Patent Publication Number: US-9403615-B2

Title: Carton and handle in multi-ply carton material

Description:
This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/318,015, filed Mar. 26, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/346,602, filed May 20, 2010, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to cartons, and more particularly, to a beverage container carton having a carrying handle. 
     In the marketing of soft drinks, beer and other beverages, it is well known to sell those retail consumer products in containers, such as cans, glass bottles, PET bottles or other containers which are grouped together in packs of four, six, eight, ten, twelve, twenty-four or any number of containers. Particularly in the case of twelve packs, it is common to package the containers in cartons so as to make it easier to handle the product for the wholesaler and the retailer, as well as for the retail consumer. 
     A wide variety of different types of container cartons are known. One particular type that has found significant commercial success over the years is a so-called wraparound or sleeve-style carton. In a wraparound carton, a number of containers, e.g., twelve, are wrapped in a paperboard box or carton having a top and bottom wall panels, side wall panels, and end flaps on each end. The end flaps at each end of the top, bottom and side panels are sealed one to the other, thereby providing a closed end and sealed package or carton for the containers. 
     With this and many types of container carton packages, a carrying handle is often provided on the carton so that both the retailer and retail consumer can more easily carry the carton. A number of different carrying handles are known in the wraparound carton art. The overall purpose of such carton handles is to provide an easy to use handle that is structurally sound so the users can pick up and carry the wraparound carton simply through use of the handle structure without concern that the carton or handle will rip or fail. 
     Wraparound cartons of this type are commonly punched or die-cut from paperboard material. Different paperboard characteristics such as the composition and thickness offer differing amounts of strength, particularly tear strength, to the material and, as such, the resulting carton. Naturally, thicker, denser and stronger paperboard stock is typically more expensive and carton manufacturers who produce great quantities of paperboard cartons are interested in providing the most economical carton without sacrificing functionality, including carton strength. Paperboard stock that is thinner and made from non-virgin pulp is often less expensive than thicker stock made from virgin pulp, but the strength characteristics of such paperboard stock are also often lower. As such, carton designers endeavor to utilize the most economical paperboard stock while providing the requisite functionality and strength to the carton design. 
     Moreover, the use of different types of paperboard has a significantly different environmental impact. For example, two common types of paperboard utilized in beverage container cartons are coated recycled board (CRB) and coated unbleached kraftboard (CUK). As the name implies, the CRB is made from 100% recycled components, while the CUK is made from only 20% recycled materials. Environmental impact analysis has shown that the use of CRB is drastically more environmentally beneficial than the use of CUK with significant reductions in wood use, net energy consumption, overall energy for production, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide generation (SO 2  and NO x ), greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous air pollutants (HAP), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total reduced sulfur (TRS), wastewater generation, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD and COD), and solid waste. 
     In some prior art carton designs, the top panel portions of the carton are adhesively bonded together so as to overlap and for closing the wraparound carton and reinforcing a handle area between two handle openings in the top panel portions. One particular design disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,741 includes a separate sheet or insert of material for reinforcement of the inner top panel portions which is bonded to it, presumably to allow for the use of cheaper paperboard stock without sacrificing carton strength in the top panel and handle areas. 
     In particular, the carton disclosed in the &#39;741 patent includes a first blank forming the various panels, including the handle containing panel, when folded into the wraparound configuration. An added separate sheet of paperboard is an insert that is glued to the interior surface of the top panel to reinforce the top panel handle area. While this arrangement may allow for the use of thinner and/or weaker, less expensive carton materials, it greatly reduces the production and assembly rates and manufacturing efficiency for the carton. The need to produce the insert in a separate manufacturing operation, the need to match, align and join the insert with the primary blank, and the need to acquire, utilize and maintain specialized equipment for the process results in increased cost and increased process complexity. The need to match, align and join the insert with the primary blank requires slower line speeds, results in more quality control problems, greater cost and complexity and greater paperboard consumption. 
     Taking this into consideration, it is one object of this invention to provide a beverage carton which has the necessary tear strength and rigidity in the area surrounding the handle, but is more cost-effective, utilizing thinner and/or environmentally friendly paperboard and which can be produced at or near top line speeds and production rates. 
     Accordingly, it has been another objective of this invention to provide a novel carrying handle for a carton and, particularly, for a wraparound type carton, where the handle&#39;s structural components are formed directly from the carton blank. And with this type of handle, it is another objective of this invention to provide an improved carrying handle structure which maintains the structural integrity of the wraparound carton through the distribution chain until it is chosen by a retail consumer, which is very easy to render usable, and to use, by the retail consumer once the carton has been so chosen, and which does not adversely impact on the structural integrity of the carton when the handle is punched out of the carton blank. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These and other drawbacks in the prior art have been addressed and overcome with a blank, carton and handle configuration of this invention. A carton of this invention has a reinforced, multiple ply handle offering added strength and structural support to the carton without the need for additional, separate carton blanks and which can be formed at or near production rates and line speeds achievable with conventional carton designs and materials. Furthermore, the carton is manufactured from thinner paperboard stock of either non-virgin or virgin pulp thereby reducing costs or expenses without sacrificing strength or production rates. 
     Various embodiments of this invention include a carton blank to be assembled into a carton for beverage containers, the blank having a number of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side panels each joined by a fold line to an adjacent one of the panels. A plurality of end flaps are each joined by an end flap fold line to one of the panels and the end flaps are adapted to be folded upon selected other end flaps to form composite end panels of the carton. A carrying handle is formed in a selected one of the panels and adapted to be grasped by a user to carry the erected carton filled with the beverage containers. The blank includes a primary reinforcing panel joined to one of the panels such that the primary reinforcing panel may be folded into face to face juxtaposition with the selected one of the panels. A secondary reinforcing panel is joined to one of the panels via a secondary reinforcing panel fold line about which the secondary reinforcing panel may be folded into face to face juxtaposition with at least one of the primary reinforcing panel and the selected one of the panels. When the primary and secondary reinforcing panels are folded into position, at least portions of the selected one of the panels surrounding the handle have a triple layer of thickness or three plies thereby providing added strength to the handle structure. Cartons according to this invention with the triple layer of material surrounding the handle have been tested to provide at least 2.5 times the tear resistance of single ply carton designs utilizing the same materials (i.e., virgin kraftboard) according to tests conducted on an Elmendorf™ tear test device. 
