Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paperboard box – Lifting or suspending element
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-06
2001-08-14
Elkins, Gary E. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paperboard box
Lifting or suspending element
C229S117120
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273330
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a product carton, and, more particularly, to a carton with a strap handle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Product cartons, such as those used for bottles and cans of beverages and food supplements, are often equipped with hand holds or strap handles which make the cartons easier to carry.
Lifting a carton and its contents by a strap handle causes the weight of the package to be concentrated at the handle, certain areas of the panel (generally because of orientation considered to be the top panel) to which the handle is attached and other portions of the carton. The concentration of weight produces stress that can cause deformation and failure of the handle and various carton panels (particularly the top panel). Although the problems of deformation, failure and otherwise tearing can sometimes be addressed by using multiple plies of carton material and/or by using material of a higher caliper or thickness, such measures increase the cost of cartons. It can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a strap handle that does not tear easily, that does not require carton panels to be reinforced or made of thicker material and that does not otherwise diminish the structural integrity of the carton while also conserving the quantity of carton material used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a carton has top and bottom panels and first and second opposed side panels. A strap handle is formed in the top and side panels and extends transversely across the top panel between the side panels. The handle is integrally formed with the side panels and connects to the top panel using web panels. Web panels fold up spacing the handle from the top panel for easy gripping. Load is distributed from the handle directly to the side panels, and is encouraged to spread throughout the side panels by the dimensions and positioning of the handle and a score line disposed at the connection of the handle and side panels.
According to another aspect of the invention, a strap handle is formed in the side and top and bottom panels, and extends transversely across the side panel between the top and bottom panels. The carton is carried with the side panel facing upwardly. The load is transferred from the handle to the top and bottom panels to which the handle connects.
The strap handle is also useful for cartons for longneck bottles. The handle is formed in side and top panels. The carton is carried with the bottles oriented horizontally instead of vertically.
These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2482399 (1949-09-01), Bullock
patent: 2723027 (1955-11-01), Guyer
patent: 2811250 (1957-10-01), Arneson
patent: 2896838 (1959-07-01), Struble
patent: 3094268 (1963-06-01), Swanson et al.
patent: 3300119 (1967-01-01), Chaussadas
patent: 3933303 (1976-01-01), Kirby, Jr.
patent: 4582199 (1986-04-01), Schuster
patent: 4747534 (1988-05-01), Marie
patent: 5222658 (1993-06-01), DeMaio et al.
patent: 5328081 (1994-07-01), Saulas
patent: 5333734 (1994-08-01), Stout et al.
patent: 5385234 (1995-01-01), Stout et al.
patent: 5480091 (1996-01-01), Stout
patent: 5593027 (1997-01-01), Sutherland
patent: 5595292 (1997-01-01), Bates
patent: 5794778 (1998-08-01), Harris
patent: 5826782 (1998-10-01), Stout
patent: 5873515 (1999-02-01), Dunn et al.
patent: 2 252 958 A (1992-08-01), None
Bates Aaron
Baxter Ronald A.
Holley, Jr. John M.
Oliff James R.
Drew Michael V.
Elkins Gary E.
James John L.
The Mead Corporation
LandOfFree
Carton with transverse strap handle does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Carton with transverse strap handle, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Carton with transverse strap handle will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2458944