Abstract:
An improved paperboard beverage carrier is disclosed having an improved lift handle. The improved lift handle comprises a laterally extending elongated handle opening within the top panel of the carrier. At least one continuous score line encircles the handle opening and extends onto the carrier side panels to limit the propagation of paperboard tears emanating from the handle opening. Predetermined perforated tear lines are further provided extending from the lateral ends of the handle opening and terminating at the encircling score line.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to paperboard cartons such as carriers for beverage cans or bottles and, more particularly, to sleeve-type carriers having a carrying handle comprising a single elongate opening extending laterally across the top panel or wall of the carrier. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Paperboard is used for packaging a wide variety of consumer products such as beverage carriers. Paperboard carriers having integral carrying handles are well known for use on bottle and/or can carriers. A typical handle comprises a single elongate opening extending transverse or laterally across a portion of the top panel, or wall, of the carrier. The handle opening may include flaps which deflect inwardly when the user inserts their fingers into the handle opening. Examples of typical beverage carrying handles for sleeve-type, beverage carriers can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,558,816 and 4,785,991. 
     When lifting a paperboard beverage carrier having an integral handle and containing beverage cans or bottles, the paperboard fibers are typically stressed, resulting in potential tearing of the paperboard and failure of the carrier. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide an improved construction for a paperboard, sleeve type, beverage, carrier, having an integral handle. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an improved construction for a, sleeve type, paperboard, beverage, carrier having tear-stop score lines encircling the carrier handle. 
     According to the present invention, a sleeve-type, beverage, carrier comprises a top panel, two side panels, a pair of end panels and a bottom panel made from a unitary paperboard blank. A carrying handle is provided comprising an oval shaped opening extending laterally across a portion of the top panel. A pair of concentric, oval shaped, score lines encircle the handle opening extending laterally across the top panel whereby the outer oval score line extends onto each side panel. The oval score lines are positioned adjacent the handle opening for preventing paperboard tears, originating at the handle opening, from propagating across the top panel of the carrier thereby compromising the structural integrity of the carrier. 
     Preferably, the major axis of the oval shaped handle opening extends 70 to 75% of the lateral width of the top panel, and the major axis of the inner oval score line extends 85 to 95% of the lateral width of the top panel. The minor axis of the inner oval score line is approximately 20 to 30% greater than the minor axis of the handle opening. The major axis of the outer oval score line is approximately 2 to 2.5 times greater than the major axis of the handle opening, while the minor axis of the outer oval score line is approximately 60 to 65% greater than the minor axis of the handle oval opening. 
     A pair of, spaced apart, diverging cut lines extend laterally from each opposing hand hold end, through the inner oval score line terminating at the outer oval score line. 
     Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in light of the following description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Reference will be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of, the present invention, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Although the invention will be described in the context of the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention to this specific embodiment. 
     The structure, operation, and advantages of the present preferred embodiment, of the invention, will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a plan view of a unitary paperboard blank for making the beverage carrier of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the beverage carrier made in accord with the present invention; and 
     FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the handle portion of the paperboard blank of FIG. 1, according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     General Construction Of Carrier 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a unitary paperboard blank  100  for a beverage carrier according to the present invention in an unassembled condition. FIG. 2 illustrates the assembled beverage carrier  100  having a multiplicity of beverage containing cans or bottles therein. A beverage carrier of this type is typically referred to as a “sleeve-type” or “tube-style” carrier. 
     The paperboard blank of the panels of the beverage carrier  100  shown in FIG. 2 typically comprises a number of interconnected panels and flaps defined and foldably connected to one another by associated score lines, described in greater detail hereinbelow. All panels and flaps are visible in FIG.  1 . 
     As used herein, a “score line” is defined as a rupturing of the surface of the paperboard material, typically resulting in a depression on one side of the material and a corresponding welt on the other side which permits the paperboard material to deform, as may be desired, along the line. 
