WO2016089942A1

WO2016089942A1 - Carton with transverse strap handle

Info

Publication number: WO2016089942A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/063326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau
Original assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2014-12-04
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2016-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-04
Also published as: AR102897A1; TW201628931A; JP2018501156A; AU2015358597A1

Abstract

A beverage carton has a center panel (24), a left panel (12) foldably connected to the center panel along a left fold line (32), a right panel (14) foldably connected to the center panel along a right fold line (34), and a strap handle (24) formed from the center, left and right panels.

Description

CARTON WITH TRANSVERSE STRAP HANDLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a product carton, and, more particularly, to a carton with a strap handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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

[0004] 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. The web panels may fold upward relative to the top panel, 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a blank for a carton with a transverse strap handle according to the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a detail view of the transverse strap handle;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set-up product carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 ;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the set-up product carton of FIG. 3, being held by its transverse strap handle;

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a blank for a transverse strap handle carton similar to FIG. 1 , but for another embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a set-up product carton formed from the blank of FIG. 5; and

[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set-up product carton of FIG. 6, being held by its transverse strap handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] It is to be noted that throughout the description and claims that follow, designation of panels as "top" or "side" is for convenience of reference with respect to the drawings in explaining the invention. Use of these terms does not and is not intended to place additional limitations upon those panels.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 4, a carton 10 is formed from a blank 26. The carton (and blank) are formed of side panels 12, 14, end panels 13, 15, 16, 18, top panel 20, and bottom panels 22a, 22b. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, carton 10 is equipped with a strap handle 24 that is oriented transversely as opposed to longitudinally. Transverse handle 24 is oriented so that a hand grasps it with fingers extended between end panels 13, 16 and 15, 18 instead of extending between side panels 12 and 14. As illustrated, carton 10 holds six beverage containers A forming a 6-pack in this instance. In this embodiment, the cans or other articles packaged within the carton are disposed with their longitudinal axes being vertical; however, the longitudinal axes could also be horizontal and either parallel or perpendicular to the transverse orientation of the handle. When lifted by transverse strap handle 24, the lifting force provided by handle 24 is directed to side panels 12 and 14 instead of top panel 20 or end panels 13, 16 and 15, 18 or corners of the carton as is the case with traditional longitudinal strap handles. The lifting force is thus spread over a wide area and there is no need to increase the thickness of the material of the carton to accommodate the load or prevent tearing. A number of strategic severance lines and fold lines allow handle 24 to be raised up sufficiently to insert fingers to grip it and thus carry the carton.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a blank 26 from which carton 10 can be formed. Blank 26 is preferably formed from a single piece of material divided by fold lines 28a-28e and 30a- 30e into end panels and central panels. Top panel 20 is divided into the central top panel 20 and end portions 17c, 19c. Similarly, side panels 12 and 14 are divided into the central panel portions and into end panel portions 13, 15 and 16, 18. Top panel 20 is connected to side panel 12 along fold line 32 while it is connected along fold line 34 to side panel 14. Side panel 14 is connected along fold lines 36a, 36b to bottom panel 22a, while side panel 12 is connected along fold lines 38a, 38b to bottom panel 22b.

[0018] Bottom panels 22a, 22b may also severance lines or frangible lines defining removable holes 48 (that may be used during automated handling of the blank) and interlocks 50a, 50b. The bottom panels may also include article-clearance apertures 49a and relief lines 49b.

[0019] The ends of side panel 12 are connected along fold lines 28a, 30a to end panels 13, 15. This allows the end panels to be neatly folded during construction of the carton. Likewise the ends of side panel 14 are connected along fold lines 28e, 30e to end panels 16, 18. This allows the end panels to be neatly folded during construction of the carton. The panel 14 may be more aesthetically appealing than a square cornered panel and thus may be used as a display panel. A first end of the finished carton may include not only the larger end panels 15, 18 but also subpanels 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, 19e connected through fold lines 28b, 28c, 28d respectively to the side panel 12, top panel 20, and side panel 14. A second end of the finished carton may include not only the larger end panels 13, 16 but also subpanels 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, 17e connected through fold lines 30b, 30c, 30d respectively to the side panel 12, top panel 20, and side panel 14.

