WO2005097606A2

WO2005097606A2 - Improvements in or relating to packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2005097606A2
Application number: PCT/GB2005/001383
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ivica Franic
Original assignee: Elopak Systems Ag; Burrows, Anthony, Gregory
Priority date: 2004-04-08
Filing date: 2005-04-08
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Also published as: WO2005097606A3; EP1732814A2

Abstract

A packaging carton (66) produced by folding and sealing of sheet material has an arrangement whereby gripping of the carton (66) between a thumb (68) and fingers (70) of a hand applied to respective opposite sides of the carton (66) is facilitated by a device (48) provided at one or each of those opposite sides. In a first embodiment, the or each device (48) comprises a weakness (48) of the associated carton side (6), so as to permit inward movement of the weakened zone of the associated carton side (6) upon gripping and squeezing of the carton (66), so that the width of that carton side (8) spanned and embraced by the hand is thereby reduced.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO PACKAGING This invention relates to a packaging container and to a method of use of the container. It is known from US-A-5785240 to form a packaging carton, particularly a gable-topped carton pxovided with a pour spout fitment on a roof sub-panel thereof, with an oblong rectangular cross-section having front and rear shorter sides, in order that the user can more easily grasp the carton between the thumb and fingers of a hand. However, this may have the disadvantage that the carton cross-section, which is normally, square, has to be altered significantly, so requiring adaptation of most, if not all, of the apparatus required for manufacture of the filled and top—sealed carton. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging container which has been produced by folding and sealing of sheet material, said container having an arrangement whereby gripping of the container between a thumb and fingers of a hand applied to respective opposite sides of the container and spanning a furthex side of said container between said opposite sides is facilitated by a device provided at one of said opposite sides . According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method in which a container is produced by folding and sealing of sheet material, and in which gripping of said container between a thumb and_fingers of a hand applied to respective opposite sides of the container and spanning a further side of said container is facilitated by a device provided at one of said opposite sides. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a packaging container blank comprising sheet material and score lines in said sheet material and defining a row of first, second, third, fourth and fifth panels and defining, parallelly to said row, and included in said panels, a row of first, second, third, fourth and fifth side sub-panels, whereby a container can be formed from said blank by a method including folding of said panels and said sub-panels about said score lines, said blank: having an arrangement whereby gripping of the container between a thumb and fingers of a hand applied to the first and third side sub-panels and spanning the second side sub-panel, which is between the first and third side sub-panels, is facilitated by a device provided at one of said first and third side sub- panels . Owing to the invention, it is possible to render such container more readily grippable without any need significantly to alter the cross-section of the container. Preferably, gripping of the container is also facilitated by a second device provided at the other of the opposite sides of the container. The container may be a carton and the sheet material may be laminate and comprise a paperboard and innermost (i.e. contents-contacting) and outermost moisture barrier layers of thermoplastics, possibly with a gas barrier layer of, e.g. aluminium foil or thermoplastics interposed b>etween the substrate and the innermost moisture barrier layer. It is advantageous if the or each device is nearer to the upper boundary of the container side than to the lower boundary thereof, particularly if the upper boundary of the or each device is just beneath the upper boundary of the container side, since then the consumer can hiave better control over the container at the commencement of pouring, especially a container of a large volume, e.g. 1.5L to 2L. A major reason for the better control is that, with the or each device nearer the upper boundary of the container: side than the lower boundary of the container side, the consumer tends to grip the container nearer to its top than its bottom. Moreover, if he so wishes, the consumer can apply one or more fingers to the top of the carton, again enabl-ing better control. In a first embodiment of the invention, the or each device comprises a weakness of the container side, so as to permit inward movement of the weakened zone of the container side upon gripping and squeezing of the contai-ner, so that the width of that container side spanned and embraced by the hand is thereby reduced. In a second embodiment of the present invention, t-xe or each device comprises unevenness of the external surface of the container side, so as to deter slipping of that surface relative to the thumb or fingers. Such unevenness can be combined with the above-mentioned weakness. In a third embodiment of the invention, the or each device takes the form of a grip applied to the conta iner side. Such grip can be combined with the afore-mentioned weakness . The container may be in the form of a carton, particularly a formed, filled and sealed gable-top, si -ant- top, or flat-top carton. Generally, the present invention provides a new generation of ergonomic packaging for flowable products, for example liquid food products. A container having the or each weakening mentioned above is particularly suitable for larger "family" packaging containers, whilst the embodiments ha^lving only the afore-mentioned unevenness (es) or grip(s) are particularly applicable to "standard" and "mini" cartons. In the first embodiment, the weaknesses may take the form of additional score lines on at least two, but preferably three, adjacent side walls of the carton- of standard dimensions,- so allowing for dynamic re-forming of the carton shape at the time of use, whereby the cairton assumes an ergonomic shape for easier holding and pouring . It is especially suitable for larger volumes, such as 1.5L or 2L; in this respect, a conventional, oblong rectangular, gable-top carton of 1.5L with a pour spout fitment on a longer, top obturating sub-panel of the carton is "very difficult for many consumers to grasp. However, such conventional carton can be radically improved by incorporation of the above-mentioned weakness (es) , such "that at the time of use, the gripped section intermediate the top and bottom of the carton reduces in width to the width (about 70mm) of a IL carton. Because of the memory of the packaging board, the carton tends to return to its original shape. It is especially practical for children and also for older consumers, or for handicapped people, but is also a very convenient additional feature for all consumers in general. In particular, the return function of the carton allows it easily to fit back into a refrigerator door pocket after use. The score lines providing the weaknesses can be adapted to the shape and function of the carton; in particular, the score lines on the side wall(s) of the carton can be adapted to the needs of different classes of consumer, but all are based on the one simple design concept, which is that the carton should be of a standard shape for production, transportation and storage, but be able to assume an ergonomic shape at the time of use. It is particularly advantageous if the score lines of the weaknesses are so located and orientated that the natural behaviours of the carton side walls when the filled carton is squeezed across one side wall thereof are followed