Patent Publication Number: US-2023159245-A1

Title: Carton and carton blank

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a carton for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the same, more specifically, but not exclusively to a carton having an improved folding structure. 
     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 carton the assembly of which can be automated and carried out in a packaging machine. It is desirable that the carton folds along the predefined fold lines and that the carton present clean fold lines for aesthetic purposes 
     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 blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel. A gusset panel extends between the first and second end panels and is hingedly connected to both the first and second end panels. The blank comprises an opening defined by a periphery which comprises a gusset edge provided by the gusset panel and a first closure edge provided by the first end panel. A cut extends from the opening into the first end panel. 
     Optionally, the cut extends from an intersection between the gusset edge and the first closure edge. 
     Optionally, the cut comprises an extension of the gusset edge. 
     Optionally, the gusset panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel along a weakened region including at least one first fold line, the second primary panel is connected to the first primary panel along at least one second fold line. The weakened region is greater in width than the at least one second fold line. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels defining an interior chamber. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel. The carton comprises a gusset panel extending between the first and second end panels and hingedly connected to both the first and second end panels. An opening is defined by a periphery which comprises a gusset edge provided by the gusset panel and a first closure edge provided by the first end panel. A cut extends from the opening into the first end panel. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel. A gusset panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel along a weakened region including at least one first fold line, the second primary panel is connected to the first primary panel along at least one second fold line. The weakened region is greater in width than the at least one second fold line. 
     Optionally, the at least one first fold line comprises a plurality of fold lines extending side by side with one another. 
     Optionally, an opening is defined by a periphery which comprises a gusset edge provided by the gusset panel and a first closure edge provided by the first end panel. The at least one first fold line extends from the opening toward an outer free edge of the gusset panel. 
     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 defining an interior chamber. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel. A gusset panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel along a weakened region including at least one first fold line, the second primary panel is connected to the first primary panel along at least one second fold line. The weakened region is greater in width than the at least one second fold line. 
     According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprising a plurality of panels defining an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel and is disposed at least in part in an overlapping arrangement with the first end panel. A gusset panel is disposed in face contacting arrangement with the first and second end panels. The gusset panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel by a region including at least one first fold line extending in a first direction. An opening is defined by a periphery which comprises a gusset edge provided by the gusset panel and a first closure edge provided by the first end panel. A separation element extends from the opening in a second direction into the first end panel. The region expands in the second direction along at least part of the separation element. 
     Optionally, the separation element comprises one of the features selected from the following group: a cut, a slot, a notch, and a recess. 
     According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprising a plurality of panels for defining an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A first end panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel. A second end panel is hingedly connected to the second primary panel arranged to be disposed at least in part in an overlapping arrangement with the first end panel. A gusset panel is foldable to be disposed in face contacting arrangement with the first and second end panels. The gusset panel is hingedly connected to the first end panel by a region including at least one first fold line extending in a first direction. An opening is defined by a periphery which comprise a gusset edge provided by the gusset panel and a first closure edge provided by the first end panel. A separation element extends from the opening in a second direction into the first end panel. The region expands in the second direction along at least part of the separation element. 
     Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof. 
     Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment. 
     A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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 blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG.  1 B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG.  1   ; and 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a portion of the carton of  FIG.  2    during a stage of assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented, and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1  and  1 B , there is shown a plan view of a blank  10  capable of forming a carton or carrier  90  as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , which carton  90  can accept an input of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as “articles”. 
     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 blank  10  is formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be 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 embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the blank  10  is configured to form a carton or carrier  90  for packaging an exemplary arrangement of exemplary articles. In the illustrated embodiment the arrangement is an m×n matrix or array, having three rows (m=3) and four columns (n=4); in the illustrated embodiment three rows of four articles are provided, and the articles are 405 ml cans; the cans may be formed from a suitable material such as, but not limited to, Aluminum. The blank  10  can be alternatively configured to form a carrier  90  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 primary panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  for forming a tubular structure or sleeve. A first primary or first side wall panel  12  is hinged to a second primary panel  14  (also referred to herein as a bottom panel  14 ) by a fold line (e.g., a core line or crease line)  13 . The bottom panel  14  is hinged to a third primary panel  16  (also referred to herein as a second side wall panel  16 ) by a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line)  15 . The second side wall panel  16  is hinged to a fourth primary panel  18  (also referred to herein as a top panel  18 ) by a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line)  17 . The top panel  18  is hinged to a fifth primary panel  20  (also referred to herein as a securing panel  20 ) by a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line)  19 . 