[0020] Transverse handle strap 24 has the main strap portion defined between two cutouts in top panel 20. These cutouts initially may be covered by optional handle flaps 52, 54 in the top panel 20. Handle flaps 52, 54 are connected along fold lines 53a to handle 24 to increase the thickness of the strap making for a more comfortable handhole in the assembled carton. The entire handle assembly stretches across top panel 20 over onto side panels 12 and 14. The handle assembly thus extends across fold lines 32 and 34. Severance line 58 extends diagonally upward across panel 12 toward fold line 32 then progresses horizontally onto top panel 20 and toward or along and edge of handle flap 52. Similarly, severance line 60 extends diagonally upward across panel 12 to fold line 32 and then horizontally across top panel 20 toward or along an edge of handle flap 52. Preferably, severance lines 58 and 60 are not complete severance lines but are serrated to be easily separated after the carton is erected. Between the distal ends of severance lines 58, 60 there may be provided a distal end region fold line 31 on side panel 12. Fold line 31 may be spaced apart from fold line 32 between side panel 12 and top panel 20 / handle 24. Fold line 31 may be parallel to fold line 32. Optionally, fold line 31 may be partly or completely contiguous with fold line 32.

[0021] As best shown in the detail drawing of FIG. 2, each of web panels 62, 72, 64, 74 are defined by fold lines and severance lines. For example, web panel 64 is defined by first or inner web fold line 64a and second or outer web fold line 64b and severance lines 60, 51a. The second or outer web fold line 64b may be weaker than the first or inner web fold line 64a. For example the second or outer web fold line 64b may be formed by a creased-and-cut line, while the first or inner web fold line may be formed by a creased line. Fold lines 64a, 64b may be spaced apart and may be substantially parallel to one another. By "substantially parallel" is meant that that angle between the fold lines 64a, 64b is less than 25 degrees. One or both of these fold lines may be at an acute angle al relative to the fold line 32 between top panel 20 and side panel 12. Angle al may be chosen according to manufacturing preference, and may be between 10 and 80 degrees, or between 20 and 70 degrees, or between 30 and 60 degrees, or about 45 degrees.

[0022] Second or outer web fold line 64b may be collinear with and contiguous with a portion 5 lb of the perimeter of the aperture from which handle flap 54 is created. In this case portion 51b may be at an angle al relative to fold line 32, and angles al and a2 may be equal. As an alternative, the angles may be different. If handle flaps 52, 54 are present, portions 51 a,51b of the aperture perimeter may initially be severance lines between the handle flaps 52,54 and top panel 20.

[0023] Web panels 62, 72 exist between the handhole cutout defined by severance lines 5 la, 5 lb in top panel 20 and the horizontal portions of severance lines 58, 68 in panel 20. For example web panel 62 is defined by severance lines 58, 51a and fold lines 61a, 61b extending between severance lines 58, 51a.

[0024] When folded along the fold lines, main handle portion 24 can be lifted up out of the plane of panel 20. This makes room for a hand or fingers to be inserted to lift the carton. In another sense, when main handle portion 24 is lifted upward, the structure may fold along the fold lines 61a, 61b so that the web panels 62, 64, 72, 74 flex out of a generally horizontal plane of top panel 20 and into a somewhat more vertical plane, with the result that the web panels provide a connection between the handle portion 24 and the top panel 20. The web panels thus provide a connection between the handle and the ends of the top panel 20, which may help prevent the ends of carton 10 from sagging outwards. Similarly, along the opposite edge of handle 24, a second pair of web panels 64, 74 are foldably connected web panels 64, 74 that extend along the horizontal portion of severance lines 60, 70 in panel 20.

[0025] Severance line 68 is a mirror image of severance line 58, while severance line 70 is the mirror image of severance line 60. Between the distal ends of severance lines 68, 70 there may be provided a distal end region fold line 33 on side panel 14. A top web panel 72 that is associated with severance line 68 is the mirror image of web panel 62, while web panel 74 that is associated with severance line 70 is the mirror image of web panel 64. When blank 26 is erected into a carton, lifting forces generated by handle 24 are spread out along panels 12 and 14 and across bottom panels 22a, 22b.