in the location and orientation of those score lines; thus, the score lines are able to control the actual behaviours of the side walls because they are arranged in sympathy, rather than in direct conflict, with the natural behaviours. For some of the reasons hereinbefore, it is advantageous if the or each device is nearer the top of the container than the bottom thereof, particularly if the or each device is just beneath the upper boundary of the container side. An additional reason is that the angle of inclination to the longitudinal axis of the container of the upper part of the or each device once the container has been squeezed is greater than if the or each device were to be half-way up the container, so that the vertical support of the container by the hand is better and more reliable. Assuming that the carton contains, say, 2L of liquid and is therefore of relatively large horizontal cross-sectional area, many consumers, especially those with small hands, when holding the carton to open it, would squeeze the carton near a side sub-panel spanned by the hand. It is therefore important that the weakness in one or each of the two opposite side panels, to which the thumb and fingers are applied, should extend at least two-thirds of the way, if not, very advantageously, substantially all of the way, across its side panel from the spanned side panel. If such relatively wide weakness (es) were not provided, these opposite side wall panels of the carton would tend to "break", i.e. fold or bend, at locations part-way across those sub-panels, with the risks of cracking of the material of those sub-panels and of sudden collapse of those sub- panels upon opening of the carton, whereby some of the liquid would be forced out uncontrollably under pressure. Such relatively wide weakness (es) tend(s) to transfer "breaking" of the carton from the spanned sub-panel to the sub-panel facing the spanned sub-panel, so that bulging of the two opposite sub-panels is more controlled. In the second embodiment, the or each unevenness may take the form of one or more score lines in the container side wall, allowing for a better grip and thus more reliable holding of the container and pouring of the product therefrom. This is a very easy way of applying an additional, convenient feature, namely an ergonomic property, to a plain "standard" carton. Such score lines can be formed by flexible rotary tooling in the process of conversion of the packaging board (for example a laminate consisting of or including a paperboard substrate and exterior and interior thermoplastics, moisture-barrier coatings) into carton blanks. The score lines preferably have their "furrows" at the inside of the container side wall and their "ridges" at the outside thereof. In particular, cartons with glossy external surfaces and covered with condensed moisture (owing to refrigeration) can be made much better to handle by the provision of such unevennesses . In the third embodiment, the carton can be printed on at least one side with a grip, for example a silicone rubber layer, in order to promote the grip properties thereof. Such grip(s) can be additional to the unevenness (es) and/or to the weakness (es) and may be printed-on during the process of conversion or on a form-fill-seal packaging machine. Alternatively, the or each grip may take the form of an appropriately profiled plastics grip which can be applied to the external surface of the container side wall or to a hole through the container side wall. The plastics grip(s) may be applied during the conversion process, but preferably on the packaging machine, and can be in various colours or transparent and can radically change the visual appearance of cartons . In the second and third embodiments and for the reasons explained hereinbefore, it is advantageous if the or each device is nearer the top of the container than the bottom thereof, particularly if the or each device is just beneath the upper boundary of the container side. The respective opposite sides at at least one of which the afore-mentioned weakness, unevenness, or grip is present are preferably respective opposite lateral sides of the container, but may instead be the front and rear sides of the container. In order that the invention may be clearly and completely disclosed, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a gable- top carton is made, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a formed, filled and sealed gable-top carton made from the blank of Figure 1 and in a configuration immediately after production and which it occupies during transportation and storage, Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing the carton in a configuration in which it has been gripped by a consumer at the commencement of use thereof, Figures 4 to 8 are respective views, each similar to Figure 1, but of respective blanks from which first to fifth modified versions of the carton are made, Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of the fifth modified version of the carton, Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 3, but of the fifth modified version of the carton, Figures 11 to 13 are respective views, each similar to Figure 1, but of respective blanks from which sixth to eighth modified versions of the carton are made, Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a ninth modified version of the carton, Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 3, but of that ninth modified version, Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a tenth modified version of the carton, Figure 17 is a side view of that tenth modified version, but showing it gripped by a consumer and in a substantially horizontal, pouring position, Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 1, but of a blank from which an eleventh modified version of the carton is made, Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a twelfth modified version of the carton, Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 1, but of a blank from which a thirteenth modified version of the carton is made, Figure 21 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a fourteenth modified version of the carton, Figures 22 and 23 are respective views similar to Figure 1, but of respective blanks from which fifteenth and sixteenth modified versions of the carton are made, Figure 24 is a perspective view from above illustrating the carton according to the sixteenth modified version in use by a consumer, Figures 25 to 28 are respective views similar to Figure 1, but of respective blanks from which seventeenth to twentieth modified versions of the carton are made, Figure 29 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a twenty-first modified version of the carton, Figure 30 is a perspective view of one of two moulded plastics grips of that modified version, Figure 31 is a view similar to Figure 2, but of a twenty-second modified version of the carton, Figure 32 is a front elevation, partly in vertical section, of a twenty-third modified version of the carton, Figure 33 shows a fragmentary, exploded, vertical section through a modification of the version of Figure 32, Figure 34 is a view similar to Figure 3, but of the twenty-third modified version, Figure 35 is an exploded front view of a twenty-fourth modified version of the carton, and Figures 36 to 41 are perspective views corresponding to Figure 2 and illustrating respective modifications of the version of Figure 32 or 35. Referring to Figure 1, the blank 2 comprises a row of panels a to e consisting of a row of body sub-panels 4 to 12 consisting of a side-seam body sub-panel 4, a lateral body sub-panel 6, a rear body sub-panel 8, another lateral body sub-panel 10 and a front body sub-panel 12; a row of bottom obturating sub-panels 14 to 22; a row of top obturating sub- panels 24 to 32; and a row of top sealing sub-panels 34 to 42. The front, top, obturating sub-panel 32 is formed with a hole 44 (or alternatively a loop of weakening) to which is applied a pour spout fitment 46 (see Figure 2) . In order to allow a larger fitment 46 to be mounted in the roof sub-panel 32 than