     As used herein, a “cut line” is defined as a cut which extends completely through the paperboard material. 
     As used herein a “perforated line” is defined as a series of short, separated, cut lines, typically along a straight or curved line, extending completely through the paperboard material, to facilitate intentional tearing along the line. 
     Top panel  102  is generally rectangular having four edges, each edge defined by an associated score line  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c ,  102   d . Top panel  102  has a longitudinal length “L” and a lateral width “W”. 
     A first side panel  104  is generally rectangular having four edges, each edge defined by an associated score line  104   a ,  104   b ,  104   c ,  104   d . Side panel  104  is foldably connected to top panel  102  by score line  104   c  which is coincident with the score line  102   a.    
     A second side panel  106  is similarly rectangular having four sides, each side defined by an associated score line  106   a ,  106   b ,  106   c ,  106   d . Side panel  106  is foldably connected to top panel  102  by score line  106   a  which is coincident with score line  102   c . Both side panels  104  and  106  have a longitudinal length “L” and height “H”. 
     A first partial bottom panel  108  is foldably connected to side panel  104  by score line  104   a , and a comparable second partial bottom panel  110  is foldably connected to side panel  106  by score line  106   c . Both partial bottom panels,  108  and  110 , are dimensioned so that portions of them overlap when carrier  100  is assembled, the overlapping portions being glued together to form an overall bottom panel of length “L” and width “W”. 
     End flap  112  is foldably connected to side panel  104  by score line  104   b , and an associated end flap  114  is foldably connected to side panel  106  by score line  106   b . Both end flaps  112  and  114  are dimensioned so that portions of them overlap when beverage carrier  100  is assembled, the overlapping portions being glued together to form an overall composite first end panel of width “W” and height “H” for the assembled beverage carrier  100 . 
     End flap  116  is foldably connected to side panel  104  by score line  104   d , and an associated end flap  118  is foldably connected to side panel  106  by score line  106   d . Both end flaps  116  and  118  are dimensioned so that portions of them overlap when beverage carrier  100  is assembled, the overlapping portions being glued together to form an overall composite end panel of width “W” and height “H” for the assembled beverage carrier  100 . 
     Flaps  122  and  124  are foldably connected to opposite ends of partial bottom panel  108  by score lines  108   b  and  108   d , respectively. Similarly flaps  126  and  128  are foldably connected to opposite ends of partial bottom panel  110  by score lines  110   b  and  110   d , respectively. Flaps  132  and  134  are foldably connected to opposite ends of top panel  102  by score lines  102   b  and  102   d , respectively. Flaps  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  are adapted to be folded downwardly, with respect to FIG. 1, prior to flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  being folded whereby they provide longitudinal support against which flaps  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  are glued. 
     Carrier  100  is suitably formed of a paperboard material having a thickness of approximately 0.38-0.64 mm. When assembled, carrier  100  has a length “L” of approximately 265 mm, a width “W” of approximately 122 mm, and a height “H” of approximately 197 mm, and provides a strong construction suitable for carrying the weight of twelve full 12 fluid ounce beverage cans therein. It should be understood that any dimensions set forth herein are merely exemplary, and should not be interpreted as limiting the present invention. 
     The general construction of carrier  100 , described hereinabove, is generally well known in the industry and many variations in the size or shape of the various panels and flaps can be made merely by changing the design of the cutting and scoring dies of standard blank forming or packaging machinery. 
     Carrying Handle Construction 
     A generally oval shaped, carrying handle opening  140  is disposed laterally on top of panel  102 , extending between score lines  102   a  and  102   c , and located approximately midway along the longitudinal length L of top panel  102 . Preferably, the grain of the paperboard is also aligned laterally across top panel  102 . 