     Other embodiments of this invention may include more than the primary and secondary reinforcing panels to provide more than triple-ply support for the handle. Also, a glue tab may be joined by a glue tab fold line to one of the panels and adapted to be adhered to another one of the panels to form the panels into a tubular configuration for loading the beverage containers therein. Other embodiments may include handle apertures in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels adapted to be registered with the carrying handle when the primary and secondary reinforcing panels are folded into position. Advantageously, the reinforcing panels and carrying handle arrangement do not interfere with a well formed, clean carton manufacturer&#39;s seam formed by the glue flap of this invention. The carrying handle may be positioned off-center laterally on the selected one of the panels to better facilitate gluing of the blank into the tubular configuration. Other embodiments may include a dispenser formed in the blank through which a user may access the beverage containers in the formed carton. 
     In still further embodiments, a pattern of stress relieving score lines are provided in the blank and positioned relative to the carrying handle so as to distribute lifting stresses exerted on the carton to avoid tearing the panels. The blank may be made from recycled pulp and the components of the blank are of single piece construction integral joined together from a single sheet of paperboard material. Alternatively, the blank may be made of a single sheet of laminate materials including combinations of any type of paperboard, fiber, plastic or other materials. The beverage containers may be arranged in the erected carton in a 2×6 arrangement with their longitudinal axes oriented generally perpendicular to the selected one of the panels, 3×4 arrangements, 4×6 arrangements or another arrangement. The containers may be cans or bottles made out of metal, plastic, glass or another material. 
     Other embodiments of this invention include a beverage container carton, a package including a carton and beverage containers, and a method of forming a carton for beverage containers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and one manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a print side of a blank used to construct a carton according to one embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the opposite, non-print side of the blank of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a print side of a blank used to form a carton according to a second embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 3A  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  of an alternative embodiment of a blank utilizing a different handle configuration; 
         FIG. 3B  is a view similar to  FIG. 3A  of an alternative embodiment of a blank according to this invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of the opposite, non-print side of the blank of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 5-9  are sequential perspective views showing the folding operation according to one embodiment of this invention to transform the blanks of  FIGS. 1 and 2  into tubular sleeves and subsequently filled cartons; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the erected carton from the blank of  FIGS. 1-2  with beverage containers oriented laterally between opposing sidewalls of the carton, one of which includes a handle; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  showing the top end of each container in phantom; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the filled carton of  FIG. 10  taken along line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a carton assembled from the blank of  FIGS. 3-4  with the handle formed on a bottom panel of the carton; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13  showing containers contained within the carton; 
         FIG. 15  is a top plan view of a print side of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a plan view of the opposite, non-print side of the blank of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIGS. 17-23  are sequential perspective views showing the folding operation according to one embodiment of this invention to transform the blanks of  FIGS. 15-16  into tubular sleeves and subsequently filled cartons; 
         FIGS. 24 and 25  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIGS. 26 and 27  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIGS. 28 and 29  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIGS. 30 and 31  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIGS. 32 and 33  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; 
         FIGS. 34 and 35  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention; and 
         FIGS. 36 and 37  are plan views of a print side and a non-print side, respectively, of a blank used to construct a carton according to another embodiment of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 10 to 14  illustrate a carton  10  having a carrying handle  11  in accordance with one of the embodiments of this invention.  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a blank  12  from which the carton  10  of  FIG. 10  is formed. Containers “C” arranged in a 2×6 array are shown in  FIGS. 10-11  as an aid in understanding the invention. However, the various embodiments of this invention are applicable to other types of containers (glass bottles, PET bottles, etc.) as well as other container arrangements (3×4, 4×6, 2×2, etc.). More specifically in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the containers “C” are arranged in a group consisting of two vertically disposed tiers each including six 12 ounce cans. The containers “C” in each tier are disposed on their sides in a side-by-side parallel fashion. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , the blank  12  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  14 , a top panel  16 , a second side panel  18  and a bottom panel  20  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  22 ,  24  and  26 . A glue flap  28  is foldably connected to bottom panel  20  along fold line  30 . Reference numerals  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 , and  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20 , respectively. Each end flap  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  is joined to the associated panel  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  by a fold line  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   a ,  38   a ,  40   a ,  42   a ,  44   a ,  46   a , respectively. The end flaps  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ) of the blank  12  form a first composite end wall  47 . The end flaps  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 1  form a second composite end wall  48  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 1  shows a print side of the blank  12 ; whereas,  FIG. 2  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  12 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the carrying handle  11  is formed in the side panel  14  and includes a handle flap  49  joined to a remainder of the panel  14  by a combination of fold and cut lines  50  so that when the user grasps the handle  11 , the flap  49  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. 
     A pattern  52  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  12  surrounding the carrying handle  11  in the first side panel  14  and the adjacent top and bottom panels  16 ,  20  of the blank  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The pattern  52  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  54   a ,  54   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  11  in the side panel  14 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  56 ,  57  are formed adjacent the carrying handle  11  in the top and bottom panels  16 ,  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  54   a ,  54   b ,  56  and  57  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     A dispenser  58  is formed from appropriate tear lines  60  and finger holes  62  in the carton blank  12  to provide access to the containers C inside the erected carton  10 . The dispenser  58  shown herein is merely an exemplary dispenser and any of a wide variety of dispenser configurations and designs can be utilized with this invention, including the dispenser shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0089671, assigned to the assignee of this invention and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in the blank  12  of embodiments of  FIGS. 1-2 , a primary reinforcing panel  64  is joined to the glue flap  28  adjacent the bottom panel  20 . A secondary reinforcing panel  66  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  64  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  68 . A cut line  70  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  66  and the glue flap  28  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  66  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  68  onto the primary reinforcing panel  64 . Line  33  is an extension of cut line  70  to demarcate the glue flap  28  from the panels  64 ,  66 . Handle apertures  72   a ,  72   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  64 ,  66 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  68  so that when the reinforcing panels  64 ,  66  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  72   a ,  72   b  are in alignment and registration. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  64 , a second pattern  74  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  52  of stress-relieving score lines in the first side panel  14 . The stress-relieving score lines  57  are also included in the adjacent bottom panel  20  of the carton blank  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , glue lines  76  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  28  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  64 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2 , glue lines  76  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  66  to adhere that panel to the primary reinforcing panel  64 . The glue line  76  on the glue flap  28  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  16  adjacent the fold line  30  and the glue lines  76  on the primary reinforcing panel  64  adhere that panel as well as the secondary reinforcing panel  66  to the non-print surface of the first side panel  14  containing the carrying handle  11  as will be described later herein. The glue flap  28  configuration advantageously affords the carton  10  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  12  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  64 ,  66 . Specifically, since the secondary reinforcing panel  66  is attached to and folded upon the primary reinforcing layer  64 , the glue flap  28  which is contiguous with the primary reinforcing layer  64  remains on the same elevation or plane as the primary reinforcing layer  64 . In this way when the glue flap  28  is joined to the first side panel  14 , there is a flat even area (same plane) for the seam while still providing for the multiple ply reinforcing area surrounding the carrying handle  11 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , to form an erected carton  10  from the blank  12  of  FIGS. 1-2 , one sequence begins with folding the secondary reinforcing panel  64  upwardly in the direction of arrow A toward the primary reinforcing panel  66  until it is in face-to-face juxtaposition therewith and the handle apertures  72   a ,  72   b  are in registration as shown in  FIG. 6 . The secondary reinforcing panel  66  is adhered to the primary reinforcing panel  64  by the glue lines. Additionally, the end flaps  42 ,  46 ,  34 ,  38  on the opposite ends of the top and bottom panels  16 ,  20  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrows B so as to be generally perpendicular to their associated panels. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  64 ,  66 , as well as the adjoined glue flap  28  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrow C so as to be generally perpendicular to the adjacent bottom panel  20 . The top and first side panels  16 ,  14  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrow D so as to be generally perpendicular to the second side panel  18  and bottom panel  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the bottom panel  20  and first side panel  14  are folded inwardly toward one another so that the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  64 ,  66  underlie the first side panel  14  with the handle apertures  72  aligned with the carrying handle  11 . The glue lines  76  on the primary reinforcing panel  64  adhere that panel to the non-print side of the first side panel  14  and the glue lines  76  on the glue flap  28  likewise adheres the glue flap  28  to the non-print side of the first side panel  14  thereby forming the carton blank  11  into a tubular configuration. The carton  10  may be in a flat tubular configuration and expanded into an open-ended tubular form into which the containers C are loaded through one or both of the open ends of the carton  10 . The end flaps  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  are folded and glued to form the respective end walls to thereby close the ends of the carton  10 . To form the end walls, the top and bottom end flaps  34 ,  42 ,  38 ,  46  are folded to their respective positions generally perpendicular to the associated panel  16 ,  20 . Glue is applied to the outside face of the end flaps  34 ,  42 ,  38 ,  46  to form the composite end walls thereby enclosing the containers C in the carton  10  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The process steps of erecting the carton blank into a carton may be varied as required for the various applications. 
     Advantageously, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the longitudinal ends of the containers C are juxtaposed to the multi-layer side panel  14  and the additional layers provided by the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  64 ,  66  to help avoid coining or marking on the print side of the carton  10  which is otherwise common resulting from stacking, storing and transporting filled cartons. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the carton blank  112  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  positions the carrying handle  111  on the bottom panel  120  of the blank as opposed to one of the side panels  114 ,  118 . As such, the glue flap  128  and adjoining primary and secondary reinforcing panels  164 ,  166  are joined to one of the side panels  114 ,  118 . Line  133  is an extension of cut line  170  to demarcate the glue flap  128  from the panels  164 ,  166 . Secondary reinforcing panel  166  is joined to a distal edge of panel  164  along fold line  168 . The erected carton no from the blank  112  of  FIGS. 3 and 4  is shown in  FIGS. 13-14 . 
     A dispenser  158  according to this embodiment of the invention is formed in part by the top panel  116 , side panels  114 ,  118  and corresponding end flaps  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146  on a dispensing end of the carton  110 . 
       FIG. 3A  is an alternative embodiment of a carton blank  212 , similar to the blank  112  of  FIG. 3 , but with a modified carrying handle  211 . The carrying handle  211  of this embodiment includes a full flap  249  and is formed in the bottom panel  220  and includes a handle flap  249  joined to a remainder of the panel  220  by a combination of fold and cut lines  250  so that when the user grasps the handle  211 , the flap  249  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. A series of nicks  251  surrounds the perimeter of the handle flap  249  from opposite ends of the fold line  250  to permit the user to insert their fingers into the carrying handle  211  and fold the flap  249  and grasp the carton by the carrying handle  211 . Components of the carton blank  212  shown in  FIG. 3A  which are similar to comparable components of the blank  112  are identified by similar reference numerals utilizing the  200  series of numbers. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , an alternative embodiment of a carton blank  312 , similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 , is shown although the blank  312  of  FIG. 3B  includes a truncated primary reinforcing panel  364  with a reduced length compared to the primary reinforcing panel  164  of the blank  112  of  FIG. 3 . The glue flap  328  of the blank  312  in  FIG. 3B  extends the same length and the secondary reinforcing panel  366  is likewise similar to the blank  112  of  FIG. 3  as well as the portion of the primary reinforcing panel  366  surrounding the handle aperture  372   a . The truncated primary reinforcing panel  364  reduces the quantity of paperboard required by the blank  312  and carton of this embodiment while still providing a robust and reinforced carrying handle  311  for the carton. Components of the carton blank  312  shown in  FIG. 3B  which are similar to comparable components of the blank  112  in  FIG. 3  are identified by similar reference numerals utilizing the  300  series of numbers. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , a blank  412  according to an alternative embodiment of this invention is shown to include four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  414 , a top panel  416 , a second side panel  418  and a bottom panel  420  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  422 ,  424 ,  426 . A glue flap  428  is foldably connected to panel  418  along a fold line  430 . 
     The carton blank and associated carton shown in  FIGS. 15-23  are intended to contain twelve cans in a 3×4 arrangement as is well known in the art. Reference numerals  432 ,  434 ,  436 ,  438 ,  440 ,  442 ,  444 ,  446  designate end flaps foldably connected to the ends of the panels  414 ,  416 ,  418 ,  420 . Each end flap is joined to the associated panel  414 ,  416 ,  418 ,  420  by a respective fold line  432   a ,  434   a ,  436   a ,  438   a ,  440   a ,  442   a ,  444   a , and  446   a . The end flaps  432 ,  434 ,  436 ,  438  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 15 ) of the blank  412  form a first composite end wall  447 . The ends flaps  440 ,  442 ,  444 ,  446  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 15  form a second composite end wall  448  as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a print side of the blank  412 ; whereas,  FIG. 16  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  412 . A carrying handle  411  is formed in the top panel  416  and includes a handle flap  449  joined to a remainder of the panel by a combination of fold and cut lines  450  so that when a user grasps the handle  411 , the flap  449  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. 
