Patent Publication Number: US-2016229616-A1

Title: Carton and carton blank

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113566, filed Feb. 9, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a carton and to a blank for forming the carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a tertiary carton for combining at least two secondary cartons. Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a carrying handle for cooperation with a carrying handle provided in one of said at least two secondary cartons. 
     BACKGROUND 
     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 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. 
     It is desirable to provide a tertiary package which comprises two or more secondary packages. It is desirable that the two or more secondary packages are severable from the tertiary package. 
     It is also desirable to provide a carrying handle so that a consumer may transport the tertiary package from a retail outlet. It is desirable that the carrying handle is both comfortable to use and strong enough to bear the load of the tertiary package contents. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a package comprising:
         at least one primary articles,   at least one secondary carton disposed along the exterior of the at least one primary article,   a tertiary carton disposed along the exterior of the at least one secondary carton, and   a carrying handle for lifting and carrying the package,       

     the at least one secondary carton comprises a top panel and a first handle structure having a first grip element, 
     the tertiary carton comprises an outer top panel and a second handle structure having a second grip element wherein the first grip element is arranged in registry with the second grip element such that the first handle structure provides a first portion of a carrying handle and the second handle structure provides a second portion of a carrying handle. 
     Preferably, the first handle structure comprises a first aperture and a second aperture struck from the top panel of said at least one secondary carton, the second aperture being spaced apart from the first aperture, wherein the first grip element is defined at least in part by the first aperture and the second aperture. 
     Preferably, the first handle structure comprises a handle strap extending across the top panel of said at least one secondary carton. 
     Preferably, the second handle structure comprises a first handle aperture and a second handle aperture struck from the outer top panel of the tertiary carton, the second handle aperture being spaced apart from the first handle aperture, wherein the second grip element is defined at least in part by the first handle aperture and the second handle aperture. 
     Preferably, the first handle aperture is arranged in registry with the first aperture and the second handle aperture is arranged in registry with the second aperture. 
     Preferably, the secondary carton comprises a base panel and opposed side wall panels, which together with the top panel form a tubular structure. 
     In some embodiments, the secondary carton comprises end closure panels for at least partially closing each end of the tubular structure. 
     Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel. 
     Preferably, the first outer side panel and the second outer side panel are secured to the at least one secondary carton. 
     In some embodiments, the package comprises two or more secondary cartons arranged in tiers, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to at least one secondary carton disposed in a lowermost tier. 
     Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each end closure panel being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain at least one secondary carton provided in at least an uppermost tier. 
     In some embodiments, the package comprises two secondary cartons stacked one upon another, wherein the tertiary carton is secured to a secondary carton disposed in a lowermost tier and the tertiary carton comprises an end closure panel at each end of the outer top panel, each end closure panel being hinged to each of the first and second outer side panels by a gusset panel and a web, such that the end closure panels retain a secondary carton provided in the uppermost tier. 
     Preferably, the tertiary carton comprises a first outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel and a second outer side panel hinged to the outer top panel; the first outer side panel comprises a first tear device and the second outer side panel comprises a second tear device such that the secondary carton disposed in the lowermost tier is separable from the secondary carton provided in the uppermost tier. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for assembly into the tertiary package as described in the foregoing paragraphs, the blank forming a secondary carton comprising a first side panel, a second side panel, a top panel and a base panel, the top panel comprising a first handle structure having a grip element for forming a first ply of a carrying handle. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for assembly into the tertiary package as described in the foregoing paragraphs, the blank forming a tertiary carton comprising a first side panel, a second side panel, and a top panel, the top panel comprising a second handle structure having a grip element for forming a second ply of a carrying handle. 
     Within the scope of this application it is 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 taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment 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: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view from above of a first blank for forming a secondary carton according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view from above of a second blank for forming a tertiary carton according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a stage in the formation of a tertiary package from a pair of secondary cartons as shown in  FIG. 3  and the blank of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package formed from a pair of secondary cartons as shown in  FIG. 3  and the blank of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package of  FIG. 5  showing a carrying handle in use; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from above of a tertiary package of  FIG. 5  showing an access device in use. 
     
    
    
     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. 
       FIG. 1  shows a plan view of a first blank  10  capable of forming a carton  90 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , for primary products such as, but not limited to, cans, hereinafter referred to as articles C. 
       FIG. 2  shows a plan view of a second blank  110  capable of forming a tertiary carton which along with two cartons  90 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , form a tertiary package  190 , as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     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 for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. 