[0026] One or more display apertures may be formed in the carton which include fold-in area 80 attached to a side panel 12 through fold lines 82. The fold-in area may be large enough to show a portion of the carton contents such as article(s) A. The fold-in area 80 may include clearance area 84 attached through a fold line 86. The clearance area 84 may provide a better fit to or clearance for articles(s) A.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, another embodiment of a transverse handle strap handle is illustrated in the form of a blank 126 for forming a carton 1 10.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a blank 126 from which a carton 1 10 similar to the carton 10 shown on FIG. 1 can be formed. Blank 126 is similar to blank 26 discussed above.

Certain parts of blank 126 and carton 1 10 are similar to parts of blank 26 and carton 10, and may be designated by adding "100" to the associated element numbers. Blank 126 yields an 8-pack carton with articles (bottles A in this example) disposed with their axes vertical and their tops or bottoms abutting the central top panel 120. In other embodiments the articles may be disposed with their axes horizontal and parallel to the handle strap 124. Blank 126 is divided by fold lines 128a-128e and 130a-130b into end panels and central panels. Top panel 120 is attached through fold lines 128c, 130c to end portions 117c and 1 19c. Side panels 112 and 1 14 are divided into the central panel portions and end panel portions. Top panel 120 is connected to side panel 112 along fold line 132 while it is connected along fold line 134 to side panel 114. Bottom panel 122b is connected along fold lines 138a, 138b to side panel 1 12. Bottom panel 122a is connected along fold lines 136a, 136b to side panel 1 14.

[0029] Transverse handle strap 124 has the main strap portion defined between two cutouts in top panel 120. Handle flaps 152, 154 are foldably connected along score lines 153a to handle 124 to increase the thickness of the strap making for a more comfortable handhole in the assembled carton. The entire handle assembly stretches across top panel 120 over onto side panels 1 12 and 114. It thus extends across fold lines 132 and 134. A severance line 158 extends across side panel 1 12 toward fold line 132 then progresses horizontally onto panel 120 toward or along handle flap 152. Similarly, severance line 160 extends across panel 1 12 to fold line 132 and then horizontally across top panel 120 toward or along handle flap 154.

[0030] Web panels 162, 172 exist between the handhole cutout for handle flap 152 in top panel 120 and the horizontal portions of severance lines 158, 168 in top panel 120. Web panels 162, 172 are defined by vertical fold lines and horizontal severance lines. Likewise web panels 164, 174 exist between the handhole cutout for handle flap 154 in top panel 120 and the horizontal portions of severance lines 160, 170 in top panel 120. Web panels 164, 174 are defined by vertical fold lines and horizontal severance lines. When folded along the fold lines, main handle portion 124 can be lifted up out of the plane of top panel 120. This makes room for a hand or fingers to be inserted to lift the carton. [0031] Panels 1 12 and 1 14 work in concert about the handle to form a mirror image of the stress-directing vertical fold lines and severance lines. Severance line 168 is a mirror image of severance line 158, while severance line 170 is the mirror image of severance line 160. Web panel 172 that is associated with severance line 168 is the mirror image of web panel 162, while web panel 174 that is associated with severance line 170 is the mirror image of web panel 164. When blank 126 is erected into a carton, lifting forces generated by handle 124 are spread out along panels 1 12 and 114 and across bottom panels 122a, 122b instead of the end panels 1 13, 115, 116, 118.

[0032] By affixing the handle in the transverse direction, the lifting forces are directed into the bulk of the material and not directly at any severance line, fold line, corner or weak point of the carton. The lifting forces are directed such that they are spread out to be carried by the bulk of the material rather than relying upon a special construction feature such as corners to provide the necessary strength.

[0033] It can now be appreciated that a transverse strap handle carton and blank for forming the carton have been presented. By positioning the strap handle transversely instead of longitudinally, lifting forces and weight of the package are spread over the wider area of the side panels. The carton has a center panel, a left panel foldably connected to the center panel along a left fold line, a right panel foldably connected to the center panel along a right fold line, and a strap handle formed from the center, left and right panels. The handle extends transversely across the center panel between the left and right panels. Web panels attached to the handle and the center panel connect the handle to the center panel. The web panels, typically an even set of four or eight web panels, are used and are placed symmetrically about the longitudinal and transverse axes of the handle. They are foldably connected to the handle and center panel, and fold out away from the center panel to position the handle at a higher elevation than the center panel. The handle folds along the left and right fold lines. In one embodiment, a left end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening toward the left panel, and a right end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening to the right panel. In another embodiment, a left end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening toward the left panel, and a right end portion is integral with the right panel. Each embodiment of the left and right end portions of the handle evenly distribute load to the left and right panels, respectively. The left-center-right panel combination may be a side-top-side or a top-side- bottom combination of panels.