     A pattern  452  of stress-relieving score lines is formed in the blank  412  surrounding the carrying handle  411  in the side panels  414 ,  418  and the adjacent top panel  416  of the blank  412  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The pattern  452  of stress relieving score lines include score lines  454   a ,  454   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  411  in the top panel  416 . Additional stress relieving score lines  456 ,  457  are formed adjacent the carrying handle in the side panels  414 ,  418  respectively, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the panels of the carton do not tear, and to control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     As shown in the blank  412  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 15-16 , a primary reinforcing panel  464  is joined to the glue flap  428  adjacent the side panel  418 . A secondary reinforcing panel  466  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  464  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  468 . A cut line  470  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  466  and the glue flap  428  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  466  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  468  and onto the primary reinforcing panel  464 . Line  433  is an extension of cut line  470  to demarcate the glue flap  428  from the panels  464 ,  466 . Handle apertures  472   a ,  472   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  464 ,  466 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  468  so that when the reinforcing panels  464 ,  466  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  472   a ,  472   b  are in alignment and registration. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  464  is a second pattern of stress relieving score lines  474  which are complimentary to the pattern  452  of stress relieving score lines in the top panel  416 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the glue lines  476  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  428  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  464 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 16 , glue lines  476  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  466  to adhere that panel to the primary reinforcing panel  464 . The glue line on the glue flap  426  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  416  adjacent the fold line  430  and the glue lines  476  on the primary reinforcing panel  464  adhere that panel as well as the secondary reinforcing panel  466  to the non-print surface of the top panel  416  containing the carrying handle  411 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17-21 , to form an erected carton  410  from the blank  412  of  FIGS. 15-16 , one exemplary sequence begins with folding the secondary reinforcing panel  464  upwardly in the direction of arrow A 4  toward the primary reinforcing panel  466  until it is in face-to-face juxtaposition therewith and the handle apertures  472   a ,  472   b  are in registration as shown in  FIG. 18 . The secondary reinforcing panel  466  is adhered to the primary reinforcing panel  464  by the glue lines. Additionally, the end flaps  442 ,  446 ,  434 ,  438  on the opposite ends of the panels  416 ,  420  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrows B 4  so as to be generally perpendicular to their associated panels. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  464 ,  466 , as well as the adjoined glue flap  428  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrow C 4  so as to be generally perpendicular to the adjacent panel  420 . The panels  416 ,  414  are folded upwardly in the direction of arrow D 4  so as to be generally perpendicular to the panel  418  and panel  420 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-20 , panel  416  is folded inwardly so that the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  464 ,  466  underlie the panel  416  with the handle apertures  472  aligned with the carrying handle  411 . The glue lines  476  on the primary reinforcing panel  464  adhere that panel to the non-print side of the panel  416  and the glue lines  476  on the glue flap  428  likewise adhere the glue flap  428  to the non-print side of the panel  416  thereby forming the carton blank  411  into a tubular configuration ( FIG. 20 ). The carton  410  may be in a flat tubular configuration and expanded into an open-ended tubular form into which the containers C are loaded through one or both of the open ends of the carton  410 . The end flaps  432 ,  434 ,  436 ,  438 ,  440 ,  442 ,  444 ,  446  are folded and glued to form the respective end walls to thereby close the ends of the carton  410 . To form the end walls, the end flaps  434 ,  442 ,  438 ,  446  are folded to their respective positions generally perpendicular to the associated panel  416 ,  420 . Glue is applied to the outside face of the end flaps  434 ,  442 ,  438 ,  446  to form the composite end walls thereby enclosing the containers C in the carton  410  as shown in  FIG. 22 . The process steps of erecting the carton blank into a carton may be varied as required for the various applications. 
     Another feature of various embodiments according to this invention is best shown in  FIGS. 12, 14, and 23  where the respective handles  11 ,  111 , and  411  are shown as being positioned laterally off-center on their respective panels. In particular the distance x 1  between one end of the handle  11 ,  111 ,  411  and the adjacent panel is less than the distance x 2  between the opposite end of the handle  11 ,  111 ,  411  and the adjacent panel. While this feature is evident in other drawings and embodiments of this invention, it is believed that the inclusion of the reference distance x 1  and x 2  in  FIGS. 12, 14, and 23  demonstrates this feature well. This lateral off-center position of the handle allows for better folding and placement of the various flaps and panels while offering the requisite strength to the reinforced handle. 
       FIGS. 24 and 25  illustrate a blank  512  from which a carton  510  according to another embodiment of this invention is formed. Containers arranged in the carton  510  are in a 4×6 arrangement. The blank  512  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  514 , a top panel  516 , a second side panel  518  and a bottom panel  520  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  522 ,  524 ,  526 . A glue flap  528  is foldably connected to panel  518  along fold line  530 . Reference numerals  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520 , respectively. Each end flap  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546  is joined to the associated panel  514 ,  516 ,  518 ,  520  by a fold line  532   a ,  534   a ,  536   a ,  538   a ,  540   a ,  542   a ,  544   a ,  546   a , respectively. The end flaps  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 24 ) of the blank  512  form a first composite end wall  547 . The end flaps  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 24  form a second composite end wall  548 . 
       FIG. 24  shows a print side of the blank  512 ; whereas,  FIG. 25  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  512 . Referring to  FIG. 24 , a carrying handle  511  is formed in the panel  516  and includes a handle flap  549  joined to a remainder of the panel  514  by a combination of fold and cut lines  550  so that when the user grasps the handle  511 , the flap  549  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. 