     The first and fifth primary panels  12 ,  20  form a composite panel  12 / 20 . The composite panel  12 / 20  forms a base wall  12 / 20  when a handle structure H is in use as a carrying handle by a user and this base wall  12 / 20  is optionally, disposed adjacent to the sides of the articles. In other words, the cylindrical axis of the articles is substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom wall  12 / 20  of the carton  90 . In this orientation the third primary panel  16  forms a top wall disposed adjacent to the sides of the articles. 
     In  FIG.  2    the carrier is shown in a loading orientation, the fourth primary panel  18  forms a top wall and the second primary panel  14  forms a bottom wall panel. The fourth primary panel  18  is disposed over the tops of the articles and the second primary panel  14  is disposed beneath the bases of the articles. The cylindrical axis of the articles is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the bottom second and fourth primary panels  14 ,  18 . 
     As such, it will be understood that descriptive terms “top”, “base”, “bottom” and “side” do not necessarily limit the carton  90  to adopting a particular orientation but serve to distinguish those panels from one another. 
     The ends of the tubular structure are closed by end closure structures having a plurality of end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  24 A,  26 A/ 16 A,  28 A,  30 A/ 20 A,  22 B/ 12 B,  24 B,  26 B/ 16 B,  28 B,  30 B/ 20 B. A first end of the tubular structure is closed by a first group of end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  24 A,  26 A/ 16 A,  28 A,  30 A/ 20 A; the second end of the tubular structure is closed by a second group of end closure panels  22 B/ 12 B,  24 B,  26 B/ 16 B,  28 B,  30 B/ 20 B. 
     A first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A is hinged to the first side wall panel  12  by a fold line  9 A; a second end closure panel  24 A is hinged to the bottom panel  14  by a fold line  23 A; a third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A is hinged to the second side wall panel  16  by a fold line  11 A; a fourth end closure panel  28 A is hinged to the top panel  18  by a fold line  27 A and a fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A is hinged to the securing panel  20  by a fold line  7 A. 
     The first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A and fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A form a composite end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A/ 30 A/ 20 A. The first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A and fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A are secured together to form a first minor or side end closure flap  22 A/ 12 A/ 30 A/ 20 A. 
     The third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A forms a minor or side end closure flap  26 A/ 16 A. 
     The second and fourth end closure panels  24 A,  28 A form major end flaps, the second end closure panel  24 A forms a lower end closure flap  24 A; the fourth end closure panel  28 A forms an upper or top end closure flap  28 A. 
     The first group of end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  24 A,  26 A/ 16 A,  28 A,  30 A/ 20 A is coupled one to the next by respective gusset or web panels  32 A,  34 A,  36 A,  38 A. A first web panel  32 A is hingedly connected to the first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 1 . The first web panel  32 A is hingedly connected to the second end closure panel  24 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 2 . A second web panel  34 A is hingedly connected to the second end closure panel  24 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 5 . The second web panel  34 A is hingedly connected to the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 6 . A third web panel  36 A is hingedly connected to the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line crease line) F 9 . The third web panel  36 A is hingedly connected to the fourth end closure panel  28 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 10 . A fourth web panel  38 A is hingedly connected to the fourth end closure panel  28 A by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 13 . The fourth web panel  38 A is hingedly connected to the fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 14 . 
     A sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B is hinged to the first side wall panel  12  by a fold line  9 B; a seventh end closure panel  24 B is hinged to the bottom panel  14  by a fold line  23 B; an eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B is hinged to the second side wall panel  16  by a fold line  11 B; a ninth end closure panel  28 B is hinged to the tope wall panel  18  by a fold line  27 B, and a tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B is hinged to the panel  20  by a fold line  7 B. 