[0034] A blank for a product carton has a center panel with a left fold line along a left edge of the panel and a right fold line along a right edge of the panel. A left panel is foldably connected to the center panel along the left fold line, and a right panel is foldably connected to the center panel along the right fold line. A strap handle is formed from the center, left and right panels, and extends transversely across the center panel between the left and right panels. In a preferred embodiment, at least four web panels are foldably connected to the handle and the center panel and connect the handle to the center panel. The web panels are symmetrically position about a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis of the handle. The handle is foldable along the left and right fold lines. In one

embodiment, a left end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening toward the left panel, and a right end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening toward the right panel. In another embodiment, a left end portion of the handle has a concave curvature opening toward the left panel, and a right end portion of the handle is integral with the right panel.

[0035] It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "base", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0036] As used herein, the term "fold line" or "line of joinder" refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features in a substrate of sheet material, for facilitating folding portions of the substrate with respect to one another, or otherwise for indicating optimal folding locations in the substrate. For example, a line of joinder should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed a line of joinder can be formed from one or more fold lines. A fold line may be, but not limited to, a single score line, a single half cut, a line of perforations, a line of short slits (i.e., an interrupted slit), a line of half-cuts, a line of cuts (i.e., an interrupted cut line), a series of short score lines (i.e., an interrupted score line), any combination thereof or the like.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "severance line" and "frangible line" each refers to all manner of lines formed in a substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another, or otherwise indicate optimal separation locations on the substrate. For example, a severance line or frangible line in a substrate of sheet material is predisposed to allow a tear to propagate there-along. A severance line or frangible line may be a weakened line which includes, but not limited to, a single cut, a single slit, a single half cut, a line of perforations, a line of short slits (i.e., an interrupted slit), a line of half-cuts, a line of cuts (i.e., an interrupted cut line), a series of short score lines (i.e., an interrupted score line), any combination thereof or the like. The elements of a fold line or severance line (such as cuts, scores and half cuts) may be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.

[0038] It should be understood that severance lines, frangible lines and fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a severable or frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line.

[0039] The phrase "in alignment with" as used herein refers to alignment of two or more elements in an erected carrier, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is "in registry with" a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

[0040] As used herein the term "aperture" or "opening" refers to all manner of recesses, notches, openings, cuts, slots, holes and gaps which may be circular, rectangular, capsule shaped, irregular shaped and many other shapes that are pre-formed or pre-defined.

[0041] While the invention has been described with particular reference to the preferred embodiments, it is evident that certain aspects of the invention are not limited to the particular details of the examples illustrated, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the carton can be assembled from the blank using a different sequence of steps than described, and, while a unitary blank is preferred, a multi-piece blank can be used. It is also contemplated that the handle described herein may be used for product cartons other than the example product carton described herein. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications as do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

[0042] It should be understood that the strap handle that may be used in the present disclosure is not limited to those extending transversely with respect to the tubular axis of the carton. Rather, in an alternative embodiment, the strap handle may extend, for example, in the top panel 20 longitudinally along the tubular axis of the carton or otherwise between the opposite end closure panels such as subpanels 17c, 19c in FIG. 1. In such an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first and second web fold lines 64a, 64b may be at an acute angle with respect to the end lines of joinder such as top end fold lines 28c, 30c in FIG. 1.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carton, comprising:

a plurality of panels including a top panel and first and second opposed side panels foldably adjoining the top panel along first and second lines of joinder;

a strap handle integrally formed with and extending transversely across the top panel and having two distal end regions, at least one of the distal end regions terminating either at the first line of joinder or within the first side panel, and having a grasping region defined between the distal end regions; and

at least one web interconnecting the strap handle and the top panel proximate the grasping region; the at least one web being defined at least in part by first and second web fold lines, wherein at least one of the first and second web fold lines is at an acute angle with respect to the first line of joinder.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the acute angle is between 30 and 60 degrees.