     A pattern  552  of stress-relieving score lines is formed in the blank  512  surrounding the carrying handle  511  in the side panels  514 ,  518  and the adjacent top panel  516  of the blank  512  of  FIGS. 24 and 25 . The pattern  552  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  554   a ,  554   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  511  in the side panel  514 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  556  are formed adjacent the carrying handle  511  in the top panel  516  as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  554   a ,  554   b ,  556  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top and side panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     As shown in the blank  512  of embodiments of  FIGS. 24-25 , a primary reinforcing panel  564  is joined to the glue flap  528  adjacent the panel  518 . A secondary reinforcing panel  566  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  564  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  568 . A cut line  570  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  566  and the glue flap  528  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  566  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  568  onto the primary reinforcing panel  564 . Line  533  is an extension of cut line  570  to demarcate the glue flap  528  from the panels  564 ,  566 . Handle apertures  572   a ,  572   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  564 ,  566 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  568  so that when the reinforcing panels  564 ,  566  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  572   a ,  572   b  are in alignment and registration. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  564 , a second pattern  574  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  552  of stress-relieving score lines in the panels  514 ,  516 ,  518 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , glue lines  576  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  528  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  564 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 25 , glue lines  576  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  566  to adhere that panel to the primary reinforcing panel  564 . The glue line  576  on the glue flap  528  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  516  adjacent the fold line and the glue lines  576  on the primary reinforcing panel  564  adhere that panel as well as the secondary reinforcing panel  566  to the non-print surface of the top panel  516  containing the carrying handle  511 . The glue flap  528  configuration advantageously affords the carton  510  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  512  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  564 ,  566 . Specifically, since the secondary reinforcing panel  566  is attached to and folded upon the primary reinforcing layer  564 , the glue flap  528  which is contiguous with the primary reinforcing layer  564  remains on the same elevation or plane as the primary reinforcing layer  564 . In this way when the glue flap  528  is joined to the top panel  516 , there is a flat even area (same plane) for the seam while still providing for the multiple ply reinforcing area surrounding the carrying handle  511 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , a further alternative embodiment of a blank  612  for forming a carton according to this invention is shown. The blank  612  of  FIGS. 26 and 27  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 3A ; however, the dispenser  658  of the blank  612  shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27  is centered on the top panel  616  containing the handle  611 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 26-27 , the blank  612  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  614 , a top panel  616 , a second side panel  618  and a bottom panel  620  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  622 ,  624 ,  626 . A glue flap  628  is foldably connected to panel  618  along fold line  630 . Reference numerals  632 ,  634 ,  636 ,  638 ,  640 ,  642 ,  644 ,  646  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620 , respectively. Each end flap  632 ,  634 ,  636 ,  638 ,  640 ,  642 ,  644 ,  646  is joined to the associated panel  614 ,  616 ,  618 ,  620  by a fold line  632   a ,  634   a ,  636   a ,  638   a ,  640   a ,  642   a ,  644   a ,  646   a , respectively. The end flaps  632 ,  634 ,  636 ,  638  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 26 ) of the blank  612  form a first composite end wall  647 . The end flaps  640 ,  642 ,  644 ,  646  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 26  form a second composite end wall  648 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a print side of the blank  612 ; whereas,  FIG. 27  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  612 . Referring to  FIG. 26 , the carrying handle  611  is formed in the top panel  616  and includes a handle flap  649  joined to a remainder of the panel  614  by a combination of fold and cut lines  650  so that when the user grasps the handle  611 , the flap  649  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. 
     A pattern  652  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  612  surrounding the carrying handle  611  in the side panels  614 ,  618  and the adjacent top panel  616  of the blank  612  of  FIGS. 26-27 . The pattern  652  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  654   a ,  654   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  611  in the top panel  616 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  656  are formed adjacent the carrying handle  611  in the side panel  616  as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  654   a ,  654   b  and  656  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top and side panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     A dispenser  658  is formed from appropriate tear lines  660  and finger holes  662  in the carton blank  612  to provide access to the containers C inside the erected carton  610 . The dispenser  658  shown herein is merely an exemplary dispenser and any of a wide variety of dispenser configurations and designs can be utilized with this invention, including the dispenser shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0089671, assigned to the assignee of this invention and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in the blank  612  of embodiments of  FIGS. 26-27 , a primary reinforcing panel  664  is joined to the glue flap  628  adjacent the panel  618 . A secondary reinforcing panel  666  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  664  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  668 . A cut line  670  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  666  and the glue flap  628  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  666  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  668  onto the primary reinforcing panel  664 . Line  623  is an extension of cut line  670  to demarcate the glue flap  628  from the panels  664 ,  666 . Handle apertures  672   a ,  672   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  664 ,  666 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  668  so that when the reinforcing panels  664 ,  666  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  672   a ,  672   b  are in alignment and registration. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  664 , a second pattern  674  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  652  of stress-relieving score lines in the panel  616 . The second pattern  674  of stress-relieving score lines is also included in the adjacent panel  618  of the carton blank  612 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , glue lines  676  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  628  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  664 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 27 , glue lines  676  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  666  to adhere that panel to the primary reinforcing panel  664 . The glue line  676  on the glue flap  628  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  616  adjacent the fold line and the glue lines  676  on the primary reinforcing panel  664  adhere that panel as well as the secondary reinforcing panel  666  to the non-print surface of the first side panel  614  containing the carrying handle  611  as will be described later herein. The glue flap  628  configuration advantageously affords the carton  10  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  612  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  664 ,  666 . Specifically, since the secondary reinforcing panel  666  is attached to and folded upon the primary reinforcing layer  664 , the glue flap  628  which is contiguous with the primary reinforcing layer  664  remains on the same elevation or plane as the primary reinforcing layer  664 . In this way when the glue flap  628  is joined to the panel  616 , there is a flat even area (same plane) for the seam while still providing for the multiple ply reinforcing area surrounding the carrying handle  611 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , a blank  712  according to a further alternative embodiment of this invention is shown and can be used to form a carton for containing beverage cans in a 3×4 arrangement. The blank  712  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  714 , a top panel  716 , a second side panel  718  and a bottom panel  720  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  722 ,  724 ,  726 . A glue flap  728  is foldably connected to panel  718  along fold line  730 . Reference numerals  732 ,  734 ,  736 ,  738 ,  740 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  714 ,  716 ,  718 ,  720 , respectively. Each end flap  732 ,  734 ,  736 ,  738 ,  740 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746  is joined to the associated panel  714 ,  716 ,  718 ,  720  by a fold line  732   a ,  734   a ,  736   a ,  738   a ,  740   a ,  742   a ,  744   a ,  746   a , respectively. The end flaps  732 ,  734 ,  736 ,  738  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 28 ) of the blank  712  form a first composite end wall  747 . The end flaps  740 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 28  form a second composite end wall  748 . 
       FIG. 28  shows a print side of the blank  712 ; whereas,  FIG. 29  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  712 . Referring to  FIG. 28 , the carrying handle  711  is formed in the top panel  716  and includes two oval cut-outs  749 ,  750  in a racetrack configuration. 