     The blanks are 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 recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carrier structure described in more detail below. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the blanks are configured to form a carton or carrier for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In some of the illustrated exemplary embodiments, the arrangement is a 3×5 matrix or array of fifteen articles, which are cans. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration. 
     The blank  10  comprises a plurality of main panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  hinged one to the next in a linear series. The blank  10  comprises a glue panel  12  hinged to a base panel  14  by a fold line  13 . The base panel  14  is hinged to a first side panel  16  by a fold line  15 . The first side panel  16  is hinged to a top panel  18  by a fold line  17 . The top panel  18  is hinged to a second side panel  20  by a fold line  19 . 
     The plurality of main panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  of the blank  10  form an open ended tubular structure in a set-up condition. 
     Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by end closure panels  22   a,    24   a,    26   a,    28   a,    30   a,    22   b,    24   b,    26   b,    28   b,    30   b.    
     End closure panels  22   a,    24   a,    26   a,    28   a,    30   a  are configured to partially close a first end of the tubular structure, and end panels  22   b,    24   b,    26   b,    28   b,    30   b  are configured to partially close a second end of the tubular structure. 
     A first end closure panel  22   a  is hinged to a first end of base panel  14  by a fold line  23   a.  A second end closure panel  24   a  is hinged to a first gusset panel  26   a  by a fold line  25   a.  The first gusset panel  26   a  is hinged to a first end of first side panel  16  by a fold line  27   a.  A third end closure panel  28   a  is hinged to a second gusset panel  30   a  by a fold line  29   a.  The second gusset panel  30   a  is hinged to a first end of second side panel  20  by a fold line  31   a.    
     A fourth end closure panel  22   b  is hinged to a second end of base panel  14  by a fold line  23   b.  A fifth end closure panel  24   b  is hinged to a third gusset panel  26   b  by a fold line  25   b.  The third gusset panel  26   b  is hinged to a second end of first side panel  16  by a fold line  27   b.  A sixth end closure panel  28   b  is hinged to a fourth gusset panel  30   b  by a fold line  29   b.  The fourth gusset panel  30   b  is hinged to a second end of second side panel  20  by a fold line  31   b.    
     The blank  10  comprises a handle structure H. The handle structure H comprises a handle strap S; the handle strap S extends transversely across the top panel  18 . The handle strap S extends into the first side panel  16 . The handle strap S extends into the second side panel  20 . 
     The handle structure H comprises a first aperture A 1  and a second aperture A 2 . The second aperture A 2  is spaced apart from the first aperture A 1  by a portion of the handle strap S, which forms a grip element. The grip element comprises a first cushion flap  40   a  hinged to a first side thereof by a fold line  41   a.  A second cushioning flap  40   b  is hinged to an opposing side of the grip element by a fold line  41   b.    
     The handle structure H comprises a first cutline or weakened line of severance  43   a  extending from a point proximate a first end of the first aperture A 1  into the first side panel  16 . A pair of fold lines  44   a,    44   b  extends between the first cutline  43   a  and the first aperture A 1 . 
     The handle structure H comprises a second cutline or weakened line of severance  43   b  extending from a point proximate a second end of the first aperture A 1  into the second side panel  20 . A pair of fold lines  42   a,    42   b  extends between the second cutline  43   b  and the first aperture A 1 . 
     The handle structure H comprises a third cutline or weakened line of severance  43   c  extending from a point proximate a first end of the second aperture A 2  into the first side panel  16 . A pair of fold lines  46   a,    46   b  extends between the third cutline  43   c  and the second aperture A 2 . 
     The handle structure H comprises a fourth cutline or weakened line of severance  43   d  extending from a point proximate a second end of the second aperture A 2  into the second side panel  20 . A pair of fold lines  48   a,    48   b  extends between the fourth cutline  43   d  and the second aperture A 2 . 
     A first fold line  45   a  extends between the first cut line  43   a  and the third cut line  43   c.  The fold line  45   a  extends from an end of the first cut line  43   a  disposed in the first side panel  16  to an end of the third cut line  43   c  disposed in the first side panel  16 . 
     A second fold line  45   b  extends between the second cut line  43   b  and the fourth cut line  43   d.  The second fold line  45   b  extends from an end of the second cut line  43   b  disposed in the second side panel  20  to an end of the fourth cut line  43   d  disposed in the second side panel  20 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a plurality of main panels  112 ,  114 ,  116  hinged one to the next in a linear series. A first outer side panel  112  is hinged to an outer top panel  114  by a fold line  113 . The outer top panel  114  is hinged to a second outer side panel  116  by a fold line  115 . 
     The plurality of main panels  112 ,  114 ,  116  form an inverted “U”-shape in a set-up condition; the inverted “U”-shape is partially closed at each end by outer end closure panels  120   a,    120   b.  A first end is partially closed by a first outer end closure panel  120   a;  a second end is partially closed by a second outer end closure panel  120   b.  The first outer end closure panel  120   a  is hingedly connected to the outer top panel  114  by a fold line  121   a.  The second outer end closure panel  120   b  is hingedly connected to the outer top panel  114  by a fold line  121   b.    
     A bevel panel  122   a,    124   a  is hinged to each side edge of the first outer end closure panel  120   a . A first bevel panel  122   a  is hinged to the first outer end closure panel  120   a  by a fold line  123   a.  A second bevel  124   a  is hinged to the first outer end closure panel  120   a  by a fold line  125   a.    
     A first web panel  126   a  is hinged to the first bevel panel  122   a  by a fold line  127   a.  A first gusset panel  128   a  is hinged to the first web panel  126   a  by a fold line  133   a.  The first gusset panel  128   a  is hinged to the first outer side panel  112  by a fold line  131   a.  An aperture A 5  is provided between the first bevel panel  122   a  and the outer top panel  114  and the first outer side panel  112 . The aperture A 5  separates the first gusset panel  128   a  and the first web panel  126   a  from the outer top panel  114 . 
     Preferably, the fold line  133   a  between the first gusset panel  128   a  and the first web panel  126   a  is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line  138   a.    
     A second web panel  130   a  is hinged to the second bevel panel  124   a  by a fold line  129   a.  A second gusset panel  132   a  is hinged to the second web panel  130   a  by a fold line  135   a.  The second gusset panel  132   a  is hinged to the second outer side panel  116  by a fold line  137   a.  An aperture A 8  is provided between the second bevel panel  124   a  and the outer top panel  114  and the second outer side panel  116 . The aperture A 8  separates the second gusset panel  132   a  and the first web panel  130   a  from the outer top panel  114 . 
     Preferably, the fold line  135   a  between second gusset panel  132   a  and the second web panel  130   a  is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line  140   a.    
     A bevel panel  122   b,    124   b  is hinged to each side edge of the second outer end closure panel  120   b.  A third bevel panel  122   b  is hinged to the second outer end closure panel  120   b  by a fold line  123   b.  A fourth bevel  124   b  is hinged to the second outer end closure panel  120   b  by a fold line  125   b.    
     A third web panel  126   b  is hinged to the third bevel panel  122   b  by a fold line  127   b.  A third gusset panel  128   b  is hinged to the third web panel  126   b  by a fold line  133   b.  The third gusset panel  128   b  is hinged to the first outer side panel  112  by a fold line  131   b.  An aperture A 6  is provided between the third bevel panel  122   b  and the outer top panel  114  and the first outer side panel  112 . The aperture A 6  separates the third gusset panel  128   b  and the third web panel  126   b  from the outer top panel  114 . 
     Preferably, the fold line  133   b  between third gusset panel  128   b  and the third web panel  126   b  is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line  138   b.    
     A fourth web panel  130   b  is hinged to the fourth bevel panel  124   b  by a fold line  129   b.  A fourth gusset panel  132   b  is hinged to the fourth web panel  130   b  by a fold line  135   b.  The fourth gusset panel  132   b  is hinged to the second outer side panel  116  by a fold line  137   b.  An aperture A 7  is provided between the fourth bevel panel  124   b  and the outer top panel  114  and the second outer side panel  116 . The aperture A 7  separates the fourth gusset panel  132   b  and the fourth web panel  130   b  from the outer top panel  114 . 
     Preferably, the fold line  135   b  between fourth gusset panel  132   b  and the fourth web panel  130   b  is interrupted by a substantially “U”-shaped cut line  140   b.    
     Outer top panel  114  comprises a second handle structure comprising a pair of handle apertures A 3 , A 4 . The pair of handle apertures A 3 , A 4  are spaced apart from one another to define a grip portion therebetween. Each of the pair of handle apertures A 3 , A 4  is arranged to be disposed in registry with the first or second aperture A 1 , A 2  of the handle structure H provided in the first blank  10  when the outer top panel is disposed in overlying relationship with the top panel  18  of a carton  90  (see  FIG. 3 ) formed from the first blank  10 . 
     The second blank  110  comprises a first tear strip T 1  provided in the first outer side panel  112 . The first tear strip T 1  extends longitudinally across the first outer side panel  112  from a first end edge to a second end edge. The first tear strip T 1  is defined at least in part by a first weakened line of severance  117   a  and a second weakened line of severance  117   b;  the second weakened line of severance  117   b  is spaced apart from the first weakened line of severance  117   a.    
     The second blank  110  comprises a second tear strip T 2  provided in the second outer side panel  116 . The second tear strip T 2  extends longitudinally across the second outer side panel  116  from a first end edge to a second end edge. The second tear strip T 2  is defined at least in part by a first weakened line of severance  119   a  and a second weakened line of severance  119   b;  the second weakened line of severance  119   b  is spaced apart from the first weakened line of severance  119   a.    
     Turning to the construction of the carton  90  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , 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. 
     The blank  10  is folded about fold line  15 , such that the glue panel  12  and base panel  14  are folded thereabouts. The base panel  14  is brought into face contacting relationship with the first side panel  16 ; the glue panel  12  is brought into face contacting relationship with the top panel  18 . 
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the glue panel  12  or, in alternative embodiments, to a corresponding portion of the second side panel  20 . 
     The second side panel  20  is folded about the fold line  19  such that the second side panel  20  overlies the glue panel  12 . 
     The second side panel  20  is secured to the glue panel  12  to form a flat collapsed carton. The carton  90  may be shipped or distributed in this flat collapsed form. 
     In alternative embodiments the second side panel  20  may be secured to the glue panel  12  by alternative securing means for example, but not limited to, staples or other mechanical fixing means. 
     The flat collapsed carton  90  may be erected into a tubular structure by separating the top panel  18  from the base panel  14 . 
     The carton  90 , in its open ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles C through one or both open ends. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments one of the open ends of the carton  90  may be closed before loading the carton  90  with articles C through the remaining open end. 
     In some embodiments, some or all of the end closure panels  22   a,    24   a,    26   a,    28   a,    30   a,    22   b,    24   b ,  26   b,    28   b,    30   b  are folded outwardly to form a funnel at one or both ends of the carton  90 . This facilitates loading of the articles C into the carton  90  and reduces the risk of the end closure panels  22   a,    24   a,    26   a,    28   a,    30   a,    22   b,    24   b,    26   b,    28   b,    30   b  interfering with the articles C when they are being loaded. 
     Once the carton  90  is loaded with articles C the ends of the tubular structure are closed. 
     A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second and third end closure panels  24   a,    28   a  about fold lines  25   a,    29   a  respectively. The first and second gusset panels  26   a,    30   a  are folded about fold lines  27   a,    31   a  respectively. 
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second end closure panel  24   a  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first end closure panel  22   a.    
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the third end closure panel  28   a  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first end closure panel  22   a.    
     The first end closure panel  22   a  is then folded about the fold line  23   a  to be brought into contact with the second and third end closure panels  24   a,    28   a  and secured thereto. 
     A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the fifth and sixth end closure panels  24   b,    28   b  about fold lines  25   b,    29   b  respectively. The third and fourth gusset panels  26   b,    30   b  are folded about fold lines  27   b,    31   b  respectively. 
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the fifth end closure panel  24   b  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the fourth end closure panel  22   b.    
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the sixth end closure panel  28   b  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the fourth end closure panel  22   b.    
     The fourth end closure panel  22   b  is then folded about the fold line  23   b  to be brought into contact with the fifth and sixth end closure panels  24   b,    28   b  and secured thereto. 
     In this way a secondary package is formed from the carton  90  and a group of articles C. The carton  90  comprises a handle structure H which extends transversely across the carton  90 , between the first and second side walls  16 ,  20 . Preferably, the upper ends of the articles C are tapered or beveled in shape such that a void exists between an upper portion of the first and second side walls and the adjacent articles C. This void allows the ends of the handle strap S to move inwardly of the carton  90  when a user grasps the grip element of the handle strap S. In this way a central portion of the handle strap comprising the grip element can be displaced upwardly with respect to a remainder of the top panel  18 . Displacing the grip element upwardly provides a gap or space between the upper ends of the articles C and the handle strap S; a user can insert their hand or fingers into this space so as to comfortably carry the carton  90  and its contents. The upward displacement of the central portion of the handle strap is facilitated by the pairs of fold lines  42   a,    42   b,    44   a,    44   b,    46   a,    46   b,    48   a,    48   b.  When the handle strap is in use the carton  90  folds about the pairs of fold lines  42   a,    42   b,    44   a,    44   b,    46   a,    46   b,    48   a,    48   b  such that the handle strap S can be displaced upwardly. 