     The sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B and tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B form a composite end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B/ 30 B/ 20 B. The sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B and tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B are secured together to form a second minor or side end closure flap  22 B/ 12 B/ 30 B/ 20 B. 
     The eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B forms a minor or side end closure flap  26 B/ 16 B. 
     The seventh and ninth enclosure panel  24 B,  28 B each form major end flaps. The seventh end closure panel  24 B forms a second lower end closure flap  24 B; the ninth end closure panel  28 B forms a second upper or top end closure flap  28 B. 
     The second group of end closure panels  22 B/ 12 B,  24 B,  26 B/ 16 B,  28 B,  30 B/ 20 B are coupled one to the next by a gusset or web panel  32 B,  34 B,  36 B,  38 B. A fifth web panel  32 B is hingedly connected to the sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 3 . The fifth web panel  32 B is hingedly connected to the seventh end closure panel  24 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 4 . A sixth web panel  34 B is hingedly connected to the seventh end closure panel  24 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 7 . The sixth web panel  34 B is hingedly connected to the eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 8 . A seventh web panel  36 B is hingedly connected to the eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B by a hinged connection or weakened region in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 11 . The seventh web panel  36 B is hingedly connected to the ninth end closure panel  28 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 12 . An eighth web panel  38 B is hingedly connected to the ninth end closure panel  28 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a line of perforations or cuts) F 15 . The eighth web panel  38 B is hingedly connected or weakened region to the tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line (e.g., a score line or crease line) F 16 . 
     The first side wall panel  12  is hingedly connected to proximal portions  12 A,  12 B of the end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  22 B/ 12 B at opposed ends of thereof. A first fold line  9 A defines in part a first proximal portion  12 A which forms a first corner panel  12 A hingedly connected along a fold line  21 A to a distal portion  22 A of the first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A. A second fold line  9 B defines in part a second proximal portion  12 B which forms a second corner panel  12 B hingedly connected along a fold line  21 B to a distal portion  22 B of the sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B. 
     The second side wall panel  16  is hingedly connected to proximal portions  16 A,  16 B of the end closure panels  26 A/ 16 A,  26 B/ 16 B at opposed ends of thereof. A third fold line  11 A defines in part a third proximal portion  16 A which forms a third corner panel  16 A hingedly connected along a fold line  25 A to a distal portion  26 A of the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. A fourth fold line  11 B defines in part a fourth proximal portion  16 B which forms a fourth corner panel  16 B hingedly connected along a fold line  25 B to a distal portion  26 B of the eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B. 
     The first, second, third, and fourth fold lines  9 A,  9 B,  11 A,  11 B may be non-linear, angled, curved or arcuate in shape. 
     The bottom panel  14  and top panel  18  each comprises filleted or chamfered corners, in the illustrated embodiment. In some other embodiments, the bottom panel  14  and top panel  18  each may comprise rounded corners, squared corners or a combination thereof. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fold lines  21 A,  25 A,  29 A are collinear with each other. The fold lines  23 A,  27 A are collinear with each other. The fold lines  23 A,  27 A are offset with respect to the fold lines  21 A,  25 A,  29 A. The fold lines  21 B,  25 B,  29 B are collinear with each other. The fold lines  23 B,  27 B are collinear with each other. The fold lines  23 B,  27 B are offset with respect to the fold lines  21 B,  25 B,  29 B. In other embodiments, the fold lines  21 A,  25 A,  29 A each may be non-linear, angled, curved or arcuate in shape, although they may yet be arranged in generally alignment. In like manner, the fold lines  21 B,  25 B,  29 B each may be non-linear, angled, curved or arcuate in shape, although they may yet be arranged in generally alignment. 
     The securing panel  20  is hingedly connected to proximal portions  20 A,  20 B of the end closure panels  30 A/ 20 A,  30 B/ 20 B at opposed ends of thereof. A fifth fold line  7 A defines in part a fifth proximal portion  20 A which forms a first inner corner securing panel  20 A hingedly connected along a fold line  29 A to a distal portion  30 A of the fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A. A sixth fold line  7 B defines in part a sixth proximal portion  20 B which forms a second inner corner panel  20 B hingedly connected along a fold line  29 B to a distal portion  30 B of the tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B. 
     The end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  22 B/ 12 B,  26 A/ 16 A,  26 B/ 16 B,  30 A/ 20 A,  30 B/ 20 B each include the proximal portions  12 A,  12 B,  16 A,  16 B,  20 A,  20 B and the distal portions  22 A,  22 B,  26 A,  26 B,  30 A,  30 B. 
     The proximal portions  12 A,  12 B,  16 A,  16 B,  20 A,  20 B may be considered to be parts of the end closure panels closing open ends of a tubular structure defined by the panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  in combination with the distal portions  22 A,  26 A,  30 A,  22 B,  26 B,  30 B and the end closure panels  24 A,  28 A,  24 B,  28 B. Alternatively, the proximal portions  12 A,  12 B,  16 A,  16 B,  20 A,  20 B may be considered to be the opposed end portions of the respective side wall panels  12 ,  16 . 
     The blank  10  comprises a first cutaway A 1  in the form of an aperture. The first cutaway A 1  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the bottom panel  14 , first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A, first web panel  32 A and second end closure panel  24 A. 
     The blank  10  comprises a second cutaway A 2  in the form of an aperture. The second cutaway A 2  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the bottom panel  14 , sixth end closure panel  22 B/ 12 B, fifth web panel  32 B and seventh end closure panel  24 B. 
     The blank  10  comprises a third cutaway A 3  in the form of an aperture. The third cutaway A 3  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the bottom panel  14 , second end closure panel  24 A, second web panel  34 A and third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. 
     The blank  10  comprises a fourth cutaway A 4  in the form of an aperture. The fourth cutaway A 4  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the bottom panel  14 , seventh end closure panel  24 B, sixth web panel  34 B and eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B. 
     The blank  10  comprises a fifth cutaway A 5  in the form of an aperture. The fifth cutaway A 5  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the top panel  18 , third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A, third web panel  36 A and fourth end closure panel  28 A. 
     The blank  10  comprises a sixth cutaway A 6  in the form of an aperture. The sixth cutaway A 6  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the top panel  18 , eighth end closure panel  26 B/ 16 B, seventh web panel  36 B and ninth end closure panel  28 B. 
     The blank  10  comprises a seventh cutaway A 7  in the form of an aperture. The seventh cutaway A 7  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the top panel  18 , fourth end closure panel  28 A, fourth web panel  38 A and fifth end closure panel  30 A/ 20 A. 
     The blank  10  comprises an eighth cutaway A 8  in the form of an aperture. The eighth cutaway A 8  is struck in part from, or defined in part by, each of the top panel  18 , ninth end closure panel  28 B, eighth web panel  38 B and tenth end closure panel  30 B/ 20 B. 
     The first, second, third and fourth cutaways A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4  define chamfered, recessed, filleted or rounded corners of the bottom panel  14 , such that the bottom panel  14  is substantially octagonal in shape. 
     The fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cutaways A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8  define chamfered, recessed, filleted or rounded corners of the top panel  18 , such that the top panel  18  is substantially octagonal in shape. 
     The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cutaways A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8  each form part of a relief structure, best shown with reference to  FIG.  1 B  which shows an enlarged view of the third cutaway A 3 . The relief structures will be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the third cutaway A 3  shown in  FIG.  1 B , the relief structures associated with the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth cutaways A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , A 8  being similarly arranged. The third cutaway A 3  provides an aperture or opening and is defined at least in part by a cut line  50 . The cut line  50  defines a periphery of the aperture or opening. A separation element in the form of an extension cut line  52  extends from the cutaway A 3  into the distal portion  26 A of the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. The cut line or periphery  50  comprises first portion  50 A provided by an edge of the second web panel  34 A and a second portion  50 B provided by an edge of the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. The first portion  50 A of the periphery  50  defines a gusset edge  50 A of the second gusset panel  34 A. The second portion  50 B of the periphery  50  defines a closure edge  50 B of the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. The first and second portions  50 A,  50 B define a vertex from which the extension cut line  52  extends. The extension cut line  52  extends from an intersection between the closure edge  50 B and the gusset edge  50 A. The extension cut line  52  may be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the second portion  50 B of the cut line  50  although the extension cut line  52  may optionally oriented in a different direction at a different angle into the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A. The extension cut line  52  can be considered to be an extension of the first portion  50 A of the periphery  50 . The hinged connection or weakened region F 6  hinging the second web panel  34 A to the third end closure panel  26 A/ 16 A may comprises two or more fold lines arranged in parallel with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the weakened region F 6  comprises three parallel fold lines such as score or crease lines. In other embodiments, the weakened region F 6  may be a single fold line in the form of a wide score line or crease line. The weakened region F 6  may have width dimension W 1  in the range 0.5 mm to 7 mm, optionally in the range 0.7 mm to 1.75 mm. The fold line F 5  may have width dimension W 3  in the range 0.25 mm to 3.5 mm, optionally in the range 0.7 mm to 1.75 mm. The weakened region F 6  is disposed in general longitudinal alignment with the fold line  15  which interconnects the bottom panel  14  and the second side wall panel  16 . The fold line  15  may be formed by a score line or crease line and may have width dimension W 2  in the range 0.25 mm to 3.5 mm, optionally in the range 0.7 mm to 1.75 mm. 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  1 B and  3   , the separation element  52  is shown as a cut line. However, in other embodiments, the separation element may be a slot, a notch or a recess which extends from the respective cutaway into the respective end closure panel. 
     The width W 1  of the weakened region F 6  may be greater than the width W 3  of the fold line F 5  between the second gusset panel  34 A and the second end closure panel  24 A. The width W 1  of the weakened region F 6  may be greater than the width W 2  of the fold line  15  between the bottom panel  14  and the second side wall panel  16 . For example, but not limited to, the weakened region F 6  may be at least twice the width of either the fold line F 5  or the fold line  15 , and may be up to five times the width of the fold line F 5  or the folds line  15 . 
     The weakened region F 6  extends in a transverse direction x of the blank  10 . In a setup condition the extension cut line  52  extends in a substantially vertical direction z of the carton  90 , see  FIG.  2   . The vertical direction is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L A  of the carton  90  and to a transverse direction L T  of the carton  90 . 
     The extension cut line  52  extends in a longitudinal direction y of the blank  10 . In a setup condition the extension cut line  52  extends in the vertical direction z of the carton  90 , see  FIG.  2   . 
     Optionally, the first primary panel  12  comprises an opening A 9  which may provide ventilation or expose a desired portion of an article disposed within the carton  90  to view. 
     The blank  10  may comprise a handle structure H. The handle structure H may be provided at least in part in the third primary panel  16 . The handle structure H comprises a handle opening or slot defined in the third primary panel  16 . The handle opening may be defined at least in part by a first handle tab  60 A. The first handle tab  60 A is struck from the third primary panel  16  and is hinged connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  61 A. The handle opening may be defined at least in part by a second handle tab  60 B. The second handle tab  60 B is struck from the third primary panel  16  and is hinged connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line  61 B. The second handle tab  60 B is hinged in opposition to the first handle tab  60 A. The second handle tab  60 B is separate from, or severable from the first handle tab  60 A by a common cut line or severance line  59 . 
     A line of separation  59  defines the center of the slot-type carrying handle H. The line of separation  59  is spaced a longitudinal distance from first and second ends of the third primary panel  16  (defined by fold lines  11 A,  11 B respectively). The line of separation  59  is located so as to be disposed centrally with respect to the first and second ends of the third primary panel  16 . Optionally, in other embodiments, the slot-type carrying handle H may be disposed in an off-center position. The line of separation  59  is positioned such that when the blank  10  is formed into a carton  90  the line of separation  59  is located above a gap or void between two adjacent articles. 
     The line of separation  59  extends into each of the adjacent second and fourth primary panels  14 ,  18 . In other embodiments, the slot-type carrying handle H may extend into only one of the adjacent second and fourth primary panels  14 ,  18 . The line of separation  59  is optionally a perforate cut line comprising one or more or a series of connecting nick portions. Optionally nine connecting nick portions are provided in the third primary panel  16  along the line of separation  59 ; one nick portion is provided along the portion of the line of the separation  59  in the second primary panel  14 ; one nick portion is provided along the portion of the line of the line of separation  59  in the fourth primary panel  18 . 
