 of Figures 16 to 19. A first fold line 331A comprises a first linear portion and a second linear portion, which first 5 and second linear portions are arranged divergently with respect to one another, such as to define a first angle a therebetween. The first and second linear portions diverge towards a free end edge of the top panel 18. The first and second linear portions are divergently arranged so as to form a second angle p 10 therebetween. The linear portions of the second fold line 233A define a smaller angle P than the first angle a defined by the first fold line 231A. A third fold line 231B is provided in the top panel 218, third fold line 231B is preferably a mirror image of the first fold line 231A in a notional transverse axis which bisects the top 15 panel 218. A fourth fold line 233B is provided in the top panel 218, fourth fold line 233B is preferably a mirror image of fold line 233A in a notional transverse axis which bisects the top panel 218. 20 Third and fourth fold lines 231B, 233B each comprise first and second linear portions coupled to one another by an arcuate section. The first and second linear portions are arranged to be divergent with respect to one another towards a free end edge of the top panel 218. 25 The embodiment of Figure 15 comprises an additional fold line 339 in top panel 318. Fold line 339 extends transversely across the top panel 318 between fold line 317 and fold line 319. Fold line 339 preferably bisects the top panel 318. 22163-WOORD -17 In use the fold line 339 facilitates folding of the top panel 318 along with fold lines 331A, 321B, 333A, 333B so as to form a carrying handle. Fold line 339 encourages the top panel 318 to bow convexly, when viewed from the outside, 5 along a transverse axis of the tubular structure of the carton 390, best illustrated in Figure 19. Top panel 318 also bows convexly, when viewed from the outside, along a longitudinal axis of the tubular structure of the carton 390, as illustrated by Figure 18. Figure 20 illustrates a blank 410 for forming a carton according to a fifth embodiment of the 10 present invention. In this embodiment slits 32 have been replaced with notches 436. Preferably, notches 436 are substantially triangular in shape, although other shapes are envisaged. In yet further alternative embodiments it is envisaged that a pair of notches 436 or slits 32 provided in the top panel 418 may be replaced with a single recess which receives a protrusion or chime from two adjacent articles A. 15 Figure 21 illustrates a blank 510 for forming a carton according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the fold lines 531A, 533A, in the top panel 518 provided for forming the carrying handle each comprise two linear sections which converge at a common vertex. 20 The linear sections of both fold lines 531A, 533A are arranged to be divergent with respect to the adjacent free end edge of the top panel 518. The fold lines 531B, 533B in the top panel 518 provided for forming the carrying handle 25 each comprise two linear sections which converge at a common vertex. The sections of both fold lines 531 B, 533B are arranged to be divergent with respect to the adjacent free end edge of the top panel 518. 22163-WOORD -18 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. The shape and location of the fold lines in the top panel may be adjusted to change the shape of the handle structure formed from the 5 top panel when in the deployed position. It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. 10 Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following, a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention. 22163-WOORD

Claims (22)

1. A package comprising a carton and at least one article held in the carton, the at least one article having a recessed top, the carton comprising a plurality of main panels forming a tubular structure, a first panel of the main panels comprising a handle structure which is hingedly connected to second and third panels of the main panels for movement between a stowed position where the handle structure lies flat on top of the at least one article and a deployed position where the handle structure is erected to assume a three-dimensional form, at least one of opposed end edges of the first panel provides at least one engaging edge such that the at least one engaging edge engages with the recessed top of the at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position so as to maintain the handle structure in the deployed position.

2. The package of claim 1 wherein the first panel includes a first grip portion extending along one of the opposed end edges of the first panel, the first grip portion being defined at least in part by a first fold line extending across the first panel, the at least one engaging edge comprising a first engaging edge provided by the one of the opposed end edges along which the first grip portion extends, the handle structure being moved to the deployed position when the first panel is folded about the first fold line such that the first grip portion extends substantially downward with respect to an adjacent part of the first panel and such that the first engaging edge is brought into engagement with the recessed top of the at least one article.

3. The package of claim 2 wherein the first panel further includes a second grip portion extending along the other of the opposed end edges of the first panel, a second grip portion being defined at least in part by a second fold line extending across the first panel, the at least one engaging edge further comprising a second engaging edge provided by the other of the opposed end edges along which the second grip portion

22163-WOORD - 20 extends, the second grip portion being folded about the second fold line with respect to an adjacent part of the first panel to bring the second engaging edge into engagement with the recessed top of the at least one article when the handle structure is brought to the deployed position.

