Handled Packaging System

Abstract

A handled packaging system having upper corner pieces and lower corner pieces. The lower corner piece has first and second opposed side panels, and an end panel connected to the first and second side panels. A first bottom flap connected to the first side panel and a second bottom flap connected to the second side panel are secured in overlapping and parallel relationship with a central bottom flap connected to the end panel. A handle connected to a handle plate extends through an opening in the end panel so that the handle is outside of the corner piece and the handle plate is inside of the corner piece. Protective panels may be provided and retained between the lower corner pieces 14 and the upper corner pieces.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A corner piece for use in a handled packaging system, comprising
 first and second opposed side panels,   an end panel connected to said first and second side panels,   a first bottom flap connected to said first side panel,   a second bottom flap connected to said second side panel,   a central bottom flap connected to said end panel,   a handle, and   a handle plate connected to said handle,   wherein said first bottom flap, said second bottom flap, and said central bottom flap are secured in parallel relationship to each other,   wherein said handle is connected to said handle plate, and   wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said handle extends through said end panel and is supported on the outside of said end panel.   
     
     
         2 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 1  wherein said handle plate includes at least a first tab extending from an edge of said handle plate, and at least a second tab extending from an opposed edge of said handle plate, wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said first tab extends through a first opening in said first side panel and said second tab extends through a first opening in said second side panel. 
     
     
         3 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 1  wherein a flap is connected to said end panel and wherein, when said flap is folded over and said handle plate is supported on said end panel, a portion of said flap overlaps a portion of said handle plate. 
     
     
         4 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 1  wherein said handle plate is supported on said end panel and adhesively secured thereto. 
     
     
         5 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 2  wherein said handle plate includes a third tab extending from the handle plate edge from which said first tab extends and a fourth tab extending from the opposed edge of said handle plate from which said second tab extends wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said third tab extends through a second opening in said first side panel and said fourth tab extends through a second opening in said second side panel. 
     
     
         6 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 5  wherein said first tab and second tab are located on one side of said handle, and said third tab and said fourth tab are located on the opposite side of said handle. 
     
     
         7 . The corner piece claimed in  claim 1  wherein said central bottom flap includes a tab which is secured in parallel relationship with said first bottom flap, said second bottom flap and said central bottom flap. 
     
     
         8 . A corner piece kit for use in a handled packaging system, comprising
 a blank having
 first and second opposed side panels, 
 an end panel connected to said first and second side panels, 
 a first bottom flap connected to said first side panel, 
 a second bottom flap connected to said second side panel, 
 a central bottom flap connected to said end panel, 
   a handle, and   a handle plate connected to said handle,   wherein said first bottom flap, said second bottom flap, and said central bottom flap are positioned so that they may be secured in parallel relationship to each other when said blank is folded,   wherein said handle is connected to said handle plate, and   wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said handle extends through an opening in said end panel and is supported on the outside of said end panel.   
     
     
         9 . The corner piece kit claimed in  claim 8  wherein said handle plate includes at least a first tab extending from an edge of said handle plate, and at least a second tab extending from an opposed edge of said handle plate, wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said first tab extends through a first opening in said first side panel and said second tab extends through a first opening in said second side panel. 
     
     
         10 . The corner piece kit claimed in  claim 8  wherein a flap is connected to said end panel and wherein, when said flap is folded over and said handle plate is supported on said end panel, a portion of said flap overlaps a portion of said handle plate. 
     
     
         11 . The corner piece kit claimed in  claim 9  wherein said handle plate includes a third tab extending from the handle plate edge from which said first tab extends and a fourth tab extending from the opposed edge of said handle plate from which said second tab extends wherein, when said handle plate is supported on the inside of said end panel, said third tab extends through a second opening in said first side panel and said fourth tab extends through a second opening in said second side panel. 
     
     
         12 . The corner piece kit claimed in  claim 11  wherein said first tab and second tab are located on one side of said handle, and said third tab and said fourth tab are located on the opposite side of said handle. 
     
     
         13 . The corner piece kit claimed in  claim 8  wherein said central bottom flap includes a tab which is operable, when said blank is erected, to engage said end panel and secure said first bottom flap and said second bottom flap between said central bottom flap and said central bottom flap tab.