would otherwise be the case, the sub-panel 32 has that boundary thereof defined by a score line 47 protruding into the sub-panel 12. The consequential outward bulging of the upper part of the sub-panel 12 and the consequential possibility of the lowermost edge of the fitment 46 being nearer to the middle part of the carton promotes more complete emptying of the carton, especially for the larger cartons. The middle parts of the respective lateral sub- panels 6 and 10 between the tops and bottoms of those sub- panels 6 and 10 are provided with respective weaknesses 48 and 50 co-operating with respective weaknesses 52 and 54 at those edges of the middle part of the rear sub-panel 8 adjacent to the sub-panels 6 and 10. In the version shown in Figures 1 to 3, each of the weaknesses 48 and 50 takes the form of a substantially -shaped, curved score line arrangement which extends across the whole width of its sub- panel 6 or 10 and of which the central apices 49 and 51 of the Ws merge into respective, short, horizontal score lines 56 and 58 of the respective weaknesses 52 and 54. The free ends of the outermost limbs of the Ws merge into score lines 60 of the respective weaknesses 52 and 54, the upper pair of score lines 60 meeting each other centrally at the vertical axis of the sub-panel 8, and the lower pair of score lines 60 also meeting each other centrally at that vertical axis. Bow- shaped score lines 62 of the respective weaknesses 52 and 54 extend in the sub-panel 8 to join the free ends of the outer limbs of the respective Ws of the weaknesses 48 and 50. When the blank of Figure 1 has been side-seamed, by the heat-sealing of the so-called fifth panel a to the inside of the panel _e, the bottom obturating sub-panels 14 to 22 have been closed and sealed, the desired product, for example milk or fruit juice, has been filled into the open-topped carton thus formed, the top sub-panels 24 to 42 have been closed, and the su?b-panels 34 to 42 sealed to form a top sealing fin 64, the pour spout fitment 46 having been applied before or after top—closure and-sealing of the carton, the formed, filled and sealed, gable-top carton 66 so obtained is as shown in Figure 2. The carton 66 of Figure 2, at all levels of the body sub-panels 6, 8, 10 and 12, is of square cross- section. As shown in Figure 3, when the consumer wishes to open the carton 66 and then to pour the product from the carton, he firstly grips the carton between the thumb 68 and fingers 70 of a hand 72 at respective lateral body sub-panels 6 and 10 at about the middle level of their height. The weaknesses 48 and 52, for the thumb 68, and the weaknesses 50 and 54, for the fingers 70, especially the short score lines 56 and 58, enable the middle parts of the sub-panels 6 and 10 to bend inwards and the middle part of the sub-panel 8 to bend out rearwards, as shown in Figure 3, so that the gripping width required of the user is reduced compared with the initial gripping width for the carton in its condition illustrated in Figure 2. The consumer can then, with his other hand, open the pour spout fitment 46, pour at least part of the product out of the carton 66 and then, if desired, reclose the fitment 46. Once the consumer has released the carton 66, the middle parts of the sub-panels 6 to 10 return automatically to substantially the square cross- sectional condition shown for the carton in Figure 2. Figure 4 illustrates that the weaknesses 48, 50, 52 and 54 can be minimalist and of straight score lines, with the weaknesses 48 and 50 including respective score lines 48a and 50a extending parallelly to the row of panels a to e and across the whole widths of the respective panels b and d and merging into the scorelines 56 and 58. Even the bow-shape score lines 62 are rectilinear. Figure 5 illustrates a version which demonstrates that the short horizontal score lines 56 and 58 can take the form of double score lines, as can their extensions 48a and 50a, to promote bending inwards of the middle parts of the sub- panels 6 and 10 at the score lines 48a and 50a and bending outwards of the middle parts of the sub-panel 8 at the score lines 56 and 58. Figure 6 illustrates a blank for a version in which the double score lines 48a and 50a and score lines 82 extending from the ends of the bowed score lines 62 extend rectilinearly across the whole of the width of each of the sub-panels 6 and 10, with the score lines 82 of each of the weaknesses 48 and 50 converging towards each other to meet the respective double score lines 48a or 50a of that weakness at the front edge of the corresponding sub-panel 6 or 10. The version shown in Figure 7 demonstrates that, instead of having two substantially symmetrically arranged pairs of weaknesses 48 and 52, and 50 and 54, it is possible to have just a unilaterally arranged pair 48 and 52, with, in this case, all of the score lines rectilinear. The version shown in Figures 8 to 10 differs from those of Figures 1 to 6 again significantly in that there is only one pair of weaknesses (48 and 52), these being again at the vertical edge between the lateral sub-panel 6 and the rear sub-panel 8, so that, as illustrated in Figure 10, there is only a unilateral narrowing of the gripping width of the middle part of the rear sub-panel 8 when it is grasped by the consumer's hand 70. This version differs from that of Figure 7 principally in that the respective sub-panels 6 and 10 include closely spaced score lines 74 in patterns which provide respective unevennesses 76 and 78 which tend to discourage sliding of the thumb and fingers 68 and 70 over the respective external surfaces of the lateral sub-panels 6 and 10 and so promote gripping of the carton 66 by the consumer. To facilitate bending rearwards of the middle part, especially the left-hand part as seen in Figures 9 and 10, of the rear sub-panel 8, curved score lines 80 extend from the respective ends of the single bowed score line 62 to the right-hand edge of the middle part of the sub-panel 8. These curved lines 80 extend short distances into the lateral sub- panel 6 as score lines 82, again to promote inward bending of the middle part of the sub-panel 6, which of course is also promoted by the score lines 74 of the unevenness 76. Again, the score line 48a preferably extends across the whole width of the sub-panel 6, as shown, because this promotes bending of the sub-panel 6 over the whole of its width. Such a unilateral weakness arrangement (48,52) as is provided in Figure 7 or 8 is particularly suitable for a carton in which the hole 44 is formed in the third panel c (as in Figure 7 or 8), since this avoids any need to form a weakness incorporating part of the fifth panel a. Nevertheless, it is preferable that the hole 44 and thus the front sub-panel 12 of the carton 66 should be of the so- called first panel e, as shown in Figure 1, 4, 5, or 6, when two sets of weaknesses (48_r52 and 50,54) can readily be provided. The version shown in Figure 11 differs from that shown in Figures 8 to 10 principally in that the unevennesses 76 and 78 have their score lines 74 centred not adjacent to the edges of the sub-panel 8 but instead adjacent to the edges of the sub-panel 12 in the finished carton, so as to encourage the consumer to grasp the carton with his thumb and fingers extended to near the sub-panel 12 rather than at the sub- panel 8, so encouraging a more secure grasping of the carton by the consumer than would be the case with the otherwise somewhat equivalent version shown in Figure 8. The version of Figure 12 shows that the respective weaknesses 48 and 50 and the respective unevennesses 76 and 78 need not be symmetrical. This version is adapted for a right-handed consumer, whose thumb would be applied to the unevenness 76 and bend inwards the weakness 48 and outwards the weakness 52 and two of whose fingers would be applied to the two unevennesses 78 and bend inwards the weakness 50 and outwards the weakness 54. The version shown in Figure 13 differs from that shown in Figure 1 chiefly in that the score lines of the W formations constituting the weaknesses 48 and 50 are generally rectilinear rather