Package sleeve with gusset panel for tightening sleeve and reinforcing a handle

Claim 1

A sleeve (10) for forming a packaging case, which sleeve is formed from paperboard or similar sheet material and includes end closure panels (20, 22, 28, 30, 32; 24, 26) at each of its opposite ends, the sleeve including means whereby its circumference can be reduced so as to tighten said sleeve about a group of articles accommodated therein, said means comprising a gusset panel (46) interconnecting and hinged to adjacent panel portions (42, 44) forming a top panel (12) of the sleeve, said gusset panel (46) being foldable about its hinged connections (48, 50) from a first position in which it lies intermediate of and in substantially the same plane as said adjacent portions of the top panel into a second position in which said adjacent portions of the top panel are in overlapping relationship with said gusset panel disposed therebetween, and first hand gripping apertures (52, 54) disposed in said top panel portions (42, 44) adjacent to said hinged connections with said gusset panel (46), and second hand gripping apertures (56, 58) positioned at said hinged connection of said gusset panel and aligned with said first hand gripping apertures so that said first and second hand gripping apertures (52, 54; 56, 58) are brought in registry with one another when said gusset panel is folded into said second position.