MXPA97006653A - Man device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cardboard box having a base, side walls connected articulately to the base, first and second top panels hingedly connected to the respective side panels, the first top panel has at each of its longitudinal ends a panel of end hingedly connected with the first top panel, whose end panels during use are folded down and secured with respect to the end closure flaps hingedly connected to the side panels or the base, a portion of the first top panel is defined by cuts of a longitudinally extending band handle extending with both ends towards the end panels, the second panel overlaps the first top panel and adheres to the first top panel in the part of the first top panel between the hinge with the side panel and the band handle and provides a means of access to allow access or to the handle of ban

Description

"HANDLE DISPOSITION" This invention relates to a cardboard box having a handle. In accordance with the present invention / there is provided a carton having a base, side panels hingedly connected to the base, first and second top panels hingedly connected to the respective side panels, the first top panel having at each of its ends longitudinal an end panel hingedly connected to the first top panel, whose end panels during use are folded down and secured with respect to the end closure flaps connected hingedly to the side panels or the base, a part of the first upper panel is defined by cuts of a longitudinally extending band handle which extends at both ends towards the end panels, the second panel overlaps the first upper panel and is adhered to the first upper panel in the first part upper panel between the hinge with the side panel and the band handle and provides a means of access to allow access to the band handle. Preferably, the band handle is reinforced. In one arrangement, the reinforcement comprises a plastic strip that extends at least across the length of the handle and links thereto. In another arrangement, the reinforcement comprises a longitudinally extending free edge strip, hingedly connected to the band handle, the edge strip of which during use is folded under the band handle and adhered thereto. Both forms of reinforcement could also be combined. Preferably, the free edge strip extends through the length of the first top panel and the end panels. Another particularity is that the access means comprises a central handle portion that adheres to the band handle, the handle portion having laterally projecting fins hingedly connected therein whereby during use, the fins are pushed towards inside the package and bend under the band handle when the handle is fastened. Ideally, the fins are defined by arched cuts in the second upper panel. Furthermore, a pair of cover strips which are formed in the second upper panel and which are positioned opposite to either side of the handle portion and which extend in the longitudinal direction of the second upper panel, can be provided. Conveniently, each strip is constituted by a pair of longitudinal cuts extending towards the longitudinal ends of the second upper panel, but which stop before reaching the ends. A further feature is that the weakening lines are provided in the second upper panel such that during use, the handle portion is separated from the rest of the second upper panel to leave an opening and the longitudinal cuts extend from that opening. The second top panel can also be provided with end panels at their longitudinal ends, the end panels of which are adhesively secured to the end panels of the first top panel. In addition, the end panels are preferably provided at the longitudinal ends of the base panel and the end closure flaps are hingedly connected with the side walls. During use, the end closure flaps are adhesively secured to the end panels in order to form a completely closed cardboard box. The embodiments of the invention will now be described in greater detail. The description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a blank model for manufacturing a