     A pattern  752  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  712  surrounding the carrying handle  711  in the panels  714 ,  718  and the adjacent top panel  716  of the blank  712  of  FIGS. 28-29 . The pattern  752  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  754   a ,  754   b  radiating longitudinally outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  711  in the top panel  716 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  756  are formed laterally adjacent the carrying handle  711  in the top panel  716  as shown in  FIGS. 28-29 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  754   a ,  754   b  and  756  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top and side panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     As shown in the blank  712  of embodiments of  FIGS. 28-29 , a primary reinforcing panel  764  is joined to the glue flap  728  adjacent the panel  718 . A secondary reinforcing panel  766  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  764  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  768 . A cut line  770  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  766  and the glue flap  728  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  766  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  768  onto the primary reinforcing panel  764 . Line  733  is an extension of cut line  770  to demarcate the glue flap  728  from the panels  764 ,  766 . Handle apertures  772   a ,  772   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  764 ,  766 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  768 . Moreover, the embodiment of the blank  712  in  FIGS. 28-29  includes a tertiary reinforcing panel  767  joined to the primary reinforcing panel  764  along fold line  769  and includes a handle aperture  772   c  and a handle notch  772   d . When the reinforcing panels  764 ,  766 ,  767  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  772   a ,  772   b ,  772   c ,  772   d  are in alignment and registration. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  764 , a second pattern  74  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  752  of stress-relieving score lines in the top panel  716 . The second pattern  774  of stress-relieving score lines is also included in the adjacent panel  718  of the carton blank  712 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 28 , glue lines  776  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  728  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  764 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 29 , glue lines  776  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  766  to sandwich the tertiary reinforcing panel  767  between to the primary reinforcing panel  764  and the secondary reinforcing panel  766 . The glue line  776  on the glue flap  728  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  716  adjacent the fold line and the glue lines  776  on the primary reinforcing panel  764  adhere that panel as well as the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  766 ,  767  to the non-print surface of the panel  716  containing the carrying handle  711 . The glue flap  728  configuration advantageously affords the carton  710  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  712  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  764 ,  766 ,  767 . Specifically, since the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  766 ,  767  are attached to and folded upon the primary reinforcing panel  764 , the glue flap  728  which is contiguous with the primary reinforcing layer  764  remains on the same elevation or plane as the primary reinforcing panel  764 . In this way when the glue flap  728  is joined to the top panel  716 , there is a flat even area (same plane) for the seam while still providing for the multiple ply reinforcing area surrounding the carrying handle  711 , which in this embodiment is four plies thick (i.e., panels  716 ,  764 ,  766 ,  767 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the blank  812  according to a still further embodiment of this invention is shown forming a carton to contain beverage cans arranged in a 3×4 matrix with two layers of cans. As a result, a carton formed from the blank of  FIGS. 30 and 31  would contain  24  beverage cans. The blank  812  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  814 , a top panel  816 , a second side panel  818  and a bottom panel  820  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  822 ,  824 ,  826 . A glue flap  828  is foldably connected to panel  818  along fold line  830 . Reference numerals  832 ,  834 ,  836 ,  838 ,  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820 , respectively. Each end flap  832 ,  834 ,  836 ,  838 ,  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846  is joined to the associated panel  814 ,  816 ,  818 ,  820  by a fold line  832   a ,  834   a ,  836   a ,  838   a ,  840   a ,  842   a ,  844   a ,  846   a , respectively. The end flaps  832 ,  834 ,  836 ,  838  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 30 ) of the blank  812  form a first composite end wall  847 . The end flaps  840 ,  842 ,  844 ,  846  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 30  form a second composite end wall  848 . 
       FIG. 30  shows a print side of the blank  812 ; whereas,  FIG. 31  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  812 . Referring to  FIG. 30 , the carrying handle  811  is formed in the top panel  816  and includes two cut outs  849 ,  850  in a racetrack configuration. 
     A pattern  852  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  812  surrounding the carrying handle  811  in the top panel  816  and the adjacent side panel  814  of the blank  812  of  FIGS. 30-31 . The pattern  852  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  854   a ,  854   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  811  in the top panel  814 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  856  are formed laterally adjacent the carrying handle  811  in the top panel  816  as shown in  FIGS. 30-31 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  854   a ,  854   b ,  856  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top and side panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     As shown in the blank  812  of embodiments of  FIGS. 30-31 , a primary reinforcing panel  864  is joined to the glue flap  828  adjacent the side panel  818 . A secondary reinforcing panel  866  is joined to a longitudinal distal end of the primary reinforcing panel  864  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  868 . A cut line  870  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  866  and the glue flap  828  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  866  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  868  onto the primary reinforcing panel  864 . Line  833  is an extension of cut line  870  to demarcate the glue flap  828  from the panels  864 ,  866 . Handle apertures  872   a ,  872   b  are provided in each of the primary and secondary reinforcing panels  864 ,  866 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  868 . Moreover, the embodiment of the blank  812  in  FIGS. 30-31  includes a tertiary reinforcing panel  867  joined to the primary reinforcing panel  864  along fold line  869  and includes a handle aperture  872   c  and a handle notch  872   d . When the reinforcing panels  864 ,  866 ,  867  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  872   a ,  872   b ,  872   c ,  872   d  are in alignment and registration. The primary and secondary reinforcing panels  864 ,  866  each include a lateral extending tab  871 ,  873 , respectively, to offer more support and strength to the multi-ply handle area. 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  864 , a second pattern  874  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  852  of stress-relieving score lines in the top panel  816 . The second pattern  874  of stress-relieving score lines is also included in the adjacent panel  818 ,  820  of the carton blank  812 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , glue lines  876  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  828  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  864 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 31 , glue lines  876  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary reinforcing panel  866  to sandwich the tertiary reinforcing panel  867  between the primary reinforcing panel  864  and the secondary reinforcing panel  866 . The glue line  876  on the glue flap  828  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  816  adjacent the fold line and the glue lines  876  on the primary reinforcing panel  864  adhere that panel as well as the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  866 ,  867  to the non-print surface of the top panel  816  containing the carrying handle  811 . The glue flap  828  configuration advantageously affords the carton  810  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  812  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  864 ,  866 ,  867 . Specifically, since the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  866 ,  867  are attached to and folded upon the primary reinforcing layer  864 , the glue flap  828  which is contiguous with the primary reinforcing layer  64  remains on the same elevation or plane as the primary reinforcing layer  864 . In this way when the glue flap  828  is joined to the panel  816 , there is a flat even area (same plane) for the seam while still providing for the multiple ply reinforcing area surrounding the carrying handle  811 , which in this embodiment is four plies thick (i.e., panels  816 ,  864 ,  866 ,  867 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 32 and 33 , a still further alternative embodiment of a blank  912  according to this invention is shown. This blank  912  is used to construct a carton to contain bottles arranged in a 3×4 matrix and oriented vertically when the bottom of the carton is supported on an underlying surface. The blank  912  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  914 , a top panel  916 , a second side panel  918  and a bottom panel  920  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  922 ,  924 ,  926 . A glue flap  928  is foldably connected to a primary reinforcing panel  964  along fold line  930 . Fold line  931  joins side panel  918  to the primary reinforcing panel  964 . Reference numerals  932 ,  934 ,  936 ,  938 ,  940 ,  942 ,  944 ,  946  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  914 ,  916 ,  918 ,  20 , respectively. Each end flap  932 ,  934 ,  936 ,  938 ,  940 ,  942 ,  944 ,  946  is joined to the associated panel  914 ,  916 ,  918 ,  920  by a fold line  932   a ,  934   a ,  936   a ,  938   a ,  940   a ,  942   a ,  944   a ,  946   a , respectively. The end flaps  932 ,  934 ,  936 ,  938  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 32 ) of the blank  912  form a first composite end wall  947 . The end flaps  940 ,  942 ,  944 ,  946  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 32  form a second composite end wall  948  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 32  shows a print side of the blank  912 ; whereas,  FIG. 33  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  912 . Referring to  FIG. 32 , the carrying handle  911  is formed in the top panel  916  and includes a pair of transversely oriented cut-outs  949 ,  950  in a racetrack configuration. 