than curved, and also in that unevennesses 76 and 78 formed by closely spaced score lines 74 are provided in the respective apices of the Ws . Moreover, the apices of the Ws of the weaknesses 48 and 50 stop short of the edges of the rear sub—panel 8, with the apices being connected to the score lines 56 and 58 by respective short horizontal score lines 79 and 81. The outer limbs 48b and 50b of each of the Ws are parallel to each other and extend across the whole width of the associated sub-panel 6 or 10, so promoting control of inward bending of the associated weakness 48 or 50. The versions described with reference to Figures 14 to 24 differ from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 in that the weaknesses (such as 48, 50, 52 and 54) to facilitate bending inwards of the lateral sub-panels 6 and 10 and bending outwards of the rear sub-panel 8 are not at the middle parts of the sub-panels 6 to 10 but are at the upper parts thereof, in particular just beneath the upper boundaries 110 and 114 of those sub-panels. The version shown in Figures 14 and 15 is somewhat similar to that of Figures 1 to 3 , except that the score lines of the weaknesses 48 and 50 are each in the form of a curved V of which the vertex is at the vertical edge between the sub-panels 6 and 12 or the vertical edge between the sub- panels 8 and 10 and of which the upper limb 48c or 50c extends to the upper end of the adjacent bowed score line 62 and the lower limb 48d or 50d extends to the vertical edge between the sub-panels 6 and 8 at a location where the vertex of a V-shaped scoring 56a or 58a is situated. Each V-shaped scoring 56a or 58a is about half-way up its adjacent score line 62 and its limbs extend to that score line 62. There extend short distances into the sufo-panel 8 from the lower ends of the score lines 62 respective score lines 60a, these score lines 60a each extending for less than half of the width of the sub-panel 8. Assuming that the carton contains, say, 2L of liquid and is therefore of relatively large horizontal cross-sectional area, many consumers, especially those with small hands, when holding the carton, as illustrated in Figure 15, to open it, would squeeze the carton near the rear sub-panel 8. If the long score lines 48d and 50d were not provided, the lateral sub-panels 6 and 10 of the carton would tend to "break", i.e. fold or bend, at locations part-way across the sub-panels 6 and 10, with the risks of cracking of the plastics—coated paperboard sub- panels 6 and 10 and of sudden collapse of those sub-panels upon opening of the cap 46, whereby some of the liquid would be forced out uncontrollably under pressure. The score lines 48d and 50d tend to transfer "breaking" of the carton from the rear panel 8 to the front panel 12, so that bulging of the sub-panels 6 and 10 is more controlled. The upper score lines 48c and 50c allow the respective zones between the score lines 48c and 48d, on the one hand, and between the score lines 50c and 50d, on the other hand, to bend inwards, so that the top of the carton projects laterally outwards over the consumer's thumb 68 and fingers 70. Moreover, as illustrated in Figure 15, the consumer is able to apply one or more fingers 70A to the roof of the carton 66 to assist in tilting the carton forwards and in controlling the carton. Furthermore, the short score lines 60a promote controlled outward bulging of the sub-panel 8. The version shown in Figures 16 and 17 is very similar to that shown in Figures 14 and 15, except that lowermost portions of the zones between the score lines 48c and 48d, on the one hand, and 50c and 50d, on the other hand, are formed with respective unevennesses 76 and 78 each consisting of a set of parallel, vertical score lines . The respective unevennesses 76 and 78 extend part-way across the respective sub-panels 6 and 10 from the vertical edges between the sub- panels 6 and 8 and the sub-panels 8 and 10, respectively. Instead of the V-shaped scorings 56a and 58a there are double score lines 56 and 58 extending horizontally from the upper and lower ends of the rearmost edges of the unevennesses 76 and 78 to the respective bowed score lines 62. As illustrated in Figure 17, the normally vertical score lines of the unevennesses 76 and 78 particularly assist gripping of the carton 66 when the carton is approaching a horizontal pouring position, at which time, of course, the lateral projection by the top of the carton no longer assists the consumer in supporting the weight of the carton and its contents. If desired, rather than the unevennesses 76 and 78, grips according to Figures 29 to 41 could be provided. The blank shown in Figure 18 is somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 1, with the respective weaknesses 48, 50, 52 and 54 being very similar in construction and function to the corresponding weaknesses in the version of Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 18, each of the weaknesses 48 and 50 takes the form of a substantially W-shaped, curved score line arrangement of which the central limbs of each W overlap each other and extend to the bowed score lines 62 of the respective weaknesses 52 and 54. Moreover, in the overlapping zones of those central limbs, there are respective unevennesses 76 and 78 provided by respective sets of substantially parallel, substantially vertical, score lines, again to discourage sliding of the consumer's thumb and fingers over the external surfaces of the sub-panels 6 and 10, when the carton is approaching a horizontal pouring orientation. Again, if desired, rather than the unevennesses 76 and 78, grips according to Figures 29 to 41 could be provided. The scorelines 62 meet the parallel score lines 112 laterally bounding the sub-panel 8 at locations a few millimetres below the -horizontal score line 114 defining the upper boundary of the sub-panel 8, in order to simply the manufacture of the converting tools in the converting plant where the blanks are cut from a web of sheet material while being scored. There extend towards the vertical centreline of the sub-panel 8 from the regions of the lower ends of the score lines 62 respective curved score lines 116 which terminate at respective curved score lines 118 extending generally longitudinally of the sub-panel 8 for part of the height of that sub-panel. The score lines 116 and 118 assist in promoting appropriate bending of the sub-panel 8 upon squeezing thereof between the thumb and fingers of the consumer at the weaknesses 48 and 50. The version shown in Figure 19 is very similar to that shown in Figure 17, except that the unevennesses 76 and 78 are immediately below the weaknesses 48 and 50 and each consist of substantially concentric, curved score lines extending over substanti lly a right-angle and centred at substantially the rear end of the lower score line 48d or 50d. These unevennesses 76 and 78 therefore assist the consumer in supporting and gripping the carton 66 in all of its orientations from vertical to horizontal. The blank shown in Figure 20 is somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 6. Again, the chief difference is positioning of the weaknesses 48 and 50 just beneath the upper boundaries 110. One of the common features is that each of the weaknesses 48 and 50 includes a triangular sub-sub-panel 120 bounded by the score lines 82 and 48a or 50a. However, because, in the container formed from the blank of Figure 20, each sub-sub-panel 120 is adjacent to the relatively rigid top of the gable-topped container, when the weaknesses 48 and 50 are squeezed between the thumb and fingers of the hand, these sub-sub-panels 120 assume a greater inclination to the vertical than with the version described with reference to Figure 6, so that the thumb and fingers support the filled and sealed carton in a vertical sense more reliably than with the version of Figure 6. Furthermore, the weaknesses 48 and 50 also incorporate unevennesses 76 and 78 provided by concentric arcuate score lines which promote reliable gripping of the container between the thumb and fingers when the container is in a condition in which it has been partially emptied and is thus nearing a tilted, horizontal position. It may be advantageous if lengths 119 of score lines extend for at least a short distance upwards from the inner ends of the score lines 116, as seen in Figure 20. These lines 119 may be extended upwards towards, and even to, the scoreline 114. The version shown in Figure 21 is very similar to that shown in Figure 18 except that here the weaknesses 48 and 50 are formed of rectilinear score lines and the double score lines 56 and 58 are yet further doubled. The location of each of the short score lines 56 and 58, whether single (e.g. as in Figure 1), double (e.g. as in Figure 5) or quadruple (e.g. as in Figure 21) determines "where up the bowed score lines 62 the rear sub-panel 8 "breaks". The score lines 118 may extend to the respective bottom corners of the sub-panel 8, for example in the manner illustrated in Figure 22 which particularly demonstrates that most of the score lines of the weaknesses 48 and 50 and the unevennesses 76 and 78 may be rectilinear, as may be the score lines 116 and 118. The version shown in Figures 23 to 24 again demonstrates that the weaknesses 48 and 50, combined with the unevennesses 76 and 78, do not need to have their score lines symmetrical about the horizontal centrelines of the weaknesses 48 and 50. For example they do not need to have, below their horizontal centrelines, score lines corresponding to the uppermost score lines 122 of the weaknesses 48 and 50, since, with the weaknesses 48 and 50 just beneath the upper boundaries 110 of the sub-panels 6 and 10, those parts of the sub-panels 6 and 10 below those weaknesses 48 and 50 will, when the carton is squeezed between the thumb and fingers at the weaknesses 48 and 50, yield sufficiently "without there being any need to provide score lines therein to promote such yielding. Figure 24 illustrates that, when the consumer's hand 72 is squeezing the carton 66 as intended, and pouring, say, orange juice 124 into a tumbler 126, with the weaknesses 48 and 50 just beneath the upper boundaries 110 of the sub-panel 6 and 10, the consumer is able to apply one or more fingers 70A to the roof of the carton 66 to assist in tilting the carton forwards and in controlling the same. The carton versions described in relation to Figures 1 to 24 all have score lines which enable the following mechanical movements of particular zones of the lateral and rear body sub-panels 6 and 8 (and 10) upon squeezing of the carton 66 by the hand 72: (a) the middle or upper part of the sub-panel 6 (or of each of the sub-panels 6 and 10) moves inwards, making the sub-panel 6 (or each of the sub-panels 6 and 10) controlledly shaped concavely, and (b) the middle or upper part of the sub-panel 8 moves outwards, making the sub-panel 8 controlledly shaped convexly. That convex shape attained by tine sub-panel 8 enables the level of the liquid product within the carton 66 to remain substantially unchanged throughout squeezing, which can be very important for the usability of the package. In this respect, the positioning and dimensioning of the score lines 62 can be crucial. The other score lines of the weaknesses 48 and 52 (and 50 and 54) assist the movements of the middle parts of the sub-panels 6 and 8 (and 10) and controlled breaking of the board and promote good forming. To enable controlled breaking of the sub—panel 8 when the sheet material of the carton 66 has paperboard as a substrate, it is important that the fibres of the pa-perboard should extend substantially horizontally, i.e. parallelly to the row of panels a to e, otherwise the sub-panel 8 may break in an uncontrolled manner when the carton is squeezed. However, if the sheet material were to consist of, say, nothing but plastics, this point would be irrelevant . The versions shown in Figures 25 to 28 differ from those described with reference to Figures 1 to 24 in that there are no weaknesses (such as 48,50,52 and 54> to facilitate bending inwards of the middle parts of the lateral sub-panels 6 and 10 and bending outwards of the middle part of the rear sub- panel 8. Instead, there are simply provided unevennesses (such as 76 and 78) to discourage slrding of the thumb and fingers over the surfaces of the sub-panels 6 and 10. The version shown in Figure 25 has three unevennesses 76 and 78 on the respective sub-panels 6 and 10 formed of respective sets of concentric, closehy spaced, score lines 74, so that the carton is made easier to grip irrespective of whether the consumer is left-or right—handed. Referring to Figure 26, in this version the unevennesses are each provided by two overlapping sets of concentric, open-looped, score lines. In the version shown in Figure 27, the unevennesses 76 and 78 are provided by respective angular, nested score lines. Referring to Figure 28, in this version the unevennesses 76 and 78 are angled relative to the rear sub-panel 8, so as to extend from the rear sub-panel 8 at such an angle as would be the natural angle for a thumb and fingers grasping the carton to extend at from the respective opposite vertical edges of the sub-panel 8. The versions of Figures 29 to 41 differ from those described with reference to Figures 8 to 13 and 16 to 28 in that, instead of the unevennesses (such as 76 and 78), there are provided plastics grips 88 at respective opposite sides of the carton 66. As can be seen particularly from Figure 30, instead of the score lines 74 of the unevennesses 76 and 78, the grips 88 may be so moulded as to have substantially parallel ribs 88a on their outer surfaces. The grips may have moulded onto or into their outer surfaces instructions such as "press" to the consumer. In the version of Figures 29 and 30, the ribs 88a are substantially vertical, whilst in the version of Figure 31 they extend over a lower quadrant . In the version shown in Figure 32, there are formed through middle parts of the respective lateral sub-panels 6 and 10 holes 90 directly opposite each, other. Before filling of the carton, possibly during the stage of conversion of the packaging board into blanks or in the filling machine, there have been sealed to the inside surfaces of the sub-panels 6 and 10, preferably ultrasonically, ring-form flanges 92 of the plastics grips 88 which, inwardly of their respective flanges 92, are formed with dishings 94 closing the holes 90 from the inside, so providing recesses 96 for receiving the distal ends of the thumb and at least one finger of a hand of the consumer. This greatly discourages slipping of the carton 66 relative to the consumer's hand. The modification illustrated in Figure 33 consists simply of the additional provision on each plastics grip 88 of an annular flange 98 projecting horizontally inwards from the inner periphery of the vertical flange 92 for centering the grip 88 in the hole 90. The dishings 94 may be circular but, as shown in Figure 34, are preferably of an elongate round form inclined obliquely to the horizontal at an angle corresponding to the natural orientation of the thumb and fingers of a hand 72 gripping the carton. In the version shown in Figure 35, no holes (such as 90) are formed through the body sub-panels. Instead,, the plastics grips 88 are attached to the respective opposite external surfaces of the lateral sub-panels 6 and 10. It will be noted that each grip 88 has a planar inside surface 98 for fixing to the lateral sub-panel, for example by hot melt, hot air sealing, or ultrasonic sealing. It will also be noted that each grip 88 has its outside surface 100 of a dished form for receiving the distal ends of the consumer'^' s thumb and finger (s) . It will be appreciated that the plastics grips 88 may be of various shapes, particularly of various outlines, as illustrated by way of example in Figures 36 to 41, not only to promote gripping, but also to increase the attractiveness of the package. It will also be appreciated t?hat the outer surfaces of the grips 88 may be formed with reliefs of various configurations, in order to discourage sliding thereon. Furthermore, the grips 88 may be of various colours, to increase the visual impact of the package.