     Spaced either side of the line of separation  59  and within the third primary panel  16  a pair of fold lines  61 A,  61 B define each of the lifting edges of the slot-type carrying handle H. Between fold line  61 A and line of separation  59  a cushioning flap  60 A is formed, likewise, between fold line  61 A and line of separation  59  a cushioning flap  60 B is formed. The width of the cushioning flaps  60 A,  60 B may be controlled such that when folded beneath the plane of the third primary panel  16 , the cushioning flaps  60 A,  60 B can fold within the gap between the third primary panel  16  and two adjacently located articles and at least partially underneath the third primary panel  16 . 
     At each end of each cushioning flap  60 A,  60 B pairs of gussets are formed by crossed fold lines  71 / 73 ,  75 / 77 . Optionally, the fold lines  71 / 73 ,  75 / 77  are disposed substantially at 90° relative to one another. 
     At each end of the slot-type carrying handle H a stress relief mechanism is provided which is tailored and configured to mitigate against stress build up or localized stress points in the carton  90  when the carton  90  is carried by the slot-type carrying handle H, in either direction (i.e. by using edges defined by fold lines  61 A or  61 B). 
     The stress relief mechanisms (also referred to as relief cuts) are identical and therefore only one will be described, it being understood that the details provided regarding one end of the slot-type carrying handle H are also true in respect of the other end of the slot-type carrying handle H. 
     An optional first curvilinear crease-cut line  63 A,  67 ,  63 B is provided in the second primary panel  14  and extends between the intersections of fold lines  61 A and  61 B with fold line  15 . 
     The first curvilinear crease-cut line  63 A,  67 ,  63 B may be formed as a crease  63 A,  63 B along a first linear aspect and then optionally a full-depth cut line  67  on a second curved aspect. The first curvilinear crease-cut line  63 A,  67 ,  63 B and the line of separation  59  define a pair of foldable tabs each hinged to one of the cushioning flaps  60 A,  60 B. 
     An optional second curvilinear crease-cut line  65 A,  69 ,  65 B extends between the intersections of fold lines  61 A and  61 B with fold line  17 . The second curvilinear crease-cut line  65 A,  69 ,  65 B may be formed as a crease  65 A,  65 B along a first linear aspect and then optionally a full-depth cut line  69  on a second curved aspect. The second curvilinear crease-cut line  65 A,  69 ,  65 B and the line of separation  59  define a pair of foldable tabs each hinged to one of the cushioning flaps  60 A,  60 B. 
     Optionally, the blank  10  comprises at least one dispenser D 1 , D 2  for gaining access to the contents of the carton  90 . The illustrated embodiment comprises two dispensers D 1 , D 2 . 
     A first dispenser D 1  provides access to the carton  90  though an end wall provided by the first group of panels  22 A,  24 A,  26 A,  28 A,  30 A. 
     A second dispenser D 2  provides access to the carton  90  though the top panel  18  provided by the fourth primary panel  18 . 
     The first dispenser D 1  comprises a first severable line  80 A/ 80 B is provided in the second primary panel  14 . The first severable line  80 A/ 80 B comprises a first portion  80 B extending from the first cutaway A 1  into the second primary panel  14  at an oblique angle to the fold lines  13 ,  23 A. The first severable line  80 A/ 80 B comprises a second portion  80 A extending from the fold line  23 A into the second primary panel  14  at an oblique angle thereto. The first and second portion  80 B,  80 A extend to a tear initiation device I 1 . The first dispenser D 1  comprises a second severable line  82  is provided in the second end closure panel  24 A. The first dispenser D 1  comprises a third severable line  84  is provided in the distal portion of the first end closure panel  22 A/ 12 A, extending from the fold line  21 A to a free edge opposing the hinged edge defined by the fold line  21 A; the third severable line  84  may be perpendicular to the fold line  21 A. The first dispenser D 1  comprises a fourth severable line  86  is provided in the fourth end closure panel  28 A; the fourth severable line  86  defines a removable corner of the fourth end closure panel  28 A. The fourth severable line  86  is substantially “L” shaped. The first, second, third and fourth severable lines  80 A/ 80 B,  82 , 84 , 86  define a tear out panel removing a portion of the end wall and a portion of a wall provided by the second primary panel  14 . 
     The second dispenser D 2  comprises a removable panel portion  18 B defined in the fourth primary panel  18 . The removable panel portion  18 B is defined by a fifth severable line  40 . The fifth severable line  40  is substantially “U” shaped and extends between the seventh cutaway A 7  and the eighth cutaway A 8 . The second dispenser D 2  comprises a tear initiation device  12 . The tear initiation device  12  comprises a pair of tabs T 1 , T 2  hingedly connected to the fourth primary panel  18  and defined in part by weakened lines of severance which are more readily severed than the fifth severable line  40 . 
     Turning to the construction of the carton  90  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the carton  90  can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 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 then folded about the fold line  17  such that the fourth primary panel  18  is brought into face to face relationship with a portion of the third primary panel  16  and the securing panel  20  is brought into face to face relationship with the second primary panel  14 . 
     Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the securing panel  20 . In alternative embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the first primary panel  12 . 
     Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the distal portions  30 A,  30 B of the fifth and tenth end closure panels  30 A/ 20 A,  30 B/ 20 B. In alternative embodiments glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to the distal portions  22 A,  22 B of the first and sixth end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  22 B/ 12 B. 
     The first primary panel  12  is folded about fold line  13  into face to face relationship with the second primary panel  14  and to face contacting relationship with securing panel  20 . The first primary panel  12  is secured to the securing panel  20 . 
     The distal portion  22 A is brought into overlapping relationship with the distal portion  30 A, the distal portion  22 B is brought into overlapping relationship with the distal portion  30 B. 
     The distal portion  22 A is secured to the distal portion  30 A. The distal portion  22 B is secured to the distal portion panel  30 B. 
     In this way, a flat collapsed tubular structure is formed. This flat collapsed tubular structure is suitable for shipping or distribution to a convertor plant. 
     The flat collapsed tubular structure can be erected into a carton by forming a tubular structure, engaging an adjacent pair of the plurality of primary panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  and orientating an adjacent pair of the plurality of primary panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  so as to be substantially perpendicular to each other. The tubular structure can then be loaded with articles by inserting the articles through one or both of the open ends of the tubular structure. The ends of the tubular structure are closed by folding the end closure panels  22 A/ 12 A,  24 A,  26 A/ 16 A,  28 A,  30 A/ 20 A,  22 B/ 12 B,  24 B,  26 B/ 16 B,  28 B,  30 B/ 20 B to be substantially perpendicular to the one of the plurality of primary panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  to which they are hinged. 
     The distal portion  22 A is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the first primary wall panel  12 . The first corner panel or proximal portion  12 A is folded about the corner of the second and fourth primary panels  14 ,  18 . The distal portion  26 A is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the third primary panel  16 . The third corner panel or proximal portion  16 A is folded about the corner of the second and fourth primary panels  14 ,  18 . 
     The second end closure panel  24 A is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the second primary panel  14  such that it is in face contacting relationship with the distal portions  22 A,  26 A. The second end closure panel  24 A may be secured to the distal portions  22 A,  26 A by adhesive or other suitable treatment. 
     The fourth end closure panel  28 A is folded to be substantially perpendicular to the fourth primary panel  18  and is secured to the second end closure panel  24 A, and may be secured to the distal portions  22 A,  26 A, by adhesive or other suitable treatment. 
     The second group of panels  22 B,  24 B,  26 B,  28 B,  30 B is constructed in substantially the same manner to that of the first group of panels  22 A,  24 A,  26 A,  28 A,  30 A previously described. 
     The assembled carton  90  is shown in  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  3    shows a view of the carton  90  during construction, in a particular stage of construction of the end closure panels. The weakened region F 6  is shown in overlying relationship with the fold line  23 A. The increased width of the weakened region F 6  compared to that of fold line  23 A provides an increased degree of tolerance for aligning the fold lines F 6 ,  23 A with each other. The cut line  52  provides relief in the second end closure panel  24 A. The cut line  52  allows a region of the distal portion  26 A to be deformed or displaced. In this way, the distal portion  26 A is distorted or deformed in preference to the second gusset panel  34 A and/or the second end closure panel  24 A. The cut line  52  facilitates formation of clean folds along fold line F 5  and along weakened region F 6  and may reduce the likelihood of deformation of the second gusset panel  34 A. The second gusset panel  34 A is disposed in close proximity or contacting relationship with the second end closure panel  24 A. 
     The completed carton  90  comprises clean or uniform folds and the externally facing panels  18 ,  24 A,  28 A,  14 ,  24 B,  28 B,  12 ,  16  are free from distortion of deformation caused by incorrect or inaccurate folding or by misalignment of the panels. 
     The present disclosure provides a carton  90  and a blank  10  for forming the carton  90 . The blank  10  comprises a plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  for defining an interior of the carton  90  in a setup condition. The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  comprises a first primary panel  16 ; a second primary panel  14  hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 . A first end panel  16 A/ 26 A is hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 . A second end panel  24 A is hingedly connected to the second primary panel  14 . A gusset panel  34 A extends between the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A and the second end panel  24 A. the gusset panel  34 A is hingedly connected to each of the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A and the second end panel  24 A. An opening A 3  is defined by a periphery  50  which comprises a gusset edge  50 A provided by the gusset panel  34 A and a first closure edge  50 B provided by the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. A cut  52  extends from the opening A 3  into the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. 
     The cut  52  may extend from an intersection of the gusset edge  50 A and the first closure edge  50 B. The cut  52  may define an extension of the gusset edge  50 A. 
     The gusset panel  34 A may be hingedly connected to the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A along at least one first fold line F 6  and to the second end panel  24 A along at least one third fold line F 5 . The at least one first fold line F 6  may be greater in width than the at least one third fold line F 5 . 
     The present disclosure provides a carton blank  10  comprising a plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  for defining an interior of a carton  90 . The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  comprises a first primary panel  16 , a second primary panel  14  hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 , and a first end panel  16 A/ 26 A hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 . A second end panel  24 A is hingedly connected to the second primary panel  14 . A gusset panel  34 A is hingedly connected to the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A along a weakened region  6  including at least one first fold line, the second primary panel  14  is hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16  along at least one second fold line  15 . The weakened region F 6  is greater in width than the at least one second fold line  15 . 
     The at least one first fold line may be longitudinally aligned with the at least one second fold line. 
     The weakened region F 6  may comprise a plurality of fold lines extending side by side with one another. 
     The blank  10  may comprise an opening A 3  is defined by a periphery  50  which comprises a gusset edge  50 A provided by the gusset panel  34 A and a first closure edge  50 B provided by the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. The at least one first fold line F 6  may extend from the opening A 3  toward an outer free edge of the gusset panel  34 A. 
     The present disclosure also provides a carton  90  comprising a plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  defining an interior of the carton  90 . The plurality of panels  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18  comprises a first primary panel  16 , a second primary panel  14  hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 . A first end panel  16 A/ 26 A is hingedly connected to the first primary panel  16 . A second end panel  24 A is hingedly connected to the second primary panel  14  and is disposed at least in part in an overlapping arrangement with the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. A gusset panel  34 A is disposed in face contacting arrangement with the first and second end closure panels  16 A/ 26 A,  24 A. The gusset panel  34 A is hingedly connected to the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A by a region F 6  including at least one first fold line extending in a first direction L T . An opening A 3  is defined by a periphery  50  which comprises a gusset edge  50 A provided by the gusset panel  34 A and a first closure edge  50 B provided by the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. A separation element  52 —for example, but not limited to, a cut, a slot, a notch, a recess-extends from the opening A 3  in a second direction L A  into the first end panel  16 A/ 26 A. The region F 6  expands in the second direction L A  along at least part of the separation element  52 . 
     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 recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. 
     As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. A fold line is typically a score line, a crease line, an embossed line, or a debossed line. However, a fold line may be 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. Any reference to “hinged connection” or “fold line” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a 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.