cardboard box in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 1 in assembled form, Figure 3 is a section on the line III -III of the arrangement of Figure 2, with an extended handle, Figure 4 shows a blank model for making a different cardboard box in accordance with the present invention, Figure 5 is a plan view of the arrangement of Figure 4 in an assembled form, Figure 6 is a section through the line VI-VI of Figure 5, Figure 7 shows an additional blank model for manufacturing a different cardboard box in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is a plan view of the blank model of Figure 7 assembled. Figure 9 shows a blank model for manufacturing another carton in accordance with the present invention, Figure 10 is a plan view of the blank model of Figure 9 assembled, Figure 11 shows a blank model for manufacturing still another cardboard box in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 12 shows a blank model for manufacturing another cardboard box in accordance with the present invention. In Figures 1 to 3, a blank model 10 is shown which, when constructed, forms a cardboard box 11 for a plurality of cans 12. In this embodiment, twelve cans are shown, but the blank model could easily be adapted to any number of cans, bottles or other items. The blank model 10 has a base 13, side panels 14 hingedly connected therein and first and second top panels 15, 16 hingedly connected with the respective opposite side panels 14. The articulated connections could simply be fold lines, partially cut bending lines or other appropriate means. The base 13 has end panels 17 during use are bent upwards and the upper panels 15, 16 have end panels 18 that are folded downward. Connected hingedly to the side panels 14 are the end closure flaps 19 which are folded inwardly and adhesively secured to the end panels 17, 18 so as to completely enclose the ends of the carton 11. The first panel 15 at the end incorporates a parallel cut 20 defining with the free edge a band handle 21. The first upper panel 15 is bent through the upper part of the cardboard box of the second upper panel 16 is bent over and adhesively secured to the first upper panel. The cut 20 is positioned in such a way that the band handle 21 is generally positioned centrally between the two side panels 14. Also, the cut 20 extends towards the end panels 18, which are hingedly connected to the first upper panel 15, but care must be taken when the end closure flaps 19 are gummed that the ends of the band handle 21 the end panels 18 are also not encased. A recess 38 is also provided along the handle 21, in a generally central location. The second upper panel 16 is provided with two sets of three cuts 27 defining the fins or cover strips 28. These cover strips 28 are positioned above the handle 21. The central portion 29, between the strips is adhesively secured to the band handle 21 below and the portion of the second upper panel 16 is adhesively secured to the first upper panel 15 between the cut 19 and the side panel 14. Connected articulately with the central portion 29 by the bends 30, are the fins 31 projecting laterally defined by the arcuate cuts 32. The retaining tabs hold the cover strips 28 and the fins 31 in the plane of the second upper panel 16 before the handle is used. When assembled, the end closure flaps couple the end panels 17, 18 being careful not to gum the ends of the band handle 21 where the ends extend towards the end panels 18. Once the cardboard box 11 is fully loaded and closed, it completely encloses the cans 12. To transport the carton 11, the handle can be used. The laterally projecting fins 31 are pushed inward thereby breaking any of the retaining tabs, with a fin passing through the recess 38. The fingers of the user can then hold the band handle 21. The lifting of the cardboard box 11 causes the handle to arc out of the general plane of the upper panel, the handle taking over the contours of the upper end cans of the package. This improves the handling characteristics, durability and breaking strength of the carton.

The handle 21 is also comfortable because of the fins 31 that are folded around and below the handle 21. It is also possible to incorporate a handle reinforcement by securing a strip of polyester to the band handle. This strip extends through the length of the handle and is secured using an appropriate adhesive. Additional reinforcement may be necessary depending on the weight of the load in the carton and the strength of the cardboard being used. This arrangement is shown in Figures 4 to 6. Many of the features with respect to the arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 3 are common and also provided with like reference numbers. In Figure 4 it will be seen in the blank model 24 that on the free edge of the handle 21 there is a fold line 25 extending through the end panels 18 to define a free edge strip 26. This strip 26 is of width similar to the band handle 21 and is folded under the handle 21 and adhesively secured thereto. A recess 38 is again provided adjacent the cut 20 usually half along the handle 21. Again, a polyester reinforcement strip sandwiched between the handle 21 and the strip 26 could also be included.

The handle 21, 26 in this arrangement is particularly resistant to withstand heavy loads while remaining flush with the top of the carton 11 when not in use. The lack of projection above the top panel helps stacking and placing trays of cardboard boxes. Figures 7 and 8 show an additional modality and again, like the numbers, have been provided with similar characteristics. This embodiment is similar in many ways to that shown in Figures 4 to 6 with the exception that a certain amount of the cardboard 35 of the recess 38 remains hingedly connected to the handle 21 and is folded under the handle 21 when the carton is being transported. In addition, the flap 31 which in Figures 4 to 6 is above the recess 38 has been omitted. The finger holes 36 is also provided to assist the user in holding the handle. Figures 9 and 10 show a still further embodiment and again, similar reference numbers have been provided to similar features. Again, this embodiment is similar to that shown in Figures 4 to 6 with the exception of the central portion 29 and the fins 31 of the second upper panel 16 have been omitted, while a fin 37 is hingedly connected to the handle 21. During In use, the handle 21 is highly visible through the opening in the second upper panel 16 and the wing 37 can be folded under the band handle 21, 26 for additional comfort. The blank model 10 in Figure 11 is similar in many respects to that shown in Figure 4, since the central portion 29 is secured to the band handle 21 below and has fins 31 that are folded around and underneath. the handle The lines of weakness 40 that can be opened to gain access to the contents of the carton are extended from the internal fin 31 of the blank model of Figure 11. Obviously, the access panel 41 created in this way can be made of any configuration or size. The embodiment shown in Figure 12 is very similar in many respects to the arrangement of Figure 4, and again numbers equal to similar features are provided. In Figure 12, however, the band handle of the first top panel incorporates an additional edge strip 45 connected in a bent manner with the strip 26. The handle thus formed by the portions 21, 26 and 45 is three layers that provide greater strength and that could be used in any version of the cardboard box. Also, additional strips could be provided if desired to provide greater resistance to the handle. Another particularity shown in Figure 12, and that could be incorporated in the other modalities, is constituted by the transverse cuts 27, with or without retention tabs, which are placed at the other ends of the cover strips 28, away from the central portion 29. The cover strips 28 are also adhesively fixed to the band handle 21 such that when the carton is lifted, the central portion 29 and cover strips 28 remain attached to the band handle, thereby providing The handle increased resistance and comfort through a longer length. Even though the aforementioned provisions show the handle on the top panel, it will be appreciated that the orientation of the carton could be altered depending for example on the items to be transported in the carton. Simple modifications could result in the handle being placed on the side of the carton when the carton is in its normal stored position. One of the side panels 14 would then effectively constitute the top panel of the carton.

Likewise, the precise closing of the ends of the cardboard box is open to adaptation and could in fact be partially open. In addition, a single end closure flap could be provided at each end, depending on the design selection. Also, the package may incorporate partial angled walls in order to better follow the contours of certain items such as bottles being transported. Certain of the panels of the carton could also incorporate a means for opening the carton in order to have access to the contents of the carton.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS:

1. A cardboard box having a base, side walls hingedly connected to the base, first and second top panels hingedly connected to the respective side panels, the first top panel has at each of its longitudinal ends an end panel hingedly connected to the first top panel, whose end panels during use are folded down and secured with respect to the end closure flaps hingedly connected to the side panels or the base, a part of the first top panel is defined by means of cutouts of a longitudinally extending band handle extending with both ends towards the end panels, the second panel overlaps the first top panel and adheres to the first top panel in the part of the first top panel between the hinge with the side panel and The band handle and provides a means of access to allow access to the band handle.

2. A cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein the band handle is reinforced.

3. A cardboard box according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcement comprises a plastic strip that extends at least across the length of the handle and is bound thereto.

A cardboard box according to claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the reinforcement comprises one or more longitudinally extending edge strips hingedly connected to the band handle, which strip or strips of edge during use they are folded under the band handle and adhered thereto 5.

A cardboard box according to claim 4, wherein the end strips extend through the length of the first top panel and the end panels.

A cardboard box according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the access means comprises a central handle portion which adheres to the band handle, the handle portion having laterally projecting, connected fins articulated with it by which during use, the fins are pushed into the package and are folded under the band handle when the handle is held.

7. A cardboard box according to claim 6, wherein the fins are defined by arcuate cuts in the second upper panel.

8. A cardboard box according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a pair of cover strips that are formed in the second top panel and are positioned opposite to either side of the handle portion and extend in the longitudinal direction of the second top panel.

A cardboard box according to claim 8, wherein each strip is constituted by a pair of longitudinal cuts extending towards the longitudinal ends of the second upper panel, but which stop before reaching the ends.

A cardboard box according to claim 9, wherein the weakening lines are provided in the second top panel such that during use, the handle portion is separated from the rest of the second top panel to leave an opening , and the longitudinal cuts extend from the opening.

A cardboard box according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the second top panel is provided with end panels at its longitudinal ends, the end panels of which are adhesively secured to the end panels of the first top panel.

A cardboard box according to claim 11, wherein the additional end panels are provided at the longitudinal ends of the base panel, and the end closure flaps are hingedly connected with the side walls.

13. A blank model for forming a cardboard box according to claims 1 to 12.