     Preferably, the ends of the cut lines  43   a,    43   b,    43   c,    43   d  disposed in the respective one of the first or second side panels  16 ,  20  are arranged to terminate adjacent to a side wall of an article C disposed in the carton  90 . In this way each of the ends of the cut lines  43   a,    43   b,    43   c,    43   d  disposed in the respective one of the first or second side panels  16 ,  20  is in contact with an article C, or each end can be brought into contact with an article C when the handle structure H is in use. In this way the article C provides strength or reinforcement to the handle structure H to mitigate against, or prevent, tears propagating in the material forming the carton  90 . Preferably the articles C are arranged in rows within the carton  90 ; the end of the cut line  43   a  in the first side panel  16  and the end of the cut line  43   b  in the second side panel  20  are configured to be aligned with articles in the same row as each other such that said entire row of articles C forms a brace therebetween. The end of the cut line  43   c  in the first side panel  16  and the end of the cut line  43   d  in the second side panel  20  are configured to be aligned with articles in the same row as each other such that that entire row of articles C forms a brace therebetween. 
       FIG. 4  shows stages in the production of a tertiary package  190  (see  FIG. 5 ) from a pair of secondary packages  90 A,  90 B and a second blank  110 . In a first stage, a pair of secondary packages  90 A,  90 B are stacked one on top of another, the base panel  14  of a first secondary package  90 A being placed upon the top panel  18  of a second secondary package  90 B to form a group of secondary packages  92 . 
     In a second stage the second blank  110  is wrapped about the group of secondary packages  92 . An inner surface of the outer top panel  114  of the first blank  110  is placed in face contacting relationship with an outer surface of the top panel  18  of the first secondary package  90 A. 
     The first, second, third and fourth gusset panels  128   a,    132   a,    128   b,    132   b  are then folded so as to be in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the respective one of the first and second outer side panels  112 ,  116  to which they are hinged. In doing so the first and second end closure panels  120   a,    120   b  are folded about the fold lines  121   a,    121   b  respectively. 
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first outer side panel  112  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the first side panel  16  of the second secondary package  90 B. 
     Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the second outer side panel  116  or in alternative embodiments to a corresponding portion of the second side panel  20  of the second secondary package  90 B. 
     The first and second outer side panels  112 ,  116  are then folded about fold line  113 ,  115  respectively to be brought into face contacting relationship with the opposing sides of the group of secondary packages  92 . 
     The first and second outer side panels  112 ,  116  are secured to the second secondary package  90 B to form the tertiary package shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The handle apertures A 3 , A 4  provided in the outer top panel  114  are in registry with one of the first and second apertures A 1 , A 2  of the first secondary package  90 A. The tertiary package can be carried by simultaneously engaging the handle apertures A 3 , A 4  and the first and second apertures A 1 , A 2  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In this way, the carrying handle comprises two layers or plies, a first portion or ply provided by the secondary package  90 A and a second portion or ply provided by the tertiary carton. Thus the strength of the carrying handle is increased. 
     It will be appreciated that the outer end closure panels  120   a,    120   b  retain the first secondary package  90 A within the tertiary package  190 , preventing the first secondary package  90 A from moving (sliding) with respect to the tertiary package  190  or the second secondary package  90 B. 
     The second secondary package  90 B can be separated from the first secondary package  90 A by tearing the first and second tear strips T 1 , T 2  as shown in  FIG. 7 . When the tear strips T 1 , T 2  have been detached from the tertiary package an upper portion of the tertiary carton formed by the second blank  110  can be removed from the first secondary package  90 A, since the second blank is unsecured to, or free from, the first secondary package  90 A. 
     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”, “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. A fold line is typically a scored line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed the hinged connection can be formed from any one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used herein, the term “severance line” refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwise weakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits. 
     It should be understood that hinged connection, severance lines 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 cut line, an interrupted cut line, 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 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, and 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.