     As best viewed in FIG. 3, handle opening  140  is oval shaped having two, generally parallel, opposite sides  142  and  144  and two opposite semi circular, ends  146  and  148 . Handle opening  140  is suitably formed by score lines  142  and  144  and perforated lines  140 ,  146 ,  148 ,  198 , and  150  thereby defining two tabs  152  and  154  which are displaced (separated from one another and folded inward) by a user urging their fingers against the tabs when lifting the beverage carrier. Such carrying handle construction is common within the industry. 
     Stress Relief Score Lines 
     When a user inserts their fingers into the handle opening  140  and lifts beverage carrier  100 , top panel  102  tends to bow upward. In order to distribute the lifting forces, a number of stress-relieving score lines are provided in the top and side panels  102 ,  104  and  106 . 
     Stress-relieving score line arrangement  160  comprises score line  162  extending laterally across top panel  102 , from score line  102   a  to score line  102   c  between side  142  of handle opening  140  and the end (score line)  102   b  of top panel  102 , thereby having a length equal to the width “W” of top panel  102 . Similarly, score line  164  extends laterally across top panel  102 , from score line  102   a  to score line  102   c , between the side  144  of the handle opening  140  and the opposite end (score line)  102   d  of the top panel, thereby also having a length equal to the width “W” of top panel  102 . Score line  164  is preferably parallel to score line  162 . Score lines  162  and  164  are spaced a distance apart from one another which is approximately 20-25% of the length “L” of top panel  102 . A semi-circular score line  166 , disposed in side panel  104 , connects the ends of score lines  162  and  164 . A semi-circular score line  168 , disposed in side panel  106 , connects the opposite ends of the two score lines  162  and  164 . Score lines  162 ,  164 ,  166  and  168  are preferably contiguous with one another. 
     It has been found preferable, during prototype testing, to provide a pair of separated, laterally diverging perforated tear lines  301   a ,  302   a , and  301   b  and  302   b  (see FIG. 3) extending from each end ( 148  and  146  respectively) of hand hold opening  140 , terminating at semi-circular score lines  168  and  166  respectively. The included angle between perorated lines  301  and  302  may lie between twenty (20) degrees and thirty (30) degrees and may vary depending upon the overall size of a particular beverage carrier. 
     The function of perforated lines  301  and  302  is to provide a predetermined tear along the lines thereby relieving stresses within the paperboard when the end user lifts the fully loaded carrier. As the user insert his/her fingers into handle opening  140  and lifts the carrier, a programmed tear is permitted to progress along either perforated lines  301   a  and  301   b , or  302   a  and  302   b  depending upon which way the user chooses to lift the carrier thereby relieving stresses within the paperboard. The permitted programmed tear is stopped at semi-circular score lines  166  and  168 . 
     In aggregate, score lines  162 ,  164 ,  166  and  168  form a generally-rectangular stress-relief score line arrangement  160  which extends laterally across top panel  102  and down onto side panels  104  and  106 , and preferably centered around handle opening  140 . 
     Thus, carrier  100  may be lifted by the fingers of one hand whereby top panel  102  will bow upwardly as the stress relief score line arrangement  160  distributes the lifting forces through top panel  102  and the upper portions of side panels  104  and  106 . 
     As best viewed in FIG. 1, an additional arrangement  170  of stress relieving score lines is provided on top panel  102  comprising a pair of arcuately diverging score lines  172  and  174  extending from the central portion of score line  162 , and extending outwardly to an associated corner of top panel  102 . Each score line terminates with two diverging score lines  172   a / 172   b  and  174   a / 174   b , respectively. More particularly, score line  172  divides into score line  172   a  intersecting score line  102   a  and score line  172   b  intersecting score line  102   b . Score line  174  divides into score line  174   a  intersecting score line  102   b  and score line  174   b  intersecting score line  102   c.    
     Similarly, a pair of arcuate score lines  176  and  178  extend from the central portion of the score line  164 , diverging outwardly toward respective corners of top panel  102 , whereat each score line divides into two score lines  176   a / 176   b  and  178   a / 178   b , respectively. More particularly, score line  176  splits into a score line  176   a  intersecting score line  102   c  and score line  176   b  intersecting score line  102   d . Score line  178  divides into score line  178   a  intersecting score line  102   d  and score line  178   b  intersecting score line  102   a.    
     Additional stress relief lines  182  and  184  are disposed on side panel  104  extending lengthwise from semicircular score line  166 , as shown. Additional stress-relief lines  186  and  18  are disposed on side panel  106  extending lengthwise from semicircular score line  168 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In aggregate, the stress relief lines described hereinabove serve to control bowing of top panel  102  when the carrier is lifted, distributing forces to other portions of the carrier, namely to side panels  104  and  106  and the corners of top panel  102 . 
     The advantages of providing score lines in the top and side panels to distribute the forces from lifting a carrier having a single opening handle has generally been recognized, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,991 (“Schuster”). In the Schuster patent, slits extending from the ends of the handle opening into the upper portions of the side panels allow the top panel and side panels to flex sufficiently to permit the carrier to be lifted by the handle opening. Score lines in the upper portions of the side panels provide relief from lifting forces. Additional score lines in the upper panel also provide stress relief. 
     Tear-stop Score Lines 
     Despite the stress relief measures described hereinabove, both for the carrier of the present invention as well as carriers of the prior art, there may nevertheless be a tendency for a tear to initiate when lifting a fully-loaded carrier. Such a tear will tend to initiate at an edge of the handle opening ( 140 ) and, left unchecked, may result in enlarging the opening sufficiently to allow contents of the carrier to fall out. Slits extending from the ends of the handle opening, as described in the Schuster patent, may actually contribute to such tearing of the top panel. 
     According to the present invention, tear-stop score lines are provided closely adjacent the handle opening for preventing tears originating at the handle opening from propagating across the top panel of the carrier. 
     A tear-stop score line arrangement  190  is formed as follows: a score line  192  extends laterally across the top panel  102 , generally parallel to and approximately halfway between the score lines  142  and  162 . Similarly, a score line  194  extends laterally across the top panel  102 , generally parallel to and approximately halfway between the score lines  144  and  164 . Score line  194  is preferably parallel to score line  192 , and they are spaced a distance (width dimension) apart from one another which is approximately 12-18% of the length “L” of top panel  102 . A semi-circular score line  196  is disposed on the top panel  102  and connects the ends of the two score lines  192  and  194 . A semi-circular score line  198  is disposed on the top panel  102  and connects the opposite ends of the two score lines  192  and  194 . From end-to-end ( 196 -to- 198 ), the tear-stop score line arrangement  190  has a length dimension which is approximately 85-95% of the distance, or width “W”) across the top panel  102 . Score lines  192 ,  194 ,  196  and  198  are preferably contiguous with one another. In aggregate, score lines  192 ,  194 ,  196  and  198  form a generally-rectangular tear-stop score line arrangement  190  which extends laterally across top panel  102 , without extending down into side panels  104  and  106 , and which is centered around handle opening  140 , between handle opening  140  and stress-relief score line arrangement  160 . 
     Tear-stop score line arrangement  190  is approximately 20-30% longer (from end-to-end, across the top panel  102 ) than handle opening  140 , and is approximately 2-2.5 times wider (from side-to-side) than handle opening  140 . By way of comparison, stress-relief score line arrangement  160  is approximately 3-4 times wider than handle opening  140 . 
     Tear-stop score line arrangement  190  encircles handle opening  140 , is larger than handle opening  140 , is preferably concentric with handle opening  140 , and is offset from handle opening  140 . 
     Tear-stop score line arrangement  190  focuses pressure onto the score line arrangement  190  without tearing it. Score line arrangement  190  encircling handle opening  140  prevents excess pressure from tearing the side panels when lifting the carrier by its integral handle  140 . 
     Although the present invention has been described in a given embodiment thereof, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore understood that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the claims appended hereinafter.