     A pattern  952  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  912  surrounding the carrying handle  911  in the top panel  916 . The pattern  952  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  911  in the panel  916 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top panel of the carton does not tear and to control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     As shown in the blank  912  of embodiments of  FIGS. 32-33 , a primary reinforcing panel  964  is joined between the glue flap  928  and the side panel  920 . A secondary reinforcing panel  966  is joined to a first longitudinal end of the primary reinforcing panel  964  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  968 . A cut line  970  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  966  and the flap  944  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  966  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  968  onto the primary reinforcing panel  964 . A tertiary reinforcing panel  967  is joined to a second, opposite longitudinal end of the primary reinforcing panel  964  along a tertiary reinforcing panel fold line  969 . A cut line  971  is between the panel  967  and flap  936  to permit folding of the panel  967 . Handle apertures  972   a ,  972   b ,  972   c ,  972   d  are provided in each of the primary, secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  964 ,  966 ,  967 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the fold line  968 ,  969  so that when the reinforcing panels  964 ,  966 ,  967  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  972   a ,  972   b ,  972   c ,  972   d  are in alignment and registration. Handle notches  973   a ,  973   b  are formed in the terminal edges of panels  966 ,  967 . Panels  966  and  967  each include an extension  975   a ,  975   b , respectively, joined to the respective panel by a fold line  977   a ,  977   b.    
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  964 , a second pattern  74  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  52  of stress-relieving score lines in the top panel  916 . The second pattern  74  of stress-relieving score lines is also included in the adjacent panels  966 ,  967  of the carton blank  912 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , glue lines  976  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  928  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  964 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 33 , glue lines  976  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  966 ,  967  to adhere those panels to the primary reinforcing panel  964 . The glue line  976  on the glue flap  928  adheres the glue flap to the side panel  914  adjacent the fold line  922  and the glue lines  976  on the primary reinforcing panel  964  adhere that panel as well as the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  966 ,  967  to the non-print surface of the top panel  916  containing the carrying handle  911 . The glue flap  928  configuration advantageously affords the carton  910  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  912  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  964 ,  966 ,  967 . The carton of this embodiment has a four-ply thickness supporting the handle  911 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , another alternative embodiment of a carton blank  1012  used to form a carton according to one embodiment of this invention is shown. The carton formed from the blank of  FIGS. 34 and 35  is intended to contain bottles arranged in a 3×6 matrix. This blank  1012  is used to construct a carton to contain bottles arranged in a 3×6 matrix and oriented vertically when the bottom of a carton is supported on an underlying surface. 
     The blank  1012  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  1014 , a top panel  1016 , a second side panel  1018  and a bottom panel  1020  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  1022 ,  1024 ,  1026 . A glue flap  1028  is foldably connected to a primary reinforcing panel  1064  along fold line  1030 . Fold line  1031  joins side panel  1018  to the primary reinforcing panel  1064 . Reference numerals  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038 ,  1040 ,  1042 ,  1044 ,  1046  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020 , respectively. Each end flap  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038 ,  1040 ,  1042 ,  1044 ,  1046  is joined to the associated panel  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020  by a fold line  1032   a ,  1034   a ,  1036   a ,  1038   a ,  1040   a ,  1042   a ,  1044   a ,  1046   a , respectively. The end flaps  1032 ,  1034 ,  1036 ,  1038  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 34 ) of the blank  1012  form a first composite end wall  1047 . The end flaps  1040 ,  1042 ,  1044 ,  1046  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 34  form a second composite end wall  1048 . 
       FIG. 34  shows a print side of the blank  1012 ; whereas,  FIG. 35  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  1012 . Referring to  FIG. 34 , the carrying handle  1011  is formed in the top panel  1016  and includes a pair of transversely oriented cut-outs  1049 ,  1050  in a racetrack configuration. 
     A pattern  1052  of stress-relieving score lines is formed in the blank  1012  surrounding the carrying handle  1011  in the top panel  1016 . The pattern  1052  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  1011  in the panel  1016 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top panel  1016  of the carton does not tear and to control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     A dispenser  1058  is formed from appropriate tear lines  1060  and finger holes  1062  in the carton blank  1012  to provide access to the containers C inside the erected carton. The dispenser  1058  shown herein is merely an exemplary dispenser and any of a wide variety of dispenser configurations and designs container be utilized with this invention. 
     As shown in the blank  1012  of embodiments of  FIGS. 34-35 , a primary reinforcing panel  1064  is joined between the glue flap  1028  and the side panel  1018 . A secondary reinforcing panel  1066  is joined to a first longitudinal end of the primary reinforcing panel  1064  along a secondary reinforcing panel fold line  1068 . A cut line  1070  is formed between the adjacent edges of the secondary reinforcing panel  1066  and the flap  1044  to permit the secondary reinforcing panel  1066  to be pivoted about the secondary reinforcing panel fold line  1068  onto the primary reinforcing panel  1064 . A tertiary reinforcing panel  1067  is joined to a second, opposite longitudinal end of the primary reinforcing panel  1064  along a tertiary reinforcing panel fold line  1069 . A cut line  1071  is between the panel  1067  and flap  1036  to permit folding of the panel  1067 . Handle apertures  1072   a ,  1072   b ,  1072   c ,  1072   d  are provided in each of the primary, secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  1064 ,  1066 ,  1067 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another about the fold lines  1068 ,  1069  so that when the reinforcing panels  1064 ,  1066 ,  1067  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective apertures  1072   a ,  1072   b ,  1072   c ,  1072   d  are in alignment and registration. Panels  1066  and  1067  each include an extension  1075   a ,  1075   b , respectively, joined to the respective panel by a fold line  1077   a ,  1077   b.    