Claims

1. A packaging container which has been produced by folding and sealing of sheet material, said container having an arrangement whereby gripping of the container between a thumb and fingers of a hand applied to respective opposite sides of the container and spanning a further side of said container between said opposite sides is facilitated by a device provided at one of said opposite sides.

2. A container according to claim 1, wherein said gripping of said container is also facilitated by a second device provided at the other of said opposite sides .

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the or each device is located nearer to an upper boundary of the associated container side than to a lower boundary thereof.

4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the or each device is located just beneath said upper boundary of the associated container side.

5. A container according to any preceding claim and in the form of a carton for containing a flowable substance.

6. A container according to claim 5, wherein said sheet material is laminate and comprises a paperboard substrate and innermost and outermost moisture barrier layers of thermoplastics.

7. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each device comprises a weakness of its associated container side, which weakness extends from said further side, so as to permit inward movement of a weakened zone of that associated container side upon gripping and squeezing of the container by said hand, said container further comprising, adjacent to the or each weakness, an edge weakness of said further side so as to permit outward movement of a weakened zone of said further side upon said gripping and squeezing, so that the width of said further side is thereby reduced.

8. A container according to claim 7, wherein the or each first-mentioned weakness extends across at least two- thirds of the width of its associated container side.

9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the or each first-mentioned weakness extends across substantially the whole width of its associated container side.

10. A container according to claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein each weakness takes the form of one or more additional score lines which is/are additional to score lines provided to facilitate folding of said sheet material to provide the sides of the container.

11. A container according to claim 10, wherein thie additional score line, or one of the additional score lines, of the or each edge weakness is a bow-shapeid score line defining, with the adjacent one of said score lines provided to facilitate folding, an edge zone of said further side.

12. A container according to claim 11, wherein thie additional score lines of the or each edge weaknesss include a short scoring extending across thxe associated edge zone of said further side from thie associated bow-shaped score line to the associated adjacent one of said score lines provided to facilitate folding.

13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the or each short scoring is located about half-way along the associated bow-shape score line.

14. A container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein thie or each short scoring is a single score line.

15. A container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein thxe or each short scoring is a double score line.

16. A container according to claim 12 or 13, wherein thxe or each short scoring is a quadruple score line.

17. A container according to any one of claims 11 to 16, and further comprising another score line extending transversely of a lower end of the bow-shape score line of the or each edge weakness.

18. A container according to claim 17, wherein the or each said other score line extends inwardly of said further side from the lower end of the associated bow-shaped score line.

19. A container according to claim 17 or 18, wherein each of the other score lines extends across no more than half of the width of a container side in which it is formed.

20. A container according to claim 19, wherein each of said other score lines extends across significantly less than the width of said container side in which it is formed.

21. A container according to claim 20 as appended to claim 18 and further comprising yet another score line extending at said further side transversely to the inner end of the or each said other score line.

22. A container according to claim 21, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends upwardly from the inner end of the associated said other score line.

23. A container according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends downwardly from the inner end of the associated said other score line.

24. A container according to claim 23, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends down to a nearer bottom corner region of said further side.

25. A container according to claim 18, wherein said other score line extends across substantially the whole of the width of said further side.

26. A container according to any one of claims 17 to 25 and further comprising a further score line extending transversely of the upper end of the bow-shaped score line of the or each edge weakness substantially co- extensively with the said other score line extending from the lower end of that bow-shaped score line.

27. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 26, wherein the additional score line of the or each first-mentioned weakness is a substantially horizontal score line.

28. A container according to claim 27 as appended to claim 14 or 15, wherein the or each substantially horizontal score line is substantially a continuation of the short scoring of the adjacent edge weakness.

29. A container according to any one of claims 10 to 26, wherein the additional score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness comprise upper and lower score lines.

30. A container according to claim 29 as appended to claim 11, wherein the or each upper score line extends from the region of the upper end of the bow- shaped score line of the adjacent edge weakness.

31. A container according to claim 29 or 30 as appended to claim 11, wherein the or each lower score line extends from the region of the outer end of the short scoring of the adjacent edge weakness.

32. A container according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein said upper and lower score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness each extend across substantially the whole width of their associated container side.

33. A container according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein said upper and lower score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness constitute substantially a V shape with the V diverging towards said further side.

34. A container according to claim 33, wherein the additional score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness include, situated at least mainly below said V shape, other upper and lower score lines constituting substantially another V shape with that V diverging towards said further side.

35. A container according to claim 34, wherein the or each other lower score line extends from the region of the lower end of the bow-shaped score line of the adjacent edge weakness.

36. A container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the or each first-mentioned substantially V shape and the or each other substantially V shape constitute substantially a W shape at their associated container side.

37. A container according to any one of claims 7 to 36, wherein said sheet material has a memory whereby, following said squeezing of said container, the consequential reduction of said width, and release of said container by said hand, said width increases.

38. A container according to any preceding claim wherein said respective opposite sides are lateral sides, said further side is a rear side, and a front side of said container has a pour spout located thereover.

39. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each device comprises unevenness of the external surface of the associated container side, so as to deter slipping of that surface relative to the thumb or fingers.

40. A container according to claim 39, wherein the or each unevenness takes the form of a plurality of score lines in the associated container side.

41. A container according to claim 40, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines have furrows at the inside of the wall of the associated container side and corresponding ridges at the outside thereof.

42. A container according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are a set of closely adjacent score lines. 43. A container according to claim 42, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are substantially parallel to each other. 44. A container according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are substantially vertical. 45. A container according to claim 44 as appended to claim 43, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are arcuate. 46. A container according to claim 45, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines constitute substantially a lower quadrant when said container is substantially upright. 47. A container according to any one of claims 39 to 46 as appended to claim 7, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is intimately associated with the first-mentioned weakness at its associated container side. 48. A container according to any one of claims 39 to 47, wherein the or each unevenness is significantly spaced from said further side. 49. A container according to claim 47 as appended to claim 29, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is in the region of that end of the first- mentioned lower score line of its associated first- mentioned weakness nearer to said further side.

3.0. _A. container according to claim 49, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is immediately above the first-mentioned lower score line of its associated first-mentioned weakness.

51. A container according to claim 49, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is immediately below the first-mentioned lower score line of its associated first-mentioned weakness.

52. A container according to any one of claims 39 to 51, wherein the or each unevenness is oriented so as to extend obliquely upwardly away from said further side .

53. A container according to any one of claims 39 to 52, wherein the unevennesses take the form of respective discrete unevennesses at said respective opposite sides .

54. A container according to claim 53, wherein said discrete unevennesses are of differing shapes respectively suited to the thumb and suited to fingers .

55. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each device comprises a grip applied to the associated container side.

56. A container according to claim 55, wherein the or each grip is printed-on.

57. A container according to claim 56, wherein the or each grip is of a silicone rubber.

58. A container according to claim 55, wherein the or each grip takes the form of a profiled plastics grip.

59. A container according to claim 58, wherein the or each grip has been applied to an external surface of the associated container side.

60. A container according to claim 58, wherein the or each grip has been applied to a hole through the associated container side.

61. A container according to any one of claims 55 to 60, wherein the or each grip is significantly spaced from said further side.

62. A container according to any one of claims 55 to 61, wherein the or each grip is orientated so as to extend obliquely upwardly away from said further side.

63. A container according to any one of claims 55 to 62, wherein the grips take the form of respective discrete grips at said respective opposite sides.

64. A container according to any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein the or each grip has ribbing at an external surface thereof.

65. A container according to claim 64, wherein the ribbing of the or each grip comprises a set of parallel ribs.

66. A container according to claim 65, wherein the ribs of the or each set are substantially vertical.

67. A container according to claim 65, wherein the ribs of the or each set are arcuate.

68. A container according to claim 67, wherein the ribs of the or each set extend as a lower quadrant.

69. A method in which a container is produced by folding and sealing of sheet material, and in which gripping of said container between a thumb and fingers of a hand applied to respective opposite sides of the container and spanning a further side of said container is facilitated by a device provided at one of said opposite sides.

70. A method according to claim 69, wherein said gripping is also facilitated by a second device provided at the other of said opposite sides.

71. A method according to claim 69 or 70, wherein the or each device comprises a weakness of the associated container side, said method further comprising squeezing of the container so as to produce inward movement of the weakened zone of the associated container side and outward movement of a weakened zone of said further side, whereby the width of said further side is thereby reduced.

72. A method according to claim 71, wherein the or each device controls breaking of the associated container side over substantially the whole width of that side.

73. A method according to claim 71 or 72 and further comprising releasing said container from said hand, whereupon said width increases.

74. A method according to any one of claims 69 to 73, and further comprising deterring slipping of one or both of said opposite sides relative to the thumb and/or fingers .

75. A packaging container blank comprising sheet material and score lines in said sheet material and defining a row of first, second, third, fourth and fifth panels and defining, parallelly to said row, and included in said panels, a row of first, second, third, fourth and fifth side sub-panels, whereby a container can be formed from said blank by a method including folding of said panels and said sub-panels about said score lines, said blank having an arrangement whereby gripping of the container between a thumb and fingers of a hand applied to the first and third side sub- panels and spanning the second side sub-panel, which is between the first and third side sub-panels, is facilitated by a device provided at one of said first and third side sub-panels.¹

76. A blank according to claim 75, wherein said gripping of said container is also facilitated by a second device provided at the other of said first and third side sub-panels.

77. A blank according to claim 75 or 76, wherein the or each device is located nearer to an upper boundary of the associated side sub-panel than to a lower boundary thereof.

78. A blank according to claim 77, wherein the or each device is located just beneath said upper boundary of the associated side sub-panel.

79. A blank according to any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein said sheet material is laminate and comprises a paperboard substrate and moisture barrier layers of thermoplastics at the exposed surfaces of the material .

80. A blank according to any one of claims 75 to 79, wherein the or each- device comprises a weakness of its associated side sub-panel, which weakness extends from said second side sub-panel, so as to permit inward movement of a weakened zone of that associated side sub-panel upon gripping and squeezing of the container by said hand, said blank further comprising, adjacent to the or each weakness, an edge weakness of said second side sub-panel so as to permit outward movement of a weakened zone of said second side sub-panel upon said gripping and squeezing, so that the width of said second side sub- panel is thereby reduced.

81. A blank according to claim 80, wherein the or each first-mentioned weakness extends across at least two- thirds of the width of its associated side sub-panel.

82. A -blank according to claim 81, wherein the or each first-mentioned weakness extends across substantially the whole width of its associated side sub-panel.

83. A blank according to claim 80, 81, or 82, wherein each weakness takes the form of one or more additional score lines which is/are additional to the said score lines provided to facilitate folding of said sheet material.

84. A blank according to claim 83, wherein the additional score line, or one of the additional score lines, of the or each edge weakness is a bow-shaped score line defining, with the adjacent one of said score lines provided to facilitate folding, an edge zone of said second side sub-panel.

85. A blank according to claim 84, wherein the additional score lines of the or each edge weakness include a short scoring extending across the associated edge zone of said second side sub-panel from the associated bow-shaped score line to the associated adj acent one of the said score lines provided to facilitate folding.

86. A blank according to claim 85, wherein the or each short scoring is located about half-way along the associated bow-shape score line.

87. A blank according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the or each short scoring is a single score line.