4. The package of claim 2 wherein the at least one article has a chime extending along a perimeter of a top of the at least one article, the chime defining the recessed top of the at least one article, and wherein the first grip portion is provided with a chime engaging feature along the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel, the chime engaging feature being in engagement with the chime of the at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position.

5. The package of claim 3 wherein the at least one article has a chime extending along a perimeter of a top of the at least one article, the chime defining the recessed top of the at least one article, and wherein each of the first and second grip portions is provided with a chime-engaging feature along a respective one of the opposed end edges of the first panel, the chime engaging feature being in engagement with the chime of the at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position.

6. The package of claim 2 wherein the first fold line comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions each extending from the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel toward one another so that the first and second portions are disposed divergently with respect to one another.

7. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of main panels for forming carton walls of a tubular structure, a first panel of the main panels including a fold line arrangement for converting the first panel into a three-dimensional handle structure, the fold line arrangement comprising a first fold line extending across the first panel such that a first grip portion is defined between the first fold line and one of 22163-WOORD -21 opposed end edges of the first panel, the first grip portion including at least one engaging edge for engaging a recessed top of an article to be held in the blank, the at least one engaging edge being provided by part of the one of the opposed end edges.

8. The blank of claim 7 the first fold line comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions each extending from the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel toward one another so that the first and second portions are disposed divergently with respect to one another

9. The blank of claim 7 wherein the at least one engaging edge is rounded in shape.

10. The blank of claim 8 wherein opposite ends of the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel are rounded in shape, and the at least one engaging edge comprises the opposite ends of the one of the opposed end edges.

. 11. The blank of claim 7 wherein the first grip portion is provided with a chime-engaging feature for engaging with a chime of an article to be held in the blank, the chime engaging feature being disposed along the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel.

12. The blank of claim 11 wherein the chime-engaging feature comprises at least one slit extending from the one of the opposed end edges into the first grip portion.

13. The blank of claim 11 wherein the chime-engaging feature comprises at least one notch extending from the one of the opposed end edges into the first grip portion.

14. The blank of claim 8 wherein the fold line arrangement further includes a second fold line disposed in the first grip portion, the second fold line including a first and second 22163-WOORD - 22 portions each extending from the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel to the first fold line so that the first and second portions of the second fold line are disposed divergently with respect to one another.

15. The blank of claim 14 wherein the first and second portions of the first fold line define a first angle therebetween, the first and second portions of the second fold line define a second angle therebetween, and the first angle is greater than the second angle,

16. The blank of claim 15 wherein each of the first and second angles is an obtuse angle.

17. The blank according to claim 14 wherein the fold line arrangement further includes a third fold line extending across the first panel.

18. A carton for packaging at least one article having a recessed top, the carton comprising a plurality of main panels forming a tubular structure, a first panel of the main panels comprising a handle structure which is hingedly connected to second and third panels of the main panels for movement between a stowed position where the handle structure assume a flat panel form and a deployed position where the handle structure is erected to assume a three-dimensional form, at least one of opposed end edges of the first panel provides at least one engaging edge such that the at least one engaging edge engages with the recessed top of at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position so as to maintain the handle structure in the deployed position.

19. The carton of claim 18 wherein the first panel includes a first grip portion extending along one of the opposed end edges of the first panel, the first grip portion being defined at least in part by a first fold line extending across the first panel, the at least one engaging edge comprising a first engaging edge provided by the one of the opposed end edges along which the first grip portion extends, the handle structure 22163-WOORD - 23 being moved to the deployed position when the first panel is folded about the first fold line such that the first grip portion extends substantially downward with respect to an adjacent part of the first panel and such that the first engaging edge is brought into engagement with the recessed top of at least one article.

20. The carton of claim 19 wherein the first panel further includes a second grip portion extending along the other of the opposed end edges of the first panel, a second grip portion being defined at least in part by a second fold line extending across the first panel, the at least one engaging edge further comprising a second engaging edge provided by the other of the opposed end edges along which the second grip portion extends, the second grip portion being folded about the second fold line with respect to an adjacent part of the first panel to bring the second engaging edge into engagement with the recessed top of at least one article when the handle structure is brought to the deployed position.

21. The carton of claim 19 wherein the first grip portion is provided with a chime engaging feature along the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel such that the chime engaging feature is brought into engagement with a chime of at least one article when the handle structure is in the deployed position.

22. The carton of claim 19 wherein the first fold line comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions each extending from the one of the opposed end edges of the first panel toward one another so that the first and second portions are disposed divergently with respect to one another. 22163-WOORD