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  1064 , a second pattern  1074  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which is complimentary to the pattern  1052  of stress-relieving score lines in the top panel  1016 . The second pattern  1074  of stress-relieving score lines extends into the adjacent panels  1066 ,  1067  of the carton blank  1012 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 34 , glue lines  1076  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  1028  as well as on the primary reinforcing panel  1064 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 35 , glue lines  1076  are provided on the non-print side of the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  1066 ,  1067  to adhere those panels to the primary reinforcing panel  1064 . The glue line  1076  on the glue flap  1028  adheres the glue flap to the side panel  1014  adjacent the fold line  1022  and the glue lines  1076  on the primary reinforcing panel  1064  adhere that panel as well as the secondary and tertiary reinforcing panels  1066 ,  1067  to the non-print surface of the top panel  1016  containing the carrying handle  1011 . The glue flap  1028  configuration advantageously affords the carton  1010  with a well-formed, clean and secure seam when the blank  1012  is formed into a tubular configuration and without interference from the reinforcing panels  1064 ,  1066 ,  1067 . The carton of this embodiment has a four-ply thickness supporting the handle  1011 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 36 and 37 , a blank  1112  according to a still further embodiment of this invention is shown. A carton formed from the blank of  FIGS. 36 and 37  is intended to hold beverage containers in a 3×4 matrix in two tiers thereby containing a total of 24 containers in the resulting carton. The blank  1112  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, i.e., a first side panel  1114 , a top panel  1116 , a second side panel  1118  and a bottom panel  20  foldably connected one to the next along fold lines  1122 ,  1124 ,  1126 . The top panel  1116  is two-ply construction inclusive of a primary reinforcing panel  1164  connected to the side panel  1118 . A glue flap  1128  is foldably connected to the panel  1164  along fold line  1133  and similar glue  1129  is connected along fold line  1131  to the top panel  1116 . Reference numerals  1132 ,  1134 ,  1136 ,  1138 ,  1140 ,  1142 ,  1144 ,  1146  designate end flaps foldably connected the ends of the panels  1114 ,  1116 ,  1118 ,  1120 , respectively. Each end flap  1132 ,  1134 ,  1136 ,  1138 ,  1140 ,  1142 ,  1144 ,  1146  is joined to the associated panel  1114 ,  1116 ,  1118 ,  1120  by a fold line  1132   a ,  1134   a ,  1136   a ,  1138   a ,  1140   a ,  1142   a ,  1144   a ,  1146   a , respectively. The end flaps  1132 ,  1134 ,  1136 ,  1138  arranged along the upper edge (as viewed in  FIG. 36 ) of the blank  1112  form a first composite end wall  1147 . The end flaps  1140 ,  1142 ,  1144 ,  1146  arranged along the lower edge of  FIG. 36  form a second composite end wall  1148 . 
       FIG. 36  shows a print side of the blank  1112 ; whereas,  FIG. 37  shows the opposite face of a non-print side of the blank  1112 . Referring to  FIG. 36 , the carrying handle  1111  is formed in the top panel  1116  and panel  1164  and includes a pair of handle flaps  1149  joined to a remainder of the panel  1164  by a combination of fold and cut lines  1150  so that when the user grasps the handle  1111 , the flap  1149  may be folded inwardly toward the non-print side for convenient use. Handle aperture  1113  is formed in the top panel  1116 . 
     A pattern  1152  of stress-relieving score lines are formed in the blank  1112  surrounding the carrying handle  1111  in the top panel  1116  and panel  1164  and the adjacent top panel  16  of the blank  12  of  FIGS. 36-31 . The pattern  1152  of stress-relieving score lines includes score lines  1154   a ,  1154   b  radiating angularly outward from opposite ends of the carrying handle  1111 . Additional stress-relieving score lines  1156  are formed adjacent the carrying handle  1111  in the top panel  1116  as shown in  FIGS. 36-37 . The purpose of the stress relieving score lines  1154   a ,  1154   b ,  1156  is to distribute the lifting stresses exerted on the carton so that the top and side panels of the carton do not tear and control or minimize buckling of the carton when lifted. 
     A dispenser  1158  is formed from appropriate tear lines  1160  and finger holes  1162  in the carton blank  1112  to provide access to the containers C inside the erected carton  1110 . The dispenser  1158  shown herein is merely an exemplary dispenser and any of a wide variety of dispenser configurations and designs container be utilized with this invention. 
     As shown in the blank  12  of embodiments of  FIGS. 36-37 , the primary reinforcing panel  1164  is joined to the glue flap  1128  adjacent the bottom panel  1118 . Handle notches  1172   a ,  1172   b  are provided in each of the panels  1116 ,  1164 , respectively, and are mirror images of one another so that when the panels  1164  and  1116  are in face-to-face juxtaposition, the respective notches  1172   a ,  1172   b  are in alignment and registration with the handle apertures  1113  and  1149 . 
     Additionally, in the primary reinforcing panel  1164 , a second pattern  1174  of stress-relieving score lines is provided which are complimentary to the pattern  1152  of stress-relieving score lines in the top panel  1116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 36 , glue lines  1176  are provided on the print side of the glue flap  1129 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 37 , glue lines  1176  are provided on the non-print side of the glue flaps  1128  to adhere that panel to the panel  1116 . The glue line  1176  on the glue flap  1128  adheres the glue flap to the top panel  1116 . 
     The carton and blank embodiments of this invention can be made from any of a number of paperboard materials, including, but not limited to, CRB from 100% recycled pulp, paperboard from non-virgin pulp or other paperboard materials that provide the economic and environmental benefits noted herein along with the requisite tear and other strength parameters. The paperboard thicknesses for cartons and blanks according to this invention are selected to be compatible with the design and strength parameters for a given application while benefiting from the enhanced strength and environmental benefits of this invention. 
     From the above disclosure of the general principles of this invention and the preceding detailed description of various embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily comprehend the various modifications to which this invention is susceptible. Therefore, we desire to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof.