Packages having isolated handle structures and blanks therefor

Abstract

A package can include a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle. The barrier can be between an interior space of the package and the handle. A blank can be configured to form such a package, for example.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A package, comprising:
 a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein the barrier is between an interior space of the package and the handle.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is sized to allow insertion of a plurality of a user's fingers at least partially therein. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the package is formed from a single piece blank. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of handle structures. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is defined by at least one handle wall having a handle opening line. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5 , wherein the handle opening line is a cut line or a weakened line. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 6 , further comprising a punch out handle portion defined by the handle opening line. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 7 , further comprising a handle fold line connected to the handle line such that the punch out handle portion folds along the handle fold line. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 8 , wherein the handle fold line is along a corner of the package. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 9 , wherein the handle opening line forms a U-shape. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 10 , wherein the handle wall is an outermost wall. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 6 , wherein the handle wall is at least partially underneath an outer panel. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 12 , wherein the handle fold line is aligned with an edge of the outer panel such that the punch out handle folds behind the outer panel to form an at least three layer thick handle. 
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the barrier can be angled between a first barrier base wall and a second barrier base wall. 
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 14 , wherein the barrier is foldably attached to the handle wall. 
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 15 , wherein the first barrier base is the inner handle wall. 
     
     
         17 . The package of  claim 16 , wherein the second barrier base extends from the barrier away from the handle wall. 
     
     
         18 . The package of  claim 15 , wherein the second barrier base extends from the barrier toward the handle wall. 
     
     
         19 . The package of  claim 17 , further comprising an exterior handle panel disposed over the handle wall, the exterior handle panel including an exterior handle placed complimentary with the handle of the handle wall to form a reinforced handle. 
     
     
         20 . A blank configured to form a package of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         21 . A blank for a package configured to form a handle structure defining a finger pocket between a barrier and a handle, wherein the barrier is configured to be formed between an interior space of the package and the handle. 
     
     
         22 . The blank of  claim 21 , wherein the blank is a single piece.