3. The carton of claim 1 , where the first and second web fold lines are substantially parallel to one another.

4. The carton of claim 1, wherein the web panels fold outwardly of the top panel positioning the handle at a higher elevation than the top panel.

5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an aperture on at least one side of the handle.

6 .The carton of claim 5, where the aperture is defined at least in part by an aperture perimeter, and wherein at least a portion of the aperture perimeter is collinear with and contiguous with one of the web fold lines.

7. The carton of claim 1, wherein at least one distal end region is defined by spaced apart severance lines and a fold line extends between the severance lines.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the fold line is substantially coincident with a respective the line of joinder between the top panel and the opposed side panels.

9. The carton of claim 7, wherein the fold line is proximate terminal regions of the severance lines.

10. The carton of claim 7, wherein the fold line intersects the severance lines.

1 1. The carton of claim 1 , wherein the web fold lines are substantially parallel to one another.

12. The carton of claim 1 , wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an aperture on at least one side of the handle and each the web interconnects the strap handle and the top panel proximate the aperture.

13. A carton, comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel foldably connected to the first panel along a first fold line;

a third panel foldably connected to the first panel along a second fold line; and a strap handle integrally formed with and extending transversely across the first panel between the second and third panels having at least one distal end region terminating either at respective the first and second fold lines or within the second and third panels, and having a grasping region defined between the end regions; and

at least one web interconnecting the strap handle and the first panel proximate the grasping region, the at least one web defined at least in part by first and second web fold lines, wherein at least one of the first and second web fold lines is at an acute angle to the first fold line.

15. The carton of claim 13, wherein the webs fold outwardly of the first panel to position the handle at a higher elevation than the first panel when the carton is lifted by the handle.

16. The carton of claim 13, wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an aperture on at least one side of the handle.

17. The carton of claim 13, wherein the distal end region is defined by spaced apart severance lines and includes a fold line extending between the severance lines.

18. The carton of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the fold line is substantially coincident with a respective the first and second fold line.

19. The carton of claim 16, wherein the fold line has an arcuate configuration defining a concavity opening toward a proximate terminal end of the handle.

20. The carton of claim 16, wherein the fold line is proximate terminal regions of the severance lines.

21. The carton of claim 16, wherein the fold line intersects the severance lines.

22. The carton of claim 13, wherein the web is defined at least in part by spaced apart substantially parallel web fold lines.

23. The carton of claim 13, wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an elongated aperture on at least one side of the handle and each the web interconnects the strap handle and the top panel proximate an end region of the elongated aperture.

24. A blank for a carton, comprising:

a center panel having a left fold line along a left edge and a right fold line along a right edge;

a left panel foldably connected to the center panel along the left fold line;

a right panel foldably connected to the center panel along the right fold line; and a strap handle integrally formed with and extending transversely across the center panel between the left and right panels, having at least one distal end region terminating either at respective the left and right fold lines or within respective proximate the left and right panels, and having a grasping region defined between the end regions; and

at least one web interconnecting the strap handle and the center panel proximate the grasping region, the at least one web defined at least in part by first and second web fold lines, wherein at least one of the first and second web fold lines is at an acute angle to the left fold edge.

25. A blank, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an aperture on at least one side of the handle.

26. A blank, as set forth in claim 24, wherein the distal end region is defined by spaced apart severance lines and includes a distal end region fold line extending between the severance lines.

27 A blank, as set forth in claim 26, wherein at least a portion of the distal end region fold line is substantially coincident with a respective the right and left fold line.

28. The blank of claim 26, wherein the distal end region fold line is proximate terminal regions of the severance lines.

29. The blank of claim 26, wherein the distal end region fold line intersects the severance lines.

30. The blank of claim 24, wherein the web fold lines are substantially parallel to one another.

31. The blank of claim 24, wherein the grasping region is defined at least in part by an aperture on at least one side of the handle and each the web interconnects the strap handle and the top panel proximate the aperture.

32. The blank of claim 24, wherein the first web fold line is an inner web fold line and the second web fold line is an outer web fold line, and wherein the outer web fold line is weaker than the inner web fold line.