88. A blank according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the or each short scoring is a double score line.

89. A blank according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the or each short scoring is a quadruple score line.

90. A blank according to any one of claims 84 to 89, and further comprising another score line extending transversely of a lower end of the bow-shape score line of the or each edge weakness.

91. A blank according to claim 90, wherein the or each said other score line extends inwardly of said second side sub-panel from the lower end of the associated bow-shaped score line.

92. A blank according to claim 90 or 91, wherein each of the other score lines extends across no more than half of the width of a side sub-panel in which it is formed.

93. A blank according to claim 92, wherein each of said other score lines extends across significantly less than the width of said side sub-panel in which it is formed.

94. A blank according to claim 93 as appended to claim 91 and further comprising yet another score line extending at said second side sub-panel transversely to the inner end of the or each said other score line.

95. A blank according to claim 94, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends upwardly from the inner end of the associated said other score line.

96. A blank according to claim 94 or 95, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends downwardly from the inner end of the associated said other score line.

97. A blank according to claim 96, wherein the or each said yet another score line extends down to a nearer bottom corner region of said second side sub-panel.

98. A blank according to claim 91, wherein said other score line extends across substantially the whole of the width of said second side sub-panel.

99. A blank according to any one of claims 90 to 98 and further comprising a further score line extending transversely of the upper end of the bow-shaped score line of the or each edge weakness substantially co- extensively with the said other score line extending from the lower end of that bow-shaped score line.

100. A blank according to any one of claims 83 to 99, wherein the additional score line of the or each first-mentioned weakness is substantially parallel to the rows of panels and side sub-panels.

101. A blank according to claim 100 as appended to claim 87 or 88, wherein the or each said additional score line is substantially a continuation of the short scoring of the adjacent edge weakness.

102. A blank according to any one of claims 83 to 99, wherein the additional score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness comprise upper and lower score lines.

103. A blank according to claim 102 as appended to claim 84, wherein the or each upper score line extends from the region of the upper end of the bow-shaped score line of the adjacent edge weakness.

104. A blank according to claim 102 or 103 as appended to claim 84, wherein the or each lower score line extends from the region of the outer end of the short scoring of the adjacent edge weakness.

105. A blank according to any one of claims 102 to 104, wherein said upper and lower score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness each extend across substantially the whole width of their associated side sub-panel.

106. A blank according to any one of claims 102 to 105, wherein said upper and lower score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness constitute substantially a V shape with the V diverging towards said second side sub-panel.

107. A blank according to claim 106, wherein the additional score lines of the or each first-mentioned weakness include, situated at least mainly below said V shape, other upper and lower score lines constituting substantially another V shape with that V diverging towards said second side sub-panel.

108. A blank according to claim 107, wherein the or each other lower score line extends from the region of the lower end of the bow-shaped score line of the adjacent edge weakness.

109. A blank according to claim 107 or 108, wherein the or each first-mentioned substantially V shape and the or each other substantially V shape constitute substantially a W shape at their associated side sub- panel .

110. A blank according to any one of claims 80 to 109, wherein said sheet material has a memory.

111. A blank according to any one of claims 75 to 110, wherein the or each device comprises unevenness of the future external surface of the associated side sub-panel, so as to deter slipping of that surface relative to the thumb or fingers.

112. A blank according to claim 111, wherein the or each unevenness takes the form of a plurality of score lines in the associated side sub-panel.

113. A blank according to claim 112, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines have furrows at the future internal surface of the associated side sub- panel and corresponding ridges at said future external surface.

114. A blank according to claim 112 or 113, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are a set of closely adjacent score lines.

115. A blank according to claim 114, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are substantially parallel to each other.

116. A blank according to any one of claims 112 to 115, wherein the or each .said plurality of score lines are substantially vertical.

117. A blank according to claim 116 as appended to claim 115, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines are arcuate.

118. A blank according to any one of claims 111 to 117 as appended to claim 80, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is intimately associated with the first-mentioned weakness at its associated side sub-panel.

119. A blank according to any one of claims 111 to 118, wherein the or each unevenness is significantly spaced from said second side sub-panel.

120. A blank according to claim 118 as appended to claim 102, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is in the region of that end of the first- mentioned lower score line of its associated first- mentioned weakness nearer to said second side sub- panel.

121. A blank according to claim 120, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is immediately above the first-mentioned lower score line of its associated first-mentioned weakness.

122. A blank according to claim 120, wherein the or each said plurality of score lines is immediately below the first-mentioned lower score line of its associated first-mentioned weakness.

123. A blank according to any one of claims 111 to 122, wherein the or each unevenness is oriented so as to extend obliquely upwardly away from said second side sub-panel. 124. A blank according to any one of claims 111 to 123, wherein the unevennesses take the form of respective discrete unevennesses at the respective first and third side sub-panels. 125. A blank according to claim 124, wherein said discrete unevennesses are of differing shapes respectively suited to the thumb and suited to fingers. 126. A blank according to any one of claims 75 to 125, wherein the or each device comprises a grip applied to the associated side sub-panel. 127. A blank according to claim 126, wherein the or each grip is printed-on. 128. A blank according to claim 127, wherein the or each grip is of a silicone rubber. 129. A blank according to claim 126, wherein the or each grip takes the form of a profiled plastics grip.

130. A blank according to claim 129, wherein the or each grip has been applied to the future external surface of the associated side sub-panel.

131. A blank according to claim 129, wherein the or each grip has been applied to a hole through the associated side sub-panel.

132. A blank according to any one of claims 126 to 131, wherein the or each grip is significantly spaced from said second side sub-panel.

133. A blank according to any one of claims 126 to 132, wherein the or each grip is orientated so as to extend obliquely upwardly away from said second side sub-panel.

134. A blank according to any one of claims 126 to 133, wherein the grips take the form of respective discrete grips at said respective opposite sides.

135. A blank according to any one of claims 126 to 134, wherein the or each grip has ribbing at an external surface thereof.

136. A blank according to claim 135, wherein the ribbing of the or each grip comprises a set of parallel ribs.

137. A blank according to claim 136, wherein the ribs of the or each set are substantially perpendicular to the rows of said panels and of said side sub-panels.

138. A blank according to claim 136, wherein the ribs of the or each set are arcuate.

139. A blank according to claim 138, wherein the ribs of the or each set extend as a lower quadrant relative to the rows of said panels